Protect our Planet

The climate crisis is an undeniable issue, and the most urgent one that our world faces today. As your representative in Congress, I am committed to supporting legislation that aggressively addresses this global threat. Future generations deserve to inherit a world that is cleaner and healthier than our world is today.

Invest in Renewable Energy

Our climate and our nation's energy security depends on our ability to innovate. I strongly support increased investment in renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, or geothermal power. These technologies help combat climate change and the development of this infrastructure will create jobs, stimulating more economic growth in our communities.

Transition Away from Fossil Fuels

The science is clear: we must quickly phase out fossil fuels. To ensure a smooth transition, we must work to meet America's ever increasing power demands, and we must increase our nuclear power output to ensure we have the time to sustainably transition to other cleaner energy solutions, like solar, wind or hydroelectric power. As your representative, I will work to ensure this transition is conducted fairly, leaving no community behind.

Conservation is a Core Value

Growing up as a Boy Scout in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I was taught a respect for our environment from a young age. Conserving our national parks and forests, such as the Great Smoky Mountains or the Cherokee National Forest, is an essential part of our national and regional heritage. I will work tirelessly to support legislation that ensures the protection of natural habitats, protects endangered species, and maintains the natural beauty of our nation for all of us to enjoy.

Commitment to Public Schools

I'm a proud product of public schools and come from a family tree filled with teachers who've taught at all levels of the education system. I am a staunch advocate of our public school systems. I believe that public funds should be used for public schools. We need to increase teacher's pay and benefits. Teachers shouldn't have to pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. I oppose voucher programs that divert resources from public education, as they do not serve our schools or our community's best interests. Investing in public education means paying our teachers what they deserve and ensuring our schools are well-equipped to provide a top-tier educational experience for our children.

Technology in the Classroom

In today's rapidly advancing world, access to modern technology is essential for student success. My experiences working in the IT Department at Warren Wilson College and as the Technology Director for the Sevierville Boys' and Girls' Club have shown me the transformative impact access to technology can have. I am committed to working to ensure that every student has access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Affordable Higher Education

The cost of higher education has been a barrier for far too many young Americans. I support robust reforms and relief measures to make higher education more accessible and affordable so that our students can get the world class education they need, wether they choose to go to colleges or trade schools. My time in the Work Program at Warren Wilson College taught me skills that help me in my work to this day, and I believe that more colleges, universities, and trade schools should look towards the model provided by our work colleges, and join the Work Colleges Consortium. Our students should be empowered to pursue their dreams and make the world a better place without the burden of insurmountable debt.

Expanding Early Childhood Education

Numerous studies have shown that access to early childhood education is a critical foundation for lifelong learning and success. I support expanding access to quality early education programs to ensure that every child, regardless of their family's economic status, can be successful.

Championing Small Business

As someone who comes from a family of entrepreneurs who have had businesses in East Tennessee for over sixty years, I understand the challenges and risks faced by those running small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and I am committed to supporting policies that help them thrive, like reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and making it easier for small businesses to grow and hire employees.

Reviving American Jobs Through Manufacturing

I strongly support the revival of American manufacturing. Legislation like the CHIPS Act will help America keep its competitive edge by bringing jobs back from overseas and investing in high-tech industries, such as computer chip manufacturing and electric vehicles. We can ensure a prosperous future for American workers by bringing manufacturing back to America and supporting unions.

A Modern Civilian Climate Corps

Inspired by the great success of the New Deal's Civilian Conservation Corps, which helped build the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I advocate for a robust expansion of the American Climate Corps. This initiative will help provide jobs that not only help our environment in a critical time, but also offer new skills and training in green technologies to our young workers, preparing them for the jobs of the future.

Expand the Child Tax Credit

President Biden's expansion of the Child Tax Credit in his American Rescue Plan helped ensure families had access to the full benefit and provided monthly payments that helped cut childhood poverty in half, bringing it to record lows. No child deserves to grow up in poverty, if elected to Congress, I will work to reinstate the expansions of Child Tax Credit.

Universal Healthcare Access

I believe that healthcare, including dental and vision, is a fundamental human right. In the wealthiest nation in the world, it is unacceptable for any individual to be without access to affordable, quality healthcare. My commitment is to policies that ensure no one is left behind, focusing on expanding healthcare access to all Americans, regardless of their economic status.

Tackling Rising Healthcare Costs

The soaring costs of healthcare and prescription drugs are unsustainable and put a tremendous strain on American families. I will fight for legislation that caps costs for lifesaving medicines and allows the government to continue to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies.

Expanding Mental Health Services

Mental health is as important as physical health, and I will advocate for comprehensive reforms to expand access to mental health services. Ensuring that mental healthcare is available and affordable for everyone is a priority, as it is crucial for the overall well-being of our community.

Transparent and Effective Public Health Policies

The government must play a key role in public health, especially in response to health crises. I am committed to making public health related decisions transparently to build and maintain trust within the community, and ensuring that our public health system does the same.

Global Leadership and Alliances

As the leader of the free world, the United States has a pivotal role to play on the global stage. I am committed to maintaining strong alliances with our NATO partners and supporting nations like Ukraine in their fight for freedom. Our leadership is crucial for upholding democratic values and human rights worldwide.

End the Cuban Embargo

It is time to end the outdated and ineffective Cuban embargo. Just as we normalized trade relations with China decades ago, we must approach our relationships in the Western Hemisphere with a perspective suited to the 21st century, fostering trade and diplomatic relations that benefit all.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Immigrants enrich our nation and are vital to our economy. I support reforming our broken immigration system to create fair and humane policies that recognize the dignity and contributions of immigrants in our society.

Championing Civil Rights

Our civil rights are foundational to our democracy, yet they are under constant threat from extremists. I am committed to protecting and enhancing these rights by supporting the passage of things like the Equal Rights Amendment and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I will fight tirelessly to ensure that all people, regardless of race, gender, or background, are treated with equality and respect under the law.

Supporting Our Veterans

Our veterans have sacrificed immensely for our freedoms, and we owe them unwavering support. I advocate for expanded and modernized veteran services to ensure that all veterans receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve after serving our country.

Supporting the LGBTQA+ Community

I stand with the LGBTQA+ community and will advocate for legislation that safeguards their rights and freedoms. America is a free society. It is crucial that we work together to build a society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live openly and safely.

Common Sense Gun Reform

I support common sense gun reforms that align with the views of the vast majority of Americans. This includes universal background checks and closing loopholes that jeopardize our safety. We can implement measures that protect our communities while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.

Criminal Justice Reform

Our criminal justice system must be reformed to ensure fairness and justice for all. I oppose for-profit prisons and will work to end the incarceration of individuals for profit. Additionally, I support the decriminalization of marijuana, treating drug use as a health issue, and commuting sentences for non-violent drug offenders.

Restoring Roe v. Wade

Reproductive rights are under attack. I am committed to protecting and restoring a woman's right to choose. I believe we should return to the way things were under Roe v. Wade. I will support legislation that ensures women across America have the right to make decisions about their own bodies in consultation with the doctors that they choose, without unnecessary government interference.

Modernizing Transportation

In the 21st century, our transportation infrastructure must evolve to meet the demands of modern America. I am committed to expanding access to public transportation like high-speed rail, increasing the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and investing in innovative transportation solutions that reduce congestion and pollution.

Universal Internet Access

Internet access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. I will advocate for policies that treat the internet as a public utility, ensuring that all residents of East Tennessee, and particularly those in rural areas, have access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet, access that is crucial for education, business, and personal growth.

Upgrading Utilities

Our water and electrical systems are the lifelines of our communities. I support increased public investment in modernizing these critical infrastructures, ensuring they are safe and efficient. This is especially important in rural areas, where outdated systems pose a risk to public health and safety.

Investing in Our Future

To safeguard the well-being of our communities and ensure economic growth, we must revitalize and future-proof our infrastructure. I support increased federal funding and the exploration of public-private partnerships to finance these essential infrastructure projects. Investing in our infrastructure is investing in the future of our country.

Fostering Technological Advancements

I am committed to supporting the development and integration of cutting-edge technologies in our district. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation, we can attract high-tech industries and investments, ensuring that our economy remains competitive and dynamic.

Protecting Privacy and Data Rights

I believe that the right to privacy is fundamental. I will advocate for stringent protections around personal data, ensuring that Americans are fully informed and fairly compensated for the use of their data by corporations. This includes enforcing transparency and sharing the profits derived from personal data with the individuals to whom it belongs.

Regulating Social Media

To protect our children and the integrity of our public discourse, I support the regulation of large social media platforms. This includes prohibiting children under the age of 12 from using social media and requiring parental consent for teenagers aged 13 to 18. We must address the proven harms social media can cause to our youth and ensure these platforms operate with greater responsibility.

Enhancing Government Through Technology

I advocate for the modernization of government operations through technology to increase efficiency and transparency. By implementing the latest tech solutions, we can make governmental processes more accessible and responsive to the needs of our citizens. We also must enhance our government's cybersecurity practices to ensure our nation's security in the 21st century and beyond.