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Agriculture
Agriculture is the number one industry in Pennsylvania and a vital component of our state’s economy – farms employ numerous people and supply our nation with food. I am working with the agriculture community to support legislation that helps our farmers. For instance, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011. Similarly, in the last Congress I cosponsored H.R. 1220, which would have amended federal law relating to intrastate commercial motor vehicles engaged in agricultural purposes, so that our Pennsylvania farmers would be able to continue using their farm vehicles without undue regulation. I also cosponsored H.R. 5509, the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act, a bill which supported farmers through efforts to clean the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
In 2010, I was presented with the Friend of the Farm Bureau award for my support of policies that help to sustain farming in Pennsylvania.
Education
Coming from a family of educators, and a product of public education, I believe that we must promote an educational system that allows our children to be competitive in the global economy. I am a member of the Congressional Rural Education Caucus, as well as the House Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Caucus, where our goals are to stress the importance of rural education and to promote innovation. Furthermore, as I continue to work hard on strengthening our education system, I also am pushing to make college more affordable. I have opposed cutting Pell grants numerous times since being sworn into Congress as I believe we need to support those who need assistance the most.
Energy & Environment
I opposed the cap and trade bill because it would adversely affect American jobs. With that said, I believe that industries affected by emissions trading, as well as workers in those fields, should have a voice in determining future legislation on this critical subject. Nevertheless, I am a strong proponent of developing clean, alternative energy sources that will help to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Wind power, the use of natural gas, and carbon capture and storage technology will help the United States develop its domestic energy sources while reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, I also believe that we need to continue developing technologies that allow us to develop these natural resources in the cleanest and safest way possible. Given southwestern Pennsylvania’s history, it cannot forgo its watersheds and streams to develop another natural resource. We need to be able to do both.
In addition to being a member of the Coal and Natural Gas Caucuses, I have joined my colleague, Rep. Tom Reed (NY-29) in chairing the Marcellus Shale Caucus. The Marcellus Shale Caucus serves as a bipartisan forum for members of Congress to express their opinions regarding the development of the Marcellus Shale and learn from an array of experts on the topic. Our goal is to have a conversation, so we can discuss and learn about the effects that developing the Marcellus Shale will have on each of our communities and Congressional Districts.
Knowing that many of us have a concern for animal welfare, I have cosponsored H.R. 835, the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act, which would amend the Animal Welfare Act to hold breeders accountable for their dogs’ wellbeing. I have also cosponsored H.R. 1417, the Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training (BEST) Practices Act, which would require the Department of Defense to use only human-based methods, versus animal testing, for training members of the Armed Forces in the treatment of severe combat injuries.
Gun Owners’ Rights
I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and a Life Member of the NRA. I believe that the right to bear arms is a right that should be enjoyed by all law-abiding citizens of our great country. In the 112th Congress, I was the primary Democratic cosponsor of H.R. 1181, the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2011. This important bipartisan piece of legislation amends federal bankruptcy law to add $3,000 worth of personal firearms to the list of permissible exemptions during bankruptcy proceedings.
Similarly, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011; H.R. 1093, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform Act of 2011; H.R. 58, the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act; H.R. 645, To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia; H.R. 420, the Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2011; and H.R. 615, the Collectible Firearms Protection Act. All of these bills help to expand and protect the rights of gun-owners.
Health Care
I believe that health care needs to be accessible and affordable for all Americans. I also believe that people should be able to receive the best health care available, and that people, with the guidance of their doctors, are able to make the best health care decisions for themselves and for their families.
I opposed the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the new health care law, when it was first introduced. There are provisions within the law that I do support, including closing the Medicare Part D “donut hole,” allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ health coverage until age 26, and making it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against people with preexisting conditions. That being said, I also believe that there are provisions that must be amended – I support reinstating funding for various parts of Medicare that have been cut. I have already supported legislation to amend the law, such as H.R. 4, the Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011, which repeals the 1099 provision in the health care reform law which put an undue paperwork burden on small businesses. Similarly, I will look at all proposals, whether they are Republican or Democratic, that will make a positive impact on our health care system.
I also support changing Medicare laws so that reimbursements for our western Pennsylvania hospitals are fairer, and so that doctors are able to continue seeing Medicare and TRICARE patients.
Immigration
Our country has a long history of welcoming immigrants from across the world, but the laws of our nation must be followed. I believe that we must secure our borders to prevent the inflow of those who are not willing to comply with these laws. I also feel strongly that illegal immigrants should not be permitted to circumvent our citizenship process ahead of those who are following the proper procedures. Lastly, I believe that employers who hire illegal immigrants should be held accountable for their actions.
Jobs and the Economy
One of the main reasons I ran for Congress was to bring jobs to my District. I was appointed by the House Leadership to the Small Business Committee, where I am currently the Ranking Member on the Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subcommittee, focusing on policies to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs and drive the creation of jobs. I have helped pass legislation to give tax cuts to small businesses to innovate, expand and add workers, and to make it easier for small business owners to get loans and government contracts.
Living in western Pennsylvania, I’ve seen the effects that unregulated free trade can have on a local economy. I remember the flood of imports that shut down our steel mills and factories. American workers are the best in the world when the playing field is level, and we must ensure that it always is. That being said, I understand that we live in a global economy and that it is vital that we provide an open, yet fair trade arena that encourages full participation by other countries. While an open economy is important, we must also consider the well being of American workers and manufacturers. Unfair and manipulative trade practices should not be the result of any trade agreement. I have sponsored and cosponsored legislation that would help maintain fairness in our trade system, promote American exports, and level the playing field for American companies that compete overseas.
In the wake of what many believe was the worst U.S. financial crisis since the Great Depression, our national debt has climbed to extraordinary levels not seen before. It is critical that we begin to control our spending by prioritizing expenses and exercising fiscal restraint. Although everyone is anxious to restore our financial stability, we must recognize that our current economic state was not created overnight. It will take time, cooperation, and a fiscally sound legislative agenda to stabilize and rebuild our economy.
At a moment when our neighbors across western Pennsylvania are making difficult sacrifices during this tough economic time, we in government must also tighten our belts and get our fiscal house in order. You may be interested to know that in the 111th Congress, I introduced H.R. 5927, the Share the Financial Burden Act, which would cut all House and Senate Members' budgets by 5%, as well as the salary for all Members of Congress. This legislation would save the nation approximately $250 million per year. While the House did not pass my legislation, I voluntarily returned five percent of my own budget to the U.S. Treasury at the end of 2010 to follow through on this commitment. I was pleased that in the 112th Congress, the House voted to implement my idea, cutting House office, Committee and leadership budgets by 5%, as one of the first votes to be taken in 2011. This legislation will save taxpayers over $30 million annually.
I believe that homeownership helps spur economic development and supports healthy, strong communities. Middle-class families not only see their homes as a dwelling, but also an investment for their future. This is why as a member of Congress, I am doing what is necessary to ensure that the housing market has the necessary tools to stay strong and viable.
Military/Veterans
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am fighting to ensure that our military is fully prepared for threats and challenges worldwide. The United States’ ability to protect its vital interest, both now and in the future, is one of the most solemn duties of the Congress. My priorities include:
• Supporting our service members and their families
• Restoring our military readiness
• Modernizing our facilities and equipment to ensure American dominance of land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace
• Preserving our military industrial base
We have a proud history of military service in western Pennsylvania, and supporting our men and women who risk their lives protecting our country's national defense is one of my highest priorities. The same is true for our military veterans, who deserve our utmost respect and support. Since coming to Congress, I have worked hard to ensure that our troops and veterans are taken care of. To that end I have co-sponsored legislation that provides for concurrent receipt of Survivor Benefit Plan and Disability Indemnity Compensation without offset; legislation that supports VA fee based care coverage for rural veterans; legislation that helps veterans transition successfully from military service to civilian employment; and legislation that expands orthopedic, traumatic brain injury, and post traumatic brain disorder treatment in non-VA facilities. I support our veterans and their families that have sacrificed so much for our great country.
Seniors
As a member of the Congressional Task Force on Seniors, and a cosponsor of the Seniors Bill of Rights, I know that seniors and retirees are struggling during this tough economic time. I’m fighting to strengthen and preserve Social Security and Medicare for our current seniors and for future retirees. Americans have worked hard for these benefits and they should not be cut or taken away.
Earlier this year, I offered an amendment on the House Floor that would have prevented funds from being used to privatize Social Security or to cut benefits. It would have also prevented funds from being used to turn Medicare into a voucher system. Unfortunately, my amendment failed to receive the necessary votes for passage.
I support changing the way in which the Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) is calculated. I cosponsored legislation that would base the COLA on the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumer (CPIEC), which is a better measurement of what seniors spend as opposed to what is currently being used to calculate the COLA. I also oppose raising the Social Security retirement age, because after a lifetime of hard work, our seniors deserve a retirement that offers them peace of mind.
I oppose privatizing or cutting benefits to Medicare, which is one of the reasons why I opposed the Fiscal Year 2012 Republican budget proposal.
Transportation
As the former District Director and Economic Development Liaison for the late-Congressman John P. Murtha, I know the importance of transportation infrastructure in western Pennsylvania. Building and upgrading highways, increasing rail capability, and strengthening the locks and dams on our waterways are all crucial components of economic development. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 721, the Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2011, which will help companies maintain the short line railroads that are throughout the 12th Congressional District and western Pennsylvania. I am also supportive of Congress reauthorizing the surface transportation reauthorization bill this year. I know that this is crucial for our country so that are able to meet our growing transportation needs.
In the 111th and 112th Congress, I introduced the Corridor N Extension Act. This bill would help to upgrade U.S. Route 219 between Ebensburg and western New York. I also cosponsored legislation and testified in favor of amending current law so that toll credits can be used to match federal transportation funding, allowing highways like Route 219 between Somerset and I-68 in Maryland to move into construction.
Representative Mark Critz
Representing the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania
Stay Connected
Legislative Issues
Learn where I stand on the issues by reading the information below. Please feel free to contact my office if you would like any additional information on my positions. I appreciate your interest in my stance on all issues.Agriculture
Agriculture is the number one industry in Pennsylvania and a vital component of our state’s economy – farms employ numerous people and supply our nation with food. I am working with the agriculture community to support legislation that helps our farmers. For instance, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011. Similarly, in the last Congress I cosponsored H.R. 1220, which would have amended federal law relating to intrastate commercial motor vehicles engaged in agricultural purposes, so that our Pennsylvania farmers would be able to continue using their farm vehicles without undue regulation. I also cosponsored H.R. 5509, the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act, a bill which supported farmers through efforts to clean the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
In 2010, I was presented with the Friend of the Farm Bureau award for my support of policies that help to sustain farming in Pennsylvania.
Education
Coming from a family of educators, and a product of public education, I believe that we must promote an educational system that allows our children to be competitive in the global economy. I am a member of the Congressional Rural Education Caucus, as well as the House Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Caucus, where our goals are to stress the importance of rural education and to promote innovation. Furthermore, as I continue to work hard on strengthening our education system, I also am pushing to make college more affordable. I have opposed cutting Pell grants numerous times since being sworn into Congress as I believe we need to support those who need assistance the most.
Energy & Environment
I opposed the cap and trade bill because it would adversely affect American jobs. With that said, I believe that industries affected by emissions trading, as well as workers in those fields, should have a voice in determining future legislation on this critical subject. Nevertheless, I am a strong proponent of developing clean, alternative energy sources that will help to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Wind power, the use of natural gas, and carbon capture and storage technology will help the United States develop its domestic energy sources while reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, I also believe that we need to continue developing technologies that allow us to develop these natural resources in the cleanest and safest way possible. Given southwestern Pennsylvania’s history, it cannot forgo its watersheds and streams to develop another natural resource. We need to be able to do both.
In addition to being a member of the Coal and Natural Gas Caucuses, I have joined my colleague, Rep. Tom Reed (NY-29) in chairing the Marcellus Shale Caucus. The Marcellus Shale Caucus serves as a bipartisan forum for members of Congress to express their opinions regarding the development of the Marcellus Shale and learn from an array of experts on the topic. Our goal is to have a conversation, so we can discuss and learn about the effects that developing the Marcellus Shale will have on each of our communities and Congressional Districts.
Knowing that many of us have a concern for animal welfare, I have cosponsored H.R. 835, the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act, which would amend the Animal Welfare Act to hold breeders accountable for their dogs’ wellbeing. I have also cosponsored H.R. 1417, the Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training (BEST) Practices Act, which would require the Department of Defense to use only human-based methods, versus animal testing, for training members of the Armed Forces in the treatment of severe combat injuries.
Gun Owners’ Rights
I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and a Life Member of the NRA. I believe that the right to bear arms is a right that should be enjoyed by all law-abiding citizens of our great country. In the 112th Congress, I was the primary Democratic cosponsor of H.R. 1181, the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2011. This important bipartisan piece of legislation amends federal bankruptcy law to add $3,000 worth of personal firearms to the list of permissible exemptions during bankruptcy proceedings.
Similarly, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011; H.R. 1093, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform Act of 2011; H.R. 58, the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act; H.R. 645, To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia; H.R. 420, the Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2011; and H.R. 615, the Collectible Firearms Protection Act. All of these bills help to expand and protect the rights of gun-owners.
Health Care
I believe that health care needs to be accessible and affordable for all Americans. I also believe that people should be able to receive the best health care available, and that people, with the guidance of their doctors, are able to make the best health care decisions for themselves and for their families.
I opposed the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the new health care law, when it was first introduced. There are provisions within the law that I do support, including closing the Medicare Part D “donut hole,” allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ health coverage until age 26, and making it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against people with preexisting conditions. That being said, I also believe that there are provisions that must be amended – I support reinstating funding for various parts of Medicare that have been cut. I have already supported legislation to amend the law, such as H.R. 4, the Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011, which repeals the 1099 provision in the health care reform law which put an undue paperwork burden on small businesses. Similarly, I will look at all proposals, whether they are Republican or Democratic, that will make a positive impact on our health care system.
I also support changing Medicare laws so that reimbursements for our western Pennsylvania hospitals are fairer, and so that doctors are able to continue seeing Medicare and TRICARE patients.
Immigration
Our country has a long history of welcoming immigrants from across the world, but the laws of our nation must be followed. I believe that we must secure our borders to prevent the inflow of those who are not willing to comply with these laws. I also feel strongly that illegal immigrants should not be permitted to circumvent our citizenship process ahead of those who are following the proper procedures. Lastly, I believe that employers who hire illegal immigrants should be held accountable for their actions.
Jobs and the Economy
One of the main reasons I ran for Congress was to bring jobs to my District. I was appointed by the House Leadership to the Small Business Committee, where I am currently the Ranking Member on the Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subcommittee, focusing on policies to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs and drive the creation of jobs. I have helped pass legislation to give tax cuts to small businesses to innovate, expand and add workers, and to make it easier for small business owners to get loans and government contracts.
Living in western Pennsylvania, I’ve seen the effects that unregulated free trade can have on a local economy. I remember the flood of imports that shut down our steel mills and factories. American workers are the best in the world when the playing field is level, and we must ensure that it always is. That being said, I understand that we live in a global economy and that it is vital that we provide an open, yet fair trade arena that encourages full participation by other countries. While an open economy is important, we must also consider the well being of American workers and manufacturers. Unfair and manipulative trade practices should not be the result of any trade agreement. I have sponsored and cosponsored legislation that would help maintain fairness in our trade system, promote American exports, and level the playing field for American companies that compete overseas.
In the wake of what many believe was the worst U.S. financial crisis since the Great Depression, our national debt has climbed to extraordinary levels not seen before. It is critical that we begin to control our spending by prioritizing expenses and exercising fiscal restraint. Although everyone is anxious to restore our financial stability, we must recognize that our current economic state was not created overnight. It will take time, cooperation, and a fiscally sound legislative agenda to stabilize and rebuild our economy.
At a moment when our neighbors across western Pennsylvania are making difficult sacrifices during this tough economic time, we in government must also tighten our belts and get our fiscal house in order. You may be interested to know that in the 111th Congress, I introduced H.R. 5927, the Share the Financial Burden Act, which would cut all House and Senate Members' budgets by 5%, as well as the salary for all Members of Congress. This legislation would save the nation approximately $250 million per year. While the House did not pass my legislation, I voluntarily returned five percent of my own budget to the U.S. Treasury at the end of 2010 to follow through on this commitment. I was pleased that in the 112th Congress, the House voted to implement my idea, cutting House office, Committee and leadership budgets by 5%, as one of the first votes to be taken in 2011. This legislation will save taxpayers over $30 million annually.
I believe that homeownership helps spur economic development and supports healthy, strong communities. Middle-class families not only see their homes as a dwelling, but also an investment for their future. This is why as a member of Congress, I am doing what is necessary to ensure that the housing market has the necessary tools to stay strong and viable.
Military/Veterans
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am fighting to ensure that our military is fully prepared for threats and challenges worldwide. The United States’ ability to protect its vital interest, both now and in the future, is one of the most solemn duties of the Congress. My priorities include:
• Supporting our service members and their families
• Restoring our military readiness
• Modernizing our facilities and equipment to ensure American dominance of land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace
• Preserving our military industrial base
We have a proud history of military service in western Pennsylvania, and supporting our men and women who risk their lives protecting our country's national defense is one of my highest priorities. The same is true for our military veterans, who deserve our utmost respect and support. Since coming to Congress, I have worked hard to ensure that our troops and veterans are taken care of. To that end I have co-sponsored legislation that provides for concurrent receipt of Survivor Benefit Plan and Disability Indemnity Compensation without offset; legislation that supports VA fee based care coverage for rural veterans; legislation that helps veterans transition successfully from military service to civilian employment; and legislation that expands orthopedic, traumatic brain injury, and post traumatic brain disorder treatment in non-VA facilities. I support our veterans and their families that have sacrificed so much for our great country.
Seniors
As a member of the Congressional Task Force on Seniors, and a cosponsor of the Seniors Bill of Rights, I know that seniors and retirees are struggling during this tough economic time. I’m fighting to strengthen and preserve Social Security and Medicare for our current seniors and for future retirees. Americans have worked hard for these benefits and they should not be cut or taken away.
Earlier this year, I offered an amendment on the House Floor that would have prevented funds from being used to privatize Social Security or to cut benefits. It would have also prevented funds from being used to turn Medicare into a voucher system. Unfortunately, my amendment failed to receive the necessary votes for passage.
I support changing the way in which the Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) is calculated. I cosponsored legislation that would base the COLA on the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumer (CPIEC), which is a better measurement of what seniors spend as opposed to what is currently being used to calculate the COLA. I also oppose raising the Social Security retirement age, because after a lifetime of hard work, our seniors deserve a retirement that offers them peace of mind.
I oppose privatizing or cutting benefits to Medicare, which is one of the reasons why I opposed the Fiscal Year 2012 Republican budget proposal.
Transportation
As the former District Director and Economic Development Liaison for the late-Congressman John P. Murtha, I know the importance of transportation infrastructure in western Pennsylvania. Building and upgrading highways, increasing rail capability, and strengthening the locks and dams on our waterways are all crucial components of economic development. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 721, the Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2011, which will help companies maintain the short line railroads that are throughout the 12th Congressional District and western Pennsylvania. I am also supportive of Congress reauthorizing the surface transportation reauthorization bill this year. I know that this is crucial for our country so that are able to meet our growing transportation needs.
In the 111th and 112th Congress, I introduced the Corridor N Extension Act. This bill would help to upgrade U.S. Route 219 between Ebensburg and western New York. I also cosponsored legislation and testified in favor of amending current law so that toll credits can be used to match federal transportation funding, allowing highways like Route 219 between Somerset and I-68 in Maryland to move into construction.
