Since PA15 is such a large district (18 counties), the severity of the problems tend to fluctuate in priority depending upon the county. However, if I could pinpoint one general issue which affects every county, it would have to be affordability. The simplest way to address this general issue would be to reclaim the responsibility of Congress to perform budgetary functions such as ensuring appropriated funds are distributed to states, and to reclaim tariff authority from the executive branch. Once those tools are returned to their rightful place, then work can begin on the more complex aspects of affordability.

Congress (legislative) is a co-equal branch of the executive and judicial branches. We must return this balance to our system and provide apolitical oversight to the other branches of our government. Partisanship has no role in this obligation.

Congress must understand that their decisions impact the way other nations view our country and act in the best interests of our nation which must take into account our foreign partner relationships. We must engage with the executive branch to ensure that any acts of hostility toward other nations, be they verbal or physical, are well thought out and in the best interests of our nation and our relationships with our allies.

\I can state unequivocally that our healthcare system is deeply flawed. Healthcare should be patient-centric, not profit-centric. We do an abysmal job of providing healthcare, especially preventative care, at affordable prices. Americans pay far more for healthcare than any other developed country yet we receive some of the worst care. Here in PA15, we have serious problems with access to healthcare and pharmacies. We need to reinvent our entire healthcare system, but until that time we need to find legislative means to make healthcare more affordable and available to all our citizens, but especially those in our rural communities because it is truly a life or death situation.

I've had great legislative successes this year with the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids and Secure Rural Schools bills being signed into law. There is still work to be done, like prioritizing a long-term Farm Bill, which will provide stability and an affordable food supply for consumers. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked in a bipartisan manner to achieve common ground and consensus. I credit my career in healthcare and volunteer experiences -- whether through Scouting, as an EMT and firefighter, or on the school board -- for providing me the ability to work with people from all walks of life. I believe the constituents expect this from their representatives. It is an honor to serve them, and I am humbled by their continued support.

There is a reason that Congress was established in Article I of the Constitution, with the creation of the People's House. Oversight is of great importance. Checks and balances allow for refinement of executive branch actions. As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, each of our subcommittees have an oversight role to ensure that USDA is doing right by the people it’s supposed to be serving. Early last year, I successfully made the case to reduce and ultimately remove tariffs on Canadian potash imports, a critical input for American Agriculture. This is just one small example of the oversight that occurs on a daily basis. It's not always loud and flashy, but we are making an impact and creating positive outcomes.

The U.S. plays a critical role in shaping international policy together with countries that share our values. There are a number of diplomatic tools at our disposal that can discourage bad actors. As the father of a retired Purple Heart Wounded Warrior, I know the sacrifices young men and women make serving our country. We owe them a debt of gratitude and as a Member of Congress, I do not take my duty lightly when it comes to potentially putting our troops in harm’s way. I believe we have the best-funded, highly trained, and lethal fighting force on the planet. That strength helps to keep peace and combined with diplomacy, the U.S. and our allies can maintain stability and collaboratively work toward a prosperous future.

Prior to being elected to Congress, I spent nearly 30 years working in nonprofit healthcare, focused on helping individuals with life-changing diseases and disabilities. During that time, I also served as national president of my professional association, advocating for policy changes that would reduce red tape and put the needs of the patients first. One area of care that has become increasingly important for our region is telemedicine, which improves health equity by increasing access to care, especially in rural communities. Technology and innovation will help reduce costs, but we will always need strong community hospitals, and we must work to remove the social, economic, and geographic barriers that keep people from accessing care.