Our state has been hit hard by the economic downturn and too many families are struggling as we work to rebuild our economy. I stand up for Oregon's working families by supporting common-sense solutions, like tax cuts for the middle class, so that we can create jobs and build a prosperous economy here in Oregon.

Congress has taken a number of bold steps to help pull us out of the worst economic crisis America has faced since the Great Depression, but we need to do much more to create high-wage jobs. I am committed to continuing to serve as a tough, independent voice for Oregon who fights for policies and investments that will fuel our economic recovery and create new jobs in our state.

We must make these investments in a way that is fiscally responsible. I am working to make our government more accountable and rein in the federal spending that is driving our country deeper into debt. Just like a responsible family budget, our government should offset any new spending with appropriate cuts to existing programs. I'm pushing for common-sense laws that reduce the waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars by requiring stricter oversight and quarterly audits to crack down on agencies that pay too much, pay twice for the same things, or pay for the wrong thing.

As your congressman, I have:

• Fought for new tax cuts for 98 percent of Americans to strengthen middle-class families.
• Passed legislation to stabilize the financial system and prevent responsible homeowners from losing their homes.
• Passed legislation to drive cutting-edge high-tech research to Oregon to fuel future economic prosperity.
• Passed legislation that has directly created 824 jobs in our community and has fueled the creation of many more.
• Passed legislation to provide tax incentives that encourage small business growth.
• Passed legislation to extend unemployment benefits for people who have been out of work for a long time.
• Voted to protect overtime pay and increase the minimum wage.
• Secured $5 million to help the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership train workers for well-paying jobs in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green occupations in other industries.
• Brought millions in federal funds to Oregon for critical transportation projects like the widening of Highways 26 and 217 and the Newberg-Dundee Bypass along Highway 99W.