Why Joe Kaufman
The following are some of the issues I feel passionately about:
A Dedicated Servant for Our Community!
Serving in public office holds significant responsibility. As a soon-to-be Congressman, I am committed to being accessible and to fighting for our district’s needs. Out of 28 congressional districts in Florida, our district is ranked 24th — near the bottom — in receiving federal funds. I will fight for our community by bringing back these vital resources to the district. I will also prioritize bringing back manufacturing jobs from China, ensuring products are made right here in the USA. By lowering taxes on businesses and workers, we’ll fuel economic growth and prosperity. Additionally, I’m committed to securing our borders, protecting American jobs, and maintaining our sovereignty. Together, let’s build a stronger, more self-reliant America for future generations. I refuse to let my daughter bear the burden of someone else’s irresponsible fiscal and political decisions.
Border Security and Immigration
My wife Emily came to the United States by way of Peru and Israel, and she did it the right way — legally — just as my great-grandparents did nearly a century ago. I stood beside her the day she proudly became an American citizen after years of hard work and a rigorous process. While border security improvements have greatly reduced unlawful crossings, serious challenges remain. Criminals, traffickers, and dangerous individuals still exploit gaps in enforcement. In Congress, I will prioritize strengthening our borders, protecting vulnerable communities, stopping illegal drug flows, and ensuring criminals and threats are identified and removed.
Debt, Inflation and Affordability
Runaway spending in Washington has pushed deficits and the national debt to dangerous levels, fueling inflation and making everyday life more expensive for American families. Even our 12-year-old daughter has learned that BOGO sales at the supermarket aren’t a luxury — they’re essential. Both parties must recognize that taxpayer dollars are not their personal accounts and that responsible budgeting is a necessity, not an afterthought. While inflation has eased from its peak, prices remain far higher than they were just a few years ago. We need serious fiscal discipline to curb excessive spending, restore economic stability, and protect our children’s future.
Education
I am a strong proponent of School Choice, empowering parents whose children are struggling in public schools with real alternatives. I was part of the group that met with then-Congressman Ron DeSantis to advocate for school vouchers, before he became Florida Governor and signed one of the nation’s strongest School Choice bills. Charter schools and private education scholarships have proven effective, and research shows that competition from these programs also improves underperforming public schools. I also support nationwide vocational training in high schools, giving students who choose not to pursue college the practical skills needed for immediate workforce success.
Energy Dominance
America — including right here in Florida — is blessed with extraordinary natural landscapes that deserve responsible preservation. But abandoning our primary energy sources jeopardizes our economy, weakens our environmental stability, and makes us dependent on adversaries like Maduro’s Venezuela for essential resources. Energy independence is vital, but we should strive for something even greater: American energy dominance. Affordable, reliable energy fuels our mobility, national security, manufacturing, and job creation. We can be responsible stewards of the environment while still expanding energy production. We must protect our natural resources without sacrificing American workers, American prosperity, or our national strength.
Healthcare Solution
With skyrocketing premiums and high deductibles, Obamacare is not affordable and has cost taxpayers hundreds of billions. America needs a free-market healthcare solution that lowers costs, raises quality, and expands access. I support replacing Obamacare’s failed subsidy-driven model with a patient-centered system built on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). HSAs put healthcare dollars directly in the hands of individuals and families—not bureaucrats or insurance lobbyists. By expanding HSAs, raising contribution limits, and allowing their use for premiums and out-of-pocket costs, we can increase competition, empower choice, and promote long-term affordability.
Israel and Iran
If you ask me where I stand on Israel, my answer is unequivocal – with unshakeable solidarity. Israel is not just America’s ally; she is a beacon of freedom and strength in a tumultuous region plagued by violence. The October 7 massacre perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli civilians was personal for me, as my wife and I have much family in Israel. I will never waver in my support for Israel’s right (and obligation) to defend herself, because as goes Israel, so goes the United States! I look forward to the day that the Iranian regime is gone and its proxies destroyed, so that Israel will finally be able to live in peace with her neighbors. #AmYisraelChai
Military and First Responders
Every day, the exceptional men and women of the US military, law enforcement, and fire departments risk their lives to protect us. They deserve the utmost support. It’s important to show gratitude to troops and first responders with a simple gesture of thanks whenever we encounter them. It is why my family and I proudly display the ‘thin blue line’ on our vehicles and why we mourn the loss of our brave American heroes serving abroad. In Congress, I will fearlessly advocate for the needs of our police, fire personnel, and military forces, whether it’s ensuring access to better equipment, fair compensation, or needed upgrades for fire houses.
Pets are Family
Pets are family, and our dog Lima is no exception. We adopted her from the Broward County Shelter, where she was the last of a nine-puppy litter that was cruelly abandoned on the side of the road in Coral Springs. My daughter Ruth was overjoyed, having long wished for a dog. Lima is a Catahoula hound, a remarkable breed trained for law enforcement work, including narcotics and bomb detection, as well as rescue missions. When I get to Congress, I will fight to strengthen laws protecting pets, ensuring every animal is treated with care and respect, and is viewed as a cherished part of the family and not just a mere possession.
Protecting Seniors
I initially moved to South Florida to take care of my grandmother, who was battling COPD, a severe respiratory condition. My grandparents had raised me, and it was my responsibility to support her in her time of need. I want the elderly community to understand that I stand by them and will not abandon them in Congress. I do not view Social Security or Medicare as handouts or “entitlements.” These are programs that seniors have earned through their hard work, and they deserve every penny of these benefits. As your soon-to-be Congressman, I will oppose any efforts to reduce these benefits that countless Americans have worked tirelessly to earn.
Saving Public Lands and Community Spaces
Public lands belong to the people—not developers or special interests. Parks, memorials, and open spaces are irreplaceable community assets that should be protected, not sold off for short-term gain. Too often, proposals to privatize public land are pushed through with little transparency, ignoring public opposition and the long-term consequences. Once green space is gone, it is gone forever. I believe leaders must be true stewards of public land, safeguarding parks and memorials, honoring our history, and ensuring these spaces remain public for families, veterans, and future generations.
Term Limits
I believe it is time we shake things up in Washington, D.C. and bring some fresh perspectives to the table. That’s why I am a strong supporter of term limits for U.S. Congress. Serving in public office is a privilege and an honor, but sometimes, politicians get a little too comfortable in their seats. By implementing term limits, we ensure that our government remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of the people. It’s about bringing in new voices, new ideas and new energy to keep our democracy thriving. I embrace term limits for a stronger, more accountable government that works for all of us.
U.S. Constitution (1A & 2A)
For me, the United States Constitution is not just a document; it is the very foundation of our nation’s values and freedoms. The First Amendment is the beating heart of our republic, guaranteeing us the right to speak our minds and practice our faith without fear. The Second Amendment safeguards our individual liberties, allowing us to protect our families and stand strong against tyranny. As your soon-to-be Congressman, I am dedicated to defending and preserving these precious, God-given rights.
