Christine Brown

Defense / Veterans

We already have plenty of bombs and war-making capabilities. I don't want an arms race. Learn more

Environment / Energy

I BELIEVE In science. Climate change is real and must be addressed. Learn more

We need an independent leader in Congress who will work for us to find solutions and make progress on climate change. I understand the devastating impact climate change is having on every aspect of our economy and our health. We have a moral obligation to our children to leave them a future with a vibrant, clean-energy economy and a stable, healthy climate. Working in a bi-partisan manner to find smart solutions to climate change will be among my top priorities. Learn more

Foreign Policy

I BELIEVE Religion is not a test for entry into the U.S. I reject a Muslim ban and registry. Learn more

Russia and Putin hacked the U.S. election. This demands sanctions and a rigorous, independent investigation protected from White House interference or intimidation. Learn more

I BELIEVE The U.S. is a world leader and that means cooperation, not confrontation. Learn more

Government Reform

I BELIEVE We desperately need campaign finance reform; get the big money out. Learn more

I BELIEVE In the rule of law. Democracy fails if our leaders don't obey laws. Learn more

It's the responsibility of our elected leaders in the federal government to prevent this from happening again. Congress should be acting to protect us from another crisis where those who can least afford it experience the most extreme consequences. That's exactly what Congress did in 2010 by passing the Dodd-Frank landmark legislation to create protections for consumers on the banking industry. The new rules affected banks, hedge funds, mortgage originators, insurance companies, debt collectors and payday lenders. These protections were put in place to protect you and me. Learn more

Healthcare

I believe health care is a right, and not a privilege for the rich or folks lucky enough to be employed by a company offering medical coverage as a benefit. I would work tirelessly to continue the basic coverage features of the Affordable Care Act. Learn more

I BELIEVE In health care for all. As a society, we have moved ever closer to the idea that health care is a right, not a privilege. I will work to expand the Medicare system to include all people. Learn more

Immigration

I BELIEVE Immigration reform has to include a path to citizenship. Learn more

I BELIEVE Our country needs a massive infrastructure jobs program . . . not a wall on the Mexican border. Learn more

I will be a strong voice in Congress to demand we address this issue now, not later. Creating a path to citizenship for eligible individuals is our future. This system must include a detailed application process and a stringent e-verify program. In addition, we need a manageable Agricultural Guest Worker program. Learn more

Social Services

Medicare works well and should not be turned into a voucher program giving insurance companies control to raise rates. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

With substantially less money to spend, Congress will make major cuts to programs serving middle class families. The House has already passed a budget that cuts nearly $6 trillion in Medicare, Medicaid, education and other public services. And now, in another attempt to kill the Affordable Care Act, the Senate version of the tax bill will end the individual mandate, leading to 13 million more Americans being uninsured. Learn more

By taking in less money to the treasury our national debt will increase enormously. That's because we won't be able to pay the debt down, it can only go up. According to Congress's Joint Committee on Taxation, the projected loss of revenue equates to at least $1.5 trillion in new deficits over a decade. Some economic analysts project more. Think of it like a credit card bill. For example, if you’ve accumulated a $5,000 debt, but can only pay the minimum, your finance charges keep accumulating, and you’ll never pay off your debt. Now consider that you take a pay cut and have even less to help pay down your credit card debt. You continue to use that credit card and the interest continues to rack up, but you can't make a dent in paying it off. This is what Republicans are suggesting we do. Learn more

Some middle class tax payers would see a savings, others will pay more. Economists have repeatedly told us the economy is stimulated when people have more money to spend. But a sizable portion of the middle class will pay more, not less. Americans in states with an income or sales tax will no longer be able to deduct those taxes from their federal taxes. Students will be taxed for tuition assistance. Mortgage deductions would be capped, and the property tax deduction would be eliminated. All this depends on which bill we’re talking about, the House or the Senate; but when we spend our time debating which deductions for the middle class will help or hinder tax payers – we’re missing the most important impact of this legislation — the creation of an unsustainable national debt. Learn more

I BELIEVE Our tax system is upside down. The very rich and big corporations should pay their fair share. Learn more

The top 1% of Americans will pay substantially less in taxes, and some corporations may end up paying nothing. The corporate rate would drop from 35 to 20%, but many of the deductions and loopholes will allow corporations to pay much less – some even nothing. Republicans continue to use the oft-debunked idea of trickle down economics as a way to convince us that jobs will be created by the corporate cuts, and that the savings will be shared with workers. There’s no other way to say it — that’s a bald-faced lie. Corporations are enjoying more profits than ever, but the benefits are not trickling down to workers. Learn more

Under the Republican plan, corporate tax cuts are permanent, while middle class cuts will expire in eight years. This scheme allows Senate Republicans the luxury of passing their bill with a simple majority, rather than the 60 votes they would otherwise require. At a time when our nation desperately needs health care for all citizens, a massive infrastructure upgrade, and economic policy that narrows the wealth gap, not widens it, this Republican tax plan takes us in the wrong direction. Learn more