Issues

For too long our economic recovery has been hindered by partisan bickering in Congress, preventing needed progress on many important issues. Consequently, middle class families in Illinois and across the country continue to struggle to make ends meet. That’s why creating jobs and strengthening our economy to grow our middle class will always be my top priority in Congress.

Our national debt has continued to spiral out of control, and Congress has been fueling the fire. I’ve often said that politicians in Washington should take a lesson from our small businesses and working families, who have been doing more with less for years now.

  Education is the engine that will drive the breakthrough technological advancements in energy, in health care, and in tackling virtually every challenge we face today and in the future.  Our children must be afforded every opportunity to succeed and reach their potential, regardless of where they live.

It’s our duty to future generations to protect our air and water, conserve our natural spaces, and urgently address climate change.  Acting responsibly today will promote economic growth, create jobs, and preserve our global leadership in energy and other fields.

Senseless gun violence is happening every single day across America, tragically affecting our communities, our schools, even our children in their own homes. I believe we must work together to enact safe, sensible gun policy that will help reduce gun violence in this country, while preserving our constitutional right to bear arms.

Our top priority must be working to bring quality, affordable health care to all Americans, while constantly seeking economies and efficiencies to bring down the overall costs of the health care system.

Our goal in foreign policy must always be to keep America safe today, as well as work to craft a sustainable, forward-looking policy that can ensure our security and prosperity for years to come.

All Americans are entitled to be treated equally under the law, regardless of whom they love. As Americans, we are all equal. Anything otherwise is just wrong.

Our goal in foreign policy must always be to keep America safe today, as well as work to craft a sustainable, forward-looking policy that can ensure our security and prosperity for years to come.

Our social safety nets are under attack from many Republicans who want to privatize or gut these critical programs. We must keep the promises we’ve made to seniors, and I will continue to stand strong against attacks on these crucial programs.

Military service is one of the greatest honors a citizen can perform for their country. We owe it to our service men and women to treat them with the same dignity, respect, and sense of responsibility that they have shown to us, and our country. When our veterans return home, there must be a full range of support systems in place.

I am proud to stand strong against Republican attacks to women's rights. As a son, brother and husband, I fought for women’s rights before I got to Congress, and I had a perfect record on women’s issues when in Congress.  I am 100% pro-choice and I will always stand with Planned Parenthood.