Biographical Information
County
Montgomery
Occupation
Member of Congress, PA-04 (2019-Present)
Education
BA, La Salle University; JD, Delaware Law School of Widener University
Qualifications
Member, U.S. House of Representatives (2019-Present); Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives (2012-18)
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Among the most pressing issues we face is the preservation of our democracy from those who wish to undermine it; on a related note, of course, is the protection of voting rights. In both the 116th and 117th Congresses, I was an original cosponsor of H.R. 1 – the For the People Act. To name just a few provisions, this bill would expand voter registration/access, mandate independent commissions for congressional redistricting, require a code of conduct for Supreme Court Justices (and other federal office holders/employees), and make much-needed changes to our campaign finance system – all of which would ensure a more level playing field and a stronger, more responsive democracy/federal government. We must codify Roe to protect women's rights.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Again, I look back to H.R. 1 – the For the People Act. Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and we must take action to remedy that by ensuring ethical, transparent, and responsive governance. Minimizing the influence of money in politics, outlawing gerrymandering, and expanding voting access would instill a greater confidence in Americans that the federal government is working to address the many challenges and opportunities we face. Beyond the For the People Act, I also supported the TRUST In Congress Act to bar Members of Congress (and their spouses) from trading stocks while in office. Doing so would increase the public’s trust of their federal government.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
Beyond H.R. 1 – the For the People Act – which I feel I’ve adequately summarized in my previous two responses, I recently introduced H.R. 7389 – the Accessible Voting Act of 2024 – with my colleagues Reps. Scanlon and Raskin. Broadly, this bill would increase voting accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities and older Americans. This Congress, I’m also an original cosponsor of H.R. 5048 – the Protecting Our Democracy Act, which would prevent abuses of Presidential power, strengthen checks and balances/transparency in government, and defend against foreign interference in our elections.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
As the global superpower, the US has an indispensable role to lead – especially in conflicts like those we see in Ukraine, in Israel. We are uniquely positioned to be a force for both good and democracy in the international community. Accordingly, we have a responsibility to stand with our allies (especially those in NATO), to hold our adversaries to account, and to promote good governance across the globe. When helping to respond to challenges facing the international community, we must prioritize finding diplomatic solutions above all else. Diplomatic channels must be exhausted before considering alternative routes of conflict resolution.