Our mission was to deprive al Qaeda of a safe haven from which it could launch another terrorist attack, our armed forces have largely accomplished that goal. We brought the Taliban to its knees, killing Osama bin Laden and other terrorist leaders. Now, it is time to bring our troops home so they can return to their families and be honored for their success. We can no longer afford to send $450 million a day to fight missions that have already been completed, especially when America is starving for jobs and fiscal stability.

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

In order to balance the budget,

We must extend tax relief for middleclass families who are struggling to carry the burden for our nation's debt crisis. It is fair and reasonable that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share toward debt reduction, which is why I support a small tax surcharge on the top income earners making more than a million dollars a year.

As long as these reforms focus on student achievement, parental involvement, and appropriate input from educators.

Requiring individuals to take responsibility for their own health care needs, with appropriate subsidies to help modest income families, will improve wellness in America, benefit our nation?s economy, and lower costs for working class families. The only way to keep premiums down and cover all Americans, regardless of age or pre-existing conditions, is by having a health insurance market that includes everybody as part of a greater risk poll. Otherwise, insured Americans will continue to suffer inflated premiums because they will be subsidizing the care for the uninsured.

Marriage is a civil right that should not be denied to people based on prejudice.

I have introduced a proposal encouraging an international gasoline embargo against Iran should it continue its pursuit of nuclear technology and cosponsored a separate resolution that expresses the sense of Congress that Iran's nuclear ambitions are a threat to international security. The sanctions are straining Iran's economy making it increasingly difficult for them to finance their nuclear program. This pressure has brought Iran back to the negotiating table where I am hopeful a peaceful agreement can be made. Military options, however, must remain on the table.

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.

Creating jobs and reversing the effects of our severe economic downturn are my top priorities. Both parties must come together to find ways to provide tax relief and savings to those struggling most from our economic struggles. We must find common ground to provide real incentives for small businesses and entrepreneurs so that the true backbone of our economy has more money to invest in job-creating projects and employee benefits.