How will you address the deficit?
It’s a huge challenge to assure that our government is responsible, effective, and affordable. We need to reduce spending but invest in infrastructure to improve the economy. We should look at our spending in Afghanistan.
How so? What do you suggest?
We’ve spent over $400 billion. Two recent reports said that 40 percent to 70 percent of the money was stolen by corrupt government officials. We need the right priorities and spend money in the right places and in the right way.
Isn’t the defense industry vital in your state?
It’s very important in Rhode Island. So I want to be sure that while there are going to be reductions in the Department of Defense, I’m also going to fight hard to protect the investments that occur in Rhode Island.
Health care reform – repeal or retain?
I support reform. It’s a work in progress; I expect we’ll go back and fix things that are wrong. Compromise is part of our work as legislators. We have to do what’s right for Americans, not what’s right for Democrats or for Republicans.
Why a ‘Made in America Block Grant’ program?
If we help those who manufacture here rebuild their retrofit facilities, retrain workers, and buy new equipment, then we need trade policies that are fair. American businesses need a fighting chance.