After over two decades of public service in his home state, Rhode Island’s voters sent Sheldon Whitehouse to the Senate to be a forceful and effective voice on our nation’s most pressing issues. Sheldon is a lead champion of preserving and strengthening the Social Security system, which he believes should continue to serve as the a bedrock of retirement for generations to come. He believes that long-term economic prosperity requires getting health care costs under control and was pleased to support the health care reform legislation — which will not only expand coverage but drive down costs, cut the deficit, and promote the use of 21st Century health information technology.

Sheldon is also a strong advocate for investments in clean energy technologies to create jobs, improve the economy, and address the climate change crisis. He has used his position on the Environment and Public Works Committee to champion legislation that would strip taxpayer subsidies from oil companies and make polluters pay for the toxins they emit. He is also the lead sponsor of the National Endowment for the Oceans bill, which would ensure that our oceans have a dedicated funding stream for research and preservation.

As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sheldon has worked closely with Al to help confirm Associate Justices Sotomayor and Kagan to the United States Supreme Court, and to put other progressive judges on the federal bench.