Ben on the Issues

National Debt, Budget and Taxes

In April 2011, there was a great deal of speculation that Congress would fail to provide funding for the federal government’s operations, resulting in a government shutdown. In 1995, a government shutdown cost the American taxpayers $1.5 billion, and resulted in cancellations and delays in the delivery of important services for seniors, veterans, and unemployed workers.... READ MORE
 

Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security

Nearly since the birth of Social Security and Medicare, these two successful programs have been under constant attack.   I remember so clearly in 2005 fighting against President Bush’s plan to privatize Social Security and gamble seniors’ benefits in the stock market.  Imagine what would have happened if seniors’ benefits had been in the stock market during the 2008 financial crisis. Instead of learning from that experience, today our vital American programs are again under attack.... READ MORE

Economy, Jobs and Small Businesses

Small businesses are the engines of job creation. In this tough economy, we are going to rely on these smaller companies even more to get our economy moving again. As the economy continues to slowly recover from the recession, Congress should make every effort to ensure that the federal government is not impeding the recovery in any way.  I am personally taking the lead on this issue as the chairman of the Blue Dog Coalition’s Task Force on Oversight and Regulatory Review.  The goal of this review is to spur job creation in Central Kentucky by changing federal policies that are burdensome to businesses.... READ MORE

Veterans

Kentucky is home to nearly 400,000 U.S. veterans who have selflessly served America to protect our freedom. In return for this sacrifice, we are obligated to give these men and women our unending support during their transition home while ensuring the protection of their benefits into the future. America's fighting men and women sacrifice so much to ensure that our great nation stays free. Unfortunately, our government has made a number of promises to our veterans that have existed more in rhetoric than in reality. As your Congressman, I am fighting to ensure that Congress keeps its promise to provide our veterans with access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and pension and disability benefits....  READ MORE


Foreign Policy

I have great respect for our military and their families, and I believe that all Americans owe a deep debt of gratitude to the military and their families for all that they give to our country every day.  While in Iraq visiting our troops, I saw with my own eyes some of the challenges faced and some of the shortcomings of our engagement there.... READ MORE

Homeland Security and Defense

I believe that one of the most important duties I have as your Congressman is providing resources for our brave men and women in uniform.  That is why I have fought for increased body armor, weapons, equipment, vehicles and pay for our military and National Guard.  Ensuring that our active and reserve components of the military have all that they need to complete their mission is critical to the security of our nation.... READ MORE


Fighting Crime

In 2010, Forbes listed Kentucky as the fourth “most medicated” state, and in the past year we had one of the highest reports of non-medical use of pain killers, drugs like OxyContin, Lortab, and Percocet. Most alarmingly we are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of deaths from these drugs.... READ MORE

Kentucky Industries

Other states trying to imitate our bourbon and horse industries envy our natural 200-year advantage.  I believe we need to nurture the golden goose—not kill it.... READ MORE


Education

Our country's future depends on making a quality education available to our children, giving them the knowledge and skills to provide for their families and contribute to their communities. With the rise of India and China, our children need the tools to compete in a global economy. As a father of three young children, I am committed to improving our nation's education system and forming partnerships among families, schools, and the government to nourish and foster young minds. That is why I have joined many of my colleagues in supporting a number of legislative initiatives to enhance educational opportunities for our children.... READ MORE


Energy and Environment

Recent spikes in gas prices have reminded us all of the need to move to new technology and wean ourselves off of foreign oil. As you know, record breaking gas prices continue to rise around the country, straining families' budgets and slowing down economic growth.... READ MORE

Healthcare

Last year, when the House of Representatives considered the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, I voted against the bill because I believed that the legislation did not fully address the needs of the people of the Sixth District of Kentucky. But....  READ MORE 

Second Amendment

I have always been—and will continue to be—a strong supporter of the Second Amendment right....  READ MORE


Immigration

Not only do I think we need to fix the dangerous loopholes in our immigration system, but I am also opposed to giving blanket amnesty to all undocumented immigrants inside our borders.  In 2006, I voted for the Secure Fence Act to authorize and construct a fence on our southern border to prevent illegal immigration and keep our borders secure.... READ MORE


Arts and Humanities

I strongly support the mission of public television and radio programs. As the power of private broadcasting corporations continues to grow, I believe that Congress must work to ensure that Americans have access to independent public media outlets free from political and corporate influence.... READ MORE


Politics and Government

By law, Members of Congress may receive cost of living adjustments at no greater rate than other federal employees operating under the General Schedule pay structure. I have always voted against giving Congress a pay raise, especially in light of these tough economic times. Furthermore, I also recently voted in favor of H.Res.22, a resolution that will cut the budget of Congress and save an estimated $35 million in fiscal year 2011.... READ MORE