Regardless of our politics, all of us want a strong economy that gives everyone the chance to succeed. Few issues come up as frequently in my interactions across our region as the need to strengthen our economy, expand access to good-paying jobs, and make life more affordable.

Working to guide and strengthen the growth of the U.S. economy is a core focus of my work in Congress. I serve on the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, trade, health care, Social Security, and more. I hold a leadership position in the New Democrat Coalition—the largest ideological group of House Democrats—as chair of its Trade Task Force. And I chaired, in the 117th Congress, the Joint Economic Committee, which serves as the economic think tank for both chambers of Congress.

From these posts, I have led the fight against Donald Trump’s illegal and idiotic tariffs, which have drastically raised prices for American families while alienating our allies. Trump’s trade wars are clearly hurting the economy as a whole, slowing growth and killing jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector—the very area Trump claims these tariffs were supposed to help. While Trump claims these tariffs are paid by foreign countries and companies, the simple economic fact is that these costs are ultimately paid by American consumers. I have led the legislative fight against Trump’s tariffs in the House, offering bills to repeal the tariffs and signing onto amicus briefs to support the court battle against them.

Eliminating Trump’s tariffs is one of the most effective steps we can take to make life affordable for the American people, but it’s not the only one. In Congress, I have championed expansion of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit to spur the construction of new homes and bring down housing prices. I’ve helped pass legislation that would extend health care tax credits that make health coverage more affordable and fought legislation that will drive up electricity prices by killing investment in clean energy projects.

I have focused on policy to ensure our economy works for all Americans. I have authored legislation and chaired hearings on expanding universal paid leave, shrinking the gender wage gap and the racial wage gap, expanding and extending the Child Tax Credit, and supporting older workers. And I have introduced broad legislation to make our tax code fairer by requiring wealthy individuals and large corporations to pay their fair share of the tax burden. This is a clear contrast with Republican policies that have continually showered tax breaks on the rich.