RUTHFULLY YOURS

U.S. Senate

Sheldon Whitehouse (D) Next Election in 2018.

Jack Reed (D)  Incumbent  

http://www.jackreed2014.com/splash     http://www.reed.senate.gov/

http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/jack_reed.htm**

HOT BUTTON ISSUES

ENERGY   Voted against construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline without limiting amendments.   Senator Reed has fought for a national energy policy that creates jobs and saves families and businesses money through improved efficiency.  Investing in clean energy cuts down on harmful pollution, strengthens our economy, and increases American competitiveness.   To make America more energy independent while protecting public health and taxpayer dollars, Reed has supported efforts to safely and responsibly increase domestic oil and gas production.  As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Reed wants stronger oversight of energy companies drilling on our public lands and waters.  Reed has called for more rigorous inspections of drilling facilities to ensure energy companies are safeguarding public health and the environment, and believes that these companies should pay their fair share of royalties to the American people.

ENVIRONMENT   Dealing with Climate Change and Preserving Our Natural Resources –   Senator Reed understands that a clean environment is important to our state’s economy and Rhode Islanders’ health and quality of life.  His conservation efforts have helped clean up and preserve Rhode Island’s open spaces, beaches, and waters, so future generations may appreciate the beauty of the state while living healthy, productive lives.

He also recognizes that our environment is under constant stress from a changing climate.  Warming temperatures and weather volatility pose a threat to our environment, economy, and national security, and Senator Reed believes that part of our mitigation strategy must include a national energy policy that limits carbon pollution, focuses on the development of clean, renewable energy sources that create jobs, and holds big polluters accountable.  He also believes that communities must take action to better adapt to a changing climate.  This includes the increase in resilience of our critical infrastructure and emergency preparedness.   Reed chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, which writes the budget for several key environmental agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He has fought efforts to gut the Clean Air Act, rejecting harmful policy riders and deep funding cuts that would weaken the EPA’s ability to address climate change and fight pollution that threatens public health.  Reed has also fought to maintain robust funding for the EPA Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.  These key federal programs help states finance priority water and wastewater construction projects that support jobs, improve water quality, and safeguard public health and the environment.

IMMIGRATION   Senator Reed believes we must have smart, fair, workable immigration policies that welcome into the United States those who embrace America’s ideals and values.  Yet our current immigration system hampers economic growth, weakens our ability to deter illegal traffic into the United States, and fails to meet that standard of fairness.  As such, Senator Reed supports comprehensive immigration reform that fixes our broken federal immigration system and protects our national security.   Throughout his time in the Senate, Senator Reed has voted to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform, including the 2013 Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.  This bipartisan bill, which passed the Senate, would reduce our budget deficit and institute broad measures to secure our borders, deter employers from hiring those who come here illegally, and offer a tough but fair pathway to earned citizenship.  Fixing our immigration system also means supporting policies that foster innovation and growth, including a process to retain highly-educated individuals once they graduate from American colleges and universities, rather than taking their skills overseas.

HEALTHCARE   Senator Reed has supported efforts to improve the quality of our health care system and reduce costs for consumers, and has been nationally recognized for his work to provide all children with access to affordable health care.  He helped author key provisions of the health insurance reform law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to give individuals and families more choice and more control over their health care.    For the first time, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for a pre-existing condition, charge women higher insurance rates, or put an annual or lifetime cap on how much they will pay for care.  The ACA addresses these unfair practices, gives more people the chance to afford insurance, as well as preserves and strengthens employer-based insurance and federal programs like Medicare.    Reed is also steadfastly committed to preserving and protecting Medicare and Medicaid, improving the health of Rhode Islanders and the quality of the care they receive, and lowering costs without slashing benefits.  Throughout his career, Reed has worked to support Rhode Island’s Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) program, RIte Care, with additional federal funds.  RIte Care provides over 200,000 Rhode Islanders with vital assistance.  Without this program, many would likely go without needed care or make costly trips to emergency rooms.

Mark Zaccaria (R) Challenger

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-zaccaria/7/2a6/411

Former R.I. GOP Chairman Mark Zaccaria running for U.S. Senate

http://www.providencejournal.com/politics/content/20140624-former-r.i.-gop-chairman-mark-zaccaria-running-for-u.s.-senate.ece

Zaccaria ran twice in 2008 and 2010 for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by U.S. Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I., and then took over the chairmanship of the state’s Republican Party in 2011. He relinquished the reins last year, after the party took another beating in the 2012 election.   In an interview a year ago when the GOP was still in the hunt for a candidate to challenge Reed, Zaccaria argued that the right candidate could effectively attack Reed for being a “consummate Washington insider.”   “The guy has a voting record that goes forever. And he’s voted for a lot of crap,” Zaccaria said. “You have to ask the hard-working taxpayers of Rhode Island: Is this guy working for you? The answer is no.”

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District 1

David Cicilline (D) Incumbent

http://www.cicilline.com/     http://cicilline.house.gov/

http://www.ontheissues.org/house/David_Cicilline.htm**

Rated +1 by AAI, indicating a mixed Arab/Palestine voting record. (May 2012)

HOT BUTTON ISSUES

ENERGY   Voted against construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline without limiting amendments.    David has been has a strong and vocal advocate – voting to uphold important protections for clean air and water. David voted against dangerous legislation that would have opened up New England’s coastline, including Rhode Island, to offshore drilling. David strongly and vocally opposed the Republican attempt to enact an Interior and Environment Appropriations bill that would have seriously jeopardized our land, air, and water, while also slashing funding for vital water infrastructure investments that benefit and support jobs in Rhode Island and in states across the country. David continues to be a strong advocate for the President’s efforts to reduce carbon pollution and address global climate change.   David believes it is time to end our addiction to foreign oil. David has been working hard to rein in excessive Wall Street oil speculation, which many experts agree is part of the rising price consumers are paying at the pump. David is also focused on the long-term energy independence of our nation. The only way to get gas prices down in the long run, while also helping improve our environment, is to support the development of renewable energy and advanced vehicle technologies. That’s why he has supported efforts to rein in taxpayer subsidies for big oil companies and shift federal investments to focus on clean-energy technology – creating jobs in the renewable energy economy, diminishing our reliance on foreign fuels, and helping protect our environment.

U.S./ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP   As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, David has been a consistent supporter of a robust relationship with Israel. Israel is a strong and brave democracy and has been an inspiration for the world for more than sixty years. The State of Israel was founded on the values of pluralism, justice, and respect for human rights, and as a practicing Jew, David is proud that Israel continues to embody those same values today. It is because of these shared values and a commitment to protecting minorities and workers, rejecting discrimination of any kind, and the strong belief in freedom of speech and an impartial judiciary, that the relationship between the United States and Israel is so strong and mutually reinforcing.

Israel remains America’s strongest ally in the region. It is absolutely imperative that the United States makes it unmistakably clear that our support for the State of Israel is unshakable. In addition, we must strongly and vocally support the absolute right of Israel to defend itself and take all steps necessary to protect the safety and security of the State of Israel and her people.   David’s trips to Israel have only strengthened his belief that a strong Israel is not only vital to her people, but also vital to U.S. interests. The United States must be prepared to provide additional assistance to Israel for her increasing defense needs.

HEALTHCARE   David supports the Affordable Care Act that was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, but he also understands that the law is not perfect and we should be working together to address any issues that surface during the law’s implementation and do all that is necessary to make sure the law is working for all Rhode Islanders.   Already, the Affordable Care Act has helped expand coverage to thousands of Rhode Islanders, reduced costs, initiated critical reforms of the health care delivery system, and provided thousands of Rhode Islanders with the peace of mind that health insurance will be there for them when they get sick. For a wide range of Rhode Islanders, the Affordable Care Act has been a landmark achievement. Rhode Island’s state-based exchange, Health Source RI, has provided coverage to more than 30,000 consumers as of January 2014. In addition, every person, regardless of their gender, age or a pre-existing condition, now has access to affordable care. Lastly, the rising cost of health care is finally slowing, and many consumers are experiencing dramatic reductions in their monthly premiums. David believes the law is not perfect, but we cannot move backward and must work to fix what does not work.

IMMIGRATION   David strongly believes that the House of Representatives should pass legislation to help approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants emerge from the shadows, and provide a responsible path to citizenship for those who want to fully participate in our civil society and contribute to our nation’s economy.  This reform must begin with securing our border and ensuring that those who are here without proper documentation be required to “go to the end of the line,” pay a penalty, pay their taxes, and pass criminal background checks before receiving citizenship.

Matt Fecteau (D) Challenger

http://www.mattforri.com/

HOT BUTTON ISSUES

FOREIGN POLICY   Afghanistan. We have invested too many valuable resources, and have shed more than enough blood in Afghanistan. The time is well-past due to bring our brave Soldiers home.   As a combat veteran myself, I understand the sacrifices that are made by our uniformed military personnel. I also believe that the first priority of all of our decisions must be the ultimate safety of our troops.

Cuba. I support lifting sanctions against Cuba.   The best way to spread freedom and respect for human rights is more cultural exchange between American citizens and Cuban citizens.   Lifting sanctions would also be a small economic stimulus. Approximately $5 billion in additional revenue from export sales and 6,000 jobs could be created by lifting sanctions against Cuba.

Iran. The US must do everything reasonable to ensure the Iranian government does not acquire nuclear weapons. We must work with our allies and the international community to hold the Iranian government accountable to its international treaty obligations.

Israel.  The US must remain committed to our long friendship with the state of Israel. We must also continue to support Israel in the face of any challenges that lie ahead. The surest way to ensure Israel remains secure is to produce a realist and durable peace accord.

Syria.  As a military member, I cannot support overt US military intervention in Syria.  While I condemn the tragic loss of life, Syria is not our war.   However, I support working with local allies to bring about a conclusion to the Syrian conflict while holding war criminals accountable for atrocities that may have occurred.

War on al Qaeda.  One huge reason I joined the military was 9/11. I continue to believe we should eliminate and undermine al Qaeda in realistic and Constitutional ways.

HEALTHCARE   Obamacare. I support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), otherwise known as Obamacare. However, while the President and Congress should be commended for this legislation, I believe the Act does not go far enough.   I strongly support ‘Medicare for All’ or universal healthcare. Healthcare is a universal human right and it would save us billions. One study states that the ‘Medicare for All Program’ would save us around $600 billion the first year.

Mental Health. The President should be commended for allotting an additional $100 million to Mental-health facilities and providers. However, that $100 million does not go far enough. We need to continue to increase mental healthcare funding and coverage to mitigate the effects of mental instability.

ENVIRONMENT   The Federal government must take the initiative to protect our environment. The following are four crucial initiatives I support:   First, I believe Cap and Trade is a vital program that would help reduce carbon emissions. The Congressional Budget Office projects that cap and trade could produce $873 billion in revenue and cost $864 billion over the next ten years. In short, it would be a deficit neutral piece of legislation. Second, I support expanding the tax credit towards hybrid and plug-in vehicles. The current tax credit of $7,500 does not go far enough. The price of “green” vehicles still is not competitive. Through properly-sized tax credits, we can work to make them affordable for the greater marketplace.  Third, renew the Solar Investment Tax Credit. The Solar Investment Tax Credit is set to expire at the end of 2016 and with it, the 30% investment tax credit. This tax credit has fueled 1,600% solar installation growth since its inception in 2006 and has created around 100,000 jobs. The success of this program is clear – extending it indefinitely would be good for America.

Fourth, produce more Green Jobs.  We need to refocus our energy on producing environmentally friendly products which we would be able to install domestically and export globally. This would reduce our trade deficit, our dependency on foreign oil, protect our environment and create additional American jobs in the process. A billion invested in solar would create 1,900 jobs, and a billion invested in wind would create 3,300 jobs. The US could become a major exporter of green products, but it has to move fast.   In addition, I reject the Keystone Pipeline. The Keystone Pipeline only contributes to global warming and would transport some of the most toxic fossil fuel over 2,000 miles from Canada to the Gulf Coast.  In the unfortunate event of a rupture, this toxic fossil fuel could contaminate water, destroy ecosystems, or endanger public health.

Cormick Lynch (R) Challenger

http://www.cormicklynchforcongress.com/

HOT BUTTON ISSUES

ECONOMY AND JOBS   As your Congressman, Cormick’s primary objective will be to restore the American economy to full strength. With the highest unemployment rate in the country, economic malaise impacts Rhode Island perhaps harder than any other state. Any proposal to reignite dynamic economic growth will rest upon lowering taxes and costs of doing business both in Rhode Island and the country as a whole.   The United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world, and Forbes has rated Rhode Island as the worst state for doing business. In addition, Rhode Island was ranked dead last in a June 17, 2014 survey of small business owners, citing the state’s tax structure, regulatory environment, and overall business climate. While fortune 500 companies avoid regulation by outsourcing jobs and prohibitive tax rates by moving overseas, small business owners and workers are unable to do so. It comes as no surprise that America’s small business and manufacturing sectors were hit hardest by the Great Recession.   These dynamics must change for the emergence of a robust economy to occur. It will take a concerted effort both from the state house and your representatives in Washington in order to be successful. Having served in the armed forces, as a firefighter, and a private equity analyst, Cormick’s strong leadership and diverse experiences enable him to understand the challenges facing Americans today.

FOREIGN POLICY   As an Iraq War combat veteran, Cormick has served alongside the countless men and women who put their lives on the line to defend American interests at home and abroad. He knows firsthand the security challenges facing the United States in the twenty-first century and wants to make the reforms necessary for our defense department to become more efficient. In recent years President Obama’s approach to trimming the defense budget has resembled a hatchet more so than a scalpel. Defunding the defense department has not taken the form of cutting back on the 167 countries the United States operates in. Instead, he has done so by reducing troop levels for all branches of the armed services, which has jeopardized our state of readiness. Cormick knows there is room to eliminate waste and reform the department, but Ronald Reagan said it best when discussing the need for a strong military: “Peace through strength.”   Diplomacy is the best security, and our diplomatic leverage is strongest when our military is well funded. However, the support of the public and our political leadership is equally important. It is absolutely necessary to streamline efficiency and ensure the American peoples’ interests are at stake when and if we choose to act. Regardless of how one feels about the “Red Line” controversy in Syria, President Obama’s handling of the situation alienated the public as well as our allies. Presenting a united front is of vital importance, as failure to do so worries our friends and emboldens our enemies.

IMMIGRATION   The debate over immigration reform has become muddled into a tired political talking point. Cormick believes Immigration Reform and Border Security are two separate things. The primary concern is to secure the border, as it is a threat to national security. However, Cormick fully supports a path to citizenship for those who come to this country legally and seek employment. Political posturing on this issue has created a humanitarian crisis.  The failure to act has left countless men, women, and children in a lawless state of affairs.

VETERANS   The recent Veterans Affairs scandal highlights a problem that has plagued America for decades.  General Shinseki’s resignation is a step in the right direction, but the Veterans Affairs system needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.  “Support the Troops” has become a political punch line; we as a society have failed in our commitment to take care of our brave men and women upon their return from overseas.   A veteran’s months long wait to see a doctor or the exorbitant suicide rate among our armed service members is not a political football for Cormick, they are his friends and comrades. While less than 1% of Americans today serve in the armed forces compared to 12% during World War II, our obligation to veterans cannot change.  Our country should provide today’s veterans the same opportunities afforded to the World War II generation.  Cormick was able to finish his finance degree due to the post 9/11 GI Bill, but the same commitment needs to be made to veterans’ physical and mental wellbeing.  The Department of Defense lost more service members to suicide than to combat last year, and this needs to change.  Cormick wants to tackle the full spectrum of issues facing today’s veterans.  Veterans should not have to struggle to find gainful employment or the healthcare they need.  The American people can never repay these brave men and women for their service, but at the very least we can make this life or death issue a top priority.

HEALTHCARE   Cormick believes Obamacare is in need of significant reform.   Proposals to expand access to healthcare should be focused on lowering rates and improving the quality of care for consumers. Instead, the law has largely provided political pork for insurance companies and picked winners and losers. Small businesses in particular have suffered from rising premiums and new taxes from its overbearing regulation and inconsistent enforcement.   Obamacare’s array of mandates have caused businesses to cut employees’ hours to part time, cost individuals the ability to choose their own doctor, and many have lost the insurance plans they had been happy with for years. Cormick supports a free market approach to healthcare, removing red tape such as the inability to sell insurance across state lines and the price gouging currently practiced by insurance companies and hospitals.

Stan Tran (R) Challenger

http://www.stantran.us/

District 2

Jim Langevin (D) Incumbent

http://langevin.house.gov/     http://langevin.house.gov/

http://www.ontheissues.org/house/James_Langevin.htm**

Rated -1 by AAI, indicating a mixed Arab/Palestine voting record. (May 2012)

HOT BUTTON ISSUES

ENERGY   Voted against construction of the KeystoneXL Pipeline without limiting amendments   Comprehensive Energy Solutions – Our nation needs a comprehensive energy strategy that includes the development of clean and renewable energy sources, as well as new initiatives to encourage conservation and energy efficiency in order to protect hard working families and small business from skyrocketing oil and gas prices. While big oil companies pull in record profits, our consumers are paying the price.   I am a founding member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and currently serve as Energy Task Force chair. SEEC was established to advocate for policies including clean energy innovation and job creation, environmental protection, and policies that will address global climate change. (For more information on SEEC and the Coalition’s efforts to pursue clean energy policies, please visit our website.) As a member of SEEC, I joined 26 colleagues in highlighting specific clean energy and energy efficiency incentives, many of which were extended in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

LGTB RIGHTS   I have been proud to represent the interests of the LGBT community in Washington.   Just two months after Rhode Island’s enactment of marriage equality, I applauded the Supreme Court’s groundbreaking decision in United States v. Windsor to strike down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that denied federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. I was proud to support this decision by cosigning a brief filed with the Court in favor of repealing DOMA. There is simply no place for discrimination in our society, and this decision set a new precedent to ensure that same-sex couples receive the same rights, protections and benefits available to all married couples, from Social Security survivor benefits and immigration rights to military and veterans benefits. The Administration has already begun changing regulations to comply with this decision, including an announcement that all legal same-sex marriages will be recognized for federal tax purposes.   These are important steps toward achieving equal rights for all, but we must continue fighting to remove any remaining discriminatory language from federal law.  That is why I am an original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.  I am also proud to be a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow US citizens to sponsor same-sex partners for immigration purposes, just as they can sponsor spouses.

HEALTHCARE   Despite the fact that we spend more on health care than any other industrialized nation, too many of our citizens still face challenges in accessing the very medical care that America has long been a leader in providing. On March 21, 2010, I was proud to join my Congressional colleagues in taking an historic vote to pass comprehensive health reform legislation. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has already started instituting the changes we need to provide more security and stability to Americans who have health insurance, guarantee insurance to the millions who don’t, and lower health care costs for our families, businesses and the government.   These goals were ultimately reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in a June 28, 2012, decision to uphold the law. The consumer protections at the heart of the law will prevent families from being denied coverage because they are sick, abolish annual and lifetime insurance limits, allow young adults to remain on their parents’ coverage and close the Medicare prescription drug doughnut hole for seniors.   The high court’s ruling also substantiated Rhode Island’s efforts to lead the nation in the planning and implementation of the health reform, including an online health insurance portal to allow individuals and small businesses to shop for insurance based on transparent, competitive pricing while providing tax subsidies to those who can’t afford the full cost of coverage. To learn how the Affordable Care Act affects you, or to find a Rhode Island insurance plan that best meets your needs, please visit HealthSource RI, or call their assistance center at 1-855-840-HSRI (4774).

IMMIGRATION   Despite delays in bringing meaningful legislation to the House floor, I remain committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform. I have long been a strong advocate for providing a legal path to citizenship. I supported the Comprehensive Immigration Reform ASAP Act of 2009, which would have strengthened border security while creating a straightforward program that requires undocumented immigrants to pass a background check, pay a $500 fine, pay taxes and learn English and U.S. civics in order to earn legal status that places on the path to permanent residence and eventual citizenship. I have also supported legislation to address the immigration status of specific populations, such as the Uniting American Families Act, Reuniting Families Act, the DREAM Act and the STAPLE ACT.   Immigration reform is not amnesty. Rather, it simply provides a mechanism for bringing undocumented immigrants into our system so we know who is here and can ensure they are following the rules. Undocumented immigrants would still face significant hurdles before earning citizenship, and, just as importantly, they would not take the place of anyone who has followed the proper steps to enter our country.

Rhue Reis (R) Challenger

http://www.reisforcongress.com/

HOT BUTTON ISSUES  

OBAMACARE  Legislation that never would have become law if congress was not sold a bill of goods on false pretenses. Shame on the democrats for not researching what they were voting on.  The lesson?  Stop doing what you’re told and start doing your job.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET   Stop spending what we don’t have…when individuals and companies do it as excessively as our government has, they would have been bankrupt several times over…let’s be responsible, so that our children and grandchildren don’t have to keep paying for our lack of effective governing.

ECONOMIC CLIMATE / BUSINESS CONDITIONS     The President makes it sound like things are picking up steam, that employment is way up and the middle class is recovering. Unemployment is still high with many leaving the workforce. With U.S. oil production at its highest levels, shouldn’t gas prices be significantly lower? Obamacare promises to hobble any economic gains by adding new overhead burdens. In short, we cannot continue like this.   

THE PROPER ROLE OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT  The role of government must return to what I believe the Founders envisioned it to be. That is, one that is limited by the enumerated powers of the US Constitution, which leaves substantial governing responsibilities to the states.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS / AMERICA’S POSITION IN THE WORLD –  DISMAL! The Snowden and WikiLeaks episodes have caused and will likely continue to cause serious embarrassment along with hampering future foreign relations. Our foreign policy seems to be distancing us from our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. The result is a weak U.S. negotiating position marked by lack of trust on all sides. It’s time to step back up and re-assert American Leadership in the World.