Energy
America needs an “All of the Above” energy policy. Justin believes we should use the energy sources we have today while investing in future technologies for tomorrow.
Two-thirds of the oil America uses – $700 billion per year – is bought from overseas. This historic transfer of wealth is making foreign countries rich at our expense. The nation’s dependence on foreign oil also makes us susceptible to national security problems.
Justin supports responsible efforts to break our addiction to foreign oil as soon as possible. We must invest heavily in alternative technologies, including renewable sources of energy, like solar and hydropower. Until we achieve an energy breakthrough, we must make use of domestic supplies of energy in a responsible manner.
Justin strongly opposes higher taxes on energy. Unnecessarily restricting the U.S. energy supply will weaken the American economy, delay advancements from research and development, and perpetuate our nation’s unhealthy dependence on foreign oil.
The Environment
Future generations deserve nothing less than a livable environment. As an Eagle Scout and outdoorsman, Justin has a personal interest in keeping New England’s nature ways clean.
The environment is the most public of resources and we must protect it. America needs a strong conservation agenda that limits waste and encourages efficiency.
A healthy economy can produce breakthroughs in energy technology that will make the environment even cleaner. To this end, government should continue to fund basic research on clean energy sources that can eventually power our beautiful country.
The Wars in Iraq & Afghanistan
The U.S. must transfer security responsibilities back to the Iraqis and adopt a new strategy in Afghanistan. Our leaders should adopt realistic goals and rational policies in these war zones.
In Iraq, it is time to complete the transfer of responsibility to Iraqi security forces and begin an orderly withdrawal of American ground troops.
In Afghanistan, a winning plan must include more than just a troop surge. A new political strategy is necessary for long-term stability.
The security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating because few Afghans support the central government. Local elections – like those held in Iraq in 2009 – are necessary to sustain popular support against the Taliban.
Veterans
As a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, Justin is 100% committed to the well-being of our service members and their families who sacrifice so much.
Justin knows we must ensure our troops have the resources and support they need to do their mission and come home safely. Justin is also committed to meeting the needs of military families, especially during deployments.
America must also keep its promises to every retired and disabled veteran. There is no excuse for the government’s failure to fully fund veteran health care accounts.
All military personnel deserve access to the ballot box when deployed overseas in service of our nation. Too many service members are disenfranchised by absentee voting processes that result in uncounted ballots. Justin fought for military voting rights in Connecticut and he will work to make it a national priority in Congress.
Health Care
Justin supports universal health care (coverage for all Americans) – not nationalized health care (control by the government). Giving control of America’s health care to the government would result in a broken and bankrupt system.
One out of every six dollars in our economy is in the health care industry. We can achieve universal health care coverage without giving the government more control of this sector. You and your doctor – not the government – should determine your family’s medical options.
To achieve universal health care we must reduce costs. Frivolous lawsuits are being passed on to doctors and hospitals, driving up the cost of health care for all of us.
Losing your job should not mean losing your health insurance. Every family deserves access to health care based on a consumer-choice system, like the one available to Members of Congress. Congress must make it easier for families to obtain portable health care plans that move with them from job to job and into retirement.
Reforming the health care system also means using incentives rather than government mandates. Instead of imposing a national plan from above, Congress should give states and small businesses the flexibility they need to succeed. For example, groups of small businesses should be able to purchase affordable health care plans for their employees with the same discounts enjoyed by larger companies and labor unions.
Importantly, Congress must also work to keep Medicare solvent for the senior citizens of today and tomorrow.
Education
Justin and his wife Jennie, a former public school teacher, believe we must keep our nation’s promise of a quality public education for every child. Justin knows the Connecticut public school system can work because he and his eight siblings are graduates.
The federal government is spending more money than ever on elementary and secondary education with little progress to show. We must refocus our resources on proven educational programs, like Head Start, which impact children when they are young.
Justin opposes any policy that takes educational decisions away from parents, teachers, and local school districts. He supports programs that keep education resources in the classroom instead of the bureaucracy. Education should focus on the needs of the child – period.
At the college level, the astronomical cost of tuition is morally wrong and economically problematic. American graduates should not be forced to choose between a college degree and a mountain of debt. We must ensure student access to financial aid and enact tax credits for tuition payments. And Congress needs to address the root causes of runaway tuition bills by tying federal grants to lower tuition costs.