Anh "Joseph" Cao

Anh 'Joseph' Cao has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 2nd district of the State of Louisiana, since 2009 (map).

Healthcare
Cao is the only Republican who voted for the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Under the bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on November 7, 2009: "insurance companies could no longer deny coverage based on preexisting conditions or abandon people if they become sick. It would require coverage for young adults through their parents' plans and eliminate the gap in prescription drug coverage.  And, people who lose their jobs would be able to continue their insurance coverage.  Additionally, middle-income Americans who could not afford coverage could obtain subsidized health care benefits under a government plan (a "public option") or through a corporate plan via a new insurance marketplace in which the government would help negotiate for reduced cost comprehensive policies, by 2013." For putting the good of the country above party loyalty to vote for health care reform, Cao has been called "the Good Joe" in contrast with Senator Joe Lieberman, who has threatened to help filibuster the reforms.

Cao has previously said he supports developing a market based solution to healthcare based on three principles: local solutions, care centered around patients, and making quality care accessible for all. His goal is to have neighborhood medical homes that are connected and focused on prevention.

Ethics Reform
Cao supports increased openness and transparency in Congress. He says "We cannot cut wasteful spending and inefficient government systems until we are willing to expose those who support them. While we cannot ‘legislate morality’ we can certainly demand moral and ethical behavior from those who have been elected to serve."

Hurricane Recovery
Cao says he will work to ensure that the 100 year flood protection plan is fully funded, offshore oil revenues are distributed fairly and quickly. He also says that he will work to make stealing from victims of declared disasters a federal crime, and that cheating contractors are caught.

Public Safety
To reduce crime rates, Cao says he supports increasing funding for first responders,using community policing initiatives for deterrence and working with organizations to keep youth out of trouble.

2008 elections
Cao was the Republican nominee to challenge Rep. William Jefferson (R-La.) in the 2008 congressional elections. Cao won the election Dec. 6 congressional election.

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Committees
Cao has not yet been assigned to any committees in the 111th Congress.

Contact

 * Official Cao for Congress Web site

Related SourceWatch articles

 * 2008 U.S. congressional elections
 * 2008 U.S. congressional election dates
 * Portal:Louisiana and the U.S. Congress

External resources

 * 2008 Race Tracker page on Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District
 * Official Cao for Congress Web site