TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR CONGRESS.
I’m proud to represent my hometown and my generation in Congress. In my first two terms, I’ve led on protecting Americans’ privacy, expanding access to childcare, serving our military families, and more.
Last year, I secured over 270 federal grants totaling over $360 million and returned $19 million to my constituents through federal casework. At 35 years old, I’m also proud to serve as the youngest member of House leadership and represent a new generation of leaders that’s focused on finding new, innovative solutions to the problems facing our nation and our world. I would be honored to continue serving my community and my generation in Congress.
WHAT ARE, IN ORDER, THE COUNTRY’S TOP 3 SPENDING PRIORITIES?
• Reimagining our social safety net to deliver critical services for those facing economic hardship
• Addressing the housing and homelessness crises
• Addressing our childcare crisis and childhood poverty
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON FUNDING FOR AID TO UKRAINE IN THEIR WAR AGAINST RUSSIA?
Ukraine is still strong – thanks to its people’s grit and support from the international coalition led by President Biden. I went to Ukraine twice last year – once before the invasion and once after it began – and saw their courage and resolve with my own eyes. We need to support Ukraine not only through the war, but through reconstruction to help build a free, democratic, and open Ukraine.
SHOULD ISRAEL CONTINUE ITS WAR WITH HAMAS WITHOUT RESTRICTION AND SHOULD AID TO ISRAEL BE PRIORITIZED OVER AID TO UKRAINE?
Israel has the right to defend itself and Hamas needs to return every hostage immediately. I also believe it’s important that Israel’s response furthers its own safety and security. The current military campaign has killed thousands of Palestinians, including thousands of children, and has badly damaged the international community’s support of Israel’s defense. Israel can and should hold Hamas accountable, but they must distinguish between Hamas and Palestinian civilians, and do everything in their power to prevent civilian casualties. My team and I also regularly meet with Ukrainian representatives and advocates who are disheartened that Congress’s attention span and support have waned. We have always been capable of holding multiple priorities simultaneously, and we can and should continue to support Ukraine’s efforts.
SHOULD PRESIDENT BIDEN BE IMPEACHED?
There is no credible evidence that warrants the impeachment of President Biden. The House Oversight Committee spent months and millions of tax dollars looking into President Biden’s finances and found no wrongdoing. Continuing the current investigation is a waste of taxpayer dollars, and the American people deserve better.
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE CONTINUANCE OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE PROGRAMS AND WHY?
Social Security and Medicare are a lifeline for millions of seniors. I wholeheartedly support these programs and believe we should expand them. I’m also working to reimagine our social safety net to address gaps, meet existing needs, and ensure that all families have enough resources and support not just to live, but to thrive.
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS AND WHY?
The student loan crisis has forced millions of Americans – especially those in my generation – to delay or deny many of life’s greatest milestones like buying a home, having kids, or starting a business. I’ve introduced bills to increase the tax deduction for student loan payments and codify the SAVE Plan – the most affordable income-driven repayment plan ever. Addressing the student debt crisis is one of the best ways that we can help grow our economy and build a more educated workforce. As we do that, we also have to address the high cost of higher education, so future generations aren’t burdened with this same problem.
WITH THE OVERTURN OF ROE VS. WADE BY THE SUPREME COURT, WHERE DO YOU STAND ON ABORTION AND WOMEN’S REPRODUC¬TIVE RIGHTS AND WHY? DO YOU BELIEVE THESE DECISIONS SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE STATES TO DECIDE, OR DO YOU BELIEVE THAT A NATIONAL POLICY SHOULD BE CREATED AND WHY?
As a young woman, reproductive health care is my health care. I believe that all reproductive health care decisions, including abortion, should be decided by patients and their doctors – not politicians or judges.
One-size-fits-all abortion bans can’t account for the myriad of individual, family, and health reasons for someone needing or wanting an abortion. That’s why I’m proud to support the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would protect the right to access abortion care across the country. I’ve also introduced the My Body, My Data Act – legislation that would safeguard our privacy and create a new national standard to protect reproductive and sexual health data. I will continue to work to ensure that all reproductive health care options and privacy in personal matters are guaranteed for all Americans.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION IS DOING WITH FOREIGN POLICY? WHAT ARE YOUR SOLUTIONS? IN DEALING WITH FOREIGN CONFLICTS, CREATING BENEFICIAL TRADE, AND FORGING FOREIGN ALLIES?
I’m grateful that someone like President Biden, who has so much experience, is our Commander in Chief, especially as the world faces complex conflicts and challenges. The United States’ power comes from our ability to build international coalitions that further our goals and priorities. Our ability to build those coalitions relies on maintaining our reputation as a defender of democracy and human rights. We need to live up to those standards, and it’s important that our partners and allies do too.
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON IMMIGRATION AND MIGRANTS SEEKING ASYLUM? WHAT PROPOSALS DO YOU HAVE ON REFORMING IMMIGRATION POLICY?
It’s been over 40 years since Congress passed comprehensive immigration reform – that’s longer than I’ve been alive. In the meantime, border communities like San Diego have had to step up and deal with the consequences of that failure. That’s why I support sensible solutions to address the root causes of migration, expand the legal pathways for immigrants to enter and stay in the U.S., and relieve the strain on our asylum processing system. We can pass immigration reform that keeps our country safe, supports the needs of our economy and our workforce, and treats migrants and asylum seekers with the dignity and respect they deserve.
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON LGBTQ+ RIGHTS AND WHY? WHAT POLICIES WOULD YOU SUPPORT OR NOT SUPPORT WHEN IT COMES TO SAME SEX MARRIAGE, GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN EDUCATION, AND OTHER LGBTQ+ ISSUES?
I’m proud to be the sister of a transgender brother and a gender non-conforming sibling. I’ve also seen the very real mental health consequences to them and our family when they weren’t able to live as their true authentic selves. That’s why I push so hard in Congress for everyone to be treated with dignity and respect; to be able to live free from stigma, discrimination, and violence; and for the government to stay out of our personal and private decisions.
WHAT POLICIES AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL DO YOU BELIEVE CAN BE IMPLE¬MENTED TO HELP CONTROL CRIME ACROSS THE NATION? IS GUN CONTROL PART OF THE SOLUTION? WHY OR WHY NOT?
In 2022, I voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the first major piece of gun violence legislation passed in 30 years. Last year, we saw a historic decline in homicides – that’s no coincidence, but more is still needed. That’s why I support passing common-sense legislation like reinstating the federal assault weapons ban, strengthening federal back-ground checks, and closing loopholes that allow dangerous people to get guns. Addressing poverty is also a key piece of addressing crime, and I am proud to have championed anti-poverty efforts in Congress, including as the Vice Chair on Economic Mobility in the House’s Poverty Task Force.
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE FOR ALL? WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE SOLUTIONS THAT ARE WORKING, AND NOT WORKING, AND WHY? WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE ANSWER TO HEALTHCARE INEQUITY?
Access to health care shouldn’t depend on your zip code, income level, race, or anything else. I believe that moving to a universal health care system is a smart investment. The Inflation Reduction Act, a bill I was proud to help pass, included historic cost-saving measures for health care and prescription drugs – including extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to finally negotiate drug prices, and capping monthly insulin costs to $35 and annual out-of-pocket drug costs to $2,000 for Medicare recipients. These reforms have been life-changing for so many people, but there is more work to do. I have also been a champion for community health centers across the country – which primarily serve low-income, uninsured, or underinsured individuals – and I am especially proud to have secured federal funding to renovate and expand La Maestra Community Health Center on Rea Avenue in El Cajon.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE SOLUTIONS TO THE FEDERAL BUDGET DEFICIT WHICH IS RISING AND SEEMS TO BE ON AN UNSUSTAINABLE LONG-TERM TRAJECTORY? HOW CAN THE U.S. REGAIN FISCAL SECURITY?
For too long, the very rich and corporations haven’t paid their fair share in taxes, so the government isn’t bringing in all the revenue it’s owed. We also need to be smart about our investments. Any business owner will tell you that they would gladly take on debt in the near term to make investments that will realize a profit in the future. For example, we save $6 for every $1 we invest in childcare and early learning programs. We also save money by investing in health care and climate action – instead of paying more on the back end when things go wrong. In nearly every case, the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of reform.
OUR LEGISLATIVE BODIES ARE POLARIZED. WHAT SOLUTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO FIND COMMON GROUND? WILL YOU BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION IN DEPOLARIZING CONGRESS ON MOST ISSUES, OR PART OF THE PROBLEM?
I’ve always said I’ll work with anyone to get things done for our community – and I’ve proven that. I’ve advanced bipartisan legislation to prevent drug shortages, protect Americans’ privacy, ensure safe and high-quality privatized military housing, improve food security for our service members and military families, guarantee parental leave for new parents, and much more. I will continue to work across the aisle to do real good in people’s lives.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CAPITOL RIOTS INVESTIGATION? DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ANYONE INVOLVED SHOULD BE CONVICTED IF FOUND GUILTY OF CRIMES? DO YOU BELIEVE AN ACTING PRESIDENT HAS IMMUNITY OVER THEIR ACTIONS WHILE STILL IN OFFICE? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I believe that everyone who planned and perpetrated the attack should be held accountable for their actions. No one is above the law.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I have a lot more work to do! I would be honored to continue serving my hometown in Congress.
