Issues

I firmly believe that fostering a thriving and dynamic economic environment is essential for the prosperity and well-being of our nation. Throughout my career in public service, I diligently work towards cutting and balancing budgets, encouraging private sector growth, and limiting government regulation. Committed to the principles of the free market system and fiscal responsibility, I recognize that a robust economy empowers businesses and entrepreneurs and creates opportunities for hardworking individuals and families to achieve their dreams.

As someone deeply involved in energy policy, I understand the critical link between energy security and national economic stability. Through my efforts as North Dakota Public Service Commissioner, I strived to ensure our citizens benefit from affordable utility rates, enhancing their domestic and global competitiveness. My vision for America is to build an economy where prosperity and success know no bounds.

We must secure our borders by immediately building a physical wall along our Southern border and hiring additional Border Patrol agents. As a public servant, I believe in upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of American citizens. As such, we must act to defund sanctuary cities immediately and fix what has become a national security crisis. We cannot let our border crisis prevent us from having a strong skilled-based immigration system. We must remain at the forefront of legal immigration reform that will boost the American economy.

American leadership is most effective when it emanates from a position of strength. It is crucial for our adversaries to recognize we are unyielding in the face of aggression or terrorism. I am determined to employ necessary measures to prevent the acquisition of nuclear weapons by our foreign adversaries. Safeguarding national security remains our most important government responsibility. Thus, I advocate for enhanced vetting to prevent security threats from entering the United States.

We must also stand strong with our allies. I am unwavering in my support for Israel, one of our strongest allies. We have had a long mutually beneficial relationship that should be maintained. Violence against Jews for being Jewish is vile and the United States must unequivocally condemn such abhorrent behavior. We must also maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region to support our allies and preserve its status as a major commercial corridor.

Social Security and Medicare are extremely important for American seniors. We must safeguard the benefits for current beneficiaries and those approaching eligibility while protecting these programs for future generations. As we go forward with solutions, I believe we need to focus on incremental program changes for future recipients now aged 55 and under, ensuring benefits will be available to them when they reach enrollment age while keeping the promise to those currently relying on retirement income and Medicare coverage. It is imperative we make changes now. The longer we wait to address the issue, the more severe the remedy will have to be. I am committed to finding the right path that protects these valuable programs not only for our current seniors but for generations to come.

The Second Amendment protects our liberties and is vital to our nation's identity. As a strong supporter of this right, I believe in law-abiding Americans' ability to keep and bear arms. This constitutional freedom is essential for preserving our personal freedom, safeguarding our families, and ensuring community security. I am committed to defending the Second Amendment against any attempts to diminish it.

North Dakota is uniquely blessed with abundant natural resources that underpin the region's way of life, including coal, oil, natural gas, and wind energy. These resources have propelled the nation's ascent into an energy superpower. I remain staunchly committed to supporting these industries and preventing undue federal regulatory hurdles that could lead to job loss and hinder investment. The state's pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape necessitates safeguarding these industries' growth while maintaining a balanced approach to regulations. I am resolute in my dedication to fostering a thriving environment where North Dakota's resources can drive sustainable progress, acknowledging both economic and environmental dimensions and striving for a harmonious coexistence that benefits everyone. We must also recognize that nuclear energy constitutes the cleanest form of electric generation and use it to our advantage. We cannot let our foreign adversaries take the upper hand in nuclear technology.

I have consistently opposed the Waters of the U.S. rule, commonly referred to as WOTUS. I am deeply concerned about the negative effects it imposes on our economy, the associated regulatory costs, and the bureaucratic barriers it creates. WOTUS represents an unconstitutional power grab by the federal government, especially for agriculture and energy in North Dakota.

Supporting our veterans and protecting our military is not just a duty but a profound honor. I am unwavering in my commitment to ensuring our brave servicemen and women receive the care, respect, and gratitude they deserve for their selfless sacrifice. I firmly believe in bolstering our military capabilities to defend our nation and uphold peace around the world. This includes advocating for adequate funding, modern equipment, and comprehensive training for our armed forces.

Moreover, we must prioritize providing our veterans with the highest standard of care and support as they transition back to civilian life. Access to quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities is crucial to honoring their service and ensuring a successful post-military life. That’s why I supported the VA Mission Act, which allows for the expansion of private care for veterans as an alternative to the VA system.

As a staunch advocate for life, I firmly believe in protecting the sanctity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Our moral obligation is to defend the most vulnerable among us and ensure every child has a chance for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I am committed to advancing policies that promote a culture of life, supporting measures that protect the rights of the unborn, and providing resources to empower women facing unplanned pregnancies. That's why I supported the most recent attempt at banning late-term abortion in our nation.

Through compassionate and comprehensive support systems, we can promote alternatives to abortion, fostering a society where life is respected and protected. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and an adoptive parent, I strive to knock down barriers for people who want to build a family. I will continue to champion Christian pro-life values and work towards a future where every individual's right to life is safeguarded and celebrated.

North Dakota's farmers deserve unwavering support through a robust Farm Bill that provides them stability. I will always push for legislation which will give much-needed relief to North Dakota producers who have been dealing with challenges ranging from drought to low commodity prices. In fixing the countercyclical support programs, while maintaining the crop insurance as well as livestock forage programs, our agricultural community will directly benefit from the legislation. We need Swampbuster minimal effects language included in the bill to provide relief from onerous and excessive regulations. I will continue to work with the Agriculture Committee on the advancement of this critically important legislation.

It is imperative we provide Americans with a plan that provides immediate relief for families suffering under the burden of skyrocketing health insurance premiums and uncertainty. I consistently fight for common-sense healthcare reform, including efforts to provide healthcare plans that are more patient-centered, flexible, and, most importantly, affordable. I believe in increasing price transparency and fostering competition to lower health care costs and prescription drug prices. We must get rid of the one-size-fits-all approach and allow states to build systems that work for their citizens.