War in Iraq
First, I wholeheartedly support our men and women serving in our military in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. Every day is a challenge for them and their families, not knowing what the day will bring. Truly, there is no greater sacrifice than what these men and women offer their country. They are the ones paying the heavy price for this war, and their families pay the price, too.

It's been more than five years since President Bush flew in on an aircraft carrier and declared "Mission Accomplished." Yet, we still don't know the mission in Iraq and what was accomplished.

We must shift the responsibility of Iraq to the Iraqi people and their government. The answer to this war is not solely a military one. There have to be diplomatic solutions and I am prepared to provide the leadership to help determine the solution and complete this mission.

I believe our troops should be given the tools and resources to protect themselves and this country as they engage in active combat. And when our men and women come home from the war, they should be provided with the best health care our country has to offer. They have earned that right.

Homeland security and protecting Americans is vitally important. I have a zero tolerance for terrorism and I will work with others regardless of their political affiliation to fight terrorism until it is completely eradicated.

Social Security
Our Social Security system has been around for decades and, has seen many reforms.  While it needs to be completely reviewed and revised a "quick fix" will not come overnight.

Currently, the main concern lies with Social Security's ability to provide retirement benefits and health care coverage for the aged.  There is also growing concern from younger Americans who are currently paying into the Social Security system and do not know what quantity and quality of benefits they will receive - if any.

To fix Social Security there needs to be:

• A bipartisan study that looks at the economic effects as well as the benefits that need to be paid out.
• A national discussion that includes the input of young Americans as well as older Americans who are not politicians.
• Partnership between the private sector, government and, the American people in order to institute a solution.

In summary, the Social Security system is broken.  We must stop the knee jerk political reactions/solution that have swirled around this issue for the last ten years.  Members of Congress should be required to join Social Security; I believe that if we prepare a meal we should eat it along with the American people.  As your Senator, I will devote whatever time is necessary in order to improve Social Security as we know it today.

Healthcare
There are 1.7 million men, women and children in Georgia who are without healthcare. Affordable and accessible healthcare must be provided to all citizens. And, we need to hold accountable insurance companies who systematically deny coverage when it comes to certain medical procedures. Quality of life should be more important than their profit margins.

Immigration
We are a country of immigrants. But, we are also a country with laws and a belief in fairness. Therefore, I support legal immigration and immigration reform. The first step to comprehensive immigration reform is to secure the borders and enforce the law. The second step should be to modernize and streamline the legal citizenship process. Today, it is plagued by bureaucracy, long lines, and apathy. The third step will be to address temporary and long-term work visas. We must insist on an equitable and fair process.

Environment
Our country is the greatest on earth. We lead the world in the development of technology, medicines that save lives, and in the field of finance. We are a country of leaders. Therefore, we need to lead on the environment and recognize that global warming is real. Left unaddressed, global warming will have serious consequences to our environment and future generations including catastrophic weather events, significant reduction in our fresh water supplies, and a decline in our quality of life. The preservation of our environment is essential for generations to come.

Energy
I am concerned about high gas prices and our country’s dependence on foreign sources of oil. As the greatest country in the world, we should not have to rely on other countries, especially those in volatile parts of the world, to supply one of our most basic needs. That is why I support the development of a long-term energy independence strategy that includes alternative fuel innovation. Whether its capturing methane gas emissions from landfills as done in DeKalb County, the use of corn-based Ethanol, hydrogen powered or battery operated, the solution is out there. As your U.S. Senator from Georgia, I will work to make American self-sufficiency a reality.