We Need Your Support

Increasing affordability across America is a critical objective. Poverty poses a significant risk to national security. Maryland has suffered more than any other metropolitan area from the recent federal government shutdown—the longest in US history, including the longest partial shutdown—leading to major job losses and severe financial stress for its residents. This approach should not be the standard for congressional negotiations.

Increase homeownership and reduce rent

 We must ensure all Americans have access to affordable housing. Expanding the number of cost-effective homes is one step toward this goal. I endorse the Building Affordability in My Back Yard (BAMBY) Act, which will facilitate the construction of substantial affordable housing and provide homeowners with opportunities for additional income. Furthermore, I am proposing legislation that would allow all Americans aged 55 and above to have a onetime access to the first-time homebuyer tax credit. This initiative will support the largest segment of homeowners in the nation and encourage mobility within active adult living communities.  

Reduce Grocery Cost and Increase Business

Maryland is known for its agricultural regions and fishing industries, and local initiatives can support these industries. The COSTS Act would further enable these local businesses to distribute their products more efficiently in major grocery stores, increasing supply and decreasing shipping expenses. I would immediately advocate for the advancement of this legislation, as it aims to support local businesses, create employment opportunities, and provide immediate reductions in food costs.

Voting Rights

I endorse the Voters Rights Act and the Help Americans Vote Act for their roles in promoting election integrity and accuracy. Prioritizing the protection of Section 2 of the Voters Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination, and the expansion of Section 203, requiring bilingual election materials, is essential. Additionally, I support the allocation of resources from the Help Americans Vote Act to strengthen state and local voting initiatives. Conversely, I have concerns that the SAVE Act’s more stringent voter ID requirements may restrict access; therefore, it is imperative to uphold the Voters Rights Act to safeguard every American's right to vote. It is also vital to support the US Election Assistance Commission in its efforts to promote voter enfranchisement and education.

Maryland has shown leadership in promoting voter accuracy and transparency by making records accessible online for public review. Expanding risk-limiting audits and oversight measures, such as hand-counting ballots, would further enhance consistency and reliability in the electoral process.

I am committed to supporting comprehensive health coverage for all individuals. It is fundamental to implement legislation requiring emergency providers to disclose pricing. The federal government shutdown as a negotiation tactic for healthcare reform adversely affected coverage, resulting in higher premium costs and reduced coverage for Americans. This increases the number of uninsured residents and elevating the risk of medical debt, which is a primary source of debt in the United States. My ongoing advocacy prioritizes expanding coverage for vulnerable populations and ensuring access to essential programs for those most in need. With significant reductions in prescription drug prices, it is imperative to engage in discussions on Capitol Hill regarding the allocation of these savings toward funding coverage, providing subsidies, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. 

Childcare 

Childcare is an integral part of society, and it is imperative that programs and local agencies collaborate to guarantee that all American children have access to nutritious food within our school systems, as well as reliable transportation to safe locations where they can receive help from educational and health resources.

Social Safety Net Programs

It is essential to provide financial stability during critical periods for Americans; this is possible by enabling programs such as SNAP and Unemployment Insurance to automatically expand when economic indicators signal a downturn. Establishing protective measures in advance will help prevent delays in assistance and ensure timely support when it is most needed. I am committed to safeguarding social safety net programs for the most vulnerable by ensuring proper oversight so that resources go to those who need them most. Oversight would also guarantee that resources are distributed exclusively to qualified beneficiaries, and independent contractors would be engaged to review the disbursement of funds, ensuring they guided to legitimate sources.

Advancing safeguards requires both education and advocacy, which can be accomplished through the enhancement of key resources such as the Legal Services Corporation. This organization offers pro bono legal assistance to vulnerable populations, supporting individuals threatened by eviction or foreclosure and advocating for veterans’ benefits, healthcare, Social Security, family law, among other services. Expanding these programs fosters economic development by enabling workforce placement, providing business support, preventing homelessness, and ensuring targeted support is delivered promptly when needed the most.

Immigration Reform

The current approach to enforcing federal immigration law is ineffective and has had a negative impact on the country. It is crucial to implement greater oversight of our federal agents, ensuring they operate transparently and are accountable to both state and local law enforcement agencies. I adamantly opposed to the use of any buildings as ICE detention centers. Instead, I believe these facilities could be repurposed to provide support and shelter for victims of domestic violence, veterans, mental health facilities, and other organizations in need of assistance.