As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have long believed that our current efforts in Afghanistan are ineffective, and that our troops and resources could be more effectively deployed elsewhere. It is time for us to redirect our focus back home, where numerous economic challenges continue to burden families in my district and across the country.

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing the federal budget.

In order to balance the budget,

As a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition, I have long fought for responsible spending, and I will continue to do so. However, while I believe spending must be curtailed, these cuts must be smart and targeted. We have to cut unnecessary and wasteful funding, not important investments that are helping to grow our economy and helping the private sector innovate and create jobs. And our budget must not be balanced on the backs of our seniors and most vulnerable citizens.

I am a strong supporter of the Disclose Act, because it would have dramatically increased transparency and accountability in political spending. Corporations and foreign governments should not be allowed to issue a blank check to influence the outcome of our elections. It is completely inconsistent with our democratic principles.

I believe that unemployment insurance has proven itself to be one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to stimulate the economy and ensure those who are looking for work are able to provide for their families during difficult times. Congress worked effectively to reduce unemployment, currently at its lowest rate in two years. I am committed to continuing this trend, ensuring that our economy is strengthened and that all American?s have the opportunity to succeed.

Education is the cornerstone to America's future, and in Congress, I will continue to work to direct federal dollars toward supporting quality teaching in our classrooms, cutting federal education regulations, and providing more flexibility to states and local school districts. Efforts are still needed to ensure that every child is afforded an education that will give them the tools to be a competitor in today's world.

I am proud of my environmental record will continue to work to protect the environment and push for sensible energy alternatives that will allow America to reduce our dependence on oil. I have supported efforts to limit offshore drilling, specifically off the coast of California.

California has been blessed with incredible natural resources, and it is our responsibility to preserve our beaches, bays, and national parks for future generations. The long-term health of our country and our planet depends on the investments we make today, and I am proud to support efforts that will help create a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

I support responsible gun ownership and believe background checks and other security measures must be in place, in particular at gun shows.

I am a supporter of the Affordable Care Act. Though far from perfect, it is a significant step in the right direction and will bring down the costs of health care for millions of families and small businesses, expand coverage to millions of Americans, and end the worst practices of insurance companies.

I remain firmly committed to the full and effective enforcement of our nation?s immigration laws. As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am working to triple the number of border control agents, and to increase the technology available to law enforcement officers. However, I believe that border enforcement alone is not enough to address the complexity of this issue. I am a strong proponent of comprehensive immigration reform. In addition to securing our borders, we must recognize the vital economic role immigrants play in our country, and create efficient and cost-effective measures to permit appropriate legal immigration.

I am working hard with the President and my colleagues in Congress to support our nation?s seniors whose economic stability depends on Social Security. While some changes must be made, I oppose privatizing Social Security because it would expose the program to the insecurities of the stock market. I also oppose raising the retirement age for those who are eligible under Title II of the Social Security Act.

Spending

Indicate what federal spending levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

Taxes

Indicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

My top priority is rebuilding Orange County?s economy and creating more jobs so that people can get back to work. Through tax breaks for small businesses and improvements to our roads and highways, we?re getting our economy back on track while bettering our community. For the unemployed, I'm working to ensure unemployment benefits are extended, and health care is accessible. For seniors and veterans, I've made sure Social Security and Medicare are well-funded. And I believe keeping our schools open and putting more police on the street are vital to preserving and maintaining our community's quality of life.