U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett said Monday he believes veterans’ issues and addressing infrastructure needs will be key items he can be most effective on while working with other members of Michigan’s congressional delegation during his first term.
“I know veteran issues are often nonpartisan, or bipartisan in nature, looking forward to working on some of those issues together,” Barrett (R-Charlotte) said. “Also, transportation infrastructure. Those are, again, issues that affect a lot of communities across our country, a lot of Republican and Democratic constituencies are affected by that.”
Barrett’s comments to reporters came during a Monday morning press conference at the opening of his Lansing district office at 328 West Ottawa St., across from the Capitol.
With Republicans controlling the White House and Congress, he said there is a significant opportunity to enact major policy changes.
“We have a lot of challenges that the country is facing right now, but those present opportunities to try and fix a lot of those problems, and it’s going to take coordination,” Barrett said.
When asked if he supported other Republicans who would like to see cuts to Medicaid, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and climate funding, Barrett said he had not yet looked at any specific proposals.
He admitted that as a freshman member of Congress, there is a balance between learning the ropes and being an effective voice for his constituents.
“It’s learning and listening from those that have been there before me but also recognizing that I’m the voice of the district that sent me to Washington, D.C.,” Barrett said. “I’m not there to not say or do anything: I am there to learn from the other members, but I’m also there to assert the voice of my district, and that’s a balance that you have to have to know when to lead, know when to follow.”
Serving in the state Legislature has helped prepare him for the work ahead, he said.
“Thankfully, I’ve had eight years of experience in state government working in a legislative capacity. I’m looking forward to putting that to work in Washington, D.C.,” Barrett said.
He said other key areas of focus for him will include securing the nation’s southern border and working on reining in costs for families.
– By Nick Smith
