Economy

Much of the income growth over the past decade has gone to the wealthiest 1% of Americans. For far too long, the wealthy have played by one set of rules while hard working Americans are forced to play by another. I will always fight for more progressive economic policies that reduce barriers for working- and middle-class families in my district and across the country.

Unfortunately, President Trump’s rogue economic agenda takes us in the wrong direction. Over the past months, President Trump has threatened and implemented a series of unpredictable and irresponsible tariffs. These economic depression-triggering tariffs wreak havoc on financial markets and the global economy. Trump has ignited tariff wars around the world, and American consumers will bear the cost. 

Today, House Republicans are saying the quiet part loud. President Trump "couldn't care less" if you are forced to pay more for your next car. Rather, he is executing an economic policy that benefits his bank account over the American people. I stand with small businesses and hardworking Americans and will keep fighting the Trump administration’s reckless actions in Congress. Members of both parties must work to get prices down, and as your Congressman, I will continue working to level the economic playing field for all Marylanders.

I am proud to serve as Vice-Chair of the Labor Caucus, a bipartisan group of legislators dedicated to promoting workers’ rights and the labor movement. On this caucus, I advocate for fair wages and tax policies, equitable benefits, safe working conditions, and the right of workers to organize at every opportunity. We must rebuild the American middle class through decisive action that supports working people across Maryland’s Fourth Congressional District and beyond. At a time of economic uncertainty and rogue conservative policies that disrupt Americans’ every day lives, this work is more important than ever. In this spirit, I support a series of legislative initiatives that, if passed, would empower American workers across the country.

Child Tax Credits (CTC)

Rebuilding the American middle class for the 21st century is a moral and economic imperative. Last Congress, I voted in support of H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, because expanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC) would benefit more than 34,000 children in Maryland’s Fourth District. Tax policies like the CTC are key to easing the economic burden on families in our district. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to restore the expanded tax credit so families can not just survive but thrive.

Fair Wages

Supporting our workforce and their families means everyone must be paid a livable wage. Parents should be able to feed their families and put a roof over their heads without being forced to hold down multiple jobs to make ends meet. I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2743, the Raise the Wage Act, which would incrementally increase the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2030, and H.R. 493, the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, which would restore years of lost wage increases for federal employees. These adjustments in wages are common sense, and they make up for years of government inaction that has been hurting workers across the country.

Workplace Safety

In addition to fair wages, hardworking Americans need workplace regulations that allow them to take care of themselves and their families. As a former prosecutor, I worked hard to protect Americans from unfair treatment and abuse, and I will continue to fight to strengthen worker protections. Any rogue efforts by the Trump administration to defund or dismantle organizations key to workplace safety like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are dangerous, misguided, and illegal. Everyone should feel confident that they can go to work, earn a living, and come home safely. As your Congressman, I will continue to work on the Labor Caucus to promote workers rights and quality employment. 

Relevant Legislation

I am proud to have either sponsored or co-sponsored the following legislation, and I will work tirelessly towards passing this legislation in the 119th Congress. 

H.R. 2743, the Raise the Wage Act, proposes incrementally increasing the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2030.

H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2025, forbids companies from permanently replacing employees on strike, restricts the use of offensive lockouts, and repeals secondary-activity prohibitions.

H.R. 493, the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, restores years of lost wage increases for federal employees.

H.R. 492, the Saving the Civil Service Act, pushes back against President Trump’s mass reductions in force and reclassification of federal workers under Schedule F.

H.R. 2550, the Protect America's Workforce Act, seeks to safeguard the benefits promised to federal workers.

H.R. 2880, to provide employment protections for, and reinstatement of, certain probationary Federal career employees, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1989, Protect Our Probationary Employees Act, reverses the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and unilateral mass firings of probationary federal employees. 

Community Engagement and Public Education

I have focused on community-building initiatives to ensure my constituents have the stability and job security they need to succeed. This includes:

• Rallying alongside UNITE HERE! Local 23, which represents Congress’ food service workers who are currently fighting for a contract that will provide them with a living wage, comprehensive health care, and the retirement plan they deserve.
• Organizing a Spring Job Fair alongside Prince George’s County Parks and Planning and Prince George’s County Councilmember At-Large Jolene Ivey.
• Hosting a Town Hall during the March recess to hear firsthand how this administration’s reckless actions have upended the lives of thousands of working people and created economic uncertainty.

American workers deserve policies that empower them to achieve financial freedom and live comfortably. As your Congressman, I am committed to collaborating with my colleagues to build an economic future where workers' rights and well-being are safeguarded and no one is left behind.