Issues

I fully recognize that the future of America is linked to the successful education of our children. While public education has traditionally been a right and responsibility of states and local communities, federal funding and control has increased over recent years. As a result there has been a growing debate on whether federal involvement in education, and the billions in federal spending that comes with it, is actually improving educational opportunity.

The energy challenges facing our nation continue to pose a significant burden on American families as well as our domestic economic security. To meet our energy needs, our country must take action on multiple policy fronts.

In the short term, we must reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy by increasing domestic production of American resources. In the long term, we must make significant investments that will help our country lead the world in the development and production of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies.

In 2006, the Los Angeles Times published a story alleging Rep. Calvert had personally benefitted from a federal funding request. The story falsely stated that the request was for a freeway interchange near property Rep. Calvert owned and later sold and alleged the sale experienced a higher profit because of the federal funds obtained for the interchange.

With premiums rising, deductibles increasing, and health care choices decreasing, American families know all too well that we must find health care solutions that increase access to care and lower costs. That's exactly why I am working with my colleagues to advance patient-centered health care solutions. Any reforms to our health care policies will continue to protect American families by ensuring people with pre-existing conditions are not denied heath care policies and allowing the coverage of dependents until they are 26 years old. 

The security of our homeland is under constant threat by the crisis at the southern border, heightened by our broken immigration system, and exacerbated by the flow of illicit narcotics into our communities.

I understand the impact of a stagnant job market on my constituents and on hard-working Americans across the country, and am committed to working with my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to advance long-term, pro-growth policies that get our economy growing.

As a former small business owner, I recognize that small business is the engine of job growth in our country and the backbone of our economy. Small businesses employ more than 50 percent of the private work-force, generate half of the nation's gross domestic product and are the principal source of new jobs in the U.S. economy. The federal government's job is not to stifle the prosperity of these businesses through an onerous tax and regulatory system but to stay out of the way so that the transactions of a free market may take place.

I have always been, and will continue to be, dedicated to working toward a solution so that all who have paid into the Social Security system will benefit fairly.

As it has become increasingly obvious that Social Security will go bankrupt without action, Congress has been working to find a solution. While we continue to work to protect and preserve Social Security for the beneficiaries now on the roles and those near retirement, we must also seek out innovative solutions for the millions of younger Americans who will one day rely on the program.

For too long government has assumed that a percentage of an individual's income is owed to them. However, I believe that it is the government who is beholden to the people. Individuals should expect results from the hard earned money that they turn over every year to the federal government. Everyone who works hard deserves to keep the money they earn and, in turn, spend or save as they see fit. By letting the people keep more of their income, they are able to spend more on goods and services thereby contributing to a robust national economy.

The 41st Congressional District encompasses some of the fastest growing communities in the nation. As is often the case, population growth has been closely followed by increased demands on transportation infrastructure. The Inland Empire region, which consists of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, was recently bestowed the dubious distinction of having the highest commuting cost in the nation. Just last year, another study determined that residents of the city of Riverside had the unhealthiest commute in America.

America's veterans are the reason we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today. Because of their sacrifice and honor, our country has prevailed over the worst of foes. That is why it is imperative that our country never forgets the price that has been paid for the quality of life that we now enjoy. A veteran is the picture of courage, strength, resolve and loyalty.