Vote Explanation for H.R. 1 through 9
I am proud to support H.R. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, which make up the “For the People” Agenda, the issues that Democrats promised to tackle first if given the chance to lead. They cover sweeping changes to election laws, health care, gun control, and several other key issues that directly affect the lives of Americans across the country.
H.R. 1: For the People Act
I am a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 1, a thorough overhaul of how elections are run, districts are drawn, and how money is involved in our politics. This legislation will make sure that every American has a say in our democracy by tackling voting and election laws, campaign finance reform, and overhauling ethics for elected officials. It is Congress’s responsibility to make sure our elections are truly fair and free for all Americans regardless of skin color, political affiliation, or zip code, and H.R. 1 would restore integrity to our election system.
H.R. 5: The Equality Act
I am a strong supporter and original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, new legislation to ban discrimination against LGBT individuals in public accommodations, housing, employment, and other areas of public life. I am a long-time champion of LGBT rights and a leading opponent to the president’s trans ban, having worked on the Armed Services Committee to make sure anyone who wants to serve the country and is qualified can do so. I believe that no one should ever be discriminated against because of whom they love or how they identify, and the Equality Act will help ensure the LGBT community is protected, just like everyone else.
H.R. 6: American Dream and Promise Act of 2019
Welcoming immigrants is part of what makes America great, diverse, and successful. H.R. 6 provides legal status and a path to citizenship to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. These are our friends, neighbors, service members, and contributors to key sectors of our Commonwealth’s economy including tourism, food service, and home healthcare industries as well as retail trades. At the end of the day, we are a nation of immigrants and it is our duty to improve the laws that allowed our ancestors to come to this great country.
H.R. 7: Paycheck Fairness Act
Today, women make up about half of the American workforce, and on average they are still being paid less than men. I believe we can do better than this, which is why I proudly support the Paycheck Fairness Act. Equal pay is not simply a women’s issue, it’s a family issue and an economic one. This bill would advance pay equality, promote fair labor standards, and provide women with key resources to challenge pay discrimination. Passing this legislation is an opportunity to significantly move the needle on ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work.
H.R. 8: Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
For decades, Congress has failed to muster the political courage to protect our nation from gun violence. I am an original co-sponsor of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which would require background checks for the most common ways Americans buy guns, including from unlicensed firearms sellers at gun shows, through an online sale, and through gun transfers. This concept is supported by the majority of Americans, even gun owners. After so many moments of silence, this vote is the first of what must be many more moments of action to protect Americans from gun violence.
H.R. 9: Climate Action Now Act
Climate change is a real, critical threat to our national security. I am committed to doing everything I can to create forward-looking policies that will make us more resilient against extreme weather and reduce our contribution to climate change. Because of this, I support H.R. 9, legislation requiring the U.S. to remain part of the 2016 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. As a global leader, the U.S. must spearhead the fight against climate change, and requiring the president to develop and update annually a plan for the United States to meet its nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement is a necessary start.
From climate change to voting rights, our country is in desperate need of bold action. I supported and co-sponsored every one of these bills and I’ll keep pushing on these issues until Congress takes action.
