November 01, 2012
// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party. //
I'm a strong advocate for long-term deficit reduction combined with investments designed to make the United States' economy grow faster and be more competitive. It is critical that we make our country more competitive so that we can reverse the income stagnation trends that we have seen across the last two decades. This is an area that has wide support, not only in both parties, but among the American people as a whole.
There are good, bipartisan proposals out there that take a balanced approach to reducing our debt. The Simpson-Bowles proposal in particular was a positive first step. In fact, I believe if put to a vote of the American people, Simpson-Bowles would be overwhelmingly supported.
I'm also supportive of comprehensive redistricting reform and term limits.
[ 7th Congressional District ]
The Seventh includes a large portion of Baltimore City as well as portions of Baltimore and Howard counties. It has a been a reliably Democratic seat for years. The incumbent is Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Baltimore Democrat.
Elijah Cummings, Democrat (incumbent)
- City of residence: Baltimore
- Occupation: Member of Congress, attorney
- Family: Married, children
- Experience: Maryland General Assembly (14 years Speaker Pro Tem); U.S. House of Representatives, 1996 - present; Ranking Democrat, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee; member, Joint Economic Committee and Joint Transportation Committee; member, Health Care Reform Task Force; member and past chair, Congressional Black Caucus.
- Education: B.A., Howard University, 1973; J.D., University of Maryland Law School, 1976.
- 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? //
While our economy recovers from the errors of the Bush era, I support extending the Bush-era tax cuts for individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families). Once the additional revenue from returning to Clinton-era rates for more wealthy Americans is better known, we will be better able to assess how we should approach deficit reduction.
// 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. //
No. I would not support extending the pay freeze or require greater contributions from our federal employees. They have already been saddled with a disproportionate burden.
// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs? //
As a first step, I would support modification of Medicare Part D drug coverage to permit and require the federal government to negotiate a lower price for the very expensive prescription drugs that our Seniors need (just as we currently do with the [Department of Veterans Affairs] health plans.)
// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it? //
As a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I am well aware of the importance of our transportation network to Maryland and the rest of our country — as well as the substantial repair work needed to protect the public.
In recent years, $30 billion in general revenues have been used to supplement the federal highway trust fund. While I have supported those expenditures, clearly the trust fund's funding mechanism must be adjusted.
// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon? //
President Obama has declared that the United States will take no options off the bargaining table regarding Iran's nuclear program. However, in light of our experience in Iraq, the Congress should examine any evidence of Iranian nuclear developments very thoroughly before authorizing military action.
// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party. //
One area in which there may well be more bipartisan support after the November elections is the re-authorization of our multi-year federal surface transportation legislation - work in which I will be personally involved.
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