While our country is based on the values of liberty and justice for all, the fact is systemic racism, discrimination and injustice remain a part of our reality. Stephen believes that every American is entitled to the fundamental rights of equality and that we must fight to eliminate discrimination in every form.   

As a Member of the Committee on Oversight Reform, Stephen is working to reform our criminal justice system and address racial disparities across government services like healthcare, housing, education, employment, and other areas. 

Joining constituents throughout the 8th District, he has stood with residents to fight against racism. And in Washington, he is an original co-sponsor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act introduced by the Congressional Black Caucus to reform our civil rights and policing laws.   

A member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus,  Stephen has been dedicated to end discrimination in all forms including sexual orientation and gender identity. He has worked with his colleagues to address hate-motivated violence, and to protect every person’s health and well being.  As a co-sponsor of the Equality Act since it’s first introduction in 2015, Stephen stood with his colleagues in 2019, passing the legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  He has also been a co-signer on the amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of LGBTQ+ Americans, acknowledging that the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws include protections for citizens against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. In recognition of his efforts for equality, he has received the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign.

Stephen has stood up in Congress to fight for gender equity,  supporting legislation to address sexual harrassment and discrimination, to ensure equal pay for equal work, to improve paid family and medical leave and stregthen laws to combat viloence against women. 

Stephen supports the Equal Rights Amendment and proudly fought for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and co-sponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act, which further addressed income disparities between men and women. When Republicans tried to defund women’s health organizations, like Planned Parenthood, Stephen stood on the floor of the House of Representatives to fight the legislation.  

As your Congressman, Stephen will continue be a strong voice against discrimination and for equal rights for all.