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Iraq:
I believe we need to continue supporting our men and women in uniform and providing them with the resources necessary in order to get them home as soon as their job is finished. Our troops are making progress in training Iraqi forces, and as soon as the Iraqis are able to stand on their own our troops should begin coming home. This mission has been difficult, and I share the anxiety and heartache when Americans are injured or lose their lives. I believe we should fight this battle where the seeds of terrorism are sown rather than waiting for the fight to come back to our own shores.
Illegal Immigration:
America’s immigration policy should be based on fairness, the rule of law, and security. For too long, our federal government has not abided by these principles, and as a result, our country has an urgent problem: an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants inside our borders. In addition to unfairly burdening the American taxpayer, our lack of knowledge about the millions who are here illegally represents a security risk to our nation. I oppose granting amnesty to illegal immigrants because illegal means illegal, and I believe our first step towards addressing this problem needs to be rooted in increased security at the border.
Energy:
A national energy policy is extremely important to our nation's future economy and national security. West Virginia, through its coal and natural gas reserves, has the ability to provide for America's energy needs. As our nation continues to work towards weaning ourselves from our dependency on energy from foreign countries, it is imperative that we harness both improved technology and West Virginia’s natural resources to provide a dependable energy source for America.
Education:
I believe that every child deserves an equal opportunity in education, no matter where they live. I support legislation that will give parents, teachers, and local school officials in West Virginia increased control over their children's educations. The importance of providing our local communities with the resources they need to properly educate our children and prepare them for the work force is immeasurable.
Medicare:
With the recent reforms to Medicare, rural health care providers are being reimbursed at a more equal level ensuring seniors living in rural areas will receive better care. Overall, Medicare coverage has also been updated to keep pace with the needs of today's seniors by including an optional introductory physical exam that will help screen for potential health problems. We also need to look towards modernizing Medicare for the future. Health care delivery has changed dramatically with the many technological advances of the last decade; many diseases and ailments that once required extended hospital stays can now be treated in an outpatient setting or even with prescription drugs. We must make sure that Medicare adapts to these new situations so seniors have access to the best care possible.
Prescription Drugs:
Many of our nation's seniors have benefited from their Medicare coverage. Seniors continue to have access to the same Medicare they have always known and trusted, and thanks to modernization of the Medicare program, they also have access to life-saving prescription drugs. Any senior needing assistance paying for prescription drugs should consider enrolling in the prescription drug benefit that was recently added to Medicare. Though this program is not perfect, it is helping seniors save hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars each year on their prescription drugs. The success of this program is evident in the number of seniors in West Virginia who are now realizing prescription drug savings.
Small Business:
Small businesses play a huge role in our country's economy because they create two-thirds to three-quarters of all new jobs. I believe we must continue to work to alleviate unnecessary burdens on small businesses so they can expand and create new and better jobs.
Cutting Taxes and Creating Jobs:
I want every West Virginian who is looking for a job to find one. In order to achieve that goal we need to ensure our economy is growing. That is why I have voted for economic stimulus packages in Congress that cut taxes for everyone who pays them. I believe that when the government puts tax dollars back in the pockets of the taxpayers, those taxpayers will spend those dollars and stimulate our economy in order to provide for long-term economic growth in the future. I also support abolishing the Death Tax in order to ensure family businesses can be kept within the family and not sold off in order to pay an unfair tax.
Transportation:
In West Virginia, improving the quality of our roadways is not simply a matter of economic development; it is a critically important public safety issue as well. It is a priority of mine to work closely with local officials on this issue, and I continually meet with community leaders and concerned West Virginians to help maximize funding for transportation safety issues across West Virginia.
Veterans:
The heroes who fought in our armed forces showed their dedication to our country. Now, we must repay that sacrifice by recognizing their selfless service and improving the quality of life for veterans. I want to eliminate the current offset between military retirement pay and Veterans Administration disability compensation. I firmly believe that retired members of the Armed Forces, who are eligible for disability compensation, should receive both their retirement and disability entitlement. The young men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan should receive the best care possible and I will work to ensure that they not only receive this treatment, but they also are treated as heroes upon their return.
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