tv Public Affairs Events CSPAN October 16, 2024 6:54pm-12:00am EDT
6:54 pm
>> thank you. >> congresswomen deremer were going to talk about the balance of power. your election two years ago how specifically house republican control over congress benefited district five voters? >> oh well, listen. when i went to washington i wanted to tell the same story i think i've said this over and over again how important it was to take oregon story to washington. belts the power and working across the aisle, how important that is. but again this is going to be the one her 19 congress may tell my congress that it's not the first is going to be the 119th. we have to do our best work we are there. the balance of powers going to shift. and again the presidential election is not going to be surprising to anyone who is watching, but my work is not going to change. my work is going to important to oregonians i went to work across the aisle to continue to care in
6:55 pm
the work as i did as a mayor, as a mom. i say this often but i have identical twin girls they are 30 years old once a democrat once a republican. but it is important to our family it's important to the balance of power whether we do in our own nucleus at the state level or the federal level it's working hard rolling up her sleeves and remember it was important for the everyday issues that are affecting all americans. >> congresswoman the question was how specifically house republican control benefited voters here? are you able to give a specific example? >> sure. we talked about the fiscal responsibility at cutting $2.1 trillion over 10 years but that is important for oregonians in your address and the debt. making sure we can bring funding back a part of talked about in her wildfires. i talked about in our law enforcement. if talked about in the public safety. total leadership how that is important to me. i want to focus on that. we are traveler bringing money back five and $20 million
6:56 pm
support glenn d.a. making sure the dollars come back. we're talking $27 million invested in the fifth district. we closed a here cases we turn $4 million. allowing us to do that and be independent thinkers does not mean we have to party a legion. it means we have to be conservative in our values and making sure bringing that back in policy center forward staff. ounce of powers important to me. >> owing to give representative bynum a chance to answer a similar question for this balance of power and swing districts like this on, how specifically which are election possible control the house moving back to democrats impacted resident of the fifth district? >> i was really excited to work on organs a version of the chips act. we know as a function of national security, a function of growing our economy and making sure we bridge a talent with opportunity. this is a chips act also had the impact of having 200 million-dollar investment for oregonians and bringing back
6:57 pm
$43 billion worth of investment. we also made sure our universities benefited as well. these are the types of investments that i think oregonians are looking for us to make. one of the things i think -- we sometimes lose sight of what the facts and her children graduate from high school, do they have anything to look forward to? and that for me it was a chips act. i was able to accomplish that. even with the republican led congress. making sure we brought those dollars back home to oregon and senator was right in the mix with it. when the vice chairs of the committee. so that is one example of how i could do things just from here that will help oregonians in the long term. >> thank you both. representative bynum on a national scale unemployment is historically low. yet, the economy remains a central point of debate in this election cycle. representative bynum, we will begin with you. is the u.s. economy rising or
6:58 pm
failing? what steps do you think congress needs to take to economic growth in the next year? >> there is a lot there. the first thing i would say is that the economy does not appear the same for all of us. case in point, lori chavez-deremer said trump tax cuts would be good for some of us. i think it is important to remember that working families deserve a break. whether it is with the child tax credit, making sure their kids are not matriculating through school , coming up with a lot of debt and it's also making sure they are good at family wage jobs being created right here in oregon. the central issue here is who gets the benefit from being in power? i believe republicans and lori chavez-deremer are really interested in making sure they and their friends and benefit
6:59 pm
from the tax laws that are passed. and all of the investments. i am a champion for working families and i will continue to roll up my sleeves and win for them. >> representative bynum the question was what steps do we need to take for economic growth question what could you address that question specifically? >> it's more of the same. we did the chips act to pay we did the infrastructure act. we did inflation reduction. we didn't making sure we are working on reducing our dependence on foreign oil. those to me are functions of the federal government. i sponsored a bill to help us get to a clean energy hub and having oregonians be leaders on that. that is what i think congress can do to help shore up the economy. continue to make large investments. >> congresswomen chavez-deremer is the economy thriving or
7:00 pm
failing what steps seem to be take to economic growth in the next year? >> review driver and organs of the fifth district the toad's failing rents are up, gas prices are up, grocery prices are up, people trying to make ends meet to have more than one job. they cannot find childcare. and they do need the assistance of the federal government to step in and say what are we going to do to make life a little easier and a little more affordable? our state legislature is not helping. how do i know that? here's a few things i have done. have supported the child tax credit and expanding that the child tax credit for dependent children as well be tax relief for american families and workers acts for the tax relief bill for low income housing credit. i've sponsored all this things. what my opponent has done, raising taxes nine times since she has been in the legislature. nine times. she's been off elite soundbite measure 118 which will decimate the economy. [laughter] i think about the tax hikes and i think about in what equation
7:01 pm
can she figure out they give you 30,000 dollars to one group of people are noncitizens to buy that first moment oregonians are working hard. that is what she did by supporting the hacienda. we can do a lot of the federal level. i always have to step in and fill the gap. thirty-six oh george responded very quickly question. >> no i don't know what she's talking about but she don't know what she's talking about. >> okay. cooks the right thank you for this next question i guess you could call a land it used a question of the federal level if you will. there is currently an effort by a local group to buy mount bachelor. >> congress is for the evers maintaining control the local control over serious like mount
7:02 pm
bachelor. congresswoman the server the. >> will begin private land difficult for the federal government to step in. >> this is federal and. >> is saying the privacy help. >> it is a private corporation the reason federal government to lease the property. >> that is correct is out trying to submit a decided whether or not will be best it will take a coalition of the people to decide what they want to do that and protecting a lot of our federal land, is something that we care about the cost will expensive and whether doing so it will be depended upon the local and take a coalition of state government for seven and this kind the discussion brings everybody at the table this good conversation about what will be best for central oregon and i'm supportive of conversation to sit down the process connect okay representative, anything about that. >> i am always curious with private industry get to have
7:03 pm
advantages of the average person does not get to have. and this is federal land in the asset of the people of the united states braided and i think the sale of that very seriously pretty thank you so a conversation narrative but the needed up more details. i'm a little troubled with the private entities to develop full access were land in a private sale. >> and understanding of that this is an issue allowing a private company to do this and continue to lease the federal and versus letting a local printed t step and in control assume excellence a full conversation that would be more information on another prayed to say this that when they needed more information, it will ask in this with purpose of town hall is about adapted doing those you know the privacy of a legislator and doesn't mean that you know
7:04 pm
everything u.s. the people in the conversation within the community cement for 11 think you. >> will start with you on this next question and withering government, educational business bringing diverse voices to the table tell me decisions can be a challenge regardless of who wins or the be sitting woman to represent the fifth district responsibility vinnie, do you have to be voice of the minority and how does that shape your decision-making. >> sigma mother graduated in 1970, from one of the last segregated schools and currently south carolina braided and so is not lost on me that in one generation from segregation and what is really important that is the class valedictorian, she would door-to-door it downtown, seeking work after she graduated. there was nothing waiting for her. there is no college, there was no job, there was nothing for
7:05 pm
the kid that had so much talent that pretty swimming is my job to continue to carry the mental the bridging talent with opportunity weather for our rural kids underrepresented minorities, rockets across oregon this the challenge that i think that anyone serving this position whether there are a minority or not to make it is really bridging the talent with the opportunity and excited to roll by sleeping that work donec congresswoman think houston what response ability of any you have to be voice for the minorities and how does that shape your decision-making. >> will you know you mentioned representing organ district and i am first latina ever elected to represent oregon in the republican party as well as work is the mayor and in congress and so do you have a, we have to be relatable to all different people that were representing. but again we have to be for all oregon's is a responsibility but a diverse table is most exciting
7:06 pm
table they will be out whether it be admitted women it with his minorities across the board, whether it is bipartisanship democrats and republicans it's our job to represent oregon for the district and all of this diversity in a moist conduit and again part of the hispanic leadership trust of making sure paying attention of those issues are and hispanic population is the fastest growing oregon read and about 14 percent in the fifth district so we make sure that were having the representation think it's hard and honoring their values and goals about they want to live the american dream. >> thank you both. >> representative there's wildfires in the mets are hurricanes in the southeast, the impact of the climate change for both well it's expensive leave you is most important step congress can take to address global climate change. >> is an engineer, i think that we can innovate away out of some
7:07 pm
of these problems and we can change our habits. and as we respond to some of these natural disasters, we also need to take a look at our insurance market making sure that people in a realistic that the risk that our present when they particular place prestigious say that we you know we need to respond to wildfires, salsa government is most willing to make sure no putting people in harm's way. so i think it just very directly, leaving away of challenges is a function of again, bridging talent with opportunity in making sure that oregon is the leader private action and technology and that is why i propose the clean energy so that oregonians can lead in these technologies and we can do wind and solar we can do a electrification and we can do all of those things to
7:08 pm
congresswoman it, would you feel is a single most important step congress could take to address global climate change. >> will addressing energy sector and we move around and so i am part of the conservative climate caucus but also the bipartisan claim a solution carcass as well and i have paid attention to within energy energy sector looks like in oregon, we want to protect the health of oregonians and what we needed up does lead to have an abundance of energy and how we get there we do it in america, cleaner, safer, asked her we have to make sure that's healthy, affordable and abundant house moment cannot mandate utility bills we cannot have a high cost of living this costing but if we can balance those the only way that we will do that is to play of the world stage and then traveled around the world make sure that we have the energy table and were representing young people from the middle america, and everybody here in oregon as it
7:09 pm
was weber part be part of the solution for oregonians to make sure that without the table for all of his congress can never be out of this conversation because we planning on the world stage. >> i want to continue on this issue. and you mentioned the issue of insurance, that is a critical need really comes to protecting our properties from fire in a time when insurance companies dropping people like flies ever-increasing premiums to the point they can no longer for the federal government and fema has a program to protect people against flooding and across this country there is no such program to protect the people he gets wild fires. the federal government should be involved in some way coming making it easier for people to get the fire insurance coverage to protect them against wildfires that could very well because by as many people would think about climate change. >> absolutely, it's important
7:10 pm
for us to remember how devastating a loss can be when you experience of the fire or a hurricane or a tornado. that is one of the things that experiencing is trauma. it is not something that you should take lightly and very close family member just recently stuck in hurricane helene, for eight days without water or power. i think it is also important for the government to make sure building houses in places where we are not increasing the risk of not being unreasonable about the risk that people are taking by living there. that's what is with caution we build in certain places knowing that we need to build more. i would be very supportive making sure the west coast gets taken care of just like the east coast in the southern area of the country. >> congress woman lori chavez-deremer did they find three fema flood program.
7:11 pm
>> one conversation because in the west is what we do we not having this in florida or the hurricanes in the tornadoes we do have mass that wildfires we see in california and washington and her insurance companies dropping many of the homeowners insurance the businesses that do not know we did turn to my think there's a couple things can address it address the mitigation why would in this condition we are at and how we are managing our forest, they really are a lifecycle we have to make sure that we are involved that predict and the giving us dollars out the door right afterwards were sing that out. this is in florida and out the south coast about his fema releasing the dollars that's been authorized by the congress, $20 million and educating the yellow the dollars they needed people are really hurting with a water shortage of food and with the boy got left. and of course will be built in afterwards and how are we going to mitigate manage and coordinate with base insurance companies and the private sector to say, where are we heading back to so there's a lot to talk
7:12 pm
about this and i think it certainly worth taking a look at that. >> think you both very much and that concludes the question portion of our debate we will maintain the same order as we began for a closing statement and so, lori chavez-deremer or excuse me, janelle bynum, you can start with your one minute closing statement. >> will thank you i think we have heard tonight, that i am the candidate that can represent oregon fifth congressional district best them a mother of four small business owner an electrical engineer and a four term state legislature predict and the winners looked at bills protecting working families making sure that we are standing up for oregonians, when fasting economy protecting phone vulnerable in the champion for healthcare in layman champions short that we have access to reproductive care my opponent cannot say that she's force full
7:13 pm
twice for women and she cannot y that if she would responded to that. i am the candidate continue in my invested in mental health care resources. i am the candidate that can tell you that he invested in forgets economy coming to the tune of 3 billion in economic investments, and the candidate that is a champion of the people. i'm the candidate that reaches across the aisle and will work with anyone to get things done and i'm janelle bynum and i'm running for oregon's fifth congressional district. >> lori chavez-deremer. >> thank you i think you for having us in a couple of things that i want to address just because they were not what we did not get to them tonight enemy talk about an opinion piece, that is come out of my point is not about me versus approving's factual track record of others to think that i think that she failed to address someone the sport of labor, 20 unions have supported me. that uses border and they walked away because they don't believe
7:14 pm
are they don't trust her she's health policies and law enforcement have walked away and very graciously that they would not support her hearing sort of like for public safety last but not least, we saw over this last week, her failed young woman, mandatory reporter and she decided to not you talking over me and unfortunately. [inaudible]. [inaudible]. >> and so i find it very important unfortunate visualize often. >> you and upper decking are missing neck you are a liar you are trump supporter you're making sure that. [inaudible]. [inaudible]. >> let her finish. >> her time is up. >> she decided not to support that young woman and she's a wire. >> and we are the time and thank you so much in the on the daily news when think her candidates for being here tonight, for this spirited debate at times and let's also think my moderators
7:15 pm
this evening heather and julie and you for being here as well and of course, take you to the voters new acute course of this democracy rated we will continue to bring you coverage of the candidates and the issues to help make your choice in this critical election year. have a good night. >> the one the tightest races for control of congress, the modern political history, say had with c-span coverage up key state debates, this fall season bring to access to the nations top health senate and governor to base across the country and the base from shaping your state's future going in the balance of power in washington from a follower campaign 2024, coverage from local to national debates anytime come up, at cspan.org/campaign. be sure to watch tuesday november 5th, for live real-time election night
7:16 pm
results. cspan, your unfiltered view of politics, powered by cable. >> later today, income it senator kevin kramer faces off against his democratic senate seat, watch living hossen by tv live at0 p.m. eastern not "c-span2" cspan out our free mobile video app for unlike him and cspan.org. >> cspan now, free mobile app, featuring your view of what is happening in washington live and on-demand to give up keep day's biggest events with life things up for proceedings and hearings from the u.s. congress white house events what the courts, camping and and more from the world of politics, all at your fingertips and you can also stay current with the latest episodes of washington general and scheduling information for cspan
7:17 pm
tv networks and cspan radio to billing podcasts pretty cspan now is available at the apple store google play is in the qr code to download it for free today visitor website, cspan.org/cspan now, cspan out f your row seat to washington coming anytime anywhere. >> the house will be in order to make this year celebrates 45 years with recovering congress like no other. since 1979 we been your primary source for capitol hill, writing balance unfiltered coverage of government, taking you to where the policies of debate is decided all the support of americans cable company cspan 45 years and counting powered by cable. next leaders from the army corps of engineers the only future.
7:18 pm
>> command topics include hurricane corps of engineers and from the association united states early meeting here in washington at this is about 40 minutes. >> all right, let's transition to our panel we are very fortunate today, if senior leaders from three wrongly commence some of these discussions today and going to focus on innovation, and change keeping the army the best place one of the best places to work pretty and you know we are we are better than we need to get better incident game try to make the workforce better. so we plan to dive into their insights experiences and perspectives on how they are leading their organization and following our discussion, we will ask not only want to read some of the answers to the questions i just gave you, i'll ask a few more questions and hopefully will be able to have a little bit of dialogue there pretty without further ado, let's get into the panels
7:19 pm
discussion our panelists today, first of all revenue member. general major general and she's a deputy chief of engineers and commanding general of the u.s. army corps of engineers any event, she on the way to the white house this morning and she gallantly stepped down and thank you for being here today saying that we have this christina freeze, by the way actually also sits on my asa civilian committee and thank you christina for that and she is the deputy chief of staff g1 of the u.s. army matériel command where many of our department today work across the various the organizations and finally, we have the tumbler was a chief capitol officer army futures
7:20 pm
command always does things a bit different delete but she is the chief of capitol officer army command. and anyway, i invite you please resend warm welcome. [applause] [applause] >> were going to do two rounds of questions of herself i asked one question, but all three of the panelists will answer them i have some were directed to questions for each of the panelists as cigarette so this is part of around the question is, when recent innovations creative strategies have you implemented the spark excitement, and impacted your command and several commitment to the mission and with that. >> thank you and get started first will thank you good morning and think for allowing me to join this prestigious panel it's really important that before the corps of engineers
7:21 pm
authority hundred 40000 talented civilians are key enablers of our team. so overseeing and 95 billion-dollar program and projects either underway in planning, we really rely on her talents to get the job done pretty but every day. he private contracting engineering and construction firms as discussed to recruit the best and talented workforce braided and in most cases, our employees are very well could retired from the prophet police however for me face offers something more, to think about about the purpose and people prayed like the army, we offer an opportunity to make a difference to contribute it to something bigger and work alongside the best in the business pretty so familial nation infrastructure projects like dams, bridges, hospitals for our veterans, the schools,
7:22 pm
facilities for the war fighters and families in supporting our partners allies overseas in infrastructure and resource solutions integrating slides and responding disasters and just le the collapse of the francis key bridge, and the rating wildfire knowing today nearly two people other supporting hurricane helene and milton response or mission is to deliver engineering solutions. our human capitol professionals are absolutely related with everything one does missions. this our overall strategy, and was for the questions proactive talents were saying and it's a big part of how we can continue to be all those mission requirements and so i will break it down into three bullets and innovative approaches, the following to the proactive talent, the sourcing strategy when you want to start with
7:23 pm
calling out a shout out to the person that is really the forefront of helping us finally develop that strategy but implemented in our director of human resources and she is right out there. [applause] imac. >> she is an absolute rock star passionate about people and passionate about collaborating and passionate about making sure the big best talent on our team to deliver the issues thank you for that and thank you karen because of the three approaches over the highlights from the we're trying corps of engineers to let the first, please these are our recruiters that the enterprise was mentioned earlier by doctor schaeffer the total recruiting event repairs and we
7:24 pm
also employ person of expertise the recruiters at special stem recruiting event like providing for women engineers the flock engineer the year conference and they and their ability to school and on for theft tell it quickly he seemed also helps with all aspects of talent and for our leaders not just the career. staffing questions and limiting training solutions recruitment strategies developing those things those regional commands have implemented also reduce their dependency on china and make sure that our leaders and managers are engaged in until it management prospect in the second innovation is the talent acquisition and something that we have created under karen's leadership but as a platform which enables the cameras to
7:25 pm
some of the resume database that allows us to quickly couples resumes and for hiring managers to consider them for selection it allows us to fill vacancies happen faster and three talent in the right place at the right time and actually tried it myself it is very easy and so the presenter lever position to just go to the army careers there's an opportunity to submit your resume seamlessly. complicated and right now we have a repository of over 15000 current resumes that are in the system available in this couple is something that were doing we call people analytics allows us to really take the data and vacancies and really catch up people with right people throwing shopping skills to
7:26 pm
execute the mission in the third and final innovation that is really leveraging direct hiring authorities this past year be leveraged returning authorities 4500 times bring people on board we increase stream 7 percent and 40000 throwing out the highest we've ever been in despite an extremely competitive labor market that i know all of us are aware of. it allows us to reduce our hiring time to roughly 30 days and i know karen is challenged us all the army with the goal of having right we have 94 percent of our position to qualify for direct hiring process will one direct versus a different hiring authorities but i think that's going to allow us to get there faster than a really, so please please that is really the key in
7:27 pm
the competitive market really telling goes fast so you don't act quickly, you'll miss that opportunity one less thing i had a conversation with one of our newer employees recently we were able to bring her board and roughly 35 days. we hired her. and we brought her on board and she's getting calls back for other organizations to just getting around to calling her now and already been working for us the case in point key to success. >> thank you general and special thank you to the entire team hurricane relief and terrible what is going on and you all are doing great things so thank you for that. >> thank you and it's our privilege. >> yes and without, same question for recent innovations creative strategies have you implemented and impacted if the commands overall commitment.
7:28 pm
>> thank you good morning everyone and the command is mr. moore alluded to when specifically or civilian organization in the army we have over 95000 civilians in anc, the serve in all 50 states had 150 countries. we have 11 career fields no less than 375 occupational series, the makeup the amc enterprise and so few of the initiatives that we are working on that having a big difference and i will start with our five-page resume, were we have authorities the match for the direct authorities that we use but when we use the job system, we have implemented for 23 working for current five pace resume what that means is when the africans go into apply for these jobs, he tells them at the beginning of the job announcement, they door
7:29 pm
resume should be limited delta five pages and if it exceeds that only the first five pages of the resume will be reviewed at this is really a best practice will not it industry and resumes are dramatically shorter and government resumes for this incident empowers us to see the specialist in the referral list together and they can get to the candidate must more quickly to an early list and that it also enables our selection panels, to be able to do the work. so since the time we started this, we've already seen a reduction two weeks, and the chara processing time is made a big difference for us. not only has a short in our hiring type it will take everyday we can get it we do 5 percent more, the jobs in the same amount of time it being
7:30 pm
able to do more, faster, is definitely on the right track. so the command is helpful that it will demonstrate improvement, they can be bridged across the entire army in the near future. another thing we've incorporated into our capitol planning as a tool for global labor markets in supply and demand and cost data analysis. using this tool to help us target our recruiting geographical areas by being able to better understand the marketplace look like. how many candidates have the skills we are looking for exist in that area, and what is the difficulty of recruiting those candidates and what are other organizations paying them, to help us understand what competitive wages would be. ...
7:31 pm
it's something we are focused delivery on. we believe it will go a long way in our retention efforts to make sure we keep the right people. the organic industrial base, as part of the army overall modernization strategy paid the organic industrial bases being modernized to be ready for the signature of modernization equipment as it comes and should be repaired. as the repair parts begin to be worked on. if the people are not also holding the rights bills to be able to operate in the future environment, the army will not
7:32 pm
be successful. we are endeavoring for the acquisition, the development, the employee and retention of elves employees the next three to five years eventually anticipate the new skills they will need to re- skill retrying that workforce to be ready to do that. so we are really excited about that. i think probably all of us will speak of the underpinning and the significance of data analytics. predictive analytics on helping us to do workforce development. our succession planning and are recruiting. using visualization and dashboard has been a tremendous help across our amc enterprise for leaders, supervisors and now even our employees to be able to see where we are in an organization. what we do focus on how to better get there. thank you. >> miss miller what recent
7:33 pm
strategies have you implemented in future strategies? >> good morning to everyone. i am proud to be here today. this is a proud day for the army. and it is an honor and privilege to serve the army as a department army civilian. afc exists to transform the army, to drive world when future readiness. so when we talk about them as valuable asset, that is people. they are our strength. until recently one of things we implemented earlier this year when we had the chance to implement a new personal system. at the science and technology. and what that is, is the system
7:34 pm
that provides us the flexibility we need to be able to manage a highly skilled workforce. 65% of our workforce in stem fields. until we need the flexibility to go out and acquire that talent. be able to compete for this highly sought after talent. develop the talents, pay the talent and retain that talent. effectively what we have embedded in this authority give us broad scope for direct higher authority. we talk about the issue with jobs. direct higher authority helps us get out in many ways. we want to make sure we are optimizing the direct higher authority. truly doing strategic recruiting in the talent we actually need instead of posting and praying.
7:35 pm
this allows us creative ways to incentivize, and protect hires. for instance we now have the authority to give an 80 hour time off incentive to new hires. think about new civilians coming into the workforce, they are coming in with zero leave on the books. when your new year's zero -- three you are accumulating annual leave for six leave pay. it takes a while to build that up. but, we are able to attract a new challenge by saying hey, if you come in you can have some time off on the books if you need it. that's a really meaningful aspect of st rl that we have. >> we talk about what makes asc a great place to work it's our
7:36 pm
flexibility in our propensity towards innovation. also our support to quality of life. we have flexible work 85% civilian teleworking we have some remote workers. it has to focused on a mission needs but we are able to make flexibility. in the last three years 60% of our vacancies were filled with candidates from within. 94% of promotions were internal to afc. we really do make a concerted effort to look out for our people in their career direction. asc has opportunities across 73 locations around the world. almost anywhere you want to be we probably have an opportunity for you.
7:37 pm
because of the flexibilities that we have we are able to reward contributions in addition to pay for performance system that we just put in place. we have ever boasted employee recognition program recognizes and rewards significant contributions are made by members of our workforce. we are dedicated to talent management. we are very deliberate or how we have approach that. since my arrival at afc, we've had a campaign we really want to evolve to being strong that howe manage our talent. until we have put into place our human capitol operating plan that gives us aspirational but attainable and measurable objectives and goals for how we manage our workforce.
7:38 pm
with the talent management board focus on developing our workforce. we have a strong bench of talent ready to step up to the plate whenever the key opportunities present themselves. and then we are leveraging opportunities to launch new developing programs. earlier i was listening when he was meeting with all the executives. we were talking about how we build the next generation of executives. at afc we are already moving out with the building we are calling afc nexgen executive program. a 12 month internal development program that's going to provide in experiential opportunity to employees who have demonstrated potential. recognition program and in the
7:39 pm
performance awards that we tend to go. we have will be called distinguished member of the workforce award. we are recognizing excellence across our workforce. we also have newly established care awards that recognizes spouses and families making differences in the community. then we recognize innovation across the army through the major general harold green award for innovation. lots of reasons afc is the best place to work. let me just take a drink here. i have one of the thing i want to point out. earlier we saw a tech called out as one of the top five places to work. once water supporting commands we work very, very closely.
7:40 pm
i want to highlight for the fact they also are leveraging flexible personal system for the part of the acquisition demonstration personal system that provides a simplified howard, flexible compensation through broad banding. and authorities that award contribution. the commander driven emphasis on trading. there also using data to optimize real-time leadership decisions on how they manage the workforce. there is a lot of promise and flexible personal systems that we have available. where we have to manage lots of stem talents we truly do need to measure flexibility. >> thank you ms. miller. this actually concludes round one. i just want to highlight there
7:41 pm
were i thought a few common threats there. first of all, levering to the extent the policies and law allow. direct higher authority, i cannot say enough how much it help me in some of my prior jobs. that is something we all probably need to understand and all the different authorities inthe job series aligned. it's a challenge working through that. the second thread i heard is the challenges of working. addison my humble opinion the elephant in the room when you're trying to recruit in a timely way. i have lost count of the talent i lost because i could not get the job offer over the finish line. knowing they were the right person for the right job could not get there. and then some organization got them.
7:42 pm
and then as mentioned, your employees so getting phone calls three months later. and then recognizing performance and high retain talent is the third thread that i heard from you all. so thank you for that. moving on to round two will have a few more focused questions. from our command admission perspective how her army army siblings ofthe corps of end in contributing and keeping the army a great place to work? click save for the question. a couple of things are. just like all these organizations and all of your organization do not want to attract time we want to retain the town that we work so hard to get on the team. to do that we have identified the areas where we can get better at. it's onboarding, off boarding and everything in between. employees can start at the very
7:43 pm
beginning of their career and a chance to have opportunity to progress throughout their career and get promotions along the way. the workforce today is looking for flexibility. they may not want to retire from one organization. and we meet they be better if they go out and forth to industry and federal government with new knowledge, skills, ability and innovation. until we welcome that and are trying to embrace that in different ways. one of the ways or strategies we are focusing on to retain, we've done a little bit here today is recognize what's. operationalize is one of our consistent strategies we've been working on for the last number of years. this year in 2024 we have 18000 responses. where the second highest in the
7:44 pm
army for overall responses appear to be recognized just getting a lot of responses does not mean anything. we have to do something with it and operationalize it. that was alluded to in the discussions and speakers that came up earlier. we are 44 districts, nine divisions multiple labs and centers. all of those have developed implementation and action plan. there are a crucial component of us retaining talent. as talked about, that gives donor turnover. it allows members to be involved in solutions and make improvements at the workplace. it has allowed us implementing more policy. more developed more developmental details for opportunities. for the mentor, mentee mattress
7:45 pm
and opportunities to listen to what our workforce is saying. just like today that we said earlier we don't just encourage participation, we celebrate it celebrate it and continue to celebrate and recognizing the command on the members of those commands to operationalize the federal employee survey. the second thing i want to highlight take count to the next level which is training. the men and women of that u.s. corps of engineers serve our nation well as i alluded to, we owe them the best training. the best education the best technology until they can stand up and deliver the full potential. we want them to be all they can be. we are committed to giving them the tools they need to succeed to be better every day. we have infused energy in is the learning center. also falls under our directorate
7:46 pm
of resources the periods located in huntsville and most learning center has roughly 500 classes they maintain and review regularly for the curriculum components for training individual engineers, groups and contracting practices. specific disciplines, are really just collaboration and team building and leading teams. they do that physically in huntsville. they can also export that virtually. for training opportunities. to minimize on travel resource dollars. to hawaii or to europe and his other locations. they've also tailored a bite side training you see online is to somewhat complicate things into the five minutes.
7:47 pm
there's a couple how to read up odometer, how to do testing of your fire extinguishers. how to onboard people in your organization. 18000 requests last year that were met. training special meant for individual peoples of our teams. we are continuously using our data in a people analytics to look at one of the skills? we bring on new people that are new employees need to be able to advance from new employee and apprentices to journeyman and mark sprints team members. motive looked at their chief of engineer what is the health of our project delivery teams? these teams are delivering meg up multibillion-dollar construction projects out there. we onboard we do not have the same skill set.
7:48 pm
the training they need the right time. and then to be all they can be does the army and the department of defense to be all they can be. thank you for that question. thank you, that was awesome. >> it's your turn. >> your question? as you mentioned earlier afc is transform the organic industrial base to better strategically support future army readiness. what new opportunities as a screen for army civilians question how will it benefit the army going forward? >> thank you for that question. many of us we think about civilian employees we generally think first about our schedule. and so the majority of the organic industrial base is under the federal wage system. we have given specific emphasis and focus on how will be
7:49 pm
developed in the next three -- five years to do with the need to do? we have developed inside our civilian limitation plan for the organic industrial base, human capitol modernization implementation plan. it is going to focus on the gaps that are in the skills our workforce has today. and those that will be needed in a few years. we are looking for the opportunity to use training, create training to be able to get them ready for that. something you started is a pilot for career mapping. some of you in the contracting career field and some other organizations are exploring career pathway for your organization. i am hopeful the army will make it enterprise decision on that in the near future.
7:50 pm
but what we are doing is to develop leaders and supervisors. which includes a gs workforce. logistics arena. standby. thank you. our wage grade in ploy ease of the industrial arts welders, painters, machinists, a lot of electronics. they have special skills are going to need. we are focusing on allowing them to voluntarily go into this talent management to identify with they think their clear pathway would look like. also explore adjacent pathways. they can see the trainings and skills they already have. the training that would be required and sent to another career area. they are so excited about this.
7:51 pm
this is the first time they have felt the army has cared about them as part of civilian workforce. we have a huge amount of momentum we are continuing to expand that as we go into fy 25. we will roll out all the occupation series that we develop insists specific sites to use across all across the u.s. another thing we are doing is a targeted marketing campaign plan. the civilian marketing campaign overall. which is great. we are focusing on those industrial arts. we can target using videos and advertisements, they can see themselves during the skills and advertisements. will move forward. her office for recruitment video that is underway and we are
7:52 pm
working closely with the logistic functional community as well. also building partnerships with industry, academia, government across the spectrum. federal, local to state governments is going to be part of our way ahead. having additional partnerships weathers for apprentice programs, internships, creating more deliberate pipelines into the workforce is also an important part of what we are doing. as we are developing the training and education or the workforce we are not going to administer traditional training. we do not have the privilege of it taking five years for us to fully develop the workforce. we have to do it at a much more rapid pace to be ready in time for the army's transform transformation of modernization. we are working through electronic, making sure we have
7:53 pm
technical skills, training labs. being able to create modern training that's micro credentialing. kenzie administered small time periods using virtual representation of the equipment and the assets artisans are using or will be working on. making sure we have those adaptable to real-time data so we could simulate and do what we need to do to help them be ready. the industrial base is a huge part of our nation insurance policy that underpins what we do with our equipment and our army especially in times of crisis or surgeon. that some of the things we are focusing on. >> last but not least our final question around too future army readiness as an integrated team.
7:54 pm
fresh thinking the forefront of innovation to drive continuous transformation across army. in doing that they have essential functions we perform. the first is defining future operational environment. and that is identifying those factors that set the conditions for the future auto field. second, essential function is research. we have driving concepts, experimentation, billing requirements and also integrating all of those functions. when it comes to innovation,
7:55 pm
army civilians need to be wherever there is work focused on improving innovation. for instance, and i did not mention this earlier. population of service and civilian just under 18000. 91% are civilians. we have civilians that are supporting all the functions i mentioned. we have civilians working in scientific repertory's and engineering centers. conducting a research of new capabilities. we have civilians working in concept development. future were fighting concept. we have got civilians working across cross functional teams
7:56 pm
there working across acquisition lines to be able to coordinate delivery of new capability requirements. and also we have civilians who play a key role testing and evaluating a newly developed capability. the bottom line answer to that question is civilians need to be anywhere work is happening when it comes army innovation and transformation. i think i want to highlight again there's so many civilians working in the stem area. they achieve the top-five top fe status. that speaks to the fact there is civilians see themselves as part of the army mission. a sense of satisfaction where they sit in the workplace and what their work environment looks like.
7:57 pm
with the broader part of afc we are young command. we recently implemented were expecting we are going to achieve the level of status just to hit on a few key points. you talked about onboarding and how important that is bringing someone in a way that makes him feel like they are part of the team. i used to always say never underestimate the power of the culture. because culture will trump many things. i will leave it at that. helping them understand the culture and fit and maybe even evolve over time is important. the impact of that wage agreed
7:58 pm
workforce. in the functional chief of a career field the logistics i always helically did not pay enough attention. everly discipline credentials that they need. another great aspect and then of course innovation. the stem workforce that really wants to work on the latest and greatest. he got to keep them excited about what they're doing but that is great. these three panelists when you think about it over 263,000 army civilians. not to do math and public, which is always a dangerous thing. i did it anyway at. [laughter] while over one or 50000 civilians work in the organizations these three leaders represent so wow. most of the army civilians are in your three organizations but
7:59 pm
with that let's give our panelists around of applause. [applause] i'm too go grab a gift for you all. >> thank you. these are some big steps. we were a little worried about them. thank you so much for taking the time to share these incredible insights. thank you. hopefully there are some pearls people can pick up an exercise in the organization. thank you all. please be careful getting off the stage. >> c-span is your unfiltered view of government but we are funded by these television companies and more including comcast. >> are you thinking this is just a community center? it is way more than that. comcast is part of the 1000
8:00 pm
community centers to create wi-fi enabled so students from low-income families can get the tools they need to be ready for anything. comcast supports c-spa as a public service along with these other television providers. giving you a front row seat to democracy. >> here's tonight's camping 2024 debate coverage preaching next live will have in the candidas to beat north dakota's new next u.s. cenr filed by pennsylvania seventh district dt democratic incumbent susan wilde republican challenger susan mckenzie face off. washington state senate debate later candidates vying to represent iowa's thi district in the u.s. house. live to north dakota for tonight's u.s. senate debate. >> election special report from best achieve e.
8:01 pm
>> good evening everyone. welcome to the tv 2024 senatorial debate featuring candidates and democrat actor christina christiansen republican senator kevin cramer. moderating with me this evening. >> thank you. we share common interests and talk radio from bismarck he is from fargo. i'm a former mayor of bismarck joel is a former legislator but we're broadcasting live from legacy high school in bismarck, north dakota tonight. this evening will be alternating as we ask questions of the candidates but we have prepared the questions ourselves and flip the coin to decide who goes first. both for moderators and for candidates. it is recommended hold its applause until the completion of a candidates answer. so that the candidate does not forfeit their time to the applause. candidates will be given two minutes for answers. one minute for follow-up answers or a return to the previous topic candidate please be
8:02 pm
mindful of the clock. and understand if you watch the monday night steve and i are not afraid to tell you you are done. [laughter] >> we will be taking the television break near the bottom of the hour. we begin this evening with opening statements of three minutes from each of the candidates beginning with doctor katina christiansen. >> thank you so much. thank you joel, both of you for moderate this evening. i want to thank them and their team for making this happen. i want to thank senator cramer and debates with me. while he may not agree on all of our policy issues, we both agree it is important for north dakota and to hear us. it's vital to a healthy democracy. it is important to vote for the person, not the party. i am katrina christiansen. i am proof of the american dream. my dad and his brother lost the
8:03 pm
farm. my dad struggled to find work in the 80s and it was hard because i grew up in poverty. i remember the first year of college, my dad was dropping me off i did not have a car but he gave me 20 bucks and said good luck kiddo. i lived off of 20 bucks for two weeks. now some of you listening are here tonight may have lived this more experienced. and you know what it took to get here. because of federal programs that my opponent might demonize tonight. i graduated at the top of my class. i've built a better life for my family. i have made jamestown my home where i live with my husband max and our three kids who go to public school and to the dairy queen as often as possible. i am an agricultural engineer. i have three patents.
8:04 pm
so tonight you will hear from somebody who voted against lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. you're going to hear from someone who voted against the bipartisan border bill protecting our communities. you are going to hear from a career politician who is failed to get a farm bill passed. because what he does is identify problems, assign blame and walks away from the hard work resolving issues. you're also going to hear from someone who thanks north dakota can do better? who is talk to those north dakota and spent has to rush in their meds. who has talked to many north dakota ends that are frustrated that we have not secured our border. i want safer communities. you are going to talk to somebody who knows how to solve problems. and actually knows how to do the job in the hard work it takes to get things done.
8:05 pm
thank you so much and i hope to earn your vote in november. you for lending your talents to this night. thank you derek, thank you for your remarkable service you provide. so many out there in rural north dakota as much is right here in the big city of bismarck and fargo. not just for stepping up to the plate is very few have done what we've done right now there's a reason for that it's not that easy. it's tough work. i was thinking and i appreciate you mentioning the debate. i was thinking about my career and some of us have done this quite a bit. all of the debates i was thinking about all the people i've ran against a been an incumbent and i've been a challenger. i don't think i have ever had an opponent that accepted fewer than three debates. that says something about the culture of our states. he says something about this
8:06 pm
right here. people have asked me why would you, the incumbent why would you give your opponent a third debate? i don't like giving my opponent third debate i give you a third debate. it's hard to hide we know each other. i look forward to this katrina is right you see a difference yes somebody has got some experience. yes, somebody who's been there a while. this would be my second term i'm seeking in the united states senate. the senate is a place where experience matters. or having a gavel matters. and by the way it arty doesn't matter. the idea that somehow you can both work but not vote for a party not going let chuck schumer be the majority leader if kristine becomes senator. that's a nice idea nice ideal is
8:07 pm
just not practical. i talk about my upbringing i'm way back 400 years three of my ancestors came on the mayflower i'm in tenth grade grandson of william bradford the governor of plymouth colony. the person who offered and signed the mayflower compact. for generations in my sixth grade grandfather was one of the first people to die in the revolutionary war and bunker hill. a family member still has his plane he made. he was a craftsman. he carved the scriptures and in this he said this complaint was made by me. a son of liberty. my father was in 11th grade educator. he was a lineman. my mom graduated high school and pumped gas at the co-op. they worked overtime for what
8:08 pm
the time was thought and a half. but they did whatever it took. >> time, senator. >> thank you. >> my first question goes to doctor christiansen. doctor christiansen, what makes you qualified to be one of 100 people in this nation to make decisions? >> thank you. i really appreciate that question. it is so refreshing to hear something not starting off with ukraine. i get asked this a lot. the thing that makes me a really great candidate for north dakota as i am forward thinking. i understand how to tackle problems. i understand the importance of reaching out to stakeholders. that means reaching across the
8:09 pm
aisle. i am not afraid to go get the republican votes and the independent votes. and that's the same thing i'm going to do in the u.s. senate. i told the story about growing up in poverty. to try to convey to you what it took to get to this point to graduated as valedictorian. should be high scholars at the university of nebraska, lincoln beat departmental senior of the year end biological systems engineering. those are no small feat. i am not doing this for me. i'm doing this for all of the people i have met across the state of north dakota. i have gone to every county. i have talked to people. those conversations have left marks on me. i was at my not a couple weeks ago and there is a guy there who talks about how he could not for his insulin. my opponent voted against capping and some prices at $45 heat loss 75% of his vision. he cannot drive. we cannot have career
8:10 pm
politicians that recycle talking points representing u.s. senate. we need to be luring prescription drug prices. aside from securing the border, lowering prescription drug prices is the most important thing on people's minds. we have some his voted to repeal the affordable care act to but we have somebody who voted against capping prescription drug prices for seniors. voted against capping insulin at $35 a vial. we need somebody who understands the problems of north dakota. click senator cramer do you have a rebuttal? >> first of all i want to agree with the upfront answer. the beauty of our self governed system is the only qualification to serve the people that are voting as you get more votes than your opponent. it's up to the people that we work for. that is the qualification. that is what gets you there. but what makes you a good senator? personal experience does matter by the way. it doesn't matter. not sure about scholarly
8:11 pm
accomplishments. i have seen plenty of scholars not do so wellin congress. i prefer workers. i would raise this point about reaching across the aisle and point i don't do that. the reality is, i do it a lot. the reality is i'm the only republican nights it centered in senate inthe last congress thatd a bipartisan action award reaching across the aisle. i don't introduce legislation very rarely doesn't have a democratic cosponsor. by grew with a long list of them to say the least. also implied i am the guy the first talking point the democrat party is accused your opponent using republican talking points. they got immersed today by jamestown newspaper precisely because i do not use talking points. because i sometimes warrant my staff in advance about to be blunt. >> next question is for senator
8:12 pm
kevin cramer. the economy is on the major issues during this presidential cycle. of course the sentence and the house and the makeup of that will have a large play in dictating the finances of the economy. vice president kamala harris. give us a take on your working relationship no matter who wins and what that looks like assist in the economy. >> the president has a lot to do with legislation. unified government has the ability to pass legislation with the 50 it went votes in the senate rather than the 60.
8:13 pm
that's a circumstance i hope for but one thing is sure the job acts expires next year. everyone's taxes go up unless we do something about it. inflation is arty 20 plus% aggregate over the last four years under the hair/biden administration. a lot of it has to do with tax on energy. when you cause energy prices to go up there now at 45%. you drive up the price of everything everything you move, you go you produce everything you manufacture everything goes up. we have to restore solid energy policy. places like north dakota to feed a hungry world. to feel a growing economy. we do it better than anybody we do cleaner than anybody. my opponents have advocated for limiting fossil fuels. stop investing fossil fuels and invest only in renewable energy. that is nonsense low cost
8:14 pm
abundant and clean energy. north dakota oil, gas, coal, wind it's all cleaned for cleaner than anywhere else in the world. it's a lower-cost and more available than any place in the world too. >> doctor christiansen same question. >> i thought about this coming in tonight. pointing out many of the talking points you will hear tonight for my opponent are the ones he is six years ago. you are here tonight you're probably wondering why you have not accomplish a lot. that's become 13017th congress he cut the third worst attendance rates. how could he be voting for north dakota family if he is not there? okay? what about the 118 congress? he has the eight worst attendance. he has missed more than 60 votes. i think it was a couple of weeks ago or maybe just last week.
8:15 pm
we have the terrible fires out west. just terrible. i'm sorry for the family members who lost their loved ones. but, we are going to have to come back to congress in the new year and address those disasters. my opponent voted against a jail disaster funding in 2021 that would have given $750 million to livestock producers who have losses from drought and wildfires. we can't send someone to washington that does not show up or they cannot do the work for us if they are not there. in the 1117th the eighth worst in the 118th.
8:16 pm
his expanse has allowed him to forget who he is and who he represents. it's time to send somebody who has worked in industry and understands the importance of working hard. click senator cramer at one minute rebuttal if you choose. >> several things. the 117 congress is most productive congress as we passed unanimously under the eye am the ranking member. provided lots more money for north dakota cities, counties, rural communities, farmers. the type of infrastructure that brings down inflation and brings important resources. it's also the year i led the charge with a lot of upset republicans to pass the committee i'm a ranking member. that provides more than 50% more money to north dakota counties, cities, communities, townships. 50% more for infrastructure
8:17 pm
moving goods and services including farm products. when my mom died i was fortunate enough to be able to get there before she died and spent some time with her and of course plan for arrangements and lead the family through the grieving time. i spent the week at the mayo clinic with my son was having surgery at the time. it's also when i had my surgery. it was productive nonetheless. >> the next question goes to senator cramer. your opponents accuse you of doing nothing. that you passed a number of bills. you and i both know there's a difference a drink on a bill and being the prime sponsor of the bill. being the origin of the bill itself. so you could easily, you've been in the majority, you've been in the minority you can easily find
8:18 pm
yourself having to introduce legislation that kamala harris would sign. and so i'm going to ask you, have you passed any legislation that its genesis came from you? >> lots and lots of it. >> it came from north dakota governor to use resources during the pandemic when the oil patch was a bleeding people and bleeding money to hire more workers. to re- claim oil that was my prime cosponsor was rule on a democrat from new mexico. that was my bill.
8:19 pm
there's lots of those but i introduce the legislation that created the states force of nine states of america. brand-new military force. they thought you've got to be out of your mind. fifteen votes to 14 that opposed it. and now there's no way he thanks we were crazy. expansion of the export import. the largest extension in its history. by the way, but had this idea that there's independence record there's no such thing. but the idea is you could somehow keep score on how many bills you introduce that passes the bill that you introduced is following. is only a handful of meals that get past it. that is why you've got to be ready. there's a whole bunch of them
8:20 pm
have benefited the north coast airmen and soldiers, national guard. probably dozens of them i could point to one at a time for they are all part of the national defense authorization act. >> doctor christiansen, amid one minute rebuttal. >> i think if kevin had a voting record to run on, we would already know it. the reality is one of the largest industries in north dakota, agriculture, does not have time but the low price right now soybeans are way under being profitable. we are not talking about the facts that we have a bunch of career politicians in washington d.c. and i believe senator cramer said it best. only a few bills get past.
8:21 pm
every five years we ask our congress to pass the farm bill. to make sure our farmers have the right reference prices. they make sure we are improving crop insurance like making sure they can enroll in dual arc programs. >> time? the next question for doctor christiansen, i want to save the theme of agriculture. of course the farm bill for north dakota. one of the pieces of the farm bill is snap. there's a lot of producers out there looking at the protection for an operation. first of all would you be in favor or not in favor of separating the snap program from the farm bill to address agriculture? would your vision of farm bill be? >> steve, i really appreciate that question.
8:22 pm
senator cramer and i have had the opportunity to talk about the farm bill and are two other debates. one of the debates he brings up as a problem is a snap benefit. i will be honest. i find it offensive coming from u.s. senator and someone as a christian you would vilify poor people. i grew up in poverty. i remember being at the economy market in nebraska or my dad asked to get credit to buy groceries. and he was denied. i remember it later on him saying he would never own money for food because of food stamps. one out of six households in north dakota uses food stamps. one out of six. 49% of those work. they are the working poor.
8:23 pm
they are the people we should be protecting. 65% of the households have children. 30% have elderly disabled adults. this is a serious program. the reason we have it is we value everyone. we want people to be fed and survive. that's the best we can do. when we vilify these snap program i get upset i think that's apparent right now. that is not a u.s. senator should do. the farm belt and the snap program goat together. that brings urban it makes sure we take care of our most vulnerable people. >> thank you doctor christiansen. and it sent on their own 2 feet.
8:24 pm
>> first, absolutely not. you would lose the farm bill if you did that. you lose the safety net for vulnerable people if you did that. but, she said something very interesting just so you know this is not insignificant problem to the farmer. duke dilutes the amount to go to the farmer. think that farm is a rooftop garden by the way. fuel on fire which drove the price of everything out. she is that as a reason to bring more money to snap and the conservation called climate title. thus to limit the amount owing to the farmer. you've got to rebalance those things party matters.
8:25 pm
a violent uprising and's authority for government. that is insurrection. and so the question becomes, do you believe donald trump played a role in the january 6 insurrection and the beating of those law enforcement officers on the steps of the capitol i think donald trump on that day gave a speech those two ramped up. it was nancy pelosi who turned down donald trump generosity of national guard or active military. he calls her, he warned her. it is well documented. these people are upset.
8:26 pm
i think you better get more security there. she turned her down, why did she turn it down? i have no idea. i could speculate but i do not know what's in our heart or mind. that fact to seeing what was going on, knowing how upset people were and then to deny the decline in health and leading our police officers who i love, so my best friends in washington. i love marcus like a brother because he is a brother he hugs me every single day at the door of the united states capitol this big tall beautiful and says were in it together we are in it together from her military is unconscionable to me. i blame her as much as i blame anybody. it's a handful of people that were violent not the one strolling through the capitol after it became easy but the people who were violent and shouldnot be taken off the hook. it's not somebody else's fault they did with a did.
8:27 pm
>> the question was do you believe donald trump played a role in generally six insurrection yesterday? i think his role was minimal converted nancy pelosi. >> rebuttal? >> talking points is on the career politicians do. but recycling dangerous lives is really un-american. i do not know how many of you in this audience or at home were all watching what happened in generally 26th. i remember being terrified that we would lose our democracy. i hold president trump accountable and those who went along with him and not certifying the election results of the free and fair election of our president. i have never been more terrified of my life. i think it is so sad you have
8:28 pm
changed so much as a career politician you would repeat dangerous lives and not reflect history. that is the important thing here. we cannot recycle dangerous lives for. >> same talking points over and over and over again. >> was at a rebuttal for mule of a bottle back. >> by the way, i was there. i was there. she watched on tv and was was t, i was there. i voted to certify. i was there. watching on tv and being terrified, who are we kidding? who are we kidding? this is serious not some drama because it's a nice stage for because she blame nancy pelosi? i blame people who did it because she blame nancy pelosi? senator, then the question becomes did donald trump have it within his power to release the national guard to put it down?
8:29 pm
wesley ordered his own military declined as well. >> i am a rule follower and he was interrupting me. i have just got to say, i said my piece i think it is really important that when you are a politician and representing people that need you to get things done, that you tell the truth. he missed that boat in 2022 where were you? you did not vote for the ranchers, okay. he does not have a problem misrepresenting the truth because he is a career politician. that is a great quote from president roosevelt at the end of his life became so disenchanted with politics he said good people to go into politics become crooks and very good people become impractical. i will let you all decide who the career politician has become repeating this dangerous lives.
8:30 pm
>> are going to take a little break. when we come back steve will be asked the next question. thank you for listening tour senatorial debate. >> taking a short break that becket tv debate como us from bismarck weent for the debate to continue are some of the ads senator cramer and his challenger cripps christina christiansen are running in the race. >> you need a senator who does not just talk like they are from north dakota. but votes like they're from north dakota. that is what you need. >> serving in the senate i see how democrat policies in washington threatened north dakota. the wide open border and attacks on our energy industry. it is a battle. but i do not back down. i am kevin cramer and i approve this message because i vote for north dakota. >> a rancher no shoot neglect
8:31 pm
your herd, you are going to die. fame is a politicians go to washington like kevin cramer folks back home supper. our problem solver, she is fired up to work for north dakota. we have not seen that in a long time. flexible doesn't do his job anymore, we take him to town. it is time for kevin to come home. >> i'm katrina christiansen and i approve this message. >> i christina christiansen i approve this message. a lot of midwestern families lost everything to the farm crisis. my family was one of them. we grew up very poor. it can break you. or make you unbreakable. i survived and i truly fight for what north dakota and state fair economy that builds up hard-working families and their chdr. i encouraged christina christiansen i never give up a quick some of the ads running in the u.s. senate race for north
8:33 pm
>> this is an election special report. from bet tv. ♪ >> welcome back to north dakota senatorial debate between senator kevin cramer doctor christina christiansen. our next question is for doctor christiansen. i want to talk about border security. there's a lot of different pieces that go into border security and north dakota was a part of a building the wall that was started and not completed. but what we are seeing as illegal immigration, as discussions about the wall, about security, it allomes
8:34 pm
under trafficking. whether or not it'scoti trafficking whether it is labor tring or whether or not it is human trafficking. what is your stance what would you do in the u.s. senate to help secure the border and alleviate some of these issues? >> thank you. such an important question right now in our lives. there is a bipartisan border bill that was introduced this spring. it gave money to the border patrol to add new agents, over 1000 to help fuel the human trafficking issue. it also had the money to install 100 conventional detectors. as many in the bill to make sure we could process to actually endorse the bill. it did not pass.
8:35 pm
the resources to her border patrol. to including our children. that's an up and everything it's so important we make sure we address that. we are talking about this because it did not get past. clear politician he identifies a problem, he assigns blame and walked away from the hard work of resolving the issue he saw on the bill. it's important we send somebody to d.c. this going to go to the senate majority leader and ask for the bipartisan border bill which has buy-in from both sides. truly bipartisan not the big awards senator cramer talks
8:36 pm
about but real bipartisanship fought hard over four months to reintroduce the bill and i would vote yes on that so we can install the fentanyl detectors. make sure communities are safe. and he would voted for joe biden is responsible at ludacris and defies all logic and historical facts. a career politician is a talking point here is what that builds it in addition to some pretty decent things. customs and border protection did not need a thousand more or 100,000 or one more when donald trump was present and took care of it the way he supposed to by enforcing the existing laws. by the way with the democrats took over the senate and the white house, not only did they stop building wall that was
8:37 pm
already paid for including allowed it by north dakota company. they sold the wall for pennies on the dollar that bill gave lots of money to ngos and sanctuary city. the biggest problem with the border is not the fentanyl are not stopping the fentanyl at the border. were not stopping at the border. sanctuary cities and ngos to protect criminals that's what they do. sanctuaries if you are the mayor at bismarck a bunch of criminals that commit crimes but can skip sanctuary you cannot touch them. that is the policy of guys. that's the draw. and by the way it regard to expediting asylum, what that is
8:38 pm
is expediting illegalities. legal to faster process. i don't know about you, i am not for that. i am tired of kids dying from fentanyl. >> doctor christiansen, rebuttal? >> i think, senator cramer's argument that maybe he is implying senator lankford a republican from oklahoma is a closeted democrat. which is really hard to believe. he assigns blame and identified problems. he walked away from protecting north dakota communities. i am not going to do that. he brings up sanctuary cities a lot. i control the map after the debate. in the cities are not here north dakota but what is here in north dakota is fentanyl. those overdose deaths are really serious. we had a pragmatic a bipartisan solution that career politicians
8:39 pm
torpedoed for the sake of running our problem but that is not why we send people to d.c. to introduce the bill and i'm going to vote yes. they're not going to bring the bill up. i assure you. i'm pretty sure president trump is going to fix the problem with the authority he has before that joe biden's head for four years that kamala harris has had as a group, they had a person in charge of the southern border. i'm pretty sure without another bill you do not need another bill part you need somebody who cares about it. you need somebody a backs up customs and border protection who backs up our police. who backs up our community the idea that's because north dakota's are too smart for that kind of silliness. that's why there's not one north dakota. blue states have sanctuaries they are criminals imagine that. think about that for a minute.
8:40 pm
century from the cops if you are a criminal. we'll never turn you over to the federal police. just get here fast. get your fence halted north dakota and montana but don't hang out there, they will arrest you. not a good idea but one good follow-up yes or no only. doctor christiansen do you believe a path forward the illegal immigrants are here for citizenship? >> and the dreamers? >> for the illegal immigrants already here that across the border do you believe there's a path for citizenship for them? >> just to be clear, for the dreamers and guests. this people who came over here with their parents who did not have a choice. i absolutely think we should have a pathway. cook senator cramer yes or no? >> donald trump offered that up to the democrats and they declined it. they denied it. but i would support the dreamers as well not as citizenship but legal status not for anybody fre sensed. >> thank you, joel? work senator cramer, do you
8:41 pm
believe a woman should have a right to decisions about her own body? >> she should have a right to decisions about her own body. she should have limited rights about decisions as it relates to another body that is in her. depending especially on how old the body is. i believe in life at conception. life deserves protection which is why i introduced legislation, bipartisan strongly supported by the left to make sure the father's of unborn children have the same accountability as a father's unborn children. i believe a row the way it was a bad legislation the bill returning as a gift it's up to states from now on to pick that up state-by-state. same question. quick so i believe a woman has a right to control the health care that she needs. i think since the overturning of roe, what we have seen from
8:42 pm
states across the country is sad. there's a lot of poorly written by humans that have not reduced the number of abortion. but we have seen is there are women who are denied care and are in need of emergency healthcare. we are talking about life or death situations because of poorly written band. we do not need the government in the doctor's office. now my opponent wants to whitewash these stories. it does not fit into a historic line that's not the reality of women's healthcare. anya cook was in florida. she had three term membrane rupture. she went to florida hospital was told to go home was denied care and almost died. jackie stanton, had a mueller pregnancy that was cancerous in oklahoma she was told that if
8:43 pm
she did not get treatment, which was an abortion, she would bleed out and die. she was told to wait in the parking lot until she flatlined her had a heart attack. and there was a woman from idaho who started bleeding at 20 weeks. had to be life flighted to utah and all she could think about was living for her to living children. these women are real. they have people who want them to live healthy lives. and what to be able to have children when they want them. this is the reality would limit women need to be in control of the healthcare. we cannot whitewash the reality in the states where there are bands but we just can't. >> one minute you don't have to use it all for a rebuttal. [laughter] >> let me just say, first about healthcare and abortion are hard for me too put together in the first place.
8:44 pm
she's three major healthcare denial but i do not know a place and certainly north dakota is not one of those places. i am surprised utah would take a woman from idaho quite honestly. the reality is saving the life of the mother is obvious. i don't know anybody that does not use that or agree that should be an exception for i am with her one 100% on those things. but last night i was in fargo and event with about 600 people who love life. who care for women for free. that's at the women's care center. a big fundraiser. they take care of the woman and the child. as a result of that this year they've already saved 426 babies. i am for saving babies. i think that ought to be our passion. we can argue and debate with the policy ought to be what the point of life but i'm for saving babies. >> same point, rebuttal.
8:45 pm
>> i think what senator cramer misses when he focuses on the pro life narrative is the very real experiences that people have in the states with fan. interest is not happen here yet. we have comments on ponce rightt now, a six week van that does not have exceptions for rape and incest and north dakota. we do not allow that. is not really a pro life position that we are going to make somebody have eight rapists child? the son of a pro-life position point we should allow people to seek the healthcare they need when they need it without the interference of the government. that is it. it is that simple. >> thank you. next question is for senator cramer. i want to talk a little bit about global policy.
8:46 pm
with what is going on the state of the world right now and unrest and many different areas. primarily ukraine and what is going on in israel. what is your stance with supporting or not supporting either one of those countries? >> i believed america safe when the world is safe in the world's safest when america strong. when america leads with strength and lack unlike the last four years, the world goes into chaos i supported every aid package for ukraine not just because it's good for the ukrainians but it's good for us. the cost of preventing a war coming to the united states is a lot less than fighting a war. or a nato or should it break out. this things did not happen with stronger leadership. with god to israel we have a moral obligation, a biblical obligation to back the people of israel. they have a right to be a jewish
8:47 pm
state plain and simple. the very idea we now have a president calling on our very best friend may be in the world to tell him how to fight a war how to go after the people trying to eliminate the entire country is ludicrous to me. he succumbs to strength. yes i'm a ronald reagan republican. peace comes through strength we are taking 40 or 50 or break from modernizing our military which is i'm on the armed services committee. that's why senator kellyanne i started the modernization caucus a democrat from arizona. it's why i believe it got to invest where we have not invested for 40 years because america safe in the world is safe for the world is safe when america strong. right now we act week we project terrible weakness but we do back israel that's our war already. rivet north dakota and now coming up on a year of being in the hospital who was taken down
8:48 pm
by a houthi drone. took down his helicopter his wife was also an army helicopter pilot for their grieving wondering where in the world to we go wrong that these iranians could take us out the small drone? >> doctor christiansen same question. >> no, i don't think we should be taken for impulsive advice from a senate member who supported and fund raise off of withholding the promotion of 500 military members. that really jeopardized our military strength and readiness for the global complications we are seeing across the globe. in fact, i was in my knots, like i said before. there is a young woman who came in and asked the panel of candidates about what we would do to support enlisted members? senator cramer talks about
8:49 pm
sitting on the armed forces committee this young woman was concerned because so many of the younger enlisted men did not have the money to buy food. and so they had food stamps. i'm so when we talk about military readiness, that means promoting people who have served our country honorably. that means making sure that our military members have the resources to provide for themselves and their families. i am standing up on stage with somebody who has that ability and has not exercised it. he's not willing to work across the aisle and get things done like pass the bipartisan portobello. ukraine is serious. it is serious because putin is a bloodthirsty dictator and he of is not stopped in ukraine, he is going to roll through all of the other eastern european
8:50 pm
countries. it's important we help ukraine win because that puts america first. otherwise putin wins, china wins, taiwan wins. let's send somebody to washington d.c. that understands the priorities and is not there to play games with our service members. >> it a crime or rebuttal? >> lex asked roy about specific legislation i passed. when we had about one piece about the national defense authorization act, two widows of the air force base for two people suffering with mental illness went to get help. both of them were denied that help buds because the people that were there to help them do not have the right certification. i offered up an amendment and told by the bureaucracy don't do it it's going be very controversial. they're bound to a study. i thought about that. i thought i'm going to take my chances for they introduce that
8:51 pm
amendment life and the committee. it passed unanimously. there is nobody. you can say a lot of things if you find one general with one star that would back what she said about me i will be very, very, very surprised by this cell phone number of several if you would like them. >> one quick follow-up 30 seconds or less. doctor stinson fighting a proxy war against the israelis, would you be in support of further sanctions against some of those proxies are going after iran directly? >> i think it is really important that when the united states considers going to war with an adversary that we look at the last 20 years and what did we learn? what did we learn from going into iraq? forever wars don't work. and so it's probably better for us to resolve through
8:52 pm
negotiation. we just stop ethically the fighting in the middle east. we need a cease-fire and then start the very hard work of resolving the issues of her. >> were to seconds or less same question. >> said it will be responsible for slighting a war for iran who is become a member of the axis of evil has become empowered because joe biden lifted the sanctions that allowed to go from $4 billion to $2.4 billion or $240 billion of foreign reserves is nuts. the idea someone would negotiate their way out with this that's we had a world war one of the sump american ships too. that's without in world war ii until came to pearl harbor but that's without in the war on terror until he took on the twin towers. america's safest when the world is safe in the world is safe when america strong. appeasing the ayatollah will not de-escalate.
8:53 pm
you have been in a position of power as a united states senator many times spoke to the national media. one of things you talked about at length was the biden family and hunter biden who in light of your strong comments about hunter biden and in light of now what is happened with your family, do you regret it? >> i've not said a lot about hunter biden. they meet he hasn't pretty open about the fact i shied away, stayed away from. having been through it i have been there not just recently with my family but throughout my family. particularly adult children it a little bit different when the president of the united states or the vice president of the united state is aiding and abetting an enterprise where his influence and even his presence is for sale. that's a big problem.
8:54 pm
in fact just the opposite been very clear with national media. i've empathy for them. i pray for them. quentin's father to love each other forever just like i love my children forever no matter what. i told my kids and i was able isaac and ian were four and five i adopt them i told of nothing you can ever do in life could stop me from loving i told my son that several times recently. quick senator christiansen response or rebuttal if you choose? >> you are premature there, doctor christiansen. i just think it's really important to it love it you are family and keep them close as possible. i really hope that kramer and his family can heal from the incident. and they deal that like they need to deal with it. the president who is simply
8:55 pm
mutual the judicial work its way out and we hope for the best they can have a loving long relationship. i think it's really important that we are supportive of all sorts of families. i don't think it's worth discriminating. i don't think it was worth a bashing prince important to recognize we are all human. we all live here. it's best to love each other while we are alive brickwork .quick senator it's time for statements. >> held her closing statements? >> two minutes per thank you all again. thank you again doctor christiansen. you earned it for doing this. this has been invaluable hopefully to the people who are making the decisions that they have not already. i do worry about the people washington have made the decision and are looking for entertainment. totally they've got that as well. the very least was a great testament of the american experience.
8:56 pm
i'm always amazed some people say something about the person they voted for that they never polite to themselves in this beautiful nation of ours. with that we hear a lot of class warfare going on these days. i'm going to tell you a reject t that as well. growing up as poor as we did i never felt like we were poor. i remember holding up the collector several times not me by them. they never complain they made us believe we could be whatever we wanted to be never had an idea it was possible the seventh of 11th grade rural electric lineman from a little town and north dakota can become a united states senator. but they can and so could a professor, soak it in any number of people. that's the greatness of our system for it if you are thank you all for participating in
8:57 pm
this. i will try the top 1% are 46% of taxes in the country. i love them all. the bottom 50% are paying about 2.3% of the taxes in this country, i love them all we ought to try to get them closer together but, everybody's doing their part everett we live in the greatest land in the world. we should not apologize for but we should not be pessimistic about it. i love god, i love my family per thank you for being here. thank you again katrina for participating in for stepping up. and let's have fun for the next two and half weeks. >> doctor christiansen two minutes. >> i just really appreciate the audience coming out tonight. enjoyed our dialogue. like i said before it's vital for healthy democracy. for people to understand how we would work differently and d.c. thank you again senator kramer and truly for three debates that awesome. i appreciate the moderators. then really original questions i
8:58 pm
appreciate that so much so thank you. i want to acknowledge my friends and my family who have been so supportive this past year. i am grateful for your love and your support. you all can tell my opponent has been doing this for long time. he has had a career politicians answer for every question. but he did not have solutions for our problems. so i say to the 8000 ranchers abandoned by our senator cramer, i will be there for you. i want to get the origin labeling the 146,000 people on social security in the state of north dakota, i'm going to protect social security and career politicians. to the 38000 veterans in the state of north dakota i will always have your back. into the police officers and the healthcare workers, and the
8:59 pm
laborers, and everyone in between i am going to work for you. i'm not going to work for special interest. it is time. it is time we get beyond blaming back to doing. it is time to send kevin home. thank you so much. [applause] [applause] [inaudible] >> thank you very much for being cognizant of our time restraints this evening. >> i am told this it concludes our debate special thanks to the candidates for both participating. for steve for moderating with me. for tv airing this debate live. thanks are volunteers who assisted with registration, clock management and crowd control. to a television audience for
9:00 pm
watching tonight and those participating here in person. thank you for watching. from the legacy high school in north dakota, good night. [applause] >> weeknights tonth for showing encore presentations of american history tv 10 part seriesess investigates it. exploring the impact and legacy of some of the most signt house and senate investigations. tonight a joint house and senate into the regulation sale of missiles to with the proceeds going to the contra rebels in nicaragua. tune at 10:00 p.m. eastern on c-span, also once he spent now are free mobile video app and online at c-span.org. milko c-span a "washington journal" a life form involving you to discuss the latest issues in government, politics and public policy. from washington d.c. to across the country.
9:01 pm
coming up thursday morning a little fact founder duke university professor bill adair's new book beyond the big lies. examining why and how politicians been, mislead and which party tends to do it more often. cspan.org. >> cspan is your unfiltered view of government, funded by these television companies and more, including charter communications. >> charters proud to be recognized as one of the best internet providers and we are just getting started 100,000 miles of infrastructure, to reach those who need itost. >> charter communications support cspan as a public
9:02 pm
service along with these other television providers, giving you a front row seat to democracy. >> right now between democratic representative, susan wild and ryan mackenzie, republican challenger and the candidates are vying to represent sylvania's seventh congressional district hosted by the brc 13 in ulmerton pennsylvania including the economy, infrastructure investment, and you must support for ukraine and his war against russia. >> good evening and welcome to the brc 13 studio 2024 special event tonight and it debate between the candidates, for seventh congressional district incompetent encompassing all of
9:03 pm
the counties and parts of munro county, the candidates include democratic incumbent congresswoman for the sum of the congressional district susan wild, and republican challenger, state representative and the 187 district, ryan mackenzie and ken general manager tv 13 and i will be the moderator for tonight's event and brc 13 is proud to bring this important political event to our audiencewe it and e slowly before we get nothing to introduce you to the fallacy will be directing the questions to emily john, and vent stomach, i marie is a senior news anchor and producer at brc 13 with more than 36 years of experience managing news coverage and content, and been sound like a producer, writer, ms. reporter andd anchor for brc 13 and he covers news event about the events across the valley area.
9:04 pm
another rules for tonight's debate are as follows, the candidates will have two minute opportunity to introduce themselves to our audience and then they will each answer a series of questions on ventless also a number of questions of the viewers have set in. both candidates will each have one minute to answer each question in both candidates will haveve a chance for a 32nd rebuttal. it ise time to meet the candidates pretty we drew straws to determine today's order,to te first candidate is congresswoman susan wild. >> thank you so much for having us pretty good evening and i am susan wild your congresswoman it and i have been in congress now for six years, but that only been representing carbon county, for the last two years pretty i have lived eastern pennsylvania come of thehe last 40 years andi grew up in the military family my dad is live in air force's entire adult life used to moving
9:05 pm
every two years in south 40 years in one place feels definitely like home in addition to that might you know adult children born and raised here in public schools, from k-12 and if you tell you, that when carbon countyrb became a part of a district district seven, my first goal was to make sure that the people of carbon county felt that they were heard and listened to and that they were represented in washington so the very first thing that we did was we opened at office and the heightened is a full-time office staff by carol etheridge the amazing carol who works on a lot of things that other people have probably gotten over that and also had a very first child under tunnel in january of 2023 with his congress and 70 else in the issue that work on the congress, have been the kind of think about working families coming to seniors and veterans,
9:06 pm
to the middle class. and honestly, i'm incredibly proud of that until a lot of the work that we have that in terms of bringing down prescriptions of prices there still working together getting insolent down to $35 month is a big deal in which a lot of the education field, making sure thatt we have school districts and that all the school districts are treated well under the law that work for the seniors and the veterans. this is an amazing place to live and we can only make it better and it's owner of a lifetime to represent you and i hope to continue to share my vision for the future with you tonight. >> thank you congresswoman that we look here and opening statement from state representative ryan mackenzie. ♪ small thank you to brc 13 for hosting tonight's debate the appreciate the opportunity to have this conversation with all of the viewers ago for those of you that the opportunity to become a i'm state
9:07 pm
representative ryan mackenzie generation president of the belly born and raised here and when although the wake of the parkland school system when i get a great education. no, my wife and i raising a percent son five -month-old baby boy plus wet friend in the area rug the park and is people happy as we are, we have the sun 20 is come overr very concerned about the direction of our country in the future the lies ahead. and into nice debate going have a very clear contrast between two different candidates, and the opportunities that we have to elect will represent us in congress my opponent susan wild self defined progressive this what she calls herself something she's moderate is your the is calling yourself a progressive and ready for every single plaintiff biden economics which is driven inflation in the country against the boardwalk ten overtimes your community country left in here also for the permissive forever wars
9:08 pm
rentablele that are causing chas pretty and at the same time sue representative, avatar proven trackk record and bring people together pretty getting conservatives and bipartisan results in onn things like helping our veterans start the business when they returned from service pretty on eliminating the inheritance tax were small b family businesses and also doing things that help individuals with their health like improving stroke care and maternal health and so this is the things i'm product there's a lot more of the need at the federal level not getting served well basically like susan wild who has said repeatedly derogatory things about the people and carbon county encompassing thatt she would represent 17 needed to school you predict hopefully, will have a conversation tonight we do see this contrast on full display. >> thank you. >> okay on november 5th, as many as will cast ballots in the general election is time to start this debate to see you
9:09 pm
want to represent you in the seventh congressional district in the first question comes from marie john focuses on local concern. >> at first question is regarding infrastructure printed in congresswoman susan wild to start with the rapid increase in warehouses and distribution centers in the lehigh valley, how would youd address the growing infrastructure issue caused by heavy truck traffic on thetr roads in the balance free enterprise with preservation of green spaces. >> let's just say that warehouses are something that we hear about probably more than almost anything in a very proud to have voted for bipartisan infrastructure law. imparted that to her mechanic repairs, and bridge repairs that kind of thing which has been very imported. we have to continuing to invest in our infrastructure we are
9:10 pm
going to continue to see proliferation and i'm afraid warehouses because of the unique zoning laws in pennsylvania. so we have to make sure is the residence are not aus result of those warehouses the roads aroundc them the traffic is beig the truck traffic properly diverted the roads being kept up pretty there being kept away from areas where small children might be walking it so just think that we really and with regard to keeping places
9:12 pm
we're going to move on to a viewer question at this point and this is a question involving inflation. inflation is affecting everything from gas prices to groceries. what specific steps would you take to lower costs for working families in our district, starting with state representative ryan mackenzie. rep. mackenzie: families across our country are crushed by inflationary prices. across the board, everything is up 20% or more -- food and fuel, housing and healthcare up 40% and sometimes 50%. i've never voted to raise taxes and i've introduced legislation and passed it to eliminate inheritance tax for small family businesses and was helpful in getting past the childcare tax credit. i've introduced a package of 10 bills to reduce or eliminate high taxes for people in pennsylvania to put more money back in their pockets. susan wild has voted for every
9:13 pm
plank of bidenomics. the massive spending in washington, d.c. has caused the inflation and high prices so we we need to rein in high spending in washington, d.c. and that's something i would do if elected to. >> congresswoman wild? susan wild: i feel the impact of inflation, too. i do my own grocery shopping and pump my own gas. i'm very aware of prices and although i'm happy that gas prices seem to be coming down, believe me, i understand what people have been going through. we have got to make sure we are doing everything we can to reduce costs across the board for the average working family. that includes prescription drug prices. it includes groceries. and by the way, corporate gouging is a real thing. if you go to the grocery store
9:14 pm
and look at the box of cereal you used to buy, it will be the same price that it always was or perhaps a little more but it will have 6 ounces less of the cereal so shrink flation is one of the problems. people at the top are doing just fine so we have to crack down on corporations that are price gouging and finally, i have to say that the housing problem has got to be a priority. prices are way too high. >> time. thank you. our next question comes from ben stemrick to congresswoman susan wild. ben: this question is a worldwide question with a local feeling to it. pennsylvania's the second largest ukrainian population by state. lee heighton is one of the most populated areas in the state. what are your thoughts of funding to ukraine with the war with russia? congresswoman wild: i have been hearing about residents about
9:15 pm
ukraine since before the war started. we have a significant population in carbon county and lehigh county. i've spoken with them and supported the funding we have sent to ukraine because of the fact that ukraine have fought very hard to be a democracy. we need to support them and by the way many of my constituents still have friends and family in ukraine. i am proud of the actions that i have taken and i think we need to make sure that ukraine wins this war. this is putin's war. he would love to take over ukraine and move into poland and the rest of eastern europe. we can't let that happen. it would be world war iii and our european allies would be greatly affected. rep. mackenzie: a serious issue and we have a ukrainian population we love so much and i've enjoyed meeting with many of you.
9:16 pm
what vladimir putin is doing is an atrocity and we need to call that out and evil acts recognized. at the same time, the failed policy and foreign policy of susan wild and joe biden has let this war drag on for 2 1/2 years causing death and destruction in ukraine. the people i've talked with are looking for a peaceful resolution. they want to go back home and visit family and those living there to go about their lives but what is going on now is we see chaos around the world. not just in ukraine but in the middle east, we see us on the verge of war in asia, as well, where china is rattling its saber so all of the things they have done have not solved these problems or deterred dictators because we're not exhibiting strength that leads to peace. that's what we need to get back
9:17 pm
to. >> marie johns, you have a question for state representative mackenzie. marie: property tax reform is a state problem. citizens look to all our legislators to fix this problem. seniors and people on fixed incomes are at risk of losing their homes. is there a way for you as a federal legislator to work with pennsylvania state reps to help generate new ideas to help ease this problem after many, many years. rep. mackenzie: this is a serious problem that too many people across our community face. as a homeowner, i see the high prices of our tax bill every year. i have voted multiple times to reduce and eliminate the property tax in pennsylvania. those of us in growing
9:18 pm
population communities always vote for that. those in declining population areas vote against it so it's not a partisan issue but it's based on geography. i have voted for those changes. unfortunately, we haven't been able to get elimination done but this year we were able to expand the property tax rebate program which gives relief to low income seniors. we have to do a lot more and as a federal representative we can lower taxes on people, make sure we're putting money back in their pockets. i support no taxes on tips and no taxes on social security that would directly put money back into people's pockets. there's more we can do but those are two ideas. >> congresswomman susan wild? congresswoman wild: it has been noted, property taxes are a state issue and can't be
9:19 pm
addressed at the federal level but what we can do at the federal level is make sure the tax code is fair to the middle class which it's not currently. the tax cuts enacted at the end of 2017 primarily benefits the 1%. workers who need supplies for their jobs, work boots, used to be able to deduct those costs. no longer. we have got to go back to making sure that the middle class is properly served and that they are not being gouged with taxes. we've got to make sure that the 1% is paying its fair share. it would go a long way towards solving a lot of the problems in this country if we didn't have tax cuts for billionaires. i also believe that we absolutely have to roll back the tax on social security that was a number of years ago enacted. i think it is unfair to seniors, to tax their social security which was already taxed when they first were paid. >> we're going to move to ben stemrick for our next question for congresswoman susan wild.
9:20 pm
ben: we're going to stay on foreign policy. the u.s. has been deeply involved in the war in gaza. what's your stance on the u.s. continuing to fund the offensive movement into the region? congresswoman wild: let me just say first and foremost that i believe israel has the right to defend itself and the u.s., actually most of the money that has been sent by the u.s. in the form of arms has been for defensive purposes, not for offensive purposes. but let me just say, what happened on october 7 was just horrible. nothing any of us could even imagine. and it was -- it's something that -- i understand that israel must eradicate hamas and i think that the united states is in a good position to help make that happen but we cannot forget the hostages and that's my biggest
9:21 pm
concern right now. recently six hostages were killed. there has to be a means to bring an end to this war, bring an end to the suffering of everyone involved and first and foremost, get those hostages home and that's done through diplomacy. >> state representative mackenzie? rep. mackenzie: absolutely. another very serious topic, the atrocity on october 7 was heartbreaking and what we see with terror around the world is that we cannot let actions like that stand. as someone who advocates for peace, i believe we need to first and foremost demand that those hostages be returned. some are american citizens. they need to be returned before anything else can happen. at the same time, we need to make sure that we are stopping iran. iran is funding this war in the middle east through their proxies all around the region. we just saw another long range missile from the houthis hit israel recently so we need to crack down on that. at the same time, what is going on in washington, d.c. is the failed foreign policy of joe biden and susan wild.
9:22 pm
susan wild wrote letters to constituents saying she was pro israel and pro gaza -- not pro hamas. but she is trying to take both sides of this issue. she was called out for that. >> i'll allow rebuttal. congresswoman wild: we don't have a one-size-fits-all letter that we send to constituents on any subject. we try to address the concerns voiced in whatever communication we get. every dollar that has gone to israel i have voted for. as i've already stated, israel has an absolute right to defend itself but at the same time this war must be brought to an end. it's gone on too long.
9:23 pm
there have been way too many casualties. rep. mackenzie: what the congresswoman is failing to recognize is that on the same exact day she sent those letters, one saying she was pro israel and one saying she was pro gaza, she was caught red-handed taking both sides of a serious issue like this to our constituents. that kind of deception should not be allowed. i think it's reprehensible. she won't take accountability for it and that wavering has allowed the hostages to be held for 11 months. >> moving to the next topic and we'll talk about violence. we are going to talk about violence in. we are already talking about violence. remain a major concernrn nationwide. some school boards in our area are arming school resource officers. where do you stand on this issue
9:24 pm
and what you think should be done? we will start with congresswoman. >> no parent should have to fear sending their child to school. as a mother of two i cannot even imagine if i had that kind of concern when my kids were going to school. our responsible gun owners law-abiding gun owners to make sure people who should not own gun at concert or supermarket, they are not able to get guns. that is to be obsolete must do. universal background checks but that is not enough. she will not catch a background check something about a 14-year-old that should cause alarm. we've got to have steep storage state storagelaws and frankly hs accountable for their children's
9:25 pm
action such as the recent school shooting is very appropriate. parents have that ability. as a tragedy but make sure we do everything possible to increase funding for mental health i was proud to vote for increased security local schools they have this to keep the facility safe. at the same time we had to make sure second amendment rights, so someone who should not have a gun like that, when they go and actually purchase a gun, they're not able to get it for the same was d done for domestic abusers. that is something else i supported. we have to make sure we do that. i am proud to have received the
9:26 pm
support of our fraternal order of police. those tasked with keeping such safe notes on the best candidate to do that and i appreciate their support. >> thank you. >> my opponent has voted in favor of ghost guns. the idea will still voting to allow ghost guns to be made is a complete inconsistency. >> you have anything you like to say? >> absolutely. my opponent as a self-described progressive. she wants to take away people's guns. that is what she does, that's what she advocates foreign commerce in both that way all the time. so we need to hold her accountable to the anti- second amendment rhetoric she is putting out there. at the same time and in my position very clear we need individuals and make sure to keep guns away from criminals. i've been able to do that as a state representative and i look forward to continuing that track record in congress. >> okay, thank you. we have time for one more question before we had to
9:27 pm
commercial break apart is going to be marie for representing mckenzie. >> deteriorating properties or the lights is a problem facing many of our towns and the regions of pennsylvania. we routinely do new stories here about neglected properties. recently there've been several instances in towns nearby work quilting start falling down into the street. what would you do on the federal level to help ease the financial burden that many times is left to our municipal leaders? >> great question and i appreciate that. something we have dealt with here at the state level. those do harm our entire communities. they reduce property values in ring crime and drugs into our communities with their's abandoned buildings or criminals can hide out. we have done a couple of things a lot of this is a local issue. the state level we've made sure records and logs of those
9:28 pm
properties provided phonies to municipalities in instances where they canan go and purchase one of the properties, get it off of the blighted position get back on the tax rolls to help the community that way. there's a lot more that needs to be done. this is an instance where you need to work together with your local elected officials. so many of the property issues or local issues. that's why i'm proud to work with hand-in-hand with people like state representative doyle athlete. with mike sir franco and commissioner. all this individualso have endorsed and supported me because they know i'm going to be the best person. >> thank you. congresswoman? >> is deducing the questions about blight. i was just in weatherly and we were discussing the problem for they person i mention, carol ws in my district office up here has been working with that mayor of weatherly to address blight through community project funding. which is a vehicle the federal
9:29 pm
government provides for you can actually direct funding to a specific area to solve a problem. i believe this is an absolute priority. when you are losing properties to blades, the property values go down, it causes lots of housing and it means prices are going to go up most of all it ruins that natural beauty of thist whole area. i think the community project funding is something we obsolete should be looking out for the blight problemth something i've already been speaking with local officials about. >> thank you. we've got lots more topics to come cover the debate seventh congressional seat continues, stay with us. ♪ ♪ ♪ welcome back everyone to the
9:30 pm
seventh congressional district debates that tv 13. i am can belt your moderator for this evening. i'm proud to have it with the state representative or congresswoman susan wilde state representative ryan mckenzie bethink you both for joining us. our panelists for this evening marie johns and journalists here brc 13. let's get things started again. then we will begin with your question. looks abortion is a very hot topic right now across the nation. it has been removed from power of federal government to the state. that something you agree with state representative mckenzie? and if so would you agree with the rape and incest exceptions? >> with compassion for individuals. we look at this issue want to make it very clear i do not support the federall ban on
9:31 pm
abortion. i also do support the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. during my time is state representative and the bipartisan majority issues around women'ss reproductive health come up. i was the leader of advancing maternal health legislation to improve the outcomes for expectant mothers and those that are postpartum. i have voted in favor of ivf. i said that continuously on the campaign trail i support that procedure. when it comes to contraception i voted in favor of mandating coverage through your insurance carrier. these are all things we can do. we also need to be supporting women. my opponent has an extreme radical french position no restrictions on abortion. >> congresswoman. >> thank you so much. my opponent does not believe women should be able to make choices for themselves he does not trust women to do that.
9:32 pm
if state legislators like ryan mckenzie her own decision about reproductive care. contrary to what he just said he voted in favor of a ban on abortion but did not include exceptions for rape and incest. and frankly, i do not believe the government or any politician should have any say so and what any human being does with her body. i think that is up to women and their reproductive rights. it should be up to them, their partners, their physicians. keep government out of this one 100%. >> okay. a rebuttal? >> absolutely. we heard from susan wilde was a bunch of laws she'seo been calld out twice or misleading people on issues around women's we productive health less campaign
9:33 pm
called her out for misleading voters on that very issue. just yesterday there was a headlight on the front page of the newspaper were susan wilde was called out for misleading votersth about my stance on ivf. she f continues to mislead votes pay when she is in fact the one has an extreme fringe position on this issue. taxpayer-funded abortion absolute no restrictions for that is what she supports. >> thank you congresswoman question. >> my opponent receives some around $35000 for the speaker of the house mike johnson. who has vocally very aggressively and in favor of a national abortion ban. of a federal abortion ban. i think who you take money from says a lot. many of his donors have been antichoice. the women of this country, the women t of this community desere better than someone who wants to tell them what they should do. >> thank you. >> our next question is for the
9:34 pm
congresswoman. >> senate bill three you did vote yes on. which did not offere exceptions for rape and incest rating current state law you're able to have an abortion up until 24 weeks. after that there's an exception for life of the mother. the bill would have reduced that timeframe from 24 weeks until 20 weeks. the abortion control act as otheror pieces of legislation which regulate abortion in pennsylvania. i have always voted to protect the exceptions of rape, incest, life of theex mother. the exception for life of the mother was in the law. voted to protect that. again in this other instances where we have a medicaid coveragege which is something state and federal that allows for exceptions for rape, incest the life of the mother but i againn voted in favor bipartisan majority in both of those instances to protect all of those exceptions are in current law. >> for that clarification. >> the fact of the matter is on
9:35 pm
the house bill my opponent has voted for a ban on abortion that does not include any exceptions for rape, incest, or life of the mother pretty moved to tell you something different now. whenhe he ran and the republican primary against two other candidates huge a portion of his website devoted too his approach life position. right after the republican primary he scrubbed i think that tells you something about his position on that. >> will move forward now. a reit you have a question for the congresswoman? >> congresswoman wilds, social security, according to the social security administration benefits are projected to run out in 2037. should our workforce and paying into the system and the benefit, why or why not? what reforms would you propose to ensure its long-term viability? >> thanks for that question. our seniors in my view are one
9:36 pm
of our most important assets. made a promise to them the united states government did that they would be able to withdraw social security. we absolutely have to protect that right. the folks on the other side of the aisle in washington are gung ho and reducing social security benefits. and by the way it, ask the question about social security running out of money there's a relatively easy fix it is called taxing billionaires. at the present time, a billionaire stops paying into social security on his first day of work in any given year. where as you, the ordinary citizen continue to pay into social security all yearci long. if we properly tax thep peoplet the very, very top who are doing just fine we would not run out of money and social security. >> okay. state representative? >> absolutely on the federal level we need to do everything we possibly can to protect
9:37 pm
benefits like social security and medicare paid those those individuals have paid into they have earned and deserved. i will do that every single day. what my opponent does she does massive deficit spending. apple absolute reckless spending in washington d.c. which hurts our ability to fund those benefits. that is why we l need to get people b like susan wilde out of office. that massive reckless spending is not lame branching and hurting the ability to potentially receive social security on the road, which is going to run on 2034 and then what happens is benefits get cut by 20%. that is to be on the record and clear. what's also happening to our seniors as they are struggling with high prices and inflation on everything from food, fuel, housing and healthcare. alle driven by the massive spending which drives inflation in prices in washington d.c. susan wilde voted for every single plank and that inflation is hurting our seniors. >> congress in which lecture about? >> my opponent isn't in favor of
9:38 pm
a form of budgeting called budgeting. but that would do is put medicare and social security on the chopping block every single year. meeting seniors could not rely on getting the social security and medicare next year because it would be at the whim of legislaturesy who are going to zero-based budgeting. it's completely inconsistent with my opponent's position on this issue. i have to tell you that i am proud to be in original cosponsors social security 2100 which is are really important bill. >> thank you. >> it is unfortunate my opponent continues to lie you've heard my position very clearly i will do everything to protect social security. i believe this should bepp no tx and social security. my opponent again continues to lie in fear monger. chauncey scare the good people across this community at issues that are so critical like abortion and social security. it is reprehensible it is not we
9:39 pm
should be doing we should be having an honest debate she continually gets called out in the newspaper for lying. but yet she continues to do it here tonight. >> okay thank you. we're going to move'r on. working to stay with inflation young people are facing a serious dilemma right now but many are unable to get a mortgage get they have to pay rent that is even higher. how do we help our young people to start out on their lives? >> again this goes back to the failed policies of joe biden and susan wilde driving inflation on everything housing in our community is up significantly. i just came across a young person recently on the campaign trail is now paying over 40% of their income for their housing. that simply unsustainable. but what is going on question request driving those prices are inflationary pressures that we've already talked about. what's also driving it is the massive amount of illegal immigrants are coming into our country preaches and while his and nothing to closeof the bord. here in our community we have a
9:40 pm
nonprofit that supposed to be housing individuals who get evicted or out of their homes for whatever reason. they have now been contracted by the federal government to house illegal immigrants. taking away valuable housing spots from american citizens. that should not be happening in this country. because inflation people are getting pushed out of their homes forced to deal the incredibly high prices for housing, that failed record is on susan wilde. >> i worry a lot about her younger people there face of the triple whammy one is the cost of higher education at one we know higher education or field it might be in with its college or trade school will help you considerably in your career. we know if they get married and want to have children the cost of childcare are absorbing it often is much as a mortgage or rent payment. and we know how expensive homes are. i am on a bill that would provide assistance to first-timy
9:41 pm
homebuyers in the form of an actual amount of money that would help them towards a down payment. i've been part of the built to lower the cost of childcare which will not be taken by speaker johnson and this congress unfortunately. i assure you when democrats take back the majority it will be. if it's something that would absolutely help people afford to have children and take care of them responsibly. put them in a day care center or a universal preschool where they can learn in the cost to be much less be.th >> thank you. we will move on with a question for congresswoman susan wilde. >> immigration is also looked o the top of everyone's mind. 2023 we saw a record number of encounters at the u.s./mexico border.om what policies do you support or will you support to help combat that? >> i wille tell i was fully in support of the bills the senate crafted and it was a bipartisan
9:42 pm
bill including some very conservativesp senators who spoe out after speaker johnson in the house refused to even put that bill to a vote. now i did not like everything in it and believe me my colleagues on the other side of the aisle did not like everything in it either. there was so much good in that bill we have not yet taken it out. speaker johnson has declared it dead on arrival. we would have had a solution this year to the border problem if, ier hate to say it, donald trump it did not and speak johnson did not take it up as a vote because he wanted to use it as a campaign issue part of a cosponsor of a bill that mirrors the senate bill that provides for people seeking asylum to remain in their country. it provides funding. i voted multiple times to increase funding for other technology that will help us solve the problem of drugs whom himacross the border.
9:43 pm
>> just a few days ago i visited the southern border in arizona. i saw the crisis going on there. the cartels are running about border they are bringing across guns and drugs and all kinds of humanur trafficking and sex trafficking are going on. it should not be occurring in this country. but now almost three years into the biden administration almost 10 million illegal immigrants have come into our country. state representative i've got bipartisan legislation on illegal immigrants taking american jobs and reducing american wages. i have also been opposed to sanctuary cities. on the flipside susan wilde has called a border wall silly. she is voted against border wall funding 10 different times. she told us sanctuary cities are safer. those are ridiculous statements and bipartisan proposal has
9:44 pm
failed to address it because it has bipartisan opposition. last time it came up in the senate onlyy got 43 votes. >> that bipartisan bill contains all of the things my opponent just mentioned including e-verify. it includes a finding for the border wall because the border wall makes sense but not everywhere. we have to invest in technologies that are available to make sure trucks and so forth coming across the border that ty are the ones equipped to literally stop the transit of drugs into this country. all of that was addressing a bill the speaker of the house will not take up for a vote. but it's pretty scary a congresswoman does not even know what l she is a cosponsor of. that legislation includes a different program that e-verify similar but different trying to reinvent the wheel. it does not include any funding for border wall. what i heard when i said the southern border is cameras are
9:45 pm
great, manpower is necessary, andat it border wall is an absolute deterrent from criminals coming across that border pizzas and while his against that 10 different times and c called they do have a portable slit that's what we have 10 million illegals in this county because she does not think about that issue. ex- congressman yoshio about? >> i have voted at least once for border wall funding in connection to another bill i have consistently voted to support our border patrol and make sure they have the funding they need at the southern border. this isquite honestly got to stop being a a political football. it has been for decades. every president we have had for the last 40 years has been dealing with immigration problem because the politicians in washington could never come together and actually get something done. that could have happened this year. >> okay, thank you. we are going to move on to a vieweron question we are switchg gears a little bit. this is a local question.
9:46 pm
it's an important question to a lot of people especially y those who commute to new york city. what is your stance on reinstating train service from scranton, to new york and how do you think it's going to impact the poconos and surrounding areas? >> yes it is something worth exploring. as somebody who grew up in this community i remember hearing about passenger rail back in the dayy. i think that is something that wasn't glamorized and people enjoyed it. at thehe same time as somebody o went in and out of new york city for college, i think it would've been a benefit to our community. what happened though with putting out the rails that were in place now it is a very expensive proposal that would require years long imminent domain. there is a study right now being undertaken to look at this proposal the prudent thing would be to look at that proposal when it comesit back, see the overall
9:47 pm
cost precede the overall impact on our local community before you make any decision of this magnitude other passengers sale rail has been on the order of billions of dollars not something you want to jump into without having all the facts per. >> congresswoman? >> i'm a big proponent of passenger trains would love to see a train line from scranton to new york city as well as other places in the eastern part of pennsylvania. and bys the way i think it woud go a long way toward solving some of the problems the people here in carbon county have every week and i waswe just in the traffic is a nightmare. i know the residents feel that way. they probably do not even goat down on a the weekend. it was a mess to get through and parking is also a problem. if we had people and mostly most of that license plates i saw her from out of town. it would be great to have a train. tourism is a big driver of the economyn in carbon county let's let people get here, the
9:48 pm
passenger train and not be destroying our roads by making traffic nightmares and making our roads less safe to drive. >> okay were going to have a question from marie this is for congresswoman wilds. >> given the current polarization and congress, how do you plan to work across party lines to achieve meaningfulri results when things i'm proudest of a consistently work for bipartisan members of the house. i work across the aisle every single day. quite frankly when i am dealing with things here in my district i rarely know whether a mayor of a borough's democrat or republican and frankly it doesn't matter towi me.
9:49 pm
the people i speak with it doesn't management their democrats and republicans. i am here to solve problems for them i represent all of the people regardless of their party affiliation. i'm also happy to say although i know my opponent will try to claim otherwise i have disagreed with the biden administration on a number of things i publicly disagreed with a pause on liquid national gas drilling. i voted against the party on a major spending bill. i am a bipartisan congressman. thankan you state representativ. >> and accomplish in legislation bipartisanship isn, critically important. state representative i'll be proud tot do this on thomas evy piece of legislation i have often seen its way into law that is headstrong bipartisan support on the serious issues i mentioned expanding e-verify and all those issues. at the same time is it radical partisan. she says she has a rating from
9:50 pm
the center is only based on cosponsorship at most. in fact she's voted on 5:30 81 100% of the time with the biden administration with nancy pelosi. at the same time she has disparaged people right here in carbon county. she said people drank at the trump kool-aid and she would school them on those issues. she said she was dismayed to represent people here in carbon county that is not the language we need from our elected officials. also actual violence has beenff threatened against mitch mcconnell, she said people should pay a him a visit at his home. as a time of rhetoric that leads to danger and violence in ourur community. >> congresswoman? >> i'm glad my opponent broughti up comments i made about carbon county. it gives me an opportunity to again apologize for them. i always taught my kids to think before they speak and obviously i need to take my own advice.
9:51 pm
i strongly believe actions speak louder than words but my actions with regard to carbon county opening at office here the first full-time congressional office in carbon county. making sure in working with the thecipalities so they get resources they need. having a full-time staff are iny office in carbon county. all of that i've been solving from for them. >> what we heard in those comments from our congresswoman who is elected to m represent al of us do not show that spiritual. she made those comments both times when she thought she was in private auto zoom call when other people would not be around.t thankfully she was recorded on those zoom calls that let us know where her true beliefs and intentions are. she has sustained for the people carbon county she said it twice on the record and it is reprehensible too. >> thank you, punk or some if you wish to address it?
9:52 pm
no i don't except to say actions speak louder than words and actions have always been supportive of carbon county. >> time for one morere question. in order to allow both of you to have a one minute closing statement i'm going to ask you asked the question there will be no were bottle that will come from ben. >> wilma state representative mckenzie politics is a game of compromise. what are some specific areas you would be willing to compromise in order to make things work with the other side? >> to get his state representative i've had an opportunity to put that on display. i willat give the example e-very of talked about that a couple of times tonight. not everything i wanted i would expand e-verify for lots of other industries. the particular problem we were facing from both union and not using stakeholders was in the construction industry. it talked about illegal immigrants coming up from maryland and the southern parts of newew jersey. taking away american jobs
9:53 pm
reducing american wages. in the effort of bipartisan cockup compromise because we had agreement on that very issue i authored that legislation to tackle illegal immigration in the construction industry. were ultimately able to get that done and a bipartisan fashion with super majorities throughout to boththe house and the senate. so on a very difficult issue like immigration which we know is polarized, we are able to find the common ground in advance something to help the american people but i think that's a good thing for that's what we should be doing. >> congresswoman? works of already demonstrate my ability to compromise. i was part of the effort in congress to make sure we started negotiating the price of prescription drugs of big pharma. i would have liked a lot more to be in that bill but we were forced to compromise and so it first it was just about insulin and inhalers and this year's additional life-saving medications and hopefully many more to come.
9:54 pm
that's a result of compromise. i indicated i would have voted yes on a compromise bill had the speaker taken it up. i have worked on the house foreign affairs committee which is a well known as one of the most bipartisan committees in congress. i'm also ranking member of the ethics committee which is the only completely bipartisan committee in congress consisting of an equal number of democrats and republicans. we have to compromise every single time we have a hearing in there i take a vote i'm very accustomed to it. >> thank you. we have just enough time to hear our final thoughts from each of our candidates will begin tonight with congresswoman susan wilde. >> thank you so much. no matter where we live our or t her party affiliation is, most of us have ar lot of the same concerns the quality of our education for our children for the quality of healthcare making sure it is accessible and affordable. theseinrn days that need for chp
9:55 pm
internet. the desire to have a decent retirement. and of course our freedoms and liberties which are so important. i have worked very, very hard on all these issues. we cannot afford to roll time back. we cannot afford a candidate who is an extremist on women's rights. he does not trust women to make their own decisions about their own body who is an extremist on workers rights appeared on education. who literally voted to turn $100 million away from public schools in favor of charter schools and private schools. we can't afford that. we should not do that. living here in this district is an amazing experience. i just want to continue to work for this area and make sure it's even better than it already is. thank you for. >> thank you. state representative ryan mackenzie. >> was on display tonight is a clear contrast about the
9:56 pm
direction of our country and representation were going to choose in november. my opponent, as you hurt is a self defined progressive. she has radical positions on a lot of issues pretty failed policy solutions have led to rising inflation in prices, wide open border and chaos around the world. i'm here to offer a new opportunity. a better vision for our country to move forward together. actions do speak louder than words. one issue we did not get to talk about tonight is our veteran community. right here in carbon county over the course of the campaign had the opportunity to meet gold goldstarfamilies mike and sally. their son tragically committed suicide when returning from service. they reach out to congresswoman susan wilde's office at least two times to have a meeting about veteran suicide and they were rejected. that is not the type of representation we need in washington. ich hope to represent you. and asking for your vote so we can chart a new and better course afford in november.
9:57 pm
>> okay, we are out of time. i want to thank both congresswoman susan wilde state representative ryan mackenzie and all of you for joining us for this very important political debate. thank you to our panelists our beg a part of this event.for and good night. >> on thuda at minnesota governor tim walz democratic vice presidential nominee will be campaigning former president bill clinton speaking to voters at a rally in durham, north carolina on the tar heel ste first day of early voting watch life starting at 3:00 p.m. eastern on c-span. c-span now the fe mobile video app or online at c-span.org. ♪ friday night watch c-span 2024 campaign trip weekly discussion on the presidential senate and house campaigns have progressed in the past week reporters during each week to talk about the issues, messages and events
9:58 pm
driving the leaks political news and take a look at the week ahead. what c-span 2024 campaign trail. friday night 7:00 p.m. eastern online@c-span.org download as a podcast on c-span now are free mobile app or wherever you get your podcast. c-span your unfiltered view of politics. ♪ c-span is your unfiltered view of government. funded by these television companies and more including media calm. >> nearly 30 years ago media calm was founded on a powerful idea. bringing cutting-edge broadband to underserved communities coast-to-coast we connect eight and 50000 miles of fiber. our team broke speed varies one gig a speech to every customer led the way in developing a 10g platform. with media, mobile is offering the best on the go. media, and decades of
9:59 pm
dedication. dead kids of deliverance, decades ahead. >> to be a comp support c-span as a publi service along with these other television providers. giving a front receipt to democrac >> democratic senator maria cantwe debated herepublican challenger dr. raul garcia to represent washington sta in the u.s. senate. they discuss women's reproductive rights, climate change, homelessness and immigration a border security. the debate was cohosted to sps the sposman review newspaper in spokane, washington. has been rated solid democrat by the nonpartisan cook political report. looks alright, thank you all for being here. i'm ryan donovan smith i am the spokesman in washington, d.c. i'm happy to be here in spokane for today's debate in a race to represent washington state in the senate between senator maria
10:00 pm
cantwell and dr. raul garcia. senator cantwell 18 coin toss backstage chose to be the first opening statement which means dr. garcia will close last will be saying that the putting to my right. as rob said when i asked the question, each candidate will have 60 seconds to answer it followed by 30 seconds for a work bottle or to elaborate on that response. i may also ask follow-up questions with each count will have another 30 seconds to respond. because we have a lot of ground to cover it like to ask the audience to please avoid any disruptions applied only twice tonight at the end and now as we welcome our candidates to the stage. [applause]
10:01 pm
[applause] senator you have been the senate since 2001 dr. garcia he worked as an emergency physician for the past 25 years i want to hear what each of you thanks are the best candidate to represent washington state in the senate for the next six years. senator cantwell? >> thank youan so much. thanks you to the spokesman review for the great work you are doing. i so believe in the unique model being created here for journalism. i have to say a special welcome to the pac 12. i believe we should send people to the united states senate who are going to w work in a bipartisan fashion to get things
10:02 pm
done. that is what you guys sent me there to do. i worked hard and what i thought were our northwest values to bring the supply chain back to make sure we were lower in cost on prescription drugs and out-of-pocket expenses for seniors. getting the ability to negotiate on drug prices so we can help lower the cost overall. i know things still cost too much for that is why we are fighting now on building more affordable housing. housing is 70% of inflation. while it is coming down, we know here in spokane if we build more affordable housing, more people will see loweros cost for the future. thank you. >> thank you, senator. dr. garcia. good afternoon i am dr. raul garcia i'm running to be our next u.s. senator from this great state of washington. i want to thank everyone who had their hands up in this debate to get her printer want to thank senator cantwell for being here. and all of youto watching, carig about the future of washington state.
10:03 pm
i want to give a special thank you to my wife. who i call my 75% who was spent in this crusade with me for four and a half years and truly without home this would not have ever happened. i hope everyone watching this debate sees a new choice. someone who is not a career politician, that is a husband, father, and a scientist that's going to look at every situation according toua results and bring true solutions. but most importantly represent the will of the people of washington. thank you. >> think your doctor. senator we checked responder elaborate you have 30 seconds. >> it's very important that in this environment people are arguing too much back in washington d.c. this spending alll of their hours on late-nigt
10:04 pm
cable shows. i did not do that. i got four major pieces of legislation passed i wrote very big parts of the chips in science act which i hope honeywell is going to use here in spokane to build more jobs and bring a supply chain. i'm going to keep fighting for those types of opportunities. >> thank you, doctor july to elaborate? >> my story is very easy. mr. smith goes to washington i do not like to do it outside my door zipper i like to change i do not like the crime. or do not like the open drug use i do not like their kids are not safe. i don't like the fact her families cannot afford our lives are in washington state. i'm here to represent the people of washington and bring about true solutions from a science perspective that looks at problems results. the pandemic upended the global economy and lead to higher
10:05 pm
prices around the world. it's found two and half% after picking it 9% in 2022 the federal reserve recently cut interest rates for the first time in four years. american average wages have not caught up to inflation. as senator, how would you address the changing economy and the higher cost of living? >> thank you. the fact that with people in washington state that are choosing between groceries and other activities for their children is not a good thing. we cannot afford to buy a house. we cannot afford our gas. so the federal government need to take accountability we have spent a lot of money but inflation happens because of two things appeared we increase taxes or reprint money. guess what, we are doing both
10:06 pm
when you to stop doing that. we need to audit the federal government get rid of ineffective programs and give that money back to the community because economics 101 tells us in ourave more money pocket we are going to use it in our community growth is going to happen. that is a solution that i think scientifically would work for our state. >> thank you doctor. >> senator cantwell 60 seconds. >> we all know a global pandemic causes a major inflation by cutting products and services that are no longer provided. now that we have climbed out of the pandemic i want to make sure we don't ever see that again. we are bringing supply chain back and lowering costs. theep recent economic report shs that we are growing wages and growing them higher. but i know here in spokane because i talked to hear allse e
10:07 pm
time we need to do to learn the the costof groceries. that's why i opposed the kroger alberts in a merger that would gouge people with higher prices if we don't have competition for why i have fought hard to spread the same discounts on prescription drugs, now fight to have the same 35 dell insulin for everybody. not just for seniors. ourr ability to negotiate is saving $6 billion in addition to seniors with this kind of negotiating powers when i will fight for. >> thank you, senator. dr. garciaa have 30 seconds response per. >> yes i'm forced to present government voted for inflation reduction act that even economist from harvard wrote to the ap and said would not lower inflation. washingtonians are paying so many more taxes for the inflation reduction act in
10:08 pm
getting back little. this is what we have today. we need change and the right change. >> thank you, doctor. senatorn cantwell? looks inflation reduction act was paid for good reduce costs. the question is if you buy at costco do you get a discount? that is what we insured for taxpayers. and for the seniors t to buying prescription drugs for. if we spread the same benefits to a larger medical population we will save more money. that's one of the key things i want to do is to make sure we are using this ability to drive down costs on so many people when out-of-pocket expenses are so high for prescription drugs. >> thank you, senator. we have a question from april. >> height my name is april and the editor.
10:09 pm
today this is my question according to the united department of education students of codes have taken out more student loans in order to pay for college. and are more likely to report their student debt has caused a high amount of stress later in theirss life. how would you mitigate this disproportionate a and would you support debt relief for the targeted widespread thank you. >> thank you for the question. they get to the black lens, thank you for being there in the memory of sandy williams for yes i was support student loan debt vertically for public sector jobs. whether we are talking about in my office or if we are talking to other people go into public service. or even people like dr. garcia who practice medicine in rural areas but yes, we should have debtbt forgiveness to make sure the expense of student loans are not prohibiting us. we couldoi be doing more in this area it's very important to try to achieve that kind of
10:10 pm
perspective probe out just one night belle graham. it's paid for much more of a college education than today's appel. and help me go from working-class and middle-class. we need to create the same opportunities today for more young people. i believe one way to do that is to create more opportunities for programs for people and target them to schools that would help get more minorities into college. >> thank you, senator. thank you. i arrived in this country as an 11-year-old skinny kid that did not speak a word of english and was lucky enough to live out the american dream. and along the way their people there peoplehelp me achieve tha. as your next united states senator, of course i'm going to do everything that i can to bring the resources necessary
10:11 pm
for marginalized culture to get to an even playing field. we have two responsibilities here. first of all to educate our country about the fact these marginalized cultures exist. that they do not have the same resources. second of all to make sure the education resources are there. so all of these individuals can get that education and get out of the marginalized system they have been a part of it. >> thank you. huge fan to add i'm a of the carl perkins a system anything you can do to drive down the skills training for high school level. apprenticeship of the nine states of america should be our goal where there are so many technical jobs literally at six of figure jobs with two-year degrees. if we teach our math and science
10:12 pm
and our high school help provide running start some kind help and the enormous amount of skills we need and united states of america lots of jobs picnic. >> it seems that senator cantwell and i are on the same page on this. apprenticeships are the where the future. you do not have to go to college to have a great job and to support your family and have a greatfe life. that education is lacking at the junior high level. we need to increase the education and answer the question completely i would certainly support student loan relief. specifically for public service after education for. >> thank you. from student debt and want to talk about national debt. u.s. national debt has surpassed
10:13 pm
$35 trillion the current fiscal year the federal government spent $1.9 trillion more than it has collected in revenue. we have not had a balanced budget since the turn of the 21st century. how concerned are you to give up the nation's debt and what should congress do about that? >> very concerned about the nation's debt. what i came from humble beginnings we did not have a lot of money. you spend as much as you have. right now we are in a situation where americans are bring the oe groceries on credit cards. and us as a federal government should be accountable to make sure we are not wasting the taxpayers money. that is why i proposed an audit of the federal government. i am not proposing a big bureaucratic group that comes in
10:14 pm
and audits the federal government. i am proposing a single accountant with the pencil behind his ear that gets down on a table they could bring the money back to the community thank you. >> senator cantwell? that took care of people's lives and help sustain economies for the future. in fact the united states has come out of that pandemic with more a resources and ability because we did that. but we don't want to do now is former president trump's is suggesting is tariff, tariff, tariff and put back 2017 bill thatt would as economists are saying but add seven, eight, $14 trillion as we do policy we
10:15 pm
pay for it as we go. the reason i'm so enthralled over the big opportunities is because you can grow the u.s. economy and help pay down the debt if we trained and skilled americans. s >> thank you, senator. i would note the discretionary approves each year accounts for about a quarter of the nation's budget. mandatory spending on programs like social security, medicare is a bigger portion ofsa b that. dr. garcia would you like 30 seconds to respond? >> yes. americans we do not do well when they take our rights away. medicare and social security are things that at the end of our life at the end of our big effort we expect to get i will be a senator that supports those programs and finds the funding for it.
10:16 pm
my answer to reducing the debt is stop spending money that we don't have for ineffective programs. >> thank you. senator cantwell would you like to respond? i'm going to fight to protect social security and medicare project is some of this is disturbing to me. i do think there are things our state is done and healthcare int should lead the way to help build a value -based healthcare system and help us look at costs in thehe future. people would do more with that and reward healthcare there are things we could do in our system today. >> thank you. i like to turn out to abortion the biggest topics in this year's presidential election certainly. for nearly half a century the supreme court guaranteed nationwide right to abortion with states allowed to restrict the procedure later except when a pregnant woman's life or health was in danger. since the court overturn those protections in 2022 some states
10:17 pm
likeke idaho have restricted abortion. what should congress do and response of this new reality after the dobbs decision? >> i fully support restoring our rights. this is i something that shoulde between a doctor and the patient. not people in washington d.c. fifty plus years upheld by our courts that was stripped away with the decision of the supreme court. it is affecting the state of washington. i produced a national report that shows how people here coming to our state and people from idaho are all literally creating a demand on our system that's hard to serve. i want women to have their rights back i will fight to have a roe v wade restored as law of the t land when i returned to te united states senate with your help. >> thank you. doctor garcia you have one minute.
10:18 pm
>> washington state is a pro-choice estate dictated by the voters of washington state i assure united states senator and willing to represent and defend that every day. i agree the reversal of this law has caused a burden in washington state from having patients from other states to have abortions here. going back to americans not like taking our rights away. in my experience i have been there with the mother whose daughter was raped by her uncle. i have been there with the husband whose wife is dying of atopic pregnancy or demise or other ob/gyn emergencies. i have had to send them to the operating h room to terminate tt pregnancy or the woman would die. this is who i am. this is my experience m and this is how i'm going to represent yount as your new united states senator. >> thank you pretender can't
10:19 pm
always like to respond? >> it said people are losing their lives over this. as we saw in georgia we need people are going to stand up and fight for this right to be restored. the challenges that we face is at the republican party, except for two people want to be up to individual states. i'm saying this is a right women should have a national level. i'm going to spend my time advocating would you like to respond? r >> the dobbs decision create a lot of anxiety. i want the women of washington to understand my stance. i'm not asking you to trust every republican. as i would not ask you to trust every democrat. i'm asking you to trust me. i'm going to defend the state.
10:20 pm
as a pro-choice state everyday as u.s. senator. i like this one top pick that would restore roe v wade style protection when jute vote for a bill that restarts but allows forr after fetal buy at viability? >> of laws to do thatks now. why wouldn't support that please put roe v wade back in the federal statute. have a woman a week being transported should walk into the facility asking for help and they are saying they're worried
10:21 pm
about cases against them are saying please get on a plane and go to seattle. even though it is not tolerable people should not be losing their lives. this should not be losingy wives and prince's want to keep. >> i want to note the clot gave you 60 seconds will give you the same for dr. garcia i will not ask another follow-up. but dr. garcia you said you would not drop for the kind of legislation senator cantwell would talk about tout restore te protections i would say yes to answer your question women have
10:22 pm
access if they choose that. up to fetal viability. this is the law in washington state. so, being the senator from washington statete and a physicn with the lived experience in situations in the termination yes we think the republican colleagues will listen to more. >> we have a a lot to get to her from we have another question from a student for. >> who. >> hi my name is anthony i and here is my question.
10:23 pm
what role do you believe the federal government should play in combating climate change? what isla your plan and reducing carbon emissions and promote free energy here in washington state? thank you. correct will start with dr. garcia you will have 60 seconds. >> we are lucky to live in one of the cleanest places on earth and we should all find it together to make sure our children at the same clean the place. not only here but everywhere in the world. i'm a big proponent of keeping our environment clean. i am a proponent of clean energy. i love the fact of hydroelectric energy in our state as renewable 70% of our energy per i'm a proponent of nuclear energy in our state. i'm more that we could go after. but i want to also bring up that
10:24 pm
if we are the cleanest place on earth, i am in support of bring our manufacturing and our industries back to america where we care about the environment and stop outsourcing our jobs to places who do not care as much. garcia. >> i was smiling in his response earlier. they don't support establishing roe v wade i like my colleagues but they have not convinced many people in their caucus either. i am for the fighting and i can't believe are fighting over ivfre but that is what we are doing we believe and not letting families have ivf treatments i believe the climate change is real. i was passing the climate reduction act would set us up in the state of washington innovate
10:25 pm
here in our energy sources but leading the world on some of those innovative energy but whether the hydrogen hub or smartma grid or battery technology, are some of the innovation being done. we are on the next generation of energy from this point help us meet the climatep goals. >> think it senator. dr. garcia would you like to respond question. >> yes but first i want and when to know ill have participated in ivf's of course i strongly support it. i'm also in favor of hydrogen. we are lucky a center cantwell stated to have pml here in our state we want to be in the forefront, the leaders in climate change in the country and as united states senator i will be your champion for it. >> thank you presenter cantwell? because of these devastating
10:26 pm
storms i'm trying to do everything i can to prove to people this is impacting our tax payers. in a bipartisan effort singing collins and i asked the government accountability office to give us this estimate two weeks ago it came out and said it's costing us trillions of dollars. our state setting up people on innovation to solve the thorniest problems like how to get battery technology to last longer. how to transfer a charge faster but how to fuel airplanes which i authored the language. all things that will help us diversify. >> thank you senator. now as the country transitions to more renewable energy sources the columbia basin become increasingly important source of hydropower they say existing infrastructure like the lower exams new development like the goldendale energy storage project n damage the natural wod and other ways inviolate the
10:27 pm
treaties they signed with federal government. how should congress to balance the country's energy needs with the rights of tribal nations? >> it is so important that we do everything we can. we now need about 30% more power than we m have today. thatat is how much our state is going to grow. i want to do everything we can to keep this historic low energy electricity cost that we have had as a state. to build our economy over and over again. but we have to live up to the treaty obligations for abundant salmon. that's why he fought hard against bristol bay that would have destroyed some of that largest runs in the world. and yet people were going to build a gold mine and destroy that. why i have fought here for a record amount of salmon funding to remove culvert barriers and build our hatchery fish so that
10:28 pm
we can take some of the pressure off the system. >> thank you senator. doctor garcia you have one minute. >> i pay a lot of electricity at my housefi but we have five children. so i understand that. there is never enough. this is why i'm very much in favor of new ideas. and expanding our nuclear program. even here in washington if we build 20 new new plants in our country we would have more energy than we would know what to do with. the snake river dam is something i have studied because it has been an issue for a long time. i wanted to make sure i was being fair to both sides. i work at the only hospital and native land at washington. in washington. i'm very familiar with the tribes and with the lack of resources and their culture that
10:29 pm
wants to keep their culture alive. he snake river dams. >> are we are out of time. senator cantwell if you'd like to respond? what's is very involved in something that was bipartisan and brought people together from the bottom up called that yakima basin project. how do we get more water but preserve fish? literally farmers, tribal members, environmentalists, all got together and agreed on how to build more capacity for our region. i thought that was an exemplary way to make progress on these thorny issues. >> thank you senator. and dr. garcia? >> i agree. as long as we depend on the energy made by the snake river dams for agriculture in our states, we need to find a balance and make sure the snake river dams if they really worked
10:30 pm
hard to preserve salmon stay open and stay active so we can have energy in eastern washington. colton 12 and the people in israel. 800 will remain in gaza today. in the year since displaced the whole population of that territory. our country about $18 billion in military aid to israel. what role should the united states have in that conflict is at risk spreading to other parts of the middle east? will sir doctor garcia. the role of the united states should have in the middle east is to find peace.
10:31 pm
our strongest condolences to everyone from a year ago yesterday that was involved in that massacre. a strong ally of the united states. i was head's been a curtain protecting the united states from terrorist activity, and terrorist organizations, the united nation of israel and the united states. we should support our allies. our focus should be to find peace. this war is not helping anyone. not the palestinians, not the israelites and even not the iranians. i do agree with with the presence in the middle east and our support our purpose should be to find peace. >> thank you doctor garcia. senator cantwell you have one minute. >> so sad yesterday to witness the one-year anniversary on this
10:32 pm
massacre and attack in israel. not only still hasn't captured hostages but captured u.s. citizens. we need to do everything we can to bring those hostages back home. united states support israel because democracy in the middle east. we are standing next to ally, you support the iron dome that help defend them from the missiles from my ron i was glad we have done that. but also as president biden has outlined, need to achieve a peace and cease-fire and permanent two state solution in the middle east. i believe that is what we need to do. in each of the neighboring community, neighboring states to help. >> thank you, senator. dr. garcia would you like took spot respond or elaborate? >> yes we have a stark difference between the senator and i. she voted to release
10:33 pm
$100 billion to the iranians which in turn iran used two cause october 7. as your insight senator i would not have voted for that. i government that does not want to benefit of world peace at the nexus or israel. >> thank you. that's just inaccurate we do not give one or billy know so i run i did support the agreement that would've said the united states ands other partners of the security council should go to iran and say they are not developing nuclear weapons. yes i trust the pacific northwest loud. one of the leading institutions of detection in our nation to help us figure that out. what we did do is say we are going to have continued sanctions on iran, on oil.
10:34 pm
we'll talk more about that maybe in show that so helpful. >> thank you, senator. when talk about ukraine and russia.. i been more than a decade since russian sees the territory of crimea more than two years since its launch is full-scale of ukraine. in that time, congress is appropriate one or $75 billion in response. including more than $1 billion and age of the accreting government. which of our countries role be in that conflict? would you support a deal to end the war if it required ukraine to give up any part of its territory? senator cantwell? >> i supported our efforts to stabilize ukraine from a russian aggressor who basically, and putin's efforts to attack ukraine. we need to stand up to that aggression. we are not only protecting ukraine, we are protectinge europe. we are protecting our native allies.
10:35 pm
it is so important we continue to help ukraine i'm not for auditing what we are doing in helping ukraine, i am for standing up for ukraine. with about 2000 ukrainian refugees that live right here in spokane. we are standing with them because democracy and aggressors are the things you want to stop. aggressors will stop democracy continued. >> thank you, senator. doctor garcia? >> it came from cuba which was a tyrannical government. that's the only way to live that experience. so my heart is with the ukrainian people. to see an aggressor a tyrannical government try to take them over. i think the united states was correct in supporting the ukrainian people. when senator cantwell does not believe in auditing the money we are sending to ukraine.
10:36 pm
i think my colleagues in the senate are asking for is accountability and transparency. we just want to make surehe the minute we are using with taxpayer money to help the country succeed, we have transparency and accountability. >> thank you but senator campbell would like to respond corso because i found this in world war ii as that his brother was a pow. i know it rand paul is up too. he was to audit this money and be an w isolationist. we have to stand up to putin and his aggression. i believe right now we should join more of sanction oversight and transparency plus continuing to get india and china to put sanctions on russia is the way to go. >> thank you, senator. dr. garcia shipped 30 seconds. >> yes, i again going to as a government to earn the trust of all of our citizens who are seeing all this money go out
10:37 pm
when we have so many problems such as sentinel and our backyard. we need accountability and transparency. i would be on the side favoring auditing this in money and making sure it's going to the proper places in ukraine. >> right thank you. doctor garcia you mention fentanyl will get to that in a moment. first i want to talk about immigration and the border. they failed to pass immigration reform since 1986. as a rule result u.s. laws not kept up with the changing reality on the ground. estimated 11 million people live in the country without authorization despite playing important rolls in the u.s. economy including in washington's agricultural industry. since the pandemic abated record number people cross the border illegally to seek asylum begetting a legal process that can take years if elected what would you do to address
10:38 pm
immigration? will start doctor garcia. >> any a sovereign country shoud have the right to the vet who comes in and out of their country. when we lose the right to vets who comes in and out of our country would lose thate sovereignty. not only are we not kvetching who comes in and out of our country we are allowing drugs and crime to come into our country. the embarrassing thing for the american government as we do not is coming into our country but the cartels do know exactly who's coming into our country. a lot of people hold money back for being here. i am an immigrant to this country. i think this country was created by immigrants with the fire to find the best place in the world for their children that create the greatest country in the world. i will always support immigration. but we need to have better leadership and discipline at our borders so we remain a sovereign
10:39 pm
nation. >> thank you. senator cantwell? >> i have voted for probably four different bipartisan bills. literally the partners are very right and left. larry craig and ted kennedy, not exactly like kindred spirits on policy or even now kyrsten sinema and james lankford other times john mccain and ted kennedy. every time even though it 78 or 80 votes are the united states senate conservatives did not just want to do anything to allow for a legal process to be established for the workforce we depend on in washington particularly in central washington. i do support and immigration policy that will allow us to bring people from mexico who want to live here and return to mexico. i'll do everything we can to
10:40 pm
continue to fight and getting gg appropriations for the border. >> thank you, senator. dr. garcia shipped 30 seconds to respond. >> i also want to talk about certain topics of immigration we may not come back too you. i am all in favor of the dreamers, the docket kids across the board not having 18 years of age to begin citizenship yesterday. okay? to the other people that have been four years and have paid taxes. and have been reputable people i iwill give permanent residency too. but, if you come to this country to commit crime you are out. >> thank you dr. garcia known to ask a follow-up question on this. you both have thoughts on former president trump and his running mate have repeated false rumors about haitianan immigrants who unlawfully settled in an ohio town. dr. garcia you mentioned you at your self left another caribbean nation as a child to come to the
10:41 pm
u.s. i would like to know what each of you makes the rhetoric about immigrants in particular in this race? we will start with dr. garcia. >> i'm going to be a champion of immigrants. i am one. i came into this country searching for that american dream. everyone in this audience it may not of been you, but it may have been your ancestors that has the same fire as my mother to come and work three jobs so i can succeed. so i am always going to be a champion of immigration in this country. five believe we place a large bureaucracy on legal immigration. the first thing we have to do is make it easier to come into this country illegally. and the second thing that we have to do is what i have said. evaluate who is here. a washington state depends on a
10:42 pm
lot of these immigrants for our economy. i am going to be a champion of them. correct thank you doctor garcia. senator cantwell you have one minute. emigrants have caused this problem, this problem, this problem including taking money out of fema that they don't have to help respond to the storm. demonizing the backbone of who built america is not the way to go. i do believe in the dream act. i laments the fact that when i came to the senate worn hash and others sponsor the dream act for their still people who sponsor the dream act that they don't necessarily get it over the goal line. bill helped defeated if it is a partyline vote. what i think is so important when did the chips and science active said to my colleagues let's help people stay who have
10:43 pm
been educated here and he'll have a phd. basically they said no. i said tell me how many that will help us to be competitive and keep our defense how many will you let stay here and they said no. >> the right want to turn to another topic you made a major focus of your respective campaigns and that is fentanyl. fentanyl other synthetic opioids have t killed around 75000 americans in each of the last two years according to the cdc. over the past year drug overdose deaths have fallen nation wine but have increased your washington state. everyone in congress agrees this is a problem. what would you do differently to address it? we will start with senator cantwell. >> the first thing we did was pass the fend off mental acts which created a national emergency and gave the president new tools to go after cartels like the one that wase in the press recently to stop the flow fentanyl.
10:44 pm
we also passed money as part of our appropriations process to put more money at the border for tools for detection and surveillance to help stop the flow of financial. i also in supporting federal legislation that's looking at our entire transportation system and next-generation technology that vapors coming from fentanyl so wep can stop its flow. i do also supports a treatment process that is more streamlined. the university of washington has established that is shown a 68% reduction infantile death. that is what i'm fighting for. >> thank you, doctor garcia? >> that she read 60 seconds. >> i walked 185 miles from seattle to elevate the awareness of the crisis in this country. there is a human being dying every four minutes and 40 seconds. this is a crisis.
10:45 pm
we need to make harsh decisions. this is where we differ, senator cantwell and i. and c fentanyl act. which will give manslaughter felony charges to drug dealers and put them in prison. as a doctor addictions brain will tell the individuals to lie, cheat, steal to get the next fix or they are going to die. this is why itde has to be voluntary. everyone who has succeeded and treatment has always come back and said thank you for making that decision for me when i could not make it for myself. >> thank you. senator cantwell your 30 seconds for cocci to write everyday for the united states and united states senate. i will tell you how i do it. listen to the people in our state and what they say.
10:46 pm
and the university of washington, a leading research institution in this area set a program that's a low barrier and can be in the community is the best way to do this. they went to the state legislature republican and democrat signed up for that. that's not the plan of doctor garcia. this is the plan are state once reduces death by 68%. >> thank you, senator. doctor garcia would like to respond? >> the difference between my fentanyl was enjoyed go down to the street and talk to the addicts, not the media. not community organizers of the thepeople that are involved. they tell us you need an iron fist. you need to end of this or we are going to lose our country. we'll turn back to the video stream from another student.
10:47 pm
>> hello my name is laura erickson i am a student in this is my question. spoken reports of 37% increase in the homeless population between 2022 and 2023. the department of commerce 13000 washington youth ages 12 -- 24 on the street or unsafe or unstable housing situation. if selected what steps would you take toou help remedy the crisi? thank you. >> are it will start doctor garcia. >> the homeless and problem solution has to be a triple play solution. as a scientist i i could tell yu you have to go to the roots of the cause. the first step is drug rehabilitation. the second step is mental health. s the third step is housing. not housing first. this, is why the program has ben so ineffective. the same with harm reduction. we are telling addicts here are the needles, here is the pipe,
10:48 pm
here is the foil. here is low barrier housing so you can do your drugs. this is, although i think it is a step in the right direction, this is not a destination. we need a true solution. we need to take these individuals out of thatua environment. and the homeless crisis we need to do in that order. >> the mischaracterization to think everyone who is homeless is on drugs. a woman from my hometown who literally lost her apartment because it had mold she had to leave and do not have any place to go and literally lived in her car. this issue was about building supply. there is a study that shows for every 2300 units of more affordable supply you build you drive down the cost of about
10:49 pm
$2000 annual rent cost. we need to build more supply spokane gnosis that's why places like gonzaga haven other affordable housing projects are done. i've worked in a bipartisan basis the united states senate to lead the bill that will help us build these affordable units. >> thank you, senator for doctor garcia you have 30 seconds. >> again we need to go to the root cause. those mothers that lose their house the people in the street that do not want to get out of the street need to be taken out of that environment and given the resources to be brought back to the families to win over wheg cheaper perpetuate this behavior in society we live in today? senator campbell would like to respond? >> i just think of anyone can
10:50 pm
look it up is the perfect example. love this project but helple cut funding for them here in spokane. it literally reunited families i became homeless and were torn apart. the whole mission is to give them access to childcare and get them back into the education system so that they can be trained and skilled and productive members of society. that is a great example it should be followed by other places. >> thank you, senator. i like to talk now about healthcare. americans spend more on health care per person than any other wealthy country in the world. his life expectancy, infant mortality, maternal mortality in diabetes rates m but what should congress do to improve our nation's healthcare system? >> value -based purchasing. paying for the outcome in the
10:51 pm
healthcare delivery system. inc. about what you're able to do with inflation reduction act. we saved billions of dollars for american consumers by just saying the federal government, just like costco, can negotiate. we negotiate veterans and now and drive down their costs by about 25%. why should have the same ability to negotiate through all prescription and job purposes. not just for medicare. this is the way to save billions of dollars international system. that's why s i fight and advocae for it. >> being an emergency physician i am deeply into all prescription job purposes. not just for medicare. this is the way to save billions of dollars international system. that's why i fight and advocate for it. >> being an emergency physician i am deeply into the situation. i live in a state where i could not wait ranked 50th in the united states and medicalre availability. healthcare is a big issue. we are not talk about the pink elephant in the room. the power of healthcaree today
10:52 pm
are insurance companies. it should be in the hands of doctors and patients. a person from washington state should have the right to get a quote from insurance from florida, from new jersey. that balances more of the power towards the patient. i'm also not sure that insurance companies should be in wall street. i have patients who need an approval on an mri and don't get it. that insurance companies make sure on the bottom line on that quarter is good. >> thank you doctor brickwork center cantwell? lexus may be sent there were doctor garcia and i agree on. these pharmacy benefit manager middlemen that chuck grassley and i are trying to fight in the united states senate are basically taking overes prescription drug markets. they literally have become the third or fourth highest entities
10:53 pm
on wall street. to determine the cost of prescription drugs. i have legislation going to get it passed with chuck grassley's help to stop their bad practices. trucks would you like to elaborate? >> we also need the reimbursement to be higher. as one of the lowest in the state down to our level mixes lose resources in the state of washington we need are reimbursements to be better. >> thank you doctor garcia. i like to move on to online privacy and protection. u.s. tech companies some of which are headquartered here in
10:54 pm
washington state. how becomes the most powerful companies in the world. that's partly because unlike 80% of the world's population, americans are not protected by national how they could collect and use our personal data. senator cantwell you've made data privacy focus of yours for years. the u.s. remains the only major developed country in the world without a nationwide privacy standard. whatd should congress do to regulate the tech industry? what sort doctor garcia. >> i think all of us have answered yes every online subscription that we have. that we agree with the terms and conditions. some of those terms and conditions as they are going to share our information. yes, our government should protect our citizens.
10:55 pm
we should have privacy and what we do with our lives. and that we should be the owners of, not these companies. i do think congress has a place to come in and regulate that privacy for the benefit of our citizens. that is our job to protect the rights and protects what we have here in america. >> owing to clear up something. purchasing is how you get more money for washington. that's we got in the affordable care act to the affordable care act has worked. it's expanded care hundreds of thousands of people lower uninsured. on privacy i'm fighting very hard to pass a federal privacy act have the ability to take
10:56 pm
action against them. that privacy rights should be if you cause harm to our citizen. overage the ai agent people using our own information against us is time to pass a law. unfortunately passed to kid privacy bills and republicans killed those. we are trying to give people like ted cruz and others to agree to do privacy so far kathy ande i are not giving out. were going to get this done because americans deserve this right. >> thank you, senator i apologize we are short on time. olga right to closing statements here. we'll start senator cantwell. >> thank you again to spokesman in everyone. and doctor garcia. this election could not be more important about the future direction of our country. are we going to grow the middle class again? which we start of this
10:57 pm
incredible surge of bringing manufacture and supply chain back to the united states with higher wage jobs. are we going to lower costs that we've been able to do for seniors but now spread that out across the larger population? are we going to build more affordable housing as i mentioned and continued to lead on this issue with low income housing tax credit. are we going to invest in apprenticeships to train skills for jobs of tomorrow that are here today so people can make the six figure income. spokane is on the precipice of this. you have made the right investments and asking for your support and the u.s. senate race. >> thank you, senator. doctor garcia? >> thank you everyone for giving me this great opportunity. my intent was to instill in you the confidence in the hope that together we could have a better washington. change is hard.
10:58 pm
buto senator cantwell will now assess four times to give us give her a chance to make it right. asking for one. one chance at bringing true solutions to our problems but we wecould keep voting the same way keep having the same problems outside our window and doors. or you can take a leap of faith on this skinny cuban kid that fought hard to achieve the american dream. and i promised you as your next united states senator ivory step, every action, every breath i take every day will represent the will of the people of washington. to honor the greatest company country in the world to pay her back for everything he does for us. thank you. >> that concludes today's debate. thank you.
10:59 pm
[applause] [applause] ♪ c-span "washington journal" alive form involving you to discuss the latest issues and government, politics and public policy. from washington d.c. and across the country. coming up thursday morning, founder duke university professor discusses his new book beyond the big lies. examining why and how politicians spin, mislead which party tends to do it more often. syndicated columnist and political commentator cal thomas on campaign 2024. c-span's "washington journal" join the conversation like it 7:00 a.m. eastern thursday morning on c-span, c-span now or online at c-span.org. ♪
11:00 pm
>> on thursday at senator elizabeth warren her republican challenger participated in the debate to represent massachusetts in the u.s. senate. hosted by boston and new england public media you can watch the debate live at 7:00 p.m. eastern on c-span. she's been our fruit mobile app or online at c-span.org. >> american history tv saturdays on c-span2 exploring the people and events that tell the american story. starting at 2:00 p.m. eastern in new york hosted its 20th annual discussion on the american revolution highlights include historian robert swanson on canadian resident historian on the search of a campaign of 1777. historian o'keefe on gate slip from subject of the british crown to a committed revolutionary. at 7:00 p.m. eastern watch american history the tv series
11:01 pm
historic presidential election. what made these elections historically the pivotal issue of different eras and their lasting impact on the nation. the election of 1960 democratic messages senator jon kennedy narrowly defeated incumbent republican vice president richard nixon. this is the first election in which all 50 states participated. at 8:00 p.m. eastern on lectures in history boston college communication professor on how baseball to the past and culture exploring the american story. watch american history tv saturdays on c-span2 find a full schedule on your on how baseball connects
11:02 pm
americans to their past and culture. exploring the american story. watch american history tv saturdays on c-span2 and find a full schedule in your program guide or watch online anytime on c-span.org/history. >> c-span is your unfiltered view of government. we are funded by these television companies and more including comcast. comcast is partnering with 1000 community centers to create wi-fi enabled services so students from low income families can get the tools they need to be ready for anything. comcast support c-span as a public service along with these other television providers giving you a front row seat to democracy. incumbent republican congressman zach none faced off against his democratic challenger to
11:03 pm
represent iowa's third congressional district. representative none was considered one of the most endangered u.s. house republicans in the 2024 cycle and the non-partisan cook political report with amy walter rated the race a tossup. as of the final quarter before election day, theseal two candidates raised $6.9 million according to filings with the federal election commission outside groups had spent another 6.9 million on behalf of the democratic and republican candidates. the hour-long debate is hosted by kcc itv. >> the republican incumbent in this race. serving his first term in congress. before that elected as the iowa house of representatives and later the iowa senate. he also served overseas for almost 20 years and is currently a colonel in the air force
11:04 pm
reserve. >> baccam is a challenger and there's race. also aig combat veteran who serd overseas after 9/11. also working for the u.s. department of agriculturec from 20 for dean until 2017. this evening candidates was 60 seconds to answer a question. candidates will see a yellow light indicating they have 10 seconds remaining toor answer tt question andro a red light will indicate when their time is up. if a candidate mentions their opponent and then answer, we the moderators will give a them a chance to have 30 seconds to respond. throughout the night a team of kcc i journalists will be fact checking this debate first live on our website. you can scan the qr code on your screen to follow along or visit our website. first, we start with opening statements. >> earlier tonight ae random drawing determined who would go first. mr. baccam,ca you will go first. >> i wanted they kcc i and
11:05 pm
walkie high school for this debate. thank kcc i walkie high school for hosting this debate and for the islands tuning and at home. my name -- i love this country. so much so that at 17 years old i enlisted in the iowa army for 10 years i worked there with our farmers and special air veterans. i am readyo right now to represent you in congress. there is no question that my focus is clear. i will fight to pass the health protection act and give women rights back to protect their own bodies. i will pay attention and fight for working families, seniors and small businesses. there is no question my focus is clear. i will fight to pass a women's health protection act and give women their rights back to make decisions about their own bodies
11:06 pm
i will also pay attention and fight for working families, seniors and small businesses. i will go after those big corporations price gouging i went and i will protect social security and medicare. and i am in congress i will fight for you, the people that put politics aside and i hope to earn your bow. thank you. >> you now have 60 seconds. >> first of all, thank you very much for everybody tuning in tonight, for the incredible team here at walkie to help put this on the periphery i would watching this conversation. this community helped appraise my family. my mom was a nurse at methodist hospital my data teacher. after that i had the opportunity to help raise my family here. kelly and i have had a wonderful experience in this community because of the good things that come out of iowa. one of the reasons we were so happy this past year to bring our two foster kids and as adopted kids. we are blended family but a family that knows what it's like to live in iowa in hard times like this. after 20 plus years serving the military i'm still in the reserves. i don't think my opponent for his service as well. this is something we have stood together for. it does not matter if you are
11:07 pm
republican or democrat. when you're in the military in matters that you bring everybody home. helping protect this country and looking to serve. that is why am serving now is your congressman. we have served as the top 10 bipartisan in congress. delivering for islands regardless of party. >> we want to thought -- we want to start tonight with the economy. the most recent iowa poll found the top issue is inflation. according to the u.s. bureau of labor statistics the cost of gas and groceries is still much higher than they were before the covid-19 pandemic. what would you do specifically to lower costs for iowans? >> this is the number one thing i hear about when i go out. i talked to melba who raised her family in this community and now it's too expensive to stay in the house where she raise her kids. $26,000. that is what bite inflation is because every american over the past two years. going forward the trillions of dollars being spent by this administration, specifically champion to think that d.c. knows better than out places like iowa should function meant
11:08 pm
that every time i help feed my kids in the morning omelettes are up 44%. we fill up the minivan, gas is twice as expensive as it was just three years ago. let's take best practices from iowa. cut iowa's taxes. make sure that i went to get more money in their pocket when they invest in their community and that is how you grow and recover. we can also take a lesson from the very first bill i introduced as a balanced budget. i will farmers, small business owners, small families bouncer budget. we should expect the budget to do the same. holding federal agencies accountable for their spending and cutting the runaway red tape in d.c. >> same question to you. how would you lower costs for iowans? >> i've been to all 21 counties. many of them multiple times. i listen and i learn. i hear about the issues that matter to them. there is no question that the cost of groceries continues to be high. going to the gas pump is a pinch in the pocketbook. we have to go after the price
11:09 pm
gouging. big corporations who are raising up prices for us and not passing down the savings to us here in our communities. it is also really key, knowing that gas prices have already dropped down to under $3 a gallon. that is helpful. that is not enough. you have to make sure we increase housing access as well. quality affordable housing is critical here. when i'm traveling this district i'm listening and learning. i am hearing from parents i want to see their kids have an opportunity to chase their american dream. do the things that they did when they grew up. find a home and put their butts down. i think it is important to pay attention to all of these issues >> thank you. the topic of abortion. tonight we want to give each of you the chance to make your stances on this issue crystal-clear. you have said you would support passing a law that guaranteed a national right to abortion.
11:10 pm
is there any point in a pregnancy that you believe that should be illegal? >> so, this is really clear. to me, critically important. again, listening to iowans on this issue. the abortion ban we have in this state, before most women even know they are pregnant. he laid the groundwork for this when he was in the state legislature. what we have today is exactly what he wanted. they are now banned before most women even though they are pregnant. this is extreme. even want to go further on this issue. supporting an abortion ban even in rape incest or the life of the mother. this is far out of step of where i went on this issue. women want to have the ability to make decisions about their own healthcare and they should. when it comes down to it, this is a deeply personal issue. when a woman who is pregnant needs to make these life-and-death decisions, it should be between her, her family and her doctors. >> just to clarify, do you
11:11 pm
believe that any point in a woman's pregnancy that abortion should be illegal. >> so iowans have had role as a law of the land for almost 50 years. that is the space in which they are comfortable. there is only one person on this stage right now who will stand up for women's rights and that is me. unfortunately, the congressman supports his abortion ban here in iowa. abortion is now banned before most women even though they are pregnant. this is exactly what he wanted. women were comfortable and families were comfortable with where role was. we need to pass a woman's health protection act in congress i will do that. >> your stance on abortion has been the subject of several television ads this election cycle. can you make it clear for our viewers tonight, is there any federal policy restricting abortion access that you would support? >> this is an important question
11:12 pm
both of these candidates need to answer it clearly. let me be crystal clear where i stand and have stood. i am pro-life. i have voted for exceptions for rape, incest and certainly for the health of the mother. i believe strongly that we should not have a federal abortion ban and take that away from iowans. i also have been a strong champion and led bipartisan legislation to ensure that we have ivf access which right now can run families tens of thousands of dollars just to start a family. it has impacted our family. i also want to be very clear that we should have over-the-counter birth control for women. something i've champion in the statehouse and now the federal level. if a guy can go to the gas station get birth control a woman to be able to go to the pharmacy and get the same. i equally believe that we need to talk about healthcare holistically here were women across our country and right here in iowa. one of the reasons i bled the train more nurses act to help our communities get access to those healthcare providers at a
11:13 pm
time and place where they need it most. >> also on the topic of reproductive healthcare, do you think that congress should pass national protections for in vitro fertilization or other fertility treatments? >> one of the reasons that i've helped lead this hope act. we help families start their family. that means ensuring that women have access to ivf and families can do it. amanda, i will turn back to you the original question. i think it's important we are crystal-clear with iowans with where we stand on this. clearly, my opponent is not going to handle this. we need to help them get access to ivf. we need to make sure that iowa has a voice and everything else that we discussed we need to make sure we have over-the-counter birth control affordable and available to women both in our rural and urban areas. finally we need to make sure we have access to the nurses and our county hospitals. that is one of the reasons i felt champion a loan forgiveness programs for ob/gyn to go to these rural and underserved communities so we can help woman's maternal health from
11:14 pm
start to starting a family. >> mr. balcom, i will ask you the same question. should congress pass national protections for in vitro fertilization and other treatments? >> there is a bill that the congressman can sign onto. unfortunately, he has now. the reality is his record shows that access to contraception and ivf could be under threat if he continues to be in congress here the reality is the congressman has inserted himself into a deeply personal decision. he has put himself in the doctor's office. in a place where he is telling a woman what to do with her body. by telling her what to do with an abortion. the reality is we have to make sure that this decision, a deeply personal decision stays with the woman, her family and her doctors. it is so crystal clear to me that this is not a politician's place to be in this decision-making process. we have to find a way to give
11:15 pm
women their rights back. that means codifying role in congress. passing woman's health protection act and getting that done. i am the only person on the stage right now that can do that >> you are mentioned there, would you like 30 seconds to respond? >> my opponent will not answer the question. he makes more time and money on this every time that he tries to go on the attack. this is a deeply personal issue. we need to have trust for i went that they know what to do and give them that right. let me be clear again. i am pro-life. i support exceptions. rape, incest and health of the mother. i have already made investments in ivf and worked on real legislation that has the ability to pass. we have worked consistently to make sure we have the healthcare workers and teleports right here in iowa. and now my time in congress. >> moving on to the topic of immigration this evening. 8 million people have tread
11:16 pm
across the southern border since president biden took office. that is according to the u.s. customs border control. what action should congress take to secure the u.s. southern border. >> there is no question that we have to secure the border. there was a bite partisan border security package that was in congress and unfortunately congressman nunn and his colleagues let it die purely for political purposes. this bipartisan bill was supported by the border patrol agents. they would have added more agents to the border. it would have deployed barriers, it would have deployed smart technology to identify drugs. importantly, it would have forced the president to shut down the border if it became overwhelmed. that is really important for us to get done. when i get to congress i will make sure that i vote for that. >> that same question for you. what action should congress take to further support the southern border. >> we passed the most comprehensive border security
11:17 pm
bill in my first weeks on the job. what my colleague here is talked about as a straight up lie. there was never a bill that came out of the senate. there was never built a boat it -- vote against. more importantly we have the equivalent of free iowa was it was common to our country to the tune of upwards of $9 million. this was a political operative out there encouraging the biden administration to welcome this in. equally important we now the situation where 150 americans are dying every single day. from ihl to my daughter's age because of chinese made drugs are coming through the southern border by mexican cartels. worse we have a human trafficking catastrophe. there is a simple way that we can solve this. all the simple bills in congress that can be passed to not go into effect if we have a presidency that fails to lead on them. will you stand up to your boss and he can sign right now remain in mexico. he can sign a bill that make sure catch and release is ended and he can build the border wall
11:18 pm
helping everyone today. you commit to that with me? >> you have a chance to respond since you mentioned you by name. >> again, folks, it is unfortunate that the congressman and his campaign lies about my positions in my record. i have never supported the things that he talks about. the reality is i think iowans are tired of these political games where folks are trying to drive wedges between us. we actually want to see action and get things done. that is why we elect our representatives actually get stuff done. zach dunn has failed to do that. when there was a bipartisan bill that could have actually protected us, infuse the necessary resources into the border patrol, we could have had that and it could have been in effect by this point. we could have had more technology out our borders already. >> i do want to talk about the topic of border security, the topic of sentinel. last year, a record number of
11:19 pm
fentanyl pills were seized in iowa. 105% increase from the year prior. mr. nunn, we will start with you what action could you take to stop the flow into iowa. >> first of all i want to say huge thanks to our law enforcement who oversees that on interstate 35. there were enough fentanyl pills in there to kill everyone in the des moines metro area. this is a challenge that is been ongoing for the past three years we have only seen a surge in this epidemic. the three things we could do right now is close the border. we could reinstate remain in mexico we couldn't catch and release where this comes over. making sure we have the medication like narcan readily available to help save lives. that is helping. tragically, we are putting too many people in the impossible position where comes to human trafficking who become unwitting servants to the cartels. painfully, paying all of this money back to china. not only is it a deadly surge in
11:20 pm
our country, it should be stopped today, but instead allows it to continue to grow. i passed it in hr two. i would like to see real action on this in a bipartisan way. we all agree on this. the challenges, the president will not close the border. >> what could you do to stop the flow of drugs into our stay. >> this is a tragedy in our country. for the number of people that lose their lives to this drug. for all the families that have been affected by this. my heart goes out to you and it is unfortunate that here in our country we have not stopped the flow. we have to find ways to get that smart technology to our borders. that smart technology can identify drugs like this coming through in vehicles. it is really key for us to make this happen and for the families who are continuing to suffer through this, we can find a way to stop it. there is no question we have to solve this issue.
11:21 pm
>> foreign-policy is top of mind right now for so many iowans based on various conflicts happening worldwide. what do you think is the biggest foreign threat to our country right now? >> thank you for this question. as an army national guardsmen, someone that served in the iowa national guard for eight years including a deployment to afghanistan, i understand what it's like to go overseas for my country. i spent an entire year serving in afghanistan on the ground on a team base where only 40 or 50 of us full-time soldiers looked out for each other supporting each other, had each other's backs. the reality is i spent 8400 hours on the ground there. for the conflicts we continue to see around our world, it is really hard. i have fought in the war. and to see the conflicts we have
11:22 pm
right now, this unjust war from russia attacking ukraine, the conflicts in the middle east, we know we also have a challenge here with china and iran. we have to make sure that we go after these threats had on and stand together. give diplomacy a chance and have a strong national defense. >> you now have 60 seconds. what do you think is the biggest foreign threat to the u.s. right now? >> the biggest deterrent to threats are pieced through strength. something the u.s. military has done very admirably in the last few decades. conflicts at both my opponent and i have been in from afghanistan to iraq, flying operations off the coast of russia to working counterintelligence missions off the coast of china. i land the bill to help provide the largest troop pay increase for our listed forces who are on the frontline. we have kamala harris saying no americans are in harm's way.
11:23 pm
the failed withdrawal from afghanistan opened up a disastrous withdrawal from american deterrence on the world stage. russia, iran, china. the most dangerous threat coming from china. we have to recognize the threat to the homeland like with israel is a threat we must face together. on the frontline of doing this. helping fund and pay for this. >> yesterday marked one year since the attack on israel where more than 1100 people were killed and 250 were kidnapped. since then intentions have only escalated with growing humanitarian concerns in gaza. should the u.s. get involved in stabilizing the region as more countries join the fight? >> last night i joined with families at the iowa capital. we had led just weeks after this tragic incident happened in
11:24 pm
israel. what happened in israel could happen right here in america if we do not stand unified. israel has a right to defend itself. one of the reasons why it stood shoulder to shoulder with the israelis as they defend their country. let's not forget that we still have american hostages being held by hezbollah and hamas today. the reality is, until they are able to give back those innocents who have been taken victim, they will continue told not just americans and israeli hostages, but they will hold palestinians hostage. now we see lebanon falling into the same boat. let me be very clear. i ran, the number one funder of terrorism in the world has killed countless numbers of u.s. troops. i put sanctions to the tune of $80 billion. stopping hamas, stopping hezbollah.
11:25 pm
the diplomacy conversation. do should be an intro coleader on this. biden has no credence left. just today there defense minister refused to meet with the u.s. they are drifting further away and as a result they become more dangerous. >> the same question to you. should the u.s. get involved in stabilizing the middle east has this work continues to escalate? >> i believe we need to stand with our allies where they are and when they needed. that includes israel and that includes ukraine. from what we saw happen one year ago, when hamas viciously attacked israel, slaughtered nearly 1200 people, took hundreds of folks hostage, can you even imagine being a parent of one of those young folks who is still hostage today?
11:26 pm
i think we need to make sure we keep our eyes on the ball here. thomas started this war. they continue to hold these hostages. they have the ability to end this conflict by returning those hostages. at the same time, when i employ to afghanistan, for an entire year is there we would run missions. in my breast pocket i had a rules of engagement card. we reviewed those every time we went outside the wire. it is important for us to make sure that in these conflicts, rules, international rules of law are followed in a humanitarian aid gets into the places where it needs to get to make sure that innocent civilian lives are not harmed. >> now moving onto the topic of agriculture which is a big one for our stay. you worked for the u.s. department of agriculture. the farm bill is now two years overdue. progress has really stalled over what should be included in that. what policy do you think needs to be included in the next farm
11:27 pm
bill and what would you be willing to compromise? you have 60 seconds to respond. >> well, it was incredible. an honor, truly, to have worked at the usda for 10 years. i had a chance to work closely with our farmers, workers, ranchers and in particular our veterans. it was an amazing thing for me to do that. i know that the farm bill has always been one of those bills in congress that has received incredible bipartisan support. so, it is unfortunate to see that it is not happening now. jody, you mentioned it. it is expired. an expired over a year ago. the extension has expired again. there pieces in this barbell that i don't think will pass because politics yet gets in the way again. i went want to see someone who is willing to get in there to compromise, to get things done. i am willing to do that. i think it is critically important for us to pay attention what is in the farm bill.
11:28 pm
paying attention to ensuring support for nutrition programs and making sure that we actually support iowa crops versus southern crops given the proposals here. >> mr. none. same question for you. what policy do you think needs to be included in what would you be willing to compromise on? >> first of all i am thankful for all of the guys harvesting tonight. thank you for everything you do for our country. i am thrilled to have over 87,000 iowa small farmers endorsing my team. here is why. we have led while being on the house and committee. both democrats and republicans working together. even though i'm a freshman on the committee, we been able to get more legislation in the farm bill. they wanted a five-year opportunity than any other member of the community. .... ....
11:29 pm
voted for taxpayer jobs and private school tuition, what is your view from republican politics before to establish national private school scholarship program x. >> i am the son of public school child. should recognize the opportunity for kids, families and it is to grow this environment is set to take away from public schools, is to complement education in all its forms. the during my time in the state legislature, we passed for public schools and to increase teacher pay is a priority.
11:30 pm
11:31 pm
pharmacy, one school, one doctor's office if you're lucky so if you lose the school because kids are no longer going back to funding for that, the place for folks gather at paragraph country meet and gather have a pep rally on friday night for football game, you lose that community. these. >> we are going to take a short break and we will hear from students television ads over the airways right now, we'll be right back back there congressional district they about joining us tonight is a. >> you wanted to get the opportunity to ask their own
11:32 pm
questions and we begin with walkie student with more. >> , junior here at southwest high school. other states for participation. in 35 to 26% my question is, how do you plan to increase dissipation? >> thank you for your question and for participating. there's no question young folks like you for the future of our state and country to make a difference here. student class, and paying
11:33 pm
attention to the issues that matter and varies from person to person's spirit is in the air willing and able trying to agent of the folks in the public eye as you are the one to lead us in our communities. >> complements to everyone on the team. the reality is it's probably will a little support things on the public service by. there's a lot of good work done
11:34 pm
words on social media will right here but i salute you for being involved. >> make sure young people of the opportunity to vote early. sometimes it's too hard to take effect when you're 17. if you like being a young person making sure your voices heard i think coming up to the capital will bring in a new intern and make sure we have options available. it's totally important to have a voice but encourage here's and engage that way. >> will allow here a question alexis more that walkie high school.
11:35 pm
>> i'm a senior at gorky high school and student the president. we address opposing perspectives. my question to you is, considering your perspective, and what evidence do you think? like an important question for our democracy. bill back out of service and i believe we want to work together. the first three bills i passed were done up for myself. together helping rural housing will be passed to help with a fellow veteran on the other side of the dial now working closely
11:36 pm
on veteran suicide because 22 veterans a day will lose. i'm proud to be the top legislature and more proud to go back and drive them across the finish line. >> thank you for what you're doing in your own will. your school is a lot bigger than the school i grew up in. it is so important to find common ground. there's no question students can find a way to get things done. the respect is years of service in the military and those are areas in which we can find ways to support veterans and service
11:37 pm
numbers. an incredible opportunity to work with folks or in active duty and help them get engaged with and find opportunities and agriculture and i tried to hide them in my office and they have an incredible skill set to leverage here in america. >> islands see a lot of messaging right now who want to respond to those claims. the tv ad claims a series of the work on chemical in 2020.
11:38 pm
>> a moderate to have the opportunity to work on programs i talked about serving at the usda military liaison of confederates find jobs in active duty military service in d.c. is that the purpose and work in our communities across the country. i commend the because they are making a difference in this time to prepare them and have access to a program and restore and fix up facilities.
11:39 pm
>> did you delete your post? >> i don't have a recollection of what those posts are but people clean up social media over time. it seems like everyone knows about them. >> add links to two product 2025 and he would support 2025 by eliminating department of education, what is your response to those claims? >> let me set the record straight. i have never signed up for that or even read project 2025. as far as i understand it's a democrat talking points. being truthful and transparent, stop blaming staff when you're seem to be deleted in can't hold
11:40 pm
you accountable is wrong so i believe that is not who i am. my first week instead of two leadership and said the work going to include anything, it's important we recognize the honest and truthful with islands and get the job done for them. >> you mentioned if you would like that. >> it is an opportunity here. project 2025 is already happening and what he's done with abortion and closing further and he laid the groundwork for it.
11:41 pm
that is a project 2025 homework. >> that is another piece. >> you have 30 seconds to respond. >> you start your career as a political operative. it needs to stop. let's be honest with islands. we will always put you first and have always let on issues important to you, please leave us in our community and recognize education is important in all its forms. i trust islands to make the best playbook and make it healthy will go to washington d.c. >> earlier this year the teen government shot and killed a student and a principal at a
11:42 pm
school in kerry and other students were injured. according to the school safety bureau, iowa is experiencing a significant running numbers since the school year began. what you believe will keep iowa students stage going to school each morning ask. >> no parent, no family member, no one in our community to know what it's like to lose a child particularly the result of school violence. we put our six kids on the bus every morning and is on the corporate of our mind not only how to keep them safe will catch them through difficult world right now. one reason is in the state legislature i made it a priority to secure our school. the fact that funds critical aspects to protect our community
11:43 pm
and enforce laws and make sure law enforcement schools work together so that happens, we can respond. >> would you believe is the key to keeping our school safe? >> for the community of perry first, it's unacceptable and i'm a public school dad and i went to public school myself. i take my daughter to school everyday.
11:44 pm
11:45 pm
generation were a number of years ago i started the process helping my mom and dad and it is critically important for thousands of violence. we have to find a way to make sure people who need access to healthcare they could. we should find ways to do this. medicare is a key program that helps folks access and the ability to negotiate returned drugs. my dad had a folk stroke. he's okay now but one drug is now one of the drugs negotiate for.
11:46 pm
you. >> to eliminate social security and medicare, can you address if you want to eliminate those? >> we've come out time and time again, we are in support of social security and medicare. it is a bright they deserve an athletic clear will like that everyday in washington and in the work we've already done. we should not eliminate fraud waste and abuse. i'm disappointed my party continues to propagate alive so check out right now. he continues to run commercials and talk about, we are one 100% in support of social security and medicare.
11:47 pm
11:48 pm
11:49 pm
will you drink or infrastructure. i go through about every quarter and they need access to the key technology. make sure mothers have access to primary care provider when they needed for the ticket. a three hour drive is still a three hour drive and the medications they need and making sure rural communities can support the community.
11:50 pm
11:51 pm
11:52 pm
people, here is what i do know as someone born and raised in a small community 25 years working in a fauci you were able to raised five kids with that salary so now my wife, myself, my sisters and family, we care for them and it's critical to make sure people pay into the system can afford to retire with dignity. we have to make medicare longer and unleash an economic room in these areas creating an ecosystem environment to make it happen.
11:53 pm
11:54 pm
than any family convert to muster. >> we want to get to know you on a personal level. who was your hero growing up and why? >> hands down my mom and dad. it was the guy there can care of my brother and i. the i hope in some small way i can do the same. >> who was your hero growing up in why? >> hearing their stories growing up inspires me.
11:55 pm
the courage it takes for a long to escape in the middle the night by herself, escape from the war, it takes a lot of courage. my dad who worked for usaid helping identify humanitarian aid dropped down to groups clean the front lines of war for my parents when they made it to the united states, they instilled a love of country in the so much so that i've enlisted in the national guard, an incredible thing. >> what is your coffee order but? >> i want to extend.
11:56 pm
>> thank you to the campaign for being here. you have 60 seconds. >> thank you for the conversation and two islands tuning in a home, i hope you can tell how much i love this country, i've dedicated my life getting back to it. the contracts cannot be more clear. i will fight for working families and seniors and small businesses until after the corporations and i'll fight for
11:57 pm
you. the next thank you to all students here tonight and thank you for the opportunity to have the conversation. i think it is important you have two choices. future. the choice of growing our economy or knows better than you, tax our economy. something you can do today if we had real leadership in the white house and senate, protect our country and fentanyl and stop human trafficking and powers of the border. the opportunity to take i will best practices to d.c. and ensure social security and medicare and make sure best examples are ones can be shared with the rest of the country.
11:58 pm
5 Views
IN COLLECTIONS
CSPAN2 Television Archive Television Archive News Search ServiceUploaded by TV Archive on