As a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, I understood all too well the despair my colleagues - Republican and Democrat alike - were feeling as Hurricane Sandy ravaged their communities.

I've introduced eight bills to fight for support for our small businesses and ensure we get funding to rebuild public housing - among other things.

Keeping our kids engaged and in school must become a national priority.

America draws tremendous strength from its diversity, which prompts the question, as Congress contemplates comprehensive immigration reform, why are some lawmakers aiming to curb diversity instead of promoting it?

The faith-based thing is really important for me. There are certain situations that I would not have been able to make through without the promises He makes and gave for us.

I think, at heart, unless you discover faith in something else, something other, it's very hard to shake the thing that you're adrift alone.

Honestly, what keeps me grounded is my faith and my value system.

God didn't create the universe so that talented people would be happy.