Issues
Fixing our broken health care system has been my top priority for most of my life. My goal is to ensure that every person has access to affordable, quality and accessible health care. It is a national shame that our nation spends more than any other country in the world but fails to guarantee access to health care. 50 million Americans are completely uninsured, millions more are poorly insured. High medical costs are a factor in a majority of personal bankruptcies, and businesses, small and large, are struggling to pay for health care for their workers.
Timely access to quality care requires a dedicated and well-trained workforce. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am working hard to ensure that we meet that goal.
Housing is a basic need, and I believe that no one should face homelessness, an unfair or deceptive mortgage, or barriers to accessible housing. I have worked consistently to make housing available to those fighting homelessness, to expand funding and support for affordable housing, to make housing more accessible for seniors and the disability community, and to promote and protect the dream of homeownership in the 9th Congressional District.
Legislation I've Introduced
For over seventy years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has called for the respect of the basic rights of all people, throughout the world. The United States must be a leader in upholding these fundamental human rights, both at home and abroad.
As the wealthiest nation in the world, it is unconscionable that millions of Americans including children, veterans, and the elderly, go hungry every day. That is why I have long supported vital nutrition programs and fought to protect them from Republican spending cuts.
As a first-generation American, I know firsthand the tremendous contributions immigrants have made to our nation. The 9th Congressional District of Illinois is one of the most diverse in the country. Our neighbors come from all corners of the globe, as evidenced by more than fifty languages spoken at many of our schools. As a nation and a community, we are indebted to the immigrants who came here to make a better life for their families, bringing with them their dreams, their culture, and commitment to hard work. Our diversity is our greatest strength.
I am a strong supporter of housing initiatives to help seniors and people with disabilities afford housing. The issue is not just about affordability, though. We need to make sure that we have houses and apartments that are structurally built to meet the needs of those who have mobility impairments.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are landmark laws for our nation's school children. They need to be adequately funded.
I strongly believe that Iran must not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. A nuclear-armed Iran would pose an unacceptable threat to the United States, the region, and international stability.
As a Jewish American, I have a deep personal connection to the State of Israel, and I have consistently been a steadfast friend and supporter of the Jewish state in her quest for peace and security. Both at home in my district and in the halls of Congress, I am always working to strengthen the U.S.-Israel bond, and to advance the security of the only true democracy in the Middle East, our ally Israel.