We all want a strong economy, a healthy place to live, and a clean environment. These are universal goals shared by citizens throughout our nation. No one wants to see a world where pollution is holding back our prosperity. Sadly, there are those who say pollution is necessary for our economy and we will suffer if we do not allow polluters to continue to dump carbon dioxide into our air without limit…. Read More

The EPA held hearings on clean car standards yesterday and I had the opportunity to testify in support of the new standards that will help move us off our dependence on oil. When I served in Iraq in and around Fallujah, I came across a line of cars, trucks, and tractors that stretched as far as I could see. We decided to investigate and finally reached the end of the line to… Read More

After nine years of war in Iraq, every American should be happy to hear that our marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen are coming home to their families and that Iraq is on its way to independence. Personally, I am incredibly thankful that President Obama has stayed true on his promise to get our troops out of Iraq. The president has shown that he is committed to securing Iraq’s freedom and independence,… Read More

America’s greatness does not come solely from its military might, but also from its unique role as a force to provide stability and opportunity in the world. While this ability stems in part from our military, it emanates also from the values we hold that help make other nations “great.” WWII was won largely because America won the battle for the hearts and minds of the international community. The Greatest Generation helped… Read More

We all agree that we need to reduce our national debt, and one surefire way to reduce our spending is to fine-tune the national budget. However, certain budget expenditures are vital to America’s security. House Republicans made reckless and dangerous choices in their latest budget proposal, demonstrating that they are willing to make America less safe in order to make a partisan point. Alpha company and I arrived in Iraq just as… Read More

If there’s one point of agreement between President Obama’s supporters and his critics, it’s that Barack Obama bears little resemblance to Ronald Reagan. However, on one major issue, this point deserves a rethink. President Obama’s vision of a world free of nuclear weapons is straight out of Ronald Reagan’s playbook. The “New START” nuclear weapons treaty that President Obama signed shows his resolve to keep America secure, just as the elder Republican… Read More

I’ve had the fortune and misfortune to experience our healthcare systems from many sides. Growing up in Maine, my family didn’t participate in activities like ice-skating because it could land us in the emergency room – and we weren’t insured. Today, I’m fortunate to have two jobs that provide one of the better healthcare plans our nation has. As a Maine state legislator and member of the Marine Reserves, I am better… Read More

It may surprise you to learn that the current G.I. Bill has depreciated so much that it doesn’t even cover half the cost of an in-state public university. When I joined the Marines in 2002, I didn’t rely on the educational benefits as advertised because I knew Congress has yet to fulfill the original promise of the G.I. Bill in modern-day terms – to provide full educational benefits to every service member…. Read More