I believe that growing the economy will require getting our unsustainable debt and deficit problem under control. However, deficit reduction has to be done in a sustainable and responsible way, which is why I oppose severe, across-the-board cuts through sequestration. Instead, we must reform our outdated tax code to make it fairer and more competitive; implement smart reforms to entitlement programs, without unjustly harming beneficiaries; take a long-term look at our defense spending; and target government waste, fraud and abuse.

The only thing the President’s supposed “America First” budget will do is put hardworking American families last. Devastating cuts to infrastructure spending, jobs training programs, investments in research and development, and much more, will undo all the undeniable progress made over the last eight years and threaten the economic security of the most vulnerable people in our society. Instead of wasting time on a reckless and short-sighted budget, Congress must work on a new proposal that makes the smart investments necessary to strengthen our competitiveness and keep our communities secure.

During my time in Congress, I’ve introduced legislation to close egregious tax loopholes; reduce tens of millions in wasteful defense spending; provide taxpayers with new tools to track how their money is being spent by the federal government; and improve the federal budget process.

Congress also needs to end the irresponsible practice of crisis-to-crisis governing and begin passing long-term budgets so that federal agencies and businesses have reliable and predictable funding. This allows them to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible, and plan out years in advance as opposed to only a few months on a temporary budget. If agencies are unsure that funding will be available in the future, they will freeze hiring and training, shorten terms for grants and contracts, and delay the start of new projects. We must find a way to put partisan politics aside, so we can get back to passing long-term budgets under regular order.

At the end of 2017, Republicans in Congress forced through a wildly unpopular, deficit-increasing tax bill that will harm the hardworking people of Illinois. While I am in support of comprehensive tax reform that is simple, equitable, and supportive of middle-class families, this bill is none of those things. I will never back legislation that gives massive benefits to the wealthy and corporations at the expense of seniors, small businesses, and homeowners.