My Platform

Increasing affordability across America is a critical objective. Poverty poses a significant risk to national security. As a major metropolitan area, Maryland has suffered immensely 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. A federal shutdown should not be the standard for congressional negotiations, as it leaves federal employees, local residents, and so many more people nationwide in a state of uncertainty instead of confidence.

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.

Maryland is known for its vast agricultural regions and thriving fishing industries. Local initiatives can support these Maryland trades by uniting suppliers and sellers. The Cost Openness and Spending Transparency (COST) Act would further enable these local businesses to distribute their products more efficiently in major grocery stores, increasing supply and decreasing shipping expenses. 

I am advocating for the advancement of this legislation, as it aims to support local businesses, create employment opportunities, and provide immediate reductions in food costs.

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. These safety shields would guarantee that resources are distributed exclusively to qualified beneficiaries, and independent contractors would be directed to review the disbursement of funds, ensuring they are 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, and 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.

I am committed to supporting comprehensive health coverage for all individuals. This includes the need to implement fundamental legislation requiring emergency providers to disclose pricing before treatment. Medical debt is a substantial source of debt in the United States and is cited as the leading cause for bankruptcy. These financial burdens have been further exacerbated by the federal government shutdown, which adversely affected coverage. This resulted in higher premium costs and reduced coverage for Americans, increasing the number of uninsured residents and elevating the risk of medical debt.

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 due to recently passed legislation, 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. 

A child's development begins long before they are old enough for kindergarten. Our society relies on an effective and comprehensive educational experience at all ages in order to help students grow into well-rounded adults. These supports are best utilized through early intervention and the continuation of supplemental resources for low-income schools. Programs like universal Pre-K allow students with high needs to have a reliable and structured schooling experience before starting kindergarten. Continued aid for Title I schools and ongoing adjustments are essential in the growth of our school systems to provide necessary funding for the most underserved students in our community. It is crucial that programs and local agencies collaborate to guarantee that all American children have access to nutritious food, reliable transportation, and adequate mental health assistance within our school systems.

In secondary education, maintained emphasis on helping students develop a life plan and set goals for their futures is essential to their individual growth and the growth of our society as a whole. Focusing on a diverse range of interests and educational opportunities will help the school system better serve students despite differences in life experiences and personal desires for their future security. Programs like early college matriculation for high schoolers, trade classes, JROTC, and life skills courses will provide avenues for students to cultivate their own posterity.

The United States has a major leadership role on the world stage and we should act accordingly. This begins with treating all nations and people with respect. 

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. The SAVE Act’s more stringent voter ID requirements will restrict access for Americans. It is also vital to support the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in its efforts to promote voter enfranchisement and education through local initiatives and community advocacy organizations.

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.

The current approach to enforcing federal immigration law is ineffective and has had a negative impact on our 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 oppose the use of any buildings as ICE detention centers. Instead, I believe these facilities could be repurposed to provide support and shelter for veterans and victims of domestic violence or used as facilities that offer mental health and other related services.