In their own words: Peter Welch (D)
Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives
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Toolbox
Published: November 5, 2006
Is it more important for the nation to fight terrorism through border security or immigration reform?
I believe we must do both. Congress should follow the 9-11 Commission recommendations by fully funding border security agents and securing our ports.
Immigration is both a security and an economic issue. Any immigration reform must begin with securing our borders and enforcing the laws that already exist. We must also enforce the law with a common sense program that provides for an earned path to citizenship. Last, we must assure that we have a guest-worker program to meet labor shortages, such as on Vermont’s dairy farms.
Should there be a timetable for pulling out U.S. troops from Iraq? If so, what should it be?
It is now clear from the recent National Intelligence Estimate that the war in Iraq is making us less safe, not more. Our military has performed superbly, but the president’s “stay the course” rhetoric is not an acceptable policy. We must aggressively train Iraqi security forces so we can transfer control of Iraq back to the Iraqi people and bring our troops home. I believe Congress must demand a plan from the president that includes a timetable with the goal of significant withdrawal in 2007.
Would you have voted to approve the Military Commissions Act of 2006?
I support Sen. Patrick Leahy’s firm opposition to this misguided legislation. We can protect our security interest by being smart and tough and without shredding the Constitution.
Do you believe the tax cuts implemented over the last six years have benefited the middle class?
President Bush’s tax cuts have not benefited the middle class only those who believe in “trickle down” economics would argue they have. There is no disputing the numbers: the most recent tax cuts passed by the Republican Congress gave millionaires a tax break of $40,000, while middle class workers making $40,000 received just $40. This is wrong. At the same time as the Republicans in Washington gave breaks to those who don’t need them, they are saddling future generations of middle class workers with debt and cutting vital programs like student aid and heating assistance. These priorities must be reversed. I have always fought for fair tax policies for working Vermonters and will continue to do so in Washington.
Do you believe the nation’s energy system should rely on nuclear power and fossil fuels?
In Congress, I will fight for an energy policy that reduces our dependence on foreign oil and nuclear power, and moves America towards energy independence through developing clean, renewable sources. I will work to reverse the billions in tax cuts given by Congress to oil and nuclear companies to fund renewable energy development, alternative fuels and efficiency programs. I also believe we must double our automobile mileage standards. Here in Vermont we have committed to a new energy future and promoting renewable energy development. I will take this same commitment to Washington.
How do you think the nation should approach the problem of global warming?
In Congress, I will support legislation introduced by our Sen. Jim Jeffords to begin to immediately address global warming. We must commit to ending our reliance on fossil fuels, doubling mileage standards, and developing clean energy sources. If Republicans keep control of Congress, the same committee chair will continue to block any legislation to address this issue. I will vote for new leadership in Congress that will begin to make necessary progress in Washington.
If elected, how would you ensure the integrity of your office?
Vermonters expect ethical leadership from their representatives and have been fortunate to have elected leaders who have lived up to that expectation. I will continue that tradition. My record of leadership in the Vermont legislature reflects the integrity Vermonters can expect of me in Congress. My door will always be open and Vermonters will always be my top priority.
How do you think health care costs can be abated?
I am committed to ensuring affordable health care for every American. I will take to Washington my experience achieving innovative health care reforms in Vermont, which expanded access and contained cost. We can take immediate steps to this end in Washington by allowing businesses to join into a purchasing pool to provide affordable health care, removing federal restrictions that impede state-level health care initiatives, and requiring the federal government to negotiate bulk discounts with drug companies as part of Medicare Part D.
Do you think the nation’s educational system is effectively training young people to participate in a global economy?
I believe we must be more effective in educating our students for jobs in the 21st century. We can begin by providing greater focus on math, science and language education. We must also ensure that our students have adequate access to technology, which in Vermont means we must expand high-speed wireless service to homes and schools statewide. Finally we must work to reduce the cost of college so that students have access to the education they need to succeed.
Would you support a national ban on abortion?
I believe abortion should be safe, legal and rare. Voters are tired of the divisive attacks on a woman’s right to choice. They are also rightfully concerned about the erosion of choice under the current Republican leadership. I believe we must focus on reducing and preventing the need for abortions and require pharmacists to honor prescriptions for birth control issued by a woman’s doctor. I oppose late-term abortion and, consistent with Roe v. Wade, procedures after the third trimester can be regulated by states as long as there is an exception for health of the woman. Here in Vermont we have been successful focusing on prevention and believe we must begin at the federal level to address this issue with the same bipartisan common sense.
Do you think Social Security should be privatized?
I do not support the dismantling of Social Security through privatization. Social Security has been a fundamental component of our nation’s economic security for its citizens since the Great Depression. I want to protect Social Security as a guaranteed benefit for retirees because I believe every retired American should be able to depend on the essential safety net it provides. In Congress, I will firmly oppose the privatization agenda by President Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress.