Brian Rooney has been Clear on the Issues his entire life:
I believe that patients know best how to spend their health care dollars – not government bureaucrats. We should not sacrifice the best health care system in the world for the sake of consolidating government power and control. My approach to health care reform is to make it easier for patients to be in charge of their coverage. As someone who has experienced the healing of a loved one due to cutting-edge care, it’s clear that we don’t need the government sticking its nose into health care decisions, rationing quality, or reducing services to save money over lives. We also don’t need frivolous lawsuits driving up costs.
I believe in empowering families by reducing regulation, focusing on what works, and ensuring basic consumer rights to get the most out of their health care dollars. Instead of government control, I’ll encourage innovation and market driven change in the health care system so that everyone benefits - from providers to patients.
Environmental stewardship is inextricably linked to our health, safety and welfare. Michigan’s natural resources are a treasure and deserve to be conserved so that future generations can experience their beauty. As your representative in Congress, I’ll work to make sure that Michigan’s parks and natural areas continue to be cared for so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy its lakes, fields, and woods for hunting, fishing, and recreation.
I am proud to have served our country alongside so many brave and honorable individuals during the war in Iraq. Supporting our troops, Marines, sailors, soldiers, and airman is important to me and why I believe that preserving our freedom requires a strong national defense policy. I understand the commitment and depth of sacrifice that our servicemen and women make on our behalf. I will seek to provide them with the tools, training, and clear policy direction necessary to do their jobs well.
In today’s perilous times, America’s position in the world is secured by our armed services. It is paramount that we maintain peace through strength, with the understanding that peace can only come after victory. Too many on Capitol Hill have no idea what it takes to provide a strong national defense, nor understand the myriad threats our country faces. In Congress, I’ll use my experience as a combat veteran and knowledge of the law to promote our national interests and keep us safe from threats. I’ll make sure our troops have the tools, support, and proper rules of engagement to effectively respond to enemies.
American farmers feed America and the world. That’s because of agricultural innovation, efficiency and wise stewardship of land and livestock.
Maintaining today’s profitable farm operations relies on a Congress that promotes smart trade policy, reasonable environmental regulations, and the freedom to farm without heavy handed government involvement. I’ll fight to maintain common-sense agricultural policies that benefit Michigan farmers.
The fiscal 2009 budget deficit is $1.4 Trillion and our national debt now stands at $11.9 Trillion. I’m outraged with out-of-control government deficit spending like “bridges to nowhere” and “airports for no-one.” These wasteful pet projects can no longer be tolerated because they increase the debt that will burden our children and grandchildren.
I promise to fight for common-sense budgeting and an end to using the taxpayer as Congress’ piggy-bank. Washington must be good stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars. Like every household in America, Congress must spend only what it has, with the understanding that it cannot tax and spend its way to prosperity. I’ll work to bring accountability and transparency to how the government uses your tax dollars and for a balanced budget constitutional amendment.
Prosperity is secured by enabling those who work hard, save, and invest to enjoy the fruits of their labor and not see it confiscated through taxation. Helping Michigan families and businesses starts by repealing the estate tax and flattening the tax code to make it more fair.
When politicians fail to understand that it’s the peoples’ money and not theirs to spend on special interests’ projects, the system is out of whack. Washington must become better stewards of our budgets and revenues. I’ll fight for Michigan’s share of gas, transportation and other federal revenues and work to end wasteful spending.
I understand what it’s like to fight for freedom and come home to meet the challenges our veterans face. Jobs, health care, mental health services, and other supportive services are too scarce for those who leave their families to defend our country over and over again. That’s why I’ll work hard to advocate for our Veterans, active duty personnel, National Guard, and reserve service men and women. Those who dedicate their lives to the service of our country must be provided every opportunity to re-engage society and return home to enjoy the freedoms they fought so hard to preserve. George Washington said that the willingness of future generations to serve their country will depend on how they view how their country treated veterans of wars past. We must live up to this sacred duty of care.
Michigan’s trading partners are not limited to the shores of the United States. We provide the world with agriculture, automobiles, and automation. In order to give Michiganders a fair shake, we need trade policy that puts American jobs first and is fair. I’ll advocate for trade policies that are reciprocal and mutually beneficial.
Like our Founding Fathers, I firmly believe that each individual was endowed by our Creator with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I’ve fought in the courtroom to defend religious liberty, the right to worship, the sanctity of life for all individuals, and the symbols that express our history and heritage. Now I want to move that fight to the Congress where I will protect the family from threats to redefine it, make it obsolete, or undermine its importance to society. I will defend the right of parents to teach their children their values and not Washington, D.C.’s., I believe all life has dignity and will vote for life in Congress.
Our Founding Fathers understood that freedom is a precious thing and provided that no law should erode the right of the people to keep and bear arms. As a hunter, marksman, handgun owner, and proud member of the National Rifle Association, I’ll fight to protect our Second Amendment rights.
Government cannot simply create jobs. A positive and nurturing environment must be established in order for business to thrive and expand. If elected, I plan to support and propose legislation that will help create an economic environment that will foster growth in Michigan's job market.
Businesses need to be encouraged to hire more workers and produce more goods. This is not done through stringent government regulations and higher taxes. Government needs to get out of the way in order to promote economic growth and to ensure a prosperous future for workers all over this country, including right here in Michigan.
If these basic principles are applied, we can rise from the ashes of 15% unemployment and an exodus of businesses. It is time to put Michigan back to work.
