I understand the impact that inflation and supply chain issues have had on working families. That’s why I helped to create the first of its kind Inflation Working Group with the New Democrat Coalition. In June 2022, we released our Inflation Action Plan, which Forbes magazine called “the best inflation-fighting blueprint to come out of Congress yet.” The plan includes measures to fight inflation, lower the cost of living, and secure the long-term fiscal future of the economy. I’ve been working to put our cost-cutting measures into practice by supporting bills like the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which was signed into law in June 2022, and the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act. I was proud to help get the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed into law. This package includes over $550 billion in new federal investment in roads, bridges, water infrastructure, resilience, broadband, and more. In addition to delivering billions of dollars directly to our Commonwealth, the IIJA expands Buy America provisions to ensure that American businesses, big and small, play a key role in manufacturing and construction for these investments. The historic package is estimated to provide around 2 million jobs per year over the course of the decade. Our nation thrives when we strengthen American manufacturing, which is why I also voted to send the CHIPS and Science Act to the President’s desk in July 2022. This bipartisan bill will create new jobs, lower costs, and fund American innovators, like semiconductor producer Vishay Intertechnology, right here in our district. As a former business leader, advocate for corporate social responsibility, and current member of the House Small Business Committee, I have seen firsthand that when employees are treated with dignity and are paid well, our community does well. That’s why I was proud to cosponsor the Raise the Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour through a phase-in over a five-year period while phasing out lower wages for tipped workers, youth workers, and workers with disabilities. I have also long supported a regional living wage, which has historically received bipartisan support. As a new mother serving in the Air Force – even with six weeks of paid maternity leave – I found it challenging to simultaneously care for my new baby, recover from childbirth, and work full-time. Throughout my time in Congress, I have championed paid family and medical leave - no parent should have to decide between building a family and career. To provide greater opportunities for workers, increase profits for businesses, and improve communities, I am a proud founder and co-chair of the Stakeholder Capitalism Caucus. The Caucus supports measures in Congress to foster inclusion, generate longer-lasting growth, and benefit stakeholders more widely and equitably. We are firmly rooted in the belief that making a profit is not at odds with being good stewards of the environment and of communities – in fact, they are deeply connected ideas. As our economy continues to adapt to the needs of the 21st century and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been proud to support measures to expand opportunities for workers in emerging sectors. Notably, I have introduced the STEM Restart Act and cosponsored the National Apprenticeship Act. Furthermore, I have supported robust federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding to provide needed job training for disadvantaged youth and adults and additional assistance for dislocated workers. I am honored to serve you and will continue to work with my colleagues no matter the party to ensure our community has the resources it needs to succeed and drive our economy forward. |
Jobs & Economy
