U.S. Representative Tom MacArthur (R NJ3) connects his job in Washington with the people he represents in New Jersey's Ocean and Burlington counties.
Congressman MacArthur talks about why he chooses to serve on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, saying South Jersey is home to the only tri-service joint base in the country and national defense is a top priority in the region.
He also spoke about his work pushing the Zadroga Act in Congress, which would extend health services for 9/11 first responders and, after a long political battle, is finally set to be included in a must-pass spending bill:
"Especially when money is in involved, people like to exact something that matters to them. But you have to do the right thing. We can’t make political pawns out of first responders that risked their lives, literally, and sacrificed their family time."
He also said he's supporting his governor, New Jersey's Chris Christie, in the 2016 election.
"He’s been tested, he’s smart, and he works with a lot of different people. So he’s my choice."
As for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, Congressman MacArthur said he hasn't taken an official position yet, but he has some concerns:
"I’m going to look at the agreement carefully to make sure that it’s not only free trade but it’s fair trade, because some of the concerns that I’ve had with prior trade agreements is, if other countries are gaming the system, if they’re using child labor for example or not doing anything to protect their workers, if they’re doing things that abuse people and that’s why they can compete at a lower price - that is not fair trade to me and I don’t want to have any part of that."
You can connect with Congressman MacArthur by emailing him (follow this link to verify your address in his district) or engaging with him on Twitter.