Like all Americans, I will never forget where I was the morning of the 9/11 attacks.
For me, getting off the sidelines means women making a difference by letting their voices be heard on the issues they care about.
I have not been in Washington very long, but I've been there long enough to be shocked by how antiquated some of our laws have become.
When women earn more, families are stronger, and children have better access to quality health care and education.
One of the primary reasons I first ran for Congress was to be a voice for our troops, veterans and military families.
Discriminatory wage practices undermine women's ability to provide for their families and survive on a decent retirement income.
I'm fighting to make childcare more affordable for working parents so they can continue working and advancing their careers, closing wage gaps that for too long have held women back from the fair economic opportunities they need.
Instead of marginalizing women, Congress must get to work on policies that can foster job creation and fuel economic growth.
It's time to focus on real solutions that will create jobs and build our economy for real strength and stability - not just for the fortunate few, but for every American.
The men and women who lived through and came to our rescue on 9/11 were not Democrats or Republicans or Independents. They were Americans first and foremost, and so were the people they saved.
While we can't begin to repay the debt we owe our veterans for their brave service, we can certainly take steps to ease the physical, psychological and financial hardships they may be experiencing.
If everyone in America can easily see who and what their lawmakers are requesting taxpayer money for, we can keep elected officials honest, end the days of political, special interest favors, and reduce wasteful spending.
The horrific damage of 9/11 did not end when those buildings came down.
When I was first elected to the House in 2006, it was important to me to send a clear message to the people of NY-20: I wanted to be a representative for the people and shed some light on their government, so I became the first member of Congress to post my schedule, my financial disclosures and my earmark requests all online.
As Congress focuses on comprehensive health care reform, one thing needs to be clear: We cannot fix health care if we do not address America's nursing shortage.
If we're going to be able to provide access to quality, affordable health care to every American - we need to have the trained health care professionals inside hospitals to provide that care.
Communities in every corner of America struggle to fill nursing vacancies to provide care for everyone who needs it.
Nurses are on the front lines of our care. And they need to be at the foundation of health care reform. Let's get health care done - and done right - by ensuring the amount of nurses we need to provide quality care for all.
The government can take smart steps to give all kids the healthy start they need to reach their full potential.
I love celebrating Mother's Day. Since I was a kid, it was a special day to tell my mother and grandmother how much I love them. Now that I'm a mom, it is a special day to spend with my children.
