No matter what our political affiliation or beliefs, we can all agree that the safety and well-being of our children is of the utmost importance. We all want our children to have a better quality of life than we did. Certainly I want my grandchildren to inherit a world from me that is safer, cleaner and more equal. For the first time in anyone’s memory, we are hearing that the current generation of children may actually be less well off than their parents. That is unacceptable. Each child deserves equality of opportunity, whether it is in education, healt
The deepest recession in generations has taken its toll. Creating jobs and making the economy strong has always been my priority. I have focused on long-term initiatives to spur job growth, support our small business community and ensure broad-based prosperity that benefits working families. I want tax relief for middle-income families. To get the economy moving, we need short term planning that will create jobs now. But we also need long term planning that will focus on technological and innovative jobs that are not reliant on the up or down cycles of the econo
As a former educator, I believe it is critical that we make the necessary investments in education and sustain those investments over the long term. As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, I have worked to craft comprehensive education policies that improve early childhood education, invest in teacher training, and set high standards for our students. I helped make college more affordable by eliminating the unfair profits banks gouged for student loans, have helped increased student aid, and provided special tuition aid for students who become science an
Long before I became a Congressman, I was an environmentalist. All the issues we talk about, whether it be education, healthcare, or the economy, become a moot point if we do not have a clean environment with which to live and work. As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I have stood up for our nation’s environmental crown jewels, and remain committed to safeguarding our National Parks and Preserves. I support efforts to clean up our air, land, and water, to preserve open spaces, and to promote environmentally sound alternative energy sources that do not
As a former nuclear weapons intelligence analyst for our government, I understand the threats facing our country. That’s why I repeatedly voted for robust funding for programs designed to collect “loose nukes” and keep them out of the hands the likes of Osama bin Laden. I have also been a strong proponent of ensuring that anthrax attacks, like the one in 2001, do not occur again. Also, as Chairman of the House Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, I have brought greater oversight and fiscal accountability to the intelligence community, and forced both the Bush and Oba
I have always been a firm and dedicated supporter of Israel because of the unique and important friendship between our countries. Because Israel is surrounded by countries that have official policies to destroy her, I have continuously defended Israel’s right to protect herself from terrorist attacks and all who would question her legitimate right to exist. It is very important that Israel’s economy continues to be the strongest in the region. That is why I have worked closely to improve economic ties between the two countries.
Ending all forms of discrimination against LGBT individuals is the next chapter in our struggle for civil rights for all. Regarding my position on these issues, I believe Out In Jersey Magazine said it best when they wrote, “Whenever issues affect the LGBT community in Washington (Rush Holt) has always voted with clear cut and forthright values due to his belief in equality for everyone - with no exceptions - he points out.
Keeping our streets safe means more than just putting criminals behind bars. It requires wise public policies and cooperative enforcement of the law. I believe in and have supported common-sense crime fighting policies that give our police the tools they need to keep our children and our communities safe. One of the most important things that we can do to keep safe from violent crimes is to support a robust police force. I have stood up to the gun lobby because part of reducing crime means strong, sensible gun laws.
Social Security continues to serve Americans well. Without Social Security, half of all seniors would fall into poverty. That is why I oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including raising the retirement age. Additionally, I will continue to oppose any efforts to privatize Social Security. I recently wrote President Obama to oppose the possibility that cuts in Social Security benefits could be used to help reduce budget deficits. Instead, we should be working to preserve and strengthen this important program.
The economy cannot move forward without successful small businesses. It is small businesses that are creating jobs now and are the foundation for a stronger economy in the future. These are the jobs that support other local businesses and create more jobs. These small business owners and their employees shop in their local grocery stores and buy gas at their community gas stations. They fix up their homes from supplies from the hardware store. We are dependent on each other. During these difficult times, I have worked hard to provi
While Republicans have been the true party of tax-and-spend, I have been focused on tax relief for middle-income families. I voted for the largest middle class tax cut in history and wrote the law in 2008 that provides property tax relief to homeowners who do not currently itemize on their taxes. I will also fight those who think we need to give tax cuts to the wealthiest 1% of all Americans. The theory of trickle-down economics was disproved long ago. It doesn’t work and I will fight against those who try to reinstate it as government policy.
I firmly believe that we have a moral obligation to guarantee that our veterans receive the health care, disability compensation, readjustment counseling, and job training and placement services that they have earned through their service to our nation. But the effects of being in the armed services don’t stop once they take off the uniform. The very least we can do for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan is ensure that someone at the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs checks up on them from time to time. That is why, after being contacted by a constituent
Too many obstacles have been placed in the way of women to prevent achievement of the American Dream. These obstacles must be knocked down. I have been a staunch advocate on women’s issues since my first day in Congress. I will never relent in my support for women to receive equal pay for equal work, or for women to be allowed to make health care decisions without government interference. The health care reform legislation helps ensure women get preventative care. Great strides have been made, but certainly more can be done. Looking forward, we need
