Since I was elected to Congress, I have been a close partner with the labor movement and a strong advocate for workers’ rights in Washington. I believe that our federal policies must nurture innovation and technological advancement that position our nation’s workforce to the forefront of the green jobs movement.

The transition to cleaner alternative energy and the rebuilding of our manufacturing base here in the United States are critical issues facing our nation. I support climate legislation not only to protect vulnerable landscapes and populations but as a means to increase energy efficiency and spur a new generation of economic opportunities and jobs.

I am proud to have co-sponsored the following bills:

Employment Non-Discrimination Act – To prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Protecting America’s Workers Act – To amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to expand coverage, to increase protections for whistleblowers, and to increase penalties for certain violators.

Raise the Wage Act – To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to increase the federal minimum wage for employees on an incremental basis.