It’s important for you to know where I stand. Governing requires many difficult decisions on complex matters. As your Representative, it is my solemn duty to analyze issues, weigh evidence and opinion, and ultimately make a judgment. I take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness in determining the future direction of our country.

My core political philosophy is simple: The strength of our nation depends upon the strength of our nation’s families and communities. And as we work for a stronger America, a nation filled with promise and hope, I believe we should focus on five key principles:

We must create economic opportunity through sound fiscal policy and small business entrepreneurship. We must develop smart energy and environmental policy. We must strengthen national security, including controlling our borders. We should work for patient-centered health care for better living. And we must support family life and uphold a culture that respects the dignity and rights of all persons. These principles will continue to be my guide as I make decisions on your behalf.

America faces serious economic challenges. As we work to restore opportunity in challenging times, we must embrace sound economic policy that consists of targeted tax relief, fiscal discipline, and the removal of obstacles to entrepreneurship.

Recently, Congress was faced with a decision to adopt a $700 billion plan to nationalize bad corporate debt. I voted against the bailout measure twice. Many Nebraskans had serious reservations as well. While financial instability continues to be a serious concern, the choice was not between action and inaction. Rather, it was a choice to consider alternatives that may be less costly, easier to implement, and fairer to most Americans who have no blame for our financial market difficulties. I called for options that would restore asset values and liquidity by providing loans or guarantees, rather than purchasing troubled assets. I also helped introduce an initiative to use net worth certificates to meet capital requirements, a tool the government has previously used to mitigate financial difficulties. Such options did not receive full consideration. While I did not agree with the final bailout approach, hopefully the plan now in place will be successful.

In Nebraska, our economic strength largely depends on the strength of small businesses and family farms. My service on the House Agriculture and Small Business Committees is focused on public policies that help create economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs. I have supported tax relief for small businesses increasing access to capital, and better healthcare options for the self-employed and uninsured.. I have also helped change farm policy to target grant assistance to small family farmers who are creatively marketing their products, and make it easier for schools to buy local foods from local farms.

Nebraska is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. It is important that we prioritize to promote opportunity and entrepreneurship throughout our state.

One of our top challenges is creating smart energy policy. America needs a bold new energy vision. Congress must act now and examine the full range of energy options in our portfolio. Increased use of domestic resources in an environmentally responsible way can help promote our energy independence while building a bridge to a more sustainable energy future. We must also fully integrate conservation, innovative technologies, and a variety of renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels into our energy strategy.

In the new Farm Bill, I introduced a new initiative that provides assistance for rural towns to establish community based renewable energy systems and become energy self-sufficient. Rural America can lead the way to energy sustainability, and Nebraska can be a national model for clean, green energy use and production. Transitioning to sustainable energy will increase our energy independence and decrease the economic vulnerabilities caused by reliance on foreign oil, create new income opportunities for farmers, and conserve our natural resources.

Providing national security is a fundamental duty of the federal government. Secure borders and a well equipped U.S. military are the foundations of our national security. Our country is strengthened as well by maintaining good relationships with other nations, promoting fundamental human rights, and increasing international stability.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee with special responsibilities for the Middle East and Africa, these complex challenges have been among my top priorities. In the Middle East, I believe we should continue to pursue the rapid stabilization of Iraq through security, diplomatic, and economic means in order to empower the nation to be self-sustaining with a new model of governance that promotes civil society and human rights, rejecting the violence and chaos so prevalent in the volatile Middle East. These goals ultimately must be achieved by Iraqis themselves, and have international support. Our troops have selflessly and heroically served to meet this objective, and are positioned for further withdrawals as positive news continues.

Our health care system faces serious challenges. The cost of both private and government health insurance is increasing faster than inflation and wages, and the number of uninsured is rising. These challenges can be met with innovative policies that lower costs and increase outcomes while protecting vulnerable persons.

I have worked to strengthen the federal government’s partnership with the states to provide health care for needy children, and I have written legislation to help the uninsured find more affordable health insurance options. I have also promoted new medical technologies, health and wellness initiatives, health savings accounts, and community health centers as ways to help save lives and save money.

Finally, the strength of our nation depends on the strength of our families and communities. Families and communities that protect the innocence of children, respect life, teach personal responsibility, and encourage decency help build a culture that honors the inherent dignity of every person, including the poor and the defenseless.

I am pro-life. I believe women deserve better than abortion, especially women who may feel coerced or believe they have no other choice. Life should be protected and respected from conception to natural death. Certainly we are big enough as a country, have resources enough, and we should care enough for those facing difficult situations