How did your experience in the Marine Corps influence how you handle the trials and tribulations of being in congress?

I commanded Marines on two tours overseas, one in Afghanistan and one in special operations. The Marine Corps taught me that in conditions of high stakes and fast decision-making, individuals do not rise to the occasion. They fall to their level of training. Elected officials should have the ‘training’ – the experience and education – to make sound decisions in high-stakes situations, rather than bending in the political winds.

If you could have any piece of legislation pass (existing or future) what would you choose?

I was a student in 1999 when the Columbine High School shooting happened. I recall the disbelief and horror I felt watching the news unfold in real time with my peers. As a Marine, I ate, slept, and patrolled with an assault rifle and I know that weapons of war have no place on our streets or near our schools. Now, as a Congressman, I still see America grappling with the scourge of gun violence, with multiple mass shootings every day. Time and again we’ve failed to pass meaningful reform because the GOP cowers to the NRA. If I could choose one piece of legislation to pass and become law, it would be comprehensive gun-safety measures, modeled on what’s worked in Massachusetts.

In a house controlled by the Republicans, are there any areas where you think a compromise could be reached?

I’m optimistic that politics can stop at the water’s edge. I recently received an appointment from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve on the United States House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. This Congress, and my generation, have an opportunity to rise above politics to chart a course for sound strategy. I will work to ensure this committee approaches competition with China in a bipartisan fashion as we discuss defending democracy abroad; forging economic alliances in the Global South; and deterring conflict through strength and diplomacy.

If you wanted your district to know one thing about you or your mission, what would it be and why?

That social media and cable news do not reflect how Congress operates. The outrage-as-a-service business model of Facebook and Fox too often rewards show horses, not workhorses. The majority of Members of Congress are in Washington for the right reasons, trying to deliver results.

What inspires you to go out and fight for your district?

The great and enduring idea of America is that the circumstances of your birth should not determine the condition of your life. I am motivated every day to make that idea more of a reality

Why do you think it is so important for younger people to get involved and get informed about politics?

Unfortunately, young people today are growing up in a political & media environment where cynicism and even nihilism are the currency of debate. But the energy and optimism of young voters is critical to revitalizing our democracy and making our economy work for everyone. We need young people to help this country cut through the noise and rebuild a healthy, positive civil society based on people-to-people connections, not snarky tweets.