On the issues

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Inflation Impact:

Since 2021, inflation has surged over 30%, drastically increasing the cost of everyday items like homes, cars, groceries, and gasoline. The recent 3.4% inflation rate adds to what you're already paying, making it harder for the poor and middle class. A $100 grocery bill in 2021 now costs $140 for the same items.

Federal Spending and Debt:

Excessive federal spending and money printing have fueled runaway inflation, devaluing our currency. With a national debt exceeding $34.5 trillion, the government pays nearly $2.4 billion in interest daily. This unsustainable debt weakens our economy and burdens future generations.

Regulation and Oversight:

Federal regulations often increase costs, limit freedom, and burden small businesses. Many of these rules are imposed by unelected bureaucrats. I support reducing unnecessary regulations to promote economic freedom and growth.

Foreign Aid and Military Spending:

Our money should be spent wisely. I oppose funding foreign countries that show hostility toward the U.S. and believe military interventions should require a formal declaration of war by Congress. It’s time to focus on America’s needs first.

Fiscal Responsibility:

Congress must prioritize the welfare of the American people by cutting unnecessary spending and avoiding tax increases. The Trump tax cuts boosted economic growth by leaving more money in the hands of Americans and businesses. I stand against any effort to repeal these cuts.

Securing the Border:

The Federal Government must prioritize the safety and security of the United States. Cartels currently control our southern border, spreading violence into communities across the country, including Virginia. They are responsible for human trafficking, the fentanyl crisis, and the importation of violent criminals.

Policy Restoration:

Reinstate the 2019 "Remain in Mexico" program, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. This policy helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensures a controlled immigration process.

Border and Interior Enforcement:

Our borders must be secured to prevent terrorists, criminals, and illegal immigrants from entering. This includes building a wall and significantly increasing interior enforcement to stop illegal immigration.

End "Catch-and-Release":

Replace the "catch-and-release" policy with mandatory detention for all migrants caught entering the U.S. illegally or violating immigration laws. This approach ensures that our immigration system is based on American values, not special interests.

 Veterans' Support:
As a retired Navy veteran, I understand the challenges veterans face when dealing with the VA’s bureaucracy. Many veterans have their disability claims unjustly denied, even with clear medical records from active duty. We must overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize the needs of our veterans and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve without unnecessary delays.

Peace Through Strength:
Our foreign policy should be rooted in peace through strength. The United States must stand firm against our enemies, support our allies, and defend our national security interests. The current administration’s weakness and failed leadership have jeopardized our global standing. We must restore American leadership and provide unwavering support to our allies, particularly Israel, in one of the world’s most hostile regions.

Upholding Jefferson’s Legacy:
When Thomas Jefferson finished the Declaration of Independence and wrote, "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor," he was speaking to all Americans, not just the 56 men in Independence Hall. That pledge is a call to action for each of us to stand up for America and reclaim the principles upon which our nation was founded.

The Constitution’s Relevance Today:
I firmly believe that the Constitution remains as relevant today as it was when it was written. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were designed to protect the American people from government overreach. As a veteran who swore an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, I recognize that this oath has no expiration date.

Opposing Government Overreach:
I will steadfastly oppose any efforts by government agencies to undermine or bypass any part of the Bill of Rights through laws or regulations. If any amendment is compromised, the entire Constitution is at risk. It is imperative that we protect these rights to ensure that our freedoms remain intact.

Protecting the Right to Self-Defense:
With the growing threat of criminals and foreign radicals crossing our borders, the right to practical self-defense is more crucial than ever. A radical gun control agenda will only make America more dangerous. I will stand against any gun control bills that threaten this fundamental right, and I will cosponsor legislation to prevent any administration from using federal tax dollars to enforce policies that undermine the Second Amendment.

 The 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution limits a President to two terms in office, each lasting four years, for eight years. The Amendment was ratified in February 1951 after Congress passed it in 1947. No politician, whether good or bad, wants to leave a position of power, prestige, and wealth, no matter how old they are or their mental state. Therefore, unfortunately, no politician would vote for an amendment to the Constitution for Term Limits for Congress. 

Regardless, this needs to change. I propose sponsoring an amendment to the Constitution for Term Limit for the U.S. Congress to limit the total amount of time a senator may serve to a lifetime of 12 years and house reps to a lifetime of 6 years. The total time they would be permitted to serve is 18 years of their lifetime.

If Congress is unable or unwilling to support this Amendment, then I would support States that wish to invoke Article V in the Constitution, which states:

“Congress must convene a constitutional convention if two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) request one. The convention can then propose amendments, whether Congress approves of them or not. The proposed amendments are then sent to the states for ratification. For an amendment to become part of the Constitution, three-quarters of the states must ratify it.”

 Core Skills Focus:
Support federal education reforms that emphasize essential skills in reading, writing, and math. Many students graduate lacking these basics, requiring remedial courses before attending college. Implement phonics-based language instruction from K-3, extending it through grade 5 to strengthen reading and writing skills nationwide. Push for federal funding to develop programs that simplify math education for K-12, similar to the successful "Math Made Easy" system of the 1980s.

Special Needs Education:
Ensure that federal education policies require schools to provide adequate resources for special needs students, including sufficient specialized teachers and designated classrooms. Advocate for holding school systems accountable by tying federal funding to their performance in meeting the needs of special needs students.

ESL Support:
Promote federal funding for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and ensure that schools across the nation employ multilingual staff and interpreters to support non-English speaking students.

School Safety:
Support federal mandates to address school violence by linking accreditation and funding to schools’ effectiveness in managing crime and security. Ensure every public school has at least one federally funded School Resource Officer (SRO), including the use of off-duty officers if necessary.

Trade School Expansion:
Advocate for the expansion of federally funded trade school programs, recognizing their vital role in filling high-demand jobs and providing students with practical skills for well-paying careers. Ensure that these programs are accessible to all students, offering an alternative to traditional college education that avoids the burden of student debt.

 Zero Tolerance for Antisemitism:
Antisemitism in any form is unacceptable. While the First Amendment guarantees free speech, it does not grant the right to deny anyone access to education. Blocking Jewish students and professors from campus, especially with threats of violence, is reminiscent of Nazi Germany's exclusion of Jews from universities in 1933.

Outside Influence and Ignorance:
Many campus takeovers by Pro-Hamas groups are fueled by outside agitators and funds. The chant "From the River to the Sea," calling for the elimination of Israel and the Jewish people, reveals a dangerous ignorance of history and a disregard for Israel’s right to exist.

Role of Higher Education:
Universities should foster critical thinking, not violence or property destruction. Campus security, and if necessary, local, state, or federal law enforcement, must protect the safety of students and uphold the law.

Civil Rights and Leadership:
Just as President Kennedy ensured African American students could attend desegregated schools, today’s leaders must show the same courage in protecting the rights of Jewish students and professors to safely access their campuses.

 Federal Funding for Law Enforcement:
Support the expansion of initiatives like the Broad Blue Line at the federal level to provide additional funding for law enforcement across the nation.  This funding should be targeted toward communities that lack the resources to properly train, equip, and maintain their police forces. Federal support will ensure that every community, regardless of its economic status, has access to well-trained and well-equipped law enforcement officers.

Workforce Development in Law Enforcement:
Promote federal programs that encourage high school students to engage in ride-along experiences and early workforce training. This initiative will help build a pipeline for young Americans to enter the police force directly after high school, ensuring a new generation of officers who are well-prepared and community-oriented.

Combating Fentanyl Poisoning:
With the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths, it’s critical to implement federal legislation that increases penalties for the sale, distribution, and production of fentanyl. This includes classifying fentanyl overdoses as "poisonings" and ensuring that coroners report deaths as "Fentanyl Poisoning" rather than just drug overdoses. If a death results from the sale or distribution of fentanyl, those responsible should face charges of Felony Murder.

Catalytic Converter Theft:
Address the growing problem of catalytic converter theft by making it a federal felony to steal, buy, or sell stolen catalytic converters. This crime should carry a punishment of six months to two years in a federal jail facility, along with a maximum fine of $10,000.

 Addressing the National Mental Health Crisis:
A recent report highlighted significant deficiencies in mental health services at the state level, particularly in the availability of licensed mental health professionals. This issue is not unique to Virginia; it’s a national crisis that demands federal action. The federal government should provide funding and resources to support education and licensure programs for mental health professionals, requiring a minimum of five years of service in local Community Service Boards (CSBs) or non-profit community mental health services where CSBs are unavailable.

Recruitment and Support for Veterans:
Encourage individuals leaving the military to enter the mental health profession, where they can provide critical care to veterans in crisis. Federal programs should offer incentives and training to facilitate this transition, ensuring that veterans receive care from those who understand their unique needs.

Housing and Treatment Funding:
Allocate federal funds to support CSBs in providing housing for the homeless and individuals with mental impairments. Additionally, increase funding for hospital beds and treatment facilities to address the growing demand for mental health services.

Support for Multilingual Services:
Provide federal funding for Spanish-speaking interpreters and multilingual staff in mental health services to ensure that non-English speaking individuals receive the care they need.

Mobile Crisis Teams and Peer Recovery Services:
CSB Mobile Crisis Teams, which provide on-the-ground support for individuals in crisis, require federal funding to continue their essential work. Federal funds should also support Peer Recovery Services, ensuring that these critical programs can meet the needs of those struggling with mental health issues.

Mental Health Care for Addicts and Families:
Federal funding should be directed toward the care and housing of addicts and their families, recognizing the comprehensive approach needed to address mental health and addiction issues.

Support for Mental Health Non-Profits and Outreach Programs:
Non-profit organizations and church outreach programs that provide mental health services must receive additional federal funding to tackle the ever-growing mental health crisis in communities across the nation.

Focus on Homelessness and Special Needs Students:
Mental health care for the homeless and school children, particularly those with special needs, must be prioritized. Federal support is necessary to ensure that local school systems can meet the needs of special needs students, especially in areas where resources are limited.

Veteran Mental Health Support:
Include targeted federal support for veterans in mental health crises, providing the appropriate assistance and resources they deserve.

 Addressing the Housing Crisis for Service Members:
The Department of Defense’s initiative to reduce and eventually eliminate on-base housing and barracks accommodations has placed additional pressure on local communities already struggling with insufficient affordable housing. As someone who understands the challenges of finding affordable, accessible housing, I will work to ensure that our service members and their families have access to safe and affordable homes within the communities they serve.

Tax Incentives and Cuts for Housing Development:
When I get to Washington, I will push for targeted tax incentives and cuts for builders and buyers to increase the supply of affordable housing and reduce costs. It’s time to stand up for the "little guy" and ensure that federal policies support the needs of ordinary Americans, not just the bureaucracy.

Cutting Red Tape for Housing Development:
Affordable housing starts with new housing. However, the rising costs of building have made living in many areas untenable. I will make cutting unnecessary red tape a priority to lower construction costs and expedite housing development. My goal is to ensure that living in communities across the United States, including the great Commonwealth of Virginia, remains cost-effective and accessible for everyone.

Ensuring Safe and Affordable Living:
I am committed to making sure that anyone who wishes to live in our communities, contribute to our economy, and enjoy the services provided can find a safe and affordable place to live. By reducing barriers to housing development and supporting workforce housing, we can create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project:
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is spearheading the Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project, a $14 billion investment to strengthen port and waterway supply chains and bolster climate resilience. This project includes designing and constructing storm surge barriers, levees, and pump stations to extend the Downtown Norfolk Floodwall, protecting the city from coastal flooding caused by nor'easters, hurricanes, and other significant storms. Federal grants must be provided to fully support the ongoing CSRM Project.

Advancing Nuclear Power for Energy Needs:
As Virginia prepares to meet its future energy demands, it will require multiple energy sources, particularly with the increasing electricity needs of homes and vehicles. Nuclear power, with its carbon-zero emissions, is a critical part of this future. The United States Navy's impeccable record of operating hundreds of nuclear power plants without disaster since the 1950s demonstrates the safety and reliability of nuclear energy. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Microreactors are emerging technologies that offer clean, safe, and long-lasting power solutions.

Funding and Installation of Nuclear Technologies:
I advocate for federal research and investment into Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Microreactors to ensure Virginia’s energy security. By installing numerous SMRs across the Commonwealth, we can not only meet our energy needs but also sell any excess power to other state power grids, with the residual profit benefiting Virginia.

Incentivizing Nuclear Waste Recycling:
Alongside expanding nuclear power, it is crucial to address the environmental impact of nuclear waste. I will push for federal incentives that encourage both government departments and private companies to recycle nuclear waste. By promoting the development of advanced recycling technologies, we can turn nuclear waste from a liability into an asset, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable energy future while driving economic growth and innovation.