Issues
Learn more about my positions on various policy issues that are important to Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District and Congress.
Since my first term in 2000, I've worked on a many issues in Congress. In the 112th Congress, I serve on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees. These are my positions on several key public policy issues, and many of them affect the people of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District. Please use this page as a resource. If you have questions about any of these issues or others, please contact me.
Agriculture & Nutrition
Minnesota is blessed to have a strong tradition of family farmers and ranchers along with consumers who care about securing a healthy food supply.
Animal Rights
As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that animals are treated humanely and that existing laws protecting animals are enforced.
Appropriations & Budget
In the 112th Congress, I serve on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.
Arts & Humanities
The U.S. nonprofit arts sector generates over $166 billion in economic activity, resulting in millions of jobs and nearly $30 billion of tax revenue to federal, state, and local governments.
Civil Rights & Justice
Protecting our civil liberties and ensuring that our justice system is fair to all Americans are my top priorities in Congress. We live a one of the greatest nations on earth because of the freedoms that our citizens enjoy.
Defense and National Security
Providing common defense for the American people is one of the primary Constitutional responsibilities of Congress. In the 21st Century, America needs a flexible military that is able to confront emerging threats, such as terrorism, growing regional instability, the spread of nuclear weapons, and the emergence of cyber warfare.
Diversity
Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District is home to over 600,000 people. A variety of different ethnic communities – African-American, Hmong, Latino, Native American, Somali, and many more – reside in and around the St. Paul area.
Economy & Jobs
The biggest challenges facing our country are to get the economy growing faster and put Americans back to work. We have to be united in our effort to rebuild the economy and create jobs.
Education
Education is a lifelong commitment that begins with early childhood education and does not end. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, and policymakers must work together toward the goal of providing every child in America with access to a free, complete, and excellent education.
Energy
We must build a clean energy future that reduces America’s dependence on fossil fuels and safeguards the environment.
Environment
Our nation's pristine wilderness areas contribute vitally to economic development though recreational tourism that includes fishing, hiking and hunting.
Foreign Affairs
In the 21st Century, America faces a new generation of threats. Our military and civilian leaders recognize that America will need all of its weapons to win these battles—not just a strong military, but also smart diplomacy and foreign assistance.
Health Care
Every American has a fundamental right to access quality, affordable health services. In 2010, I voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act when it passed the House, and the President signed it into law (P.L. 111- 148).
Homeland Security & Immigration
Protecting the American people is one of the fundamental duties of the federal government.
Human Services
Health and human services provide essential medical, economic, and social support that helps our most vulnerable citizens live independent, healthy lives.
Labor
Supporting and protecting America’s workers are essential parts of rebuilding our economy. We must ensure that all families and communities share in our nation’s prosperity.
Native American Issues
The 565 sovereign tribal nations in the United States have a unique trust relationship with the federal government recognized in the Constitution and through treaties that must be honored and respected.
Seniors
As our population ages, we must ensure all seniors have access to the support and care they need to live independent, healthy lives.
Small Business
Small businesses are the engines that help drive our economic growth and create jobs for middle class families.
Transportation & Infrastructure
The issue of Transportation is important to our district and to my work in Congress.
Veterans
As a daughter of a World War II veteran and member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I have a unique privilege of making sure that our military families receive federal funding they have earned through their service.
Womens Issues
Women have shattered glass ceilings, broken barriers, shaped our communities, and improved our world. Their struggles and achievements have made communities better places for future generations.