Issues

Agriculture

Agriculture is a vital part of our state's economy and I am dedicated to securing a better future for Delaware's hard-working farmers.

Economy and Jobs

The challenges facing our economy are like nothing that our nation has faced since the Great Depression. In the last year, Americans have lost millions of jobs, dramatically increasing our national unemployment rate. The ongoing downturn in the housing market has resulted in a tidal wave of foreclosures and delinquencies, flooding our communities with hundreds of thousands of blighted, boarded up homes. Americans have witnessed the value of their homes, stocks, and pensions drop. College education has become unaffordable for too many, and affordable healthcare is available to too few.

Education

Like you, I want Delaware's school system to be the best that it can be. That was my goal when I served as governor and remains so today in the U.S. Senate.

Energy and Environment

It is possible to create legislation that protects both our environment and our economy. By advocating a multi-faceted and common-sense approach to our nation's environmental energy problems, we can set the stage for a cleaner tomorrow.

Governmental Oversight

The federal government’s fiscal challenges demand a wiser and more effective management strategy. Our mind-boggling budget deficits require us to take a tough and honest look at how we can better manage the scarce resources taxpayers entrust to the federal government.

Health Care

Reforming Our Nation's Health Care System — Americans will spend over $2 trillion on health care this year and that number is only growing. This translates into $6,700 in health care for each individual, more than twice the amount allocated by any other country. Even with such a large investment, more than 40 million Americans still do not have health insurance and an additional 25 million Americans have inadequate health care coverage. Such high costs jeopardize the economic well-being of millions of Americans. As President Obama recently noted, an American goes bankrupt every 30 seconds because of high health care costs and by the end of 2009, almost four million foreclosure notices will have been sent to homeowners in danger of losing their homes.

National Security

The September 11 terrorist attacks triggered one of the greatest reorganizations the federal government has seen since World War II, and brought to light vulnerabilities that may exist within our borders. Throughout these past eight years, we have learned as a country that we need to proactively plan and prevent for potential disasters, whether natural or man-made. The December 25, 2009 attempted plane bombing by a Nigerian national was a wake-up call for our intelligence community that we can never let our defenses down and that we must continue to work together. This means, among other things, ensuring that our intelligence and law enforcement officials at every level of government openly share the information needed to help prevent the next terrorist attack.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Our nation must use an integrated approach to solve our transportation problems. While building a strong roadway system is essential, we must work to provide Americans with alternative methods of transportation as well.

Veterans and the Military

As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families have made to defend our nation’s freedoms. I’ve been disturbed by the reports of misconduct at some of the Veterans Administration medical facilities around the country. Every veteran deserves the access to the top-quality healthcare they earned through their service.