Quotes from Mercedes Schlapp

For too long the U.S. immigration system has focused on accepting low-skilled immigrants. Basic economics tells us that the surge of low-skilled workers depresses wages and harms the prospects of American workers.

I know we can all remember the days of sitting in algebra class asking ourselves, 'why will I need algebra or chemistry in the future?' The answer was and still remains that advanced math and science classes help high school students develop their analytical and cognitive skills and better prepare them to compete in college and the workplace.

Lower standards tell students that they don't need to work hard and leave more high school students unprepared for college and the workplace.

Despite his critics, Rubio has skillfully managed the expectations of many conservatives and effectively made his case for immigration reform, while working with other members to continuously improve the legislation.

Cuba is a nation stuck in time, and the regime's complete control of businesses, the press and the Internet has kept the Cuban people from advancing and achieving their dreams.

The questions of traditional and redefined marriage are highly emotional and a difficult and sensitive topic. Living in the D.C. area and having gay friends and colleagues, I find the topic difficult to discuss and sometimes even difficult write about for fear that I will be judged.

Religions based on the principle of service and a focus on the less fortunate help a society deal with want.

A campaign adviser can change the outside appearance of the candidate, but the ideology and personality of the candidate remains the same.

The job of the press is to defend their institution, hold the government accountable and freely report and gather information.

What hurts the GOP is when we have leaders placing the blame on other leaders within the party.

In the end, the responsibility of government abuse lies with the president.

For my family, belief in God and in the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings such hope and promise to our lives. It strengthens our family and our marriage as we focus on Christ as our example of pure love, compassion and tolerance towards others. This positive message is one that helps us become better people each day.

More and more job fields require some form of higher education, and the pressure is on for schools to adequately prepare our students to compete both nationally and globally and help drive economic growth.

Obama and the liberal Democrats fail to represent the silent majority: the conservative women who are too busy raising families, paying bills, and making a living. These women prefer to listen to Rush Limbaugh, not Nancy Pelosi, and want their children to have jobs and a bright future in this great country.

Everyone can relate to being stuck in a traffic jam.

Americans hate traffic jams and also dislike power-hungry political figures.

I am a perfect case study for the transition from no maternal instinct to the love of motherhood.

We should not have to experience the fear of intimidation or retaliation in the United States.

If Beyonce and Jay-Z had been born and raised in Cuba, they would have merely survived, with no opportunity to realize their aspirations. Only in a land that treasures liberty and the pursuit of happiness can such dreams become a reality.

Catholics and evangelicals should be troubled by Mrs. Clinton's hidden agenda to influence and alter the tenets of Christian and Catholic orthodoxy.

Even setting aside her checkered record in the Senate and the State Department, it is Mrs. Clinton's flagrant contradictions on women's issues that expose her true character.

Mr. Trump has tapped into the frustrations of many Americans who feel the effects of a dismal economy and believe the political system is rigged and owned by the establishment.

Of course, deciding whether or not to have children is a personal decision, but I would encourage couples to stay open to the idea that having a child or adopting provides both personal and societal benefits.

Solutions and ideas should come from the bottom up, generated by local communities and not mandated from Washington.