| Agriculture |
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These are hard times for agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that farm and ranch income is down due to natural disasters and historically low prices and other factors. |
| Economy |
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Much of our economic crisis today is rooted in misguided policies of the past. Permitting home mortgages with nothing down was a disaster waiting to happen when home prices fell. Unfortunately, all the bad mortgages and the resulting credit crisis have dragged down our economy and threatened the financial well-being of all Americans. |
| Education |
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It is important to provide our nation's students with an opportunity to receive a quality education. There are few things more valuable to an individual than a good education and few things more valuable to a community than educated residents. And, I know that a generous financial aid system is essential to providing access to higher education for students.
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| Energy and Gas Prices |
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I believe that our nation's energy plan should strengthen our economy, lower consumer prices, reduce our dependency on foreign oil-producing nations, and protect the environment. Our economy and way of life demands an energy policy that not only meets today’s needs but prepares us for future needs. |
| Environment |
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Like many Americans, I am concerned about the environment. The Earth has undergone tremendous change in the past and is experiencing similar change now. Climate change has the potential to impact agriculture, ecosystems, sea levels, weather patterns, and human health. |
| Health Care |
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Skyrocketing costs have crept into our health care system, creating a lot of uncertainty about the future of health care for employers, working Americans, and the uninsured. Americans need more, not fewer, choices for something as important and personal as health care. |
| Homeland Security |
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As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I have worked to ensure our national security and make sure our borders and ports of entry are secure. I believe we must continue to enact legislation that protects our nation. For more information on the House Homeland Security Committee, please visit http://chs-republicans.house.gov/. |
| Judiciary |
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Congressman Smith was selected by his colleagues as the Ranking Republican Member of the Judiciary Committee where he helps shape committee policy. |
| Media Fairness Caucus |
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Like many Americans, I have become increasingly concerned about unfair reporting by the mainstream news media. The purpose of the Media Fairness Caucus (MFC) is not to censor or condemn, but to encourage the media to adhere to the highest standards of reporting and provide the American people with the facts, balanced stories and fair coverage of the news. |
| Social Security |
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Since 1935, Social Security has provided retirement security for Americans. It’s important that today’s seniors receive the benefits they have earned and that solutions are sought to strengthen the Social Security system for future generations. |
| Science and Technology |
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Technology is the key that will unlock a brighter future for us all. As a Member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, I am committed to ensuring that innovation continues to expand and enrich our lives without harming our privacy or security. |
| Transportation |
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If we want economic growth, we must anticipate increased traffic. Proper planning, maintenance of existing roads and construction of new roads will help reduce travel times and increase public safety. |
| Veterans |
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Recent events have brought to light a great need for improvement in many areas that affect veterans and their families, including conditions in VA hospitals, mental health care programs and changes in heath care and benefits. |