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Francis Scott Key Bridge Disaster
As a member of the Economic Matters Committee, I worked with Governor Wes Moore to expedite emergency assistance that will support hundreds of businesses and over 150,000 workers who are impacted directly or indirectly by the Baltimore Port closure. I will continue to work in Congress to find a bi-partisan solution to fund a new and safer bridge.
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Democracy and Civil Rights
Voting is the spring from which all other rights in our Democracy flow. Yet voting rights in Black and Hispanic communities are under vicious attack by the same forces that attempted to overthrow our Democracy on January 6. As a 29 Army veteran, I took an oath to defend our Democracy against all enemies foreign and domestic. The right to vote means so much to me and my family.
I will work in Congress to defend Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. MAGA Republicans want to destroy protections that prohibit tactics that discriminate based on race. In Congress, I will work to further enshrine our rights in the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Too many people like civil rights hero John R. Lewis and my parents have made tremendous sacrifices for our Democracy and the right to vote. No one will turn us around on voting rights!
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Affordable Housing and the Wealth Gap
I grew up in a household that had to rely on America's safety net to help make ends meet. In the Maryland General Assembly, as a member of the Economic Matters Committee, I helped lead and win big fights for a better minimum wage, affordable housing, and tax cuts for seniors.
Whether you're an engineer, a first responder, a school teacher, or work in the hospitality industry, the lack of affordable housing is at crisis levels. In Congress, I will continue to fight for policies that support the supply of affordable housing which has made places like Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel, and Columbia, unaffordable for the average worker.
I will also vote to raise the income cap for Social Security for wealthy families to help ensure its solvency; fight to restore the Child Tax Credit for all families; and help build on union protections by voting for the PRO Act. I grew up in a union household and in the Maryland General Assembly, my very first bill provided worker protections for firefighters in the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). I also worked to raise teacher pay in partnership with the Maryland State Teachers Association (MSEA), and supported our ironworkers.
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Gun Violence. Crime. Keeping All Families Safe
I have worked with our community's public safety leaders to strengthen community ties to police to help fight the scourge of gun violence. Military-grade weapons do not belong in the hands of criminals who terrorize our communities. As a combat veteran, I've seen up close the impact these weapons of war can have on the battlefield.
I've worked closely to support groups like Moms Demand Action on "Ethan's Law" and to prevent senseless gun violence. As a Delegate, I helped pass laws prohibiting individuals from carrying firearms in public places. I opposed ghost guns and voted to increase penalties for illegal possession of firearms to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals.
In Congress, I will work to renew the assault weapons ban and fight to end loopholes and liability protections for irresponsible gun manufacturers. I will continue to focus on ways to hold repeat offenders accountable and fight for research-based strategies to prevent delinquency.
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A Woman's Right to Choose
I served across four continents and 32 countries to protect our democratic values. I've seen up close the impact on marginalized girls who are denied an education in many countries and forced, against their will, into marriages at a young age. I cannot imagine a world where my two daughters have fewer reproductive rights than the one my wife and I grew up in. We won't turn back the clock on reproductive rights in this country on my watch.
In Congress, I will stand up against MAGA Republicans and their attempts to establish a national abortion ban. I firmly believe that my daughters and women should be empowered to make their own healthcare decisions. You have my unwavering support in the ongoing fight for reproductive rights.
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Honoring Our Veterans
Our Congressional District has one of the country's largest populations of veterans and retirees. Homelessness and related healthcare are two of the biggest challenges facing those who stood up for their country but who have now fallen on hard times.
I've worked throughout Anne Arundel and Howard Counties to provide needed case management for homeless veterans. As a Member of the Maryland General Assembly, I've introduced legislation to provide tax relief to veterans who retire in the State of Maryland. As a board member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), I have advocated for veterans' interests in the halls of Congress with Senators Cardin and Van Hollen for years. As a member of Congress, I will continue to advocate for increased Veterans Affairs funding, work to modernize medical records and expand the number of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers to ensure affordable housing access for veterans. Will you join me in this fight?
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A Better Climate for All Neighborhoods
We only get one Earth! In the Maryland General Assembly, I supported legislation that required stronger environmental protections for all communities. I worked with my colleagues to ensure an Environmental Justice (EJ) Score, which includes pollution burden and socioeconomic factors, in permits under review by the Maryland Department of the Environment. I also championed Community Solar to ensure greater equity and access for every community in Maryland - the bill
I supported lower property taxes for community solar projects making them more affordable for everyone.
In Congress, I will continue the fight to expand environmentally friendly transportation options and champion science to advance more sustainable environmental practices at our military facilities.