Fiscal Responsibility
Washington, DC has a spending problem. The Federal government has become a bloated organization with no budget, and runs at an annual loss. Today, we are $16 trillion in debt. Meanwhile, career politicians on both sides of the aisle continue to kick the can down the road and print more money. We recently raised taxes on the wealthy, and on every worker in America with the payroll tax hike. It is time now to reach across the aisle and work together to enact meaningful spending reductions in a fair and equitable way, without hurting our military preparedness.
Entitlement Reform
Our nation's entitlement programs are on the path to insolvency. To save these programs, we need bipartisan action now. For many of our mothers and fathers, Social Security is an important lifeline. We cannot risk losing this essential program because of inacton or complacency. Political leaders in Washington should have the courage to commit to reforming these programs, without engaging in disingenuous and shameless scare tactics designed to scar our seniors.
Immigration
My parents immigrated to the United States from Colombia in 1964, searching for the American Dream. America is the most compassionate and giving country in the world. Legal immigration is a great benefit to this country. We must we come those who want to work hard, and want to become law abiding Americans. Immigration exemplifies the dysfunction in Washington. It is time to stop the partisan bickering, and for Congress and the President to work together to enact a bipartisan solution this year. Serious immigration reform starts with securing our borders. Illegal immigrants with criminal records should be deported. We must also seek to increase legal immigration. America must not educate the world in our universities, while forcing them out of the country to produce economic benefits in other countries. Most undocumented workers are hard workers who contribute to our economy. It is time to bring illegal immigrants or undocumented workers out of the shadows, and offer an opportunity to obtain legal status, even citizenship, if are willing to pursue it.
Second Amendment
As a former U.S. Navy SEAL, I am a strong Second Amendment supporter. Our freedoms make America the most unique and prosperous country in the world. The President and the Congress must act now forge consensus and compromise to close the gun show loophole, and to keep weapons out of the hands of the mentally ill. We must not, however, take away freedom for law-abiding citizens in the process.
Life Issues
I am a proud Catholic, and pro-life. But Roe v Wade is settled law and I have no interest in trying to change that. Politicians spend way too much time on divisive issues that are already decided and far too little time on fixing our economy.
Marriage
I oppose discrimination of any kind. Same sex couples should be free to marry.
Climate Change
Climate change is real. However, while science says climate change is real, addressing the problem must be done rationally. Unfortunately, many solutions offered by politicians in Washington are not rational, and would put America at a competitive disadvantage. We need a serious energy agenda that promotes private sector innovation in both the United States and in other countries around the world.
Energy Independence
I will work with President Obama when he is right, and will oppose him when he is wrong. The Obama administration is wrong in stopping the Keystone pipeline, a project that will create jobs, drive down our energy costs, and help us to become energy independent.
Healthcare
Access to quality, affordable healthcare is a goal on which both sides of the political aisle can agree. So-called solutions like Obamacare only address part of the problem, while ignoring or compounding the underlying costs of health care. States should be free to design their own programs, just as we did here in Massachusetts.
Foreign Policy
As a former NAVY Seal, I know how essential it is for freedom here and around the world that America maintains a strong national defense. We need to preserve our ability to stand up for our allies and protect ourselves. America has no closer ally than Israel, and we must work together not only to ensure Israel's security but also to promote freedom and encourage peace throughout the Middle East. I support a two-state solution that is negotiated by the parties and includes defensible borders for Israel. I recognize Israel's right to defend itself from the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran and I believe the United States should take whatever steps are necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. We must confront the real threats to freedom and we must sustain the readiness we need to protect our security and sustain the cause of liberty.
