November 01, 2012
There are numerous options to finance these investments, including savings from reduced operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; creation of a National Infrastructure Bank that would make loans, loan guarantees and issue federal bonds for infrastructure projects; allowing the Bush-era tax cuts for the highest earners to expire; and repealing unnecessary tax breaks for the oil and gas industry and other corporate interests that have been able to game our tax code.
// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon? //
I have consistently advocated for the use of all economic, political and diplomatic sanctions and other non-military options available to the United States to press Iran to curb its nuclear proliferation activities. It is my hope that this approach can and will lead to a reversal of Iran's proliferation activities and substantially erode any threats posed by its current government. Of course, the U.S. must always reserve the right to employ any and all options for protecting its interests, including military options.
// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party. //
I am introducing the Grassroots Democracy Act which seeks to create a new paradigm for the financing of Congressional campaigns — one that puts the public interest ahead of special interests. The legislation would empower ordinary Americans by multiplying grassroots political contributions ($100 or less) through a public fund; create a $50 refundable tax credit for Americans who become a grassroots donor to congressional campaigns; and establish a "citizen-owned" People's Fund to fight back against Super PACs that are trying to buy our elections. Candidates would qualify for participation in this system by demonstrating grassroots donor support, agreeing not to take PAC contributions, and meeting various disclosure requirements. By making more candidates for public office dependent on the people for the financing of their campaign, the Grassroots Democracy Act will diminish special interest and corporate influence on policy making, combat political corruption and ensure that our political system works for the American people again.
[ 4th Congressional District ]
Previously centered exclusively in Washington's suburbs, the 4th District now includes portions of more conservative Anne Arundel County. But the Fourth still leans Democrat even after redistricting. The incumbent is Rep. Donna Edwards, an Oxon Hill Democrat.
Donna F. Edwards, Democrat (incumbent)
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- City of residence: Oxon Hill
- Occupation: Member of Congress
- Family: Divorced, one adult son
- Experience: Member of Congress, 2008-present. I am a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I serve on the following subcommittees: Highways and Transit; Water Resources and Environment; and Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. I also serve on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, on which I am the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, and also serve on the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. In addition, I serve on the Committee on Ethics, and am an executive member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.
- Education: B.A., Wake Forest University, 1980; J.D., University of New Hampshire School of Law, 1989
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.
// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for? //
I support efforts to end the Bush-era tax cuts for those families making over $250,000. Due to a decade of failed economic policies, we are seeing a deterioration of the middle class and an increase in poverty. The cost of the tax cuts under President Bush for the top 5 percent of the wealthiest Americans since 2001 is now over $1.1 trillion. If we allow these tax breaks to expire so everyone pays their fair share, and close tax loopholes, we could pay for the priorities we set forth, including extending tax breaks for the middle-class and increasing investments in education and infrastructure.
// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain. //
