Columns 2009
A Look at the Past Year in Congress
It has been almost one year since I first walked on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. It was an experience that has stayed with me every day since, whether I am voting on legislation or speaking with constituents at public meetings or...
President Needs to OK Afghanistan Plan
Now that the security situation in Iraq is under control and U.S. forces are beginning to rotate out of the region, America is confronted with a challenge of equal significance in Afghanistan. By all accounts, the combat mission in Afghanistan has...
Sgt Peralta and other War Heroes
Throughout history, America's military has consistently exemplified the cultural diversity that defines our ideals and spirit of tradition. Individuals representing nearly every ethnicity have joined the ranks of our armed forces, honorably serving...
Americans Disapprove of Public Plan
In his most recent address to Congress, President Barack Obama attempted to reset the discussion on health care reform and redefine the terms of the debate. Instead of trying to build bipartisan support for responsible reform, the president simply...
Health Care Reform Takes Wrong Path
All across the country, Americans are demonstrating outright opposition to the one-thousand page health care proposal under consideration by the House of Representatives. People are justifiability frustrated with what is clearly an attempt to...
Keep Your Eyes on California
Americans should pay closer attention to California's ongoing -- albeit temporarily resolved -- fiscal crisis. What is happening in California may well forecast our nation's fiscal future if we don't act to prevent the same effects resulting from...
More Could Receive the Medal of Honor
Over the last seven years of combat operations in the War on Terrorism, more than a million brave servicemen and women have faithfully served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nearly 5,000 have died; thousands of others bear the scars of war. All of them,...
Balanced Approach Needed on Healthcare
Since becoming a member of Congress, I have met with many of my constituents who have expressed concerns over the crisis facing our healthcare system. From parents who are having difficulty paying for hemophilia drugs to treat their children to...
Balanced Approach Needed on Healthcare
Since becoming a member of Congress, I have met with many of my constituents who have expressed concerns over the crisis facing our healthcare system. From parents who are having difficulty paying for hemophilia drugs to treat their children to...
Creating a Border That Works
Escalating violence along our nation's Southern border with Mexico continues to present a serious threat to communities and law enforcement on both sides of the border. As Mexico's drug cartels fight for dominance of the Southwest border region, it...
