Economic Growth
Economic development is top priority for me in Congress. I have developed a 20-point plan to address economic concerns and to help our area attract good jobs. As part of this plan, specific areas will be designated as NAFTA-impacted communities to attract companies and foster job creation. Employers will be provided with tax credits for every job added in rural areas. I have introduced legislation to create the Southeast Crescent Authority, which will target resources to projects on a county-by-county level to fight unemployment and poverty. I am actively fighting to bring passenger rail service to our area, increase access to capital for small business and minority business development, and ensure that our workers have adequate job-training programs.

Agriculture
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am working to make sure that our farmers are protected. The new Farm Bill will bring predictability back to farm prices and open new markets. Also, I am pleased to have introduced landmark legislation that would buyout the tobacco program and compensate tobacco quota owners and growers. In addition, I am urging increase funding for USDA rural development programs.

Education
As someone who has volunteered in the classroom for over twenty years, I know that there is nothing more important to our nation's future than making sure that all of our children have the knowledge and skills necessary to compete and succeed in a global economy. I support efforts to reduce class size and to build and renovate our schools. I am also working to bridge the Digital Divide by providing computers and technology for our schools. Our children need and deserve quality teachers and administrators, and I support more funding for their recruitment and training. Finally, I am working to expand higher education opportunities through increased funding of Pell Grants and scholarship opportunities.

Environment
In Congress, I have actively supported legislation to ensure that our environment is protected. I support higher standards for clean drinking water, as well as diverting offshore oil and gas revenues to clean water and clean air programs. In addition, I am a strong supporter of the Wilmington Port, our beautiful beaches, and efforts to expand the Forest Legacy Program. However, I am opposed to drilling off the North Carolina coast an in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Health Care
As the former Co-chairman of the Rural Health Care Coalition (and currently a member of the Steering Committee), I am working to bring health-care facilities and professionals to rural areas. In addition, I support efforts to restore Medicare payments to hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, hospices, ambulance services, and community health centers. I support a prescription drug benefit to ensure that senior citizens have access to an affordable and dependable prescription drug plan. Patients also need a Bill of Rights which will ensure that doctors and patients - not insurance companies make medical decisions.

Military/Veterans' Issues
As a Senior member of the House Committee on Armed Services, the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities and the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, I am working on several matters concerning our military veterans' and military retirees' health-care benefits. These need to be strengthened, and disabled veterans should receive retirement pay concurrent with disability pay. Military retirees should also be allowed to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan. As a nation, we must ensure that our military personnel receive the benefits they deserve and have the resources they need to perform their jobs.
"A strong national defense is absolutely necessary to protect our nation both at home and abroad. I have spent time with our troops from all branches of our armed forces both here in the U.S. and overseas. As Co-Chairman of the Special Forces Caucus, I want to do all that I can to help our men and women in uniform in every way possible."