Biographical Information
County
Lancaster
Occupation
Registered nurse, international healthcare consultant
Education
BSN, Salem (MA) State College, MS in Nursing Adminstration, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Waynesboro (PA) University
Qualifications
Decades of board governance and executive leadership experience, thinking clearly under pressure, and solving complex problems
What are the most pressing issues facing your district and our country, and how would you address them?
The number one concern I hear most often from the people of PA-11 is "affordability". It is difficult to make ends meet due to the soaring costs of fuel, groceries, housing, and healthcare. The minimum wage is inadequate, leaving people to fall further behind. I propose a higher, livable minimum wage and a diplomatic end to current military interventions to reopen vital shipping routes and ease fuel costs. I propose universal healthcare for children under age 18 to ensure they have a healthy start in life, and the restoration of ACA subsidies to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs. These goals can be achieved by changing spending priorities and by having the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay a fair share of taxes to fund such programs.
What do you see as the role of Congress in oversight of the executive branch?
Congress ensures oversight and accountability by monitoring the actions of the executive branch. This includes holding hearings, conducting investigations, and requiring regular reports on executive branch activities. This ensures executive decisions align with America's national interests. Because federal agencies are housed within the executive branch, Congress is responsible for determining whether taxpayer dollars are spent effectively. Congress should monitor how federal agencies interpret and apply laws it passes to ensure that those interpretations and applications align with the original legislative purpose. Congress must investigate potential abuses of power or violations of individual liberties by by federal officials.
What role should Congress play regarding foreign policy and international relations?
Congress is responsible for approving treaties, funding foreign aid, military operations, and international activities, thereby enabling it to effectively support or block foreign policy initiatives. Only Congress has the power to formally declare war. Congress balances authority between the legislative and executive branches by providing a democratic and deliberate approach to international relations. Congress also regulates foreign commerce, including imposing sanctions on other countries and setting tariffs on imports. Congress has the ability to pass legislation regarding immigration and establish pathways to citizenship
What legislative changes, if any, are needed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable?
I would change the federal spending priorities outlined in the OBBB (HR 01) to increase support for healthcare. In PA-11 alone, the federal cuts in Pennie and Medicaid funding leave 29,000 Pennsylvanians uninsured, and add $35 million in uncompensated care to our healthcare systems. I would redirect federal funds to healthcare, nutritional support, and other programs that improve my constituents' health and well-being. I would categorize advanced nursing degrees as "professional", making them eligible for full federal scholarship in order to address critical shortages of providers and nursing faculty, with incentives for serving in remote or underserved areas.