Economy

A truly prosperous American economy is one that is diversified, driven by innovation, and works for all people. I believe that to achieve this across the country, we must embrace technology and use it as a vehicle to put people to work. I support advanced American manufacturing as well as a nationwide investment in high-tech apprenticeships and worker training programs. 

Empowering a strong middle class will require an economy that benefits everyone, not just those at the top. And this starts by making good, technology-based jobs available and accessible across America. Enrico Moretti, a Berkeley economist, found that for every tech job, five other new jobs are created. This multiplier effect creates important service jobs such as baristas, doctors, lawyers, and dry cleaners, among many others.

I believe that working families are the backbone of this country, and that's why I have made lifting them up a central part of my agenda. I led and co-authored the CHIPS and Science Act that is spreading good-paying manufacturing jobs across America and revitalizing communities that have been left behind as jobs have gone overseas. I am also working on legislation to boost clean steel manufacturing and to create good-paying steel jobs. 

As a member of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, I am also working to reduce the trade deficit with China and ensure that the U.S. can continue to lead in innovation in the 21st century. 

Too many parents have had to leave a job due to the cost of childcare.  In the 1940s, America had a universal childcare policy. Since then, the cost of childcare has skyrocketed, and families are paying tens of thousands per year. As a co-founder of the Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Childcare Caucus, I am leading the effort to provide families with $10 per day childcare while guaranteeing that childcare workers receive family-supporting wages. 

I also support paid family leave, training programs for mid-career workers, and increasing the hourly minimum wage to at least $17 per hour. It is vital that we fight for working families, because they are the incubator of the American dream.