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Category: Commentary

I Will Never Forget

On this World AIDS Day, as I do every day, I remember so many friends, loved ones and people around the world that have died after being infected with HIV […]

Being Grateful, Giving Thanks

On this Thanksgiving Day, I find myself feeling amazingly grateful for all of the wonderful people I've met over the last few years. Your strength, stories and experiences remain with me every day. Our country has been through many periods of prosperity and challenges. We have much to be grateful for and much to give thanks for in these more divisive times. We've faced far greater challenges. We will make it through these as well.

Sensitive President, Party Flails in Europe

Considering the unfortunate state of our international relations with our longterm allies, the frayed nature of the alliances that have helped prevent a third World War continue to be stretched under the Republican Trump Administration. On one hand, you have the President demanding our NATO allies to step up to the plate with more money and forces. On the other hand you have both the President and Sen. Graham complaining about these same allies discussing setting up such an army while they increase funding to the alliance. It’s not easy to see through the hyperbole and double standards. Subservience to a party over the people is a road paved in good intentions without checking in on the results. When our national security is at stake, it’s crucial we get it right.

U.S. Constitution Under Attack

I would never stand for any President repealing the 2nd Amendment, so why would any Republican or Democratic voter stand for President Trump doing the same to the 14th Amendment? We can protect our borders and honor our American Constitution and values without dividing the country along cultural and racial lines. It’s called working together to solve our problems. We work best as a country and a community when we work together. Our best days are ahead of us.

Solidarity After Anti-Semitic Attack

The fear of being attacked and killed for who you are and for your faith is something no one should have to experience. It is the experience of many Americans. We can do better. We do that by working together, standing up to hatred and bigotry in all of its forms, and not turning away when those in our own families and communities use divisive and hostile rhetoric that we know is against our American values.

The Saudis, Arms and American Values

As your representative, I will fight to end the abdication of the Legislative Branch. We need stronger and more independent oversight of the Executive Branch that challenges and holds the President and his administration accountable, regardless of party.

9/11: Loss, Mourning, Solidarity

September 11th. A time of loss and mourning for our country.  It was also one of the last times our country came together in solidarity.  Shared pain and suffering has a way of bringing people together. How could we do anything but coalesce as a nation and a world after such an attack?

Middle East Diplomatic Vacuum

The lack of a diplomatic presence in the region is harming our efforts considerably. Regardless of the results of the missile strikes, without a diplomatic strategy there is no chance for success. From the hollowing out of the State Department to the continued struggles at the VA, when are the People going to hold Congress accountable?

Focused on the 15th District

My dedication and perseverance is to each and every citizen here, not some committee in Springfield or Chicago. Not some group that came up with a talking point list for politicians to regurgitate on command.  I respond to and for the constituents of my district. That’s what they should expect from their representative, and that’s what they should demand from any candidate seeking their support and their vote in any election.

Medicaid Work Reqs a Costly One

Enter the GOP plans to 'overhaul' the Medicaid program nationally by imposing work requirements on recipients. I would call this effort an attempt to disrupt healthcare for millions of working Americans, veterans, the chronically ill, and many others. 

2016 Primary Redux

These old squabbles are as counterproductive as they are useful for Trump and the GOP to continue avoiding accountability and responsibility for any forward leaning vision for all Americans. 

Terrorism, Immigration, & Precise Action

I believe we should be talking about real immigration reform, not immigration deform. We need to be focused on real threats to our country, not some expensive unfunded Trump Wall that would be ineffective at stopping ladders and tunnels. I believe we should be debating how better to track visa overstays, not hyper focused on people who’ve been here for most of their lives, working, paying taxes, and living their lives for decades free from violent crime. I believe we should be talking about real policies that protect people instead of dividing the country on cultural and racial lines.

Applaud Opioid Talk, Verify Actions

It was good to see the President come out with policies that may help alleviate the opioid crisis. This crisis has expanded from opioids and exploding into heroin use. That […]

The Case Against Graham-Cassidy

The case against the Graham-Cassidy healthcare repeal bill is complicated. As usual, the GOP is light on the details, hoping that someone else will do the right thing or that […]