Keeping our kids engaged and in school must become a national priority.

Imagine if, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Gulf Coast residents had to wait on Democrats and Republicans to agree on cuts before receiving clean water or loans to rebuild. Congress’ negotiations often come slow or not at all.

High school dropout rates nationally - Not enough is being done on this issue.

Ive introduced eight bills to fight for support for our small businesses and ensure we get funding to rebuild public housing - among other things.

Ill never forget Hurricane Katrina - the mix of a natural and a man-made catastrophe that resulted in the death of over 1,500 of our neighbors. Millions of folks were marked by the tragedy.

In D.C., I've passed amendments to allocate $6.3 million to keep our waterways open for business, $1 million as a down payment on our wetland restoration - our natural storm protection - and $5 million to ensure that drilling permits are reviewed thoroughly and efficiently.

There are a lot of stats and a strong correlation between dropout rates and crime as well as poverty.