On the Issues

Creating Jobs and Strengthening our Economy

I believe a strong America has its roots in a strong economy. To create a business-friendly
environment that creates private sector jobs and allows the United States to compete globally,
we need to keep burdensome taxes low and eliminate unnecessary regulations and red tape.
Promoting prosperity means encouraging entrepreneurs and innovators to work, save and invest
in small businesses – the true economic engine of our economy.

My business experience has taught me the importance of good management and sound economic
policy. I support pro-growth economic policies, including:

• A simplified tax code making it easier for families and businesses to work, save and invest.

• Incentives for small businesses to hire new employees and re-invest in their companies.

• Moving forward on free trade agreements to open up new markets for exports.

Restoring Fiscal Discipline

Reckless Washington spending and continued taxpayer bailouts are threatening the future of
our country and saddling our children and grandchildren with record debt. While Third District
families and small businesses are living within their means and setting priorities, Congress
refuses to adopt a budget and is passing record-high trillion dollar budget deficits and a $13
trillion national debt.

One of my top priorities is to bring fiscal sanity to Washington because you can’t spend more
than you have. As a new member of Congress, in just my first 60 days I voted against $1.5
trillion of new spending and to stop the bailouts. We also need a balanced budget and a line item
veto for the President.

Health Care

Despite strong opposition by the American public, Speaker Pelosi rammed through a health
care bill that is filled with Washington mandates, burdensome taxes on small businesses,
more bureaucracy and over $1 trillion of more spending and borrowing that we cannot afford.

While many call for greater government intervention, I believe we need to look for creative ideas
that rely on the marketplace to improve quality, lower costs and empower individuals in their
health care decisions.

The new health care law should be repealed and replaced with bipartisan, common sense
solutions to reign in skyrocketing costs, improve quality and expand access – without breaking
the bank. There is a better way, including:

• Not allowing insurance companies to deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions

• Paying for quality, not quantity

• Focusing on prevention and wellness

• Allowing insurance to be purchased across states lines and allowing small businesses to pool together

• Leveling the playing field by giving the same tax benefits to individuals as those with employer sponsored coverage

• Stopping lawsuit abuse so doctors don’t have to practice defensive medicine.

Defending our Homeland

Ensuring the safety of the American people is the most solemn duty of the federal government.
America continues to face a fierce and determined enemy, whose goal is to harm our citizens
and destroy our way of life. I support a strong national defense to confront this threat. We
must also continue to improve our law enforcement, border security and immigration measures.

Supporting our Nation’s Veterans and Service Members

Our nation’s commitment to our men and women in uniform must never waver. I continue
to make working on behalf of our veterans and service members a top priority. Our military
must have the best equipment and support possible -- before, during and after their deployment.
That’s why I opposed billions of dollars in cuts to troop funding, coauthored the Military Voting
Protection Act to strengthen the voting rights of troops overseas, secured key funding for the
Minnesota National Guard returning home, addressed payment inequities for our soldiers and
their families, and aided numerous veterans in getting the assistance they deserve.

Energy Solutions

America’s dependence on foreign oil is a national security issue. We must reduce our
dependence on foreign oil and create a national energy policy that focuses more on renewable
energy, such as nuclear, wind and solar, as well as environmentally sound development of fossil
fuels and incentives for conservation.