Initiatives
I have been very fortunate to travel our country and the world, and through those experiences, my perspective of America has continued to grow and evolve. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply connected our world has become and how isolationism is not the way forward. The United States must continue to lead — as a champion of freedom, democracy, and economic strength — but that cannot happen by raising tariffs, alienating our allies, or driving trading partners to take their business elsewhere. Leadership means building bridges, not burning them.
Unfortunately, the current President’s reckless economic policies and moral failures threaten to undo decades of progress. A man who has bankrupted multiple companies now risks bankrupting American families — and if left unchecked, could do lasting damage to our nation. It’s time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority and restore accountability to the highest levels of government. We must have the courage to stand up for what’s right, to stop this economic and moral decline, and to bring integrity, responsibility, and balance back to Washington.
Our future depends on leadership that unites rather than divides — leadership that puts country over party and service over self-interest.
Support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
There is no greater threat to an authoritarian government than an educated population. That is why this administration continues to attack education at every level—from public schools to higher education institutions—because it understands that knowledge empowers people to think, to question, and to lead. And nowhere has that truth been more evident than in the ongoing struggle to protect and fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which have served as cornerstones of opportunity, resilience, and excellence for generations of African Americans and countless others.
For more than a century, HBCUs have produced leaders, educators, scientists, and public servants who have shaped every part of American life. They are more than schools; they are symbols of perseverance against systemic inequities and racism. Yet today, their missions are under constant threat—from funding challenges to political efforts that undermine their importance in our national educational landscape. That is why I stand in full support of the FUTURE Act (H.R. 5363), a bipartisan bill that permanently extends mandatory funding for HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and other Minority Serving Institutions to strengthen STEM education and secure long-term investment in their success.
This legislation, which has already passed the House and awaits action in the Senate, is a critical step forward in ensuring that HBCUs receive the stable funding they deserve. It builds upon long-standing programs like Title III, Part B of the Higher Education Act, which provides grants to strengthen HBCUs academically and administratively, while mandating additional appropriations beyond 2019 to expand their reach and impact.
Recently, the Department of Education reallocated approximately $495 million in discretionary funding to HBCUs and Tribal Colleges—a meaningful but temporary boost. While welcome, this reallocation cannot replace the permanent, reliable funding HBCUs need to thrive. And though the current administration announced nearly $500 million in funding under new executive orders, that funding came at the expense of other minority-serving programs—pitting one group of students against another rather than lifting everyone together.
Let’s be clear: true support for HBCUs isn’t about political showmanship or last-minute budget reshuffling—it’s about long-term commitment, respect, and equity. The FUTURE Act and related legislation such as H.R. 2664, which expands the use of grants to strengthen HBCUs even further, represent real investment in America’s promise.
To attack or undermine HBCUs is to attack the very spirit of American education. These institutions embody our nation’s belief in second chances, equal opportunity, and the transformative power of learning. We must defend them not only because they serve Black communities, but because they serve the ideals that define us as a people.
I stand firmly with HBCUs—and with all who believe that education must remain free, fair, and fearless. Because an educated nation is a strong nation, and no government that fears knowledge deserves to lead.
Support of the Department of Education Protection Act (H.R. 433)
It is impossible to ignore what is happening in our country right now. This administration and the majority of the GOP are waging an unprecedented attack on public education—an effort to dismantle the Department of Education and strip away its ability to safeguard the learning and growth of millions of American children. This is not about improving education; it is about control—control of what our citizens learn, how our children think, and what kind of future they are allowed to imagine. Never before in the history of the United States has there been such a coordinated attempt to weaken the very foundation of our public education system.
Since its founding in 1979, the Department of Education has stood as a guardian of opportunity and equality. It has protected the rights of students with disabilities, enforced anti-discrimination laws, and ensured that every child—regardless of zip code, income, or background—has access to a quality education. The Department has been the voice for those too often ignored, the champion of students and families who rely on public schools to open doors to a better life. To dismantle it is to abandon those very values that have defined our progress as a nation.
That is why I stand firmly in support of Representative Jahana Hayes and the Department of Education Protection Act (H.R. 433). This bill defends the Department’s vital mission and reaffirms our nation’s commitment to fair, accessible, and high-quality public education. It ensures that the federal government continues to play a role in protecting students’ civil rights, supporting teachers, and providing the resources our schools need to succeed.
The attacks on the Department of Education are not just political theater—they are an assault on the American promise that education is a right, not a privilege. Dismantling the Department would put millions of students at risk, undermine support for special education programs, reduce accountability for states and school districts, and widen the gap between the wealthy and everyone else. That is unacceptable.
Public education is the backbone of our democracy. It gives every child, regardless of circumstance, the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to society. To weaken it is to weaken America itself.
I wholeheartedly support the Department of Education Protection Act because education should never be a political weapon—it should be a national priority. We must stand up to those who seek to divide and defund our schools and instead invest in the teachers, students, and communities that represent the best of who we are.
An attack on education anywhere is an attack on opportunity everywhere—and we cannot, and will not, allow it to stand.
Statement on Immigration
Immigration is one of the most pressing issues facing our nation, and it demands a solution that is both practical and deeply humane. For too long, our immigration system has been treated as a political weapon rather than a pathway to fairness, security, and opportunity. The current administration’s approach—marked by raids, family separations, and the terrorization of immigrant communities—stands in stark contrast to the values that make this country strong. Every person, regardless of where they come from, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Our laws and policies must reflect that principle.
I wholeheartedly support Congressman Brian Schatz’s bill, which seeks to create a system that is orderly, just, and compassionate. This legislation recognizes the need to manage immigration while ensuring that those seeking refuge or opportunity are not subjected to fear, violence, or inhumane treatment. It emphasizes pathways to legal status, fair enforcement practices, and protections for vulnerable populations, including children, asylum seekers, and those fleeing extreme violence. It is an approach grounded in justice, practicality, and American values.
It is important to remember that humane enforcement is not unprecedented. During President Obama’s administration, approximately three million people were deported, yet the approach was focused on public safety and targeted enforcement, rather than the widespread terror and aggression we see today. Contrast that with the current administration’s actions, which too often resemble a weaponization of the immigration system: immigrants are rounded up in raids, families are torn apart, and entire communities live under fear of government intrusion. This is not enforcement—it is cruelty disguised as policy.
The truth is simple: the United States can secure its borders and maintain a functioning immigration system without resorting to fear and violence. Our country has always been defined by its openness and by its ability to welcome those seeking a better life. By supporting Congressman Schatz’s bill, we take a clear stand for an immigration system that is orderly, enforceable, and humane—a system that protects both our national security and our shared humanity.
We must work together to reform immigration in a way that aligns with our values. This means crafting laws that provide clear paths to legal status, support fair and timely adjudication of asylum claims, and protect families from unnecessary suffering. It means holding accountable those who exploit or endanger immigrants while rejecting policies that terrorize people for political gain.
Immigration policy is more than a legislative debate—it is a test of who we are as a nation. I stand firmly in support of Congressman Schatz’s vision because it demonstrates that the United States can enforce its laws responsibly while upholding compassion, justice, and human dignity. We must demand policies that honor our values and treat all people—regardless of their origin—with the respect they deserve.
Statement on Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the most important issues facing Americans today, and it is essential that our leaders act to protect and expand access to affordable care. Currently, a bill supported by Democrats is waiting to be passed that would provide meaningful relief to millions of Americans. This legislation focuses on permanently extending the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which were originally expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. These subsidies have helped countless families afford health insurance, and making them permanent would ensure that millions of Americans can continue to access coverage without facing overwhelming costs.
In addition to strengthening the ACA, the bill includes provisions to extend expiring Medicare programs, such as telehealth services, hospital-at-home programs, and adjustments for geographic practice costs. These programs are especially important for seniors, rural communities, and individuals with limited mobility, allowing them to receive care safely and conveniently. The bill also seeks to repeal certain Medicaid provisions that Democrats view as harmful or restrictive, further improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Unfortunately, despite the clear benefits of this bill, it has faced strong opposition from many Republican members of Congress. Their resistance has prevented the passage of a continuing resolution that would fund the government while including these critical healthcare protections. Without this legislation, millions of Americans could face higher insurance premiums and reduced access to essential services as early as next year. This delay highlights a troubling failure to prioritize the well-being of constituents and those who rely on the healthcare system.
I wholeheartedly support the Democrats’ efforts to pass this bill because it is a common-sense, compassionate approach to ensuring that every American can access affordable, high-quality healthcare. Extending these subsidies and Medicare programs is not just a policy choice—it is a moral responsibility. Our nation must ensure that families, seniors, and vulnerable populations can obtain the care they need without fear of financial hardship. It is time for Congress to move beyond political games and take action that truly protects the health and well-being of all Americans.
It’s Time to Stop Talking and Start Acting for Our Veterans
Across this nation, we hear elected officials from both parties praise the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our veterans. They take to podiums, attend ceremonies, and deliver speeches filled with patriotic words about supporting the men and women who have worn the uniform. Yet when it comes time to act—to vote on bills that directly improve the lives of veterans—too many fall silent. The truth is that talk is cheap, and our veterans deserve far more than empty promises and political posturing.
In early 2025, a series of bills were introduced in Congress with the potential to make meaningful, lasting changes in the lives of those who served. The PRO Veterans Act of 2025 (S.423), sponsored by Senator Dan Sullivan, passed the Senate but now sits stalled in the House, held at the desk with no action taken. This legislation focuses on expanding access to resources and strengthening the rights and support systems veterans rely on. The question we must ask is simple: if Congress truly values our veterans, why are these bills not being prioritized and passed into law?
Other proposed legislation deserves the same urgent attention. The Servicemember to Veteran Health Care Connection Act (S.585) would simplify enrollment in VA health care, ensuring that service members don’t fall through the cracks during their transition to civilian life. The DRIVE Act (S.599) seeks to reimburse veterans fairly for the miles they travel to receive medical care—a small but meaningful step in recognizing their effort and sacrifice. The CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act (S.605) would extend coverage for dependents, ensuring that the children of veterans receive the care they deserve.
Additionally, the Veterans Homecare Choice Act (S.635) would expand access to home care services by recognizing nurse registries—empowering veterans to receive treatment and assistance where they’re most comfortable: at home. The Veterans Opportunity Act (S.1543) proposes creating a new administration within the VA focused entirely on helping veterans build stable and successful post-service careers. Finally, the Review Every Veteran’s Claim Act (S.1657)ensures fairness by preventing the VA from denying claims solely because a veteran missed a medical exam, a problem that has unfairly penalized countless veterans navigating a complex bureaucracy.
These bills represent practical, compassionate, and bipartisan solutions. Yet Congress continues to stall, debate, and delay, while veterans wait for relief. This hypocrisy—professing support for veterans while refusing to advance legislation that directly benefits them—is unacceptable. Veterans have done their duty. They’ve served in combat zones, endured hardship, and upheld their commitment to our nation. Now, it’s time for Congress to uphold theirs.
It’s time to stop talking and start doing. These bills should not be partisan bargaining chips or political afterthoughts—they should be national priorities. Real patriotism is not about waving a flag or giving a speech. It’s about taking action that honors the promises made to those who defended our freedom. If we truly care about our veterans, Congress must prove it through deeds, not words.
Support for the Social Security Expansion Act (S.770)
The Social Security Expansion Act (S.770), introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders in early 2025, represents a vital step toward strengthening and protecting one of America’s most successful and essential programs. For nearly nine decades, Social Security has served as a lifeline for millions of seniors, disabled individuals, and surviving family members. Yet, as the cost of living continues to rise, far too many Americans still struggle to meet basic needs even after a lifetime of hard work. This bill seeks to address that imbalance and ensure dignity in retirement for every citizen.
Under the Social Security Expansion Act, benefits would be increased across the board by approximately $2,400 per year for all current and future recipients. The legislation also aims to extend the program’s solvency by requiring the wealthiest Americans—those earning over $250,000 annually—to contribute their fair share into the Social Security system. This common-sense reform protects middle-class and working families while securing the program for generations to come without reducing benefits or raising the retirement age.
Supporting this bill means standing up for economic fairness and protecting the promise America made to its workers. It acknowledges that the strength of a nation is measured not by how it rewards the wealthy, but by how it treats its seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
I, Royal Webster, fully support the Social Security Expansion Act because it reflects the values of responsibility, fairness, and compassion. This legislation ensures that no senior has to choose between food and medicine, no widow is left without security, and no hardworking American is abandoned in retirement. It’s time to protect and expand—not cut—the benefits that Americans have earned through a lifetime of contribution and dedication.