Instagram Handle
mrvanforcongress
Campaign Phone Number
2197362100
email
fjmrvan@comcast.net
Years in an elected position
24
I am running for re-election to build on the progress we have made and to continue delivering practical solutions for Indiana’s First District. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee has enabled me to work with colleagues from both parties and, just as importantly, to listen closely to local leaders, employers, labor, veterans, and our agricultural community about where federal resources can make the greatest difference in our region. As families and seniors continue to face rising costs, I remain focused on lowering health care expenses, reducing energy bills, and making everyday necessities like groceries more affordable while holding the federal government accountable and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and transparently.
As your Member of Congress, I am fighting every day to address skyrocketing health care costs, reverse cruel cuts to our health care system, and expand access to care for residents in Northwest Indiana. I am advocating for policies to protect and build upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, and Medicare to promote quality, affordable health care options for everyone. Additionally, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am fighting to protect funding for critical mental health and suicide prevention programs, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
As your Member of Congress, I am fighting every day to address skyrocketing health care costs, reverse cruel cuts to our health care system, and expand access to care for residents in Northwest Indiana. I am advocating for policies to protect and build upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, and Medicare to promote quality, affordable health care options for everyone. Additionally, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am fighting to protect funding for critical mental health and suicide prevention programs, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
As we have an international point of entry right here in Indiana’s First Congressional District at the International Port in Burns Harbor, I believe we must remain an inviting country to all immigrants and refugees, and also know who is entering our country to protect against any national security risks. As a Member of Congress, I have voted for legislation to grant a lawful pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, and also support E-Verify requirements for employers to prevent the exploitation of undocumented workers.
Specific to housing, I have introduced legislation that would establish a competitive HUD grant program to revitalize neighborhoods with vacant and deteriorated properties. Additionally, through the House Appropriations Committee, I am dedicated to alleviating food insecurity among our most vulnerable population, have publicly promoted the importance of federal food programs and the impact of hunger on children, families, workers, and seniors in our region, and am fighting to protect and expand high-quality, affordable child care and early education programs to ensure all children can succeed.
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Instagram Handle
lavettaforcongress
Campaign Phone Number
2194000277
email
sparkswade82@gmail.com
Years in an elected position
8
Truth is like medicine. We know we need it, but it's sometimes bitter to the taste. We are in a Post-Truth Era. Because of so many outlets from which people can get information, there are many untruths circulating in the atmosphere. I believe in total transparency in government, except where there are National Security concerns. An informed citizenry is better equipped to make good decisions. As a U.S. Representative, I am to be held accountable by my constituents to present to them the truth in government, regardless of whether it is offensive. This is a lost attribute in Washington, D.C.
Elected officials are supposed to fight for the interests of his/her constituents, even when those interests are not popular with the status quo. Government is supposed to serve its people, stand up for the most vulnerable, and protect the Constitutional Rights of the people who live here. When these concepts don't happen, the result is what is we see happening to our country in real time.
Medicare for All/ Single Payer Healthcare is at the center of my campaign. Everyone is entitled to quality healthcare, including mental health services. If nearly every developed country can do this, surely, the richest country in the world can. I will work with organizations like "Medicare for All" to develop a comprehensive healthcare plan that will take some of the features of the Affordable Care Act, and integrate them into a plan that will be a substantive shift in making healthcare available to all citizens. Mexico just passed Universal Healthcare to begin January 2027. Our healthcare system must be revamped to eliminate waste, provide healthcare for all, and change to a single payer system.
Asked and answered above
First, abolish Trump's ICE and start over again. Many of the current ICE officers are January 6th insurrectionists and Proud Boys (a White Supremacist organization) implementing Trump’s ‘mass deportation’ plan outlined in Project 2025. They received only half the training of previously sworn ICE officers, removing the training teaching them the legal process of detaining individuals. We must ensure that officers are trained and possess the skills and temperament to carry out their duties.
I will work to create a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants who have not committed a serious felony. I will work to ensure that our Immigration Courts are sufficiently staffed to eliminate the backlog of immigration cases.
I will advocate to make housing affordable for everyone who desires to be a homeowner, including tiered down payment assistance for households making less than $150K and rental assistance for low to moderate income families. I will advocate to reinstate previously dismantled services, i.e., school food programs to ensure food security amongst those at risk. I will advocate for childcare assistance to be restored at the state level where officials have reduced or eliminated childcare assistance for those who need it most.
