MANUFACTURING
The United States has long led the world in terms of worker productivity and the quality of our manufactured goods. In Illinois, over 10% of our citizens are directly employed in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing continues to create new, well-paying jobs and Congress has a responsibility to ensure our tax code and regulatory environment encourages growth.
In order to hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities impacting the manufacturing industry in the Sixteenth District, I regularly meet with my Manufacturing Advisory Committee, made up of local business owners and industry leaders.
I strongly believe we cannot allow our manufacturing edge to be eroded by government-created barriers or an inhospitable regulatory environment. In order to ensure the manufacturing jobs of the 21st century are created here, we must ensure American workers have the skills needed for these jobs. I’ve recently authored legislation to simplify the federal student loan process for middle class students and support expanding apprenticeship programs and workforce education programs that prepare Americans for the jobs of today and the future.
ENERGY
The Sixteenth District is a true example of an all-of-the-above energy strategy in action. Home to four nuclear power plants, as well as coal, hydropower, wind, solar, biodiesel, ethanol facilities, and more, it will continue to be one of my top priorities to bring this model of energy diversity to Washington.
As a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including the Subcommittee on Energy, I’ve been able to witness firsthand the recent American energy renaissance, including the rise of innovative renewable technology and a domestic oil and gas revolution. I will continue to advocate for policies that allow us to take advantage of all our resources, ensuring our energy supply remains diverse, reliable, and affordable.
I have authored legislation to streamline regulation and increase transparency at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in order to support clean, reliable, nuclear power in Illinois and around the country. Additionally, I am a strong supporter of energy efficiency and have supported legislation to increase energy efficiency in federal buildings and efforts to strengthen the Energy Star Program that has saved American families’ billions of dollars on utility bills.
AGRICULTURE
During my time in Congress, I have fought hard to give Illinois farmers the certainty and reliability they need to be successful. Any farmer will tell you that planning for next year’s crop begins long before planting season, and I have made it a priority to ensure food and farm policies coming from Washington are predictable and work for farmers of the Sixteenth District.
Since coming to Congress, actions I’ve taken to help Illinois farmers succeed include:
- Supporting the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to ensure Illinois’ farmers have access to export markets throughout North America;
- Voting to reauthorize farm and food policy through the 2018 Farm Bill to give Illinois farmers long-term certainty;
- Strong supporter of the Crop Insurance Program and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as an important part of an all-of-the-above energy approach;
- Voting for legislation to rein in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect farmers from costly and unnecessary federal regulations, including the misguided Waters of the U.S. rule;
- And voting for legislation to rehab America’s waterways, a critical lifeline for Illinois farmers to get their products to international markets.
Agriculture is vitally important to our state, serving as source of income and way of life for families all across the Sixteenth District. I will continue to fight to ensure Illinois farmers are given the tools they need to be successful and ensure we have smart food and farm policies that work for our nation’s producers.