Important Issues
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As your representative in Congress, I am dedicated to working for the people of El Paso. During my first term in office I have focused on cleaning up corruption in Washington, lowering health care and prescription drug costs, defending our nation’s values, and advocating for our service members and their families.
Scroll down to see where I stand on the issues and learn how I am taking the lead to solve some of America's most pressing challenges. Civil RightsOur founding fathers envisioned a country rooted in democratic values, a country in consistent pursuit of a more perfect union. Every person has a place in this country, and I'm proud to defend all Americans regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, or identity. Defense and National SecurityEl Paso is home to Fort Bliss Army Base, a major power projection site and strategic asset for our national defense. For many soldiers, we are the last stop before they deploy and the first to welcome them home when they return. Economy and JobsAfter COVID, all countries across the globe saw an inflation hike. Thankfully, we are seeing falling inflation and rising wages as well as a record-number of new jobs. But our work is not finished, which is why I have supported legislation to address many of the economic challenges we’ve been grappling with. EducationI believe education is the surest path to success. From pre-k to college and beyond, it is imperative that Congress makes high-quality education accessible and affordable to all. We must prepare El Pasoans for the workforce and make sure that they can get jobs in this ever-increasing global economy. I am committed to ensuring that every student coming out of our public schools has the best possible education and tools they need to obtain a higher education. I am also committed to uplifting our teachers and making sure they have a salary that reflects their invaluable work. Environment and EnergyToo often, minority communities have borne the brunt of irresponsible environmental policies while also being inappropriately excluded from decision-making. I believe in energy and environment policy that benefits all communities and preserves public lands for public use. We must work together to promote research and development in clean energy, bolster nascent green energy technologies, protect wild public lands, and keep our environment healthy in perpetuity.In addition to leading the charge to protect and preserve Castner Range as a national monument, I’ve voted for bills like the Inflation Reduction Act and helped form and work with local groups like El Paso’s Climate Crisis Advisory Committee to identify our community’s unique climate challenges. I’ve also introduced the Climate Adaptation Plan Act of 2023 to establish a grant program for local governments to fight climate change. Through legislation and community-based work, I’m fighting to ensure future generations have a healthy planet. View Issue Related News Gun Violence PreventionCommon-sense gun violence prevention, such as requiring universal background checks and banning assault weapons, has been a top priority for me. Our community knows firsthand the cost of gun violence, and I’ve dedicated my time in Congress working to protect Americans from senseless gun violence. One of the first bills I co-sponsored in Congress on gun violence prevention was the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. View Issue Related News HealthcareHealthcare is a right every American should enjoy, yet El Paso County still has one of the highest uninsured rates in Texas. With out-of-pocket costs and premiums soaring, it is crucial for Congress to come up with solutions for everyday Americans. ImmigrationCongress hasn’t reformed our antiquated immigration laws in decades! El Paso has witnessed firsthand the impact of a broken immigration system. That is why I’m proud to support and put forth policies that help progress comprehensive immigration reform. Senior CitizensIn my time in Congress, I have worked to protect health care benefits for all. I am proud to cosponsor bills, like the Social Security 2100 Act, that will boost Medicare for seniors and ensure that Social Security is solvent for the good of our nation. This bill would increase benefits by 2% across the board for all Social Security beneficiaries for the first time in 52 years and improve the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), so it reflects the inflation actually experienced by seniors, and more. View Issue Related NewsVeteransSupporting veterans involves more than just words of appreciation for their ultimate sacrifice; it requires concrete actions, including securing adequate funding for programs and services tailored to their needs. By allocating sufficient resources to healthcare, mental health services, job training, and other essential programs, we can ensure veterans receive the support they need to transition successfully into civilian life. With over 50,000 veterans living in our community, I make it a priority to ensure that our veterans are taken care of. Securing funding for veterans demonstrates a commitment to honoring their service and upholding the promises made to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. That’s why I have proudly voted for legislation like the PACT Act that grants veterans who were exposed to burn pits and harmful chemicals during their service the healthcare they need and deserve. I also voted for H.R. 733, the Veterans Census-Enabled National Treatment Equitable Resource Supplement for Mental Health Act of 2023 (Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act) to provide resources to veterans that face unique mental health challenges when reacclimating to civilian life. I have also supported the $700 million in funding for the construction of the new El Paso Veteran Health Care Center. Our veterans deserve better accessibility to quality care, and I will continue to advocate on their behalf. Making veterans’ lives easier involves implementing comprehensive support systems tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they can navigate post-service challenges with dignity and ease. View Issue Related News |