1. Forty-four million Americans lack health insurance, and, in consequence, access to primary and preventive care. Systematic reform is needed, but I took one practical step, organizing congressional support for Community Health Centers in underserved neighborhoods. I also support prescription drug coverage under Medicare, and advances in medicine will make that a costly benefit. 2. Education is a nation's best investment. As mayor of Somerville, I built and renovated our local schools and lowered average class size to 19, with measurable results. Congress should help other communities do the same. On the House Science Committee, I support generous funding for graduate education and research.

3. Few regions face housing crises comparable to Boston's, and I've found lack of understanding rather than indifference about these issues in Congress. It's been a fight to maintain level funding for HUD programs. We need new initiatives to keep home ownership within the reach of working families; a small portion of the Social Security trust might be prudently invested in down payment assistance or mortgages for first-time buyers.

4. Human rights seldom figure as a spending priority, but nothing is free. We must fund agencies that fight discrimination, provide legal services, and prevent domestic violence. Abroad, we must work with other democracies to promote free institutions, sustainable development, and human dignity.