U.S. House of RepresentativesCandidate for District 52

I would support immigrants already residing here being able to bring in first degree relatives, that is parents,siblings and children, after appropriate background screening.

Ensuring border security is very important, and in some areas expanding/enhancing the existing wall is the best approach.  At the same time, building an 1.800 mile long border wall is not a realistic approach.  Using increased staff and technology such as infrared surveillance is a better alternative in some areas.

I believe in the Constitution and I support the Second Amendment.  At the same time, I support universal background checks.  I believe that those people on terrorist watch lists should not be able to purchase guns.  I would support the banning of bump stocks or other devices that convert semiautomatic guns to automatic weapons.  After the recent Las Vegas and Parkland shootings, I also believe that, as a country, we must reassess why private citizens should have the right to military weapons such as assault rifles.  

As a Republican, I support free trade, and I believe that trade agreements such as NAFTA on the whole are mutually beneficial to the countries who participate.  Canada and Mexico have been important neighbors and allies, as well as trading partners, for a number of years.  While we must ensure that it is fair, I would support remaining in NAFTA, subject to renegotiation as needed.

I support provisions in the Affordable Care Act that ensure coverage for preexisting conditions and allow young people to remain on their parent's insurance until the age of 25.  I support the expansion of Medicaid as pursued by many states to help provide an adequate safety net.  I would oppose converting Medicare to a voucher system; asking our Seniors to use a voucher to obtain insurance on the open market is unfair and inappropriate.  I would provide additional tax incentives for individuals to carry health insurance and for employers to provide it for their workers.  I would also oppose privatization of the VA health care system; I believe that our Veterans would be better served by streamlining the procedures/bureaucracy already in place there.