Revolutionizing Agriculture and Securing the Food Supply Chain
The food supply chain is a matter of national security and Abigail will help to combat the pressing food crisis by introducing an innovative solution that will bolster the growth of the agriculture industry. The program aims to award cannabis cultivation and processing licenses to existing produce and plant farms, with the condition that they continue to prioritize the cultivation of crops and food. Read more >
Empowering Small Businesses
As a business owner herself, Abigail understands the challenges and opportunities that local entrepreneurs face. She is committed to creating a thriving economy in the third district by championing policies that support small businesses, such as reducing burdensome regulations and providing access to capital and resources. By investing in our small businesses, we can create more job opportunities and strengthen our community.
Investing in Our Children
Our children are our future, and we must invest in their education. Abigail will advocate for increased funding for public schools, ensuring that every student has access to a quality education regardless of their zip code. Additionally, she will support efforts to make college more affordable and accessible, so that our young people can pursue their dreams without being burdened by excessive student loan debt.
Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for Maryland's Energy Future
Sustainable energy is critical for the future of our country and while there are many innovative options, one we cannot ignore is nuclear power. Maryland's electricity net generation heavily relies on nuclear power, accounting for an impressive 37%. However, the pressing need for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources has brought us to a pivotal moment. Now, more than ever, investing in cleaner energy solutions is of paramount importance. Read more >
Preserving Maryland's Chesapeake Bay & Clean Water
Our environment is of utmost importance, and we must take measures to protect it. One of Maryland's most valuable assets, the Chesapeake Bay, deserves special attention. Abigail is actively engaged in finding impactful solutions to safeguard this treasure. By promoting responsible and regenerative agricultural practices, encouraging recycling and repurposing of waste, supporting our oyster farmers in their efforts to clean up the bay, and much more, we are making significant strides towards its preservation. Read more >
Putting People First in Healthcare
Every person deserves access to affordable and quality healthcare. Abigail will fight to protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that no one is denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Additionally, she will work to lower prescription drug prices and increase funding for mental health services. By prioritizing the health and well-being of our constituents, we can build a stronger and more resilient community. Read more >
Building Stronger Communities
The third district deserves modern and reliable infrastructure that supports economic growth and enhances the quality of life for our residents. Abigail will work to secure federal funding for infrastructure projects, such as improving roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. By investing in our infrastructure, we can create jobs, attract businesses, and make our communities safer and more connected.
Providing Comprehensive Assistance and Support to Our Veterans
We must provide comprehensive support to our esteemed veterans in every possible aspect. This includes ensuring accessible, affordable, and alternative healthcare options specific to individual needs. Supporting our veterans also entails assisting them in successfully reintegrating into the workforce after their service. By offering resources, training programs, and employment opportunities, we can empower them to thrive in their civilian careers. Read more >
Reproductive Freedom and Gender
Having grown up with the constitutional protection of Roe v. Wade, Abigail is outraged that the Supreme Court terminated the right of women to control their reproductive freedom. Abigail celebrates diversity, and will continue to fight in Congress for the rights of the transgender community to get all the medical care, social support and legal protection that they are fully entitled to. Abigail will continue to fight for the complete restoration of the rights of women to autonomy over their bodies and their lives. This is only one part of her agenda to protect the full rights of women and my embrace of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Fighting Crime
It is time for modern, scientific approaches to preventing crime. Our justice system is based on centuries-old theories and practices that are failing to protect society.
We need more cops on the beat in our neighborhoods. Veteran officers are retiring in large numbers and must be replaced. This requires upgrades to our nation's police academies. Building stronger police departments includes using the most modern techniques. Security cameras in stores and other spaces need to be upgraded to generate high resolution images that can actually identify and convict offenders.
The federal gun laws have too many loopholes. Abigail congratulated the Biden Administration for closing the "gun show" loophole for background checks for legal firearms purchasers -- but it remains short of the necessary universal background checks for all legal transfers of firearms. The "red flag" laws need to be strengthened. We must restrict assault weapons and high capacity magazines to law enforcement and the military. Guns in the home need to be secure.
No one should be a victim of crime, and we need greater focus on strategies to prevent crime in the first place. Our antiquated justice system needs to go beyond apprehension and punishment of offenders after crimes are committed but to fully heal and restore crime victims, including trauma care, mental health care, physical therapy, etc. as well as full financial restitution. Crime victims should not have to rely on the expense of private insurance to get the justice and reimbursement for their victimization.
Democracy and Voting
It is humbling to follow Rep. John Sarbanes, our Member of Congress from the Third District, who has been one of the great defenders of the right to vote. The number two House Democrat, Kathleen Clark of Massachusetts, the Democratic Whip, is taking on the task of bringing his signature legislation to passage by Congress, and Abigail is excited to will work closely with her. Unlike John, who wants to make the Tuesday national election day a federal holiday every two years, I believe the election should be moved to the two day weekend, all day long both days. We don't need to cancel school to enable our nation to vote. Voters should not have to try to squeeze their in-person vote into a busy week day.
Supreme Court
Sadly, the Supreme Court is now, truly, "out of control." This GOP-dominated court flouts the most basic ethical and conflict of interest standards and is contemptuous of precedent. The Senate has played politics with Presidential appointments. Change under the Constitutional appointment of judges for the duration of "good behavior" is necessary. Abigail agrees with those U.S. Senators from the Judiciary Committee (Whitehouse, Blumenthal, et. al.) who advocate for a term limit approach that comports with the service during good behavior standard of the Constitution.
For 180 years, the average tenue of a Supreme Court justice was 15 years. By the 1970s, the average was 26 years, and with justices being appointed at ages in the 50s now, the predictable tenure is 35 years or more. That is too long! No on democracy in the world has its top judges serve for terms like this. Abigail supports constitutional legislation that would give Justices an 18 year term on the Supreme Court and then transition to other judicial service.