League of Women Voters election survey: Kenny Marchant, candidate for U.S. House Rep. - District 24

by Staff of League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters of Dallas sent a questionnaire to every candidate running for public office in Dallas County. The election on November 4th features a number of local races to decide state and national Senate and House of Representatives seats.

The responses of Kenny Marchant (R), who is the incumbent running for the U.S. House of Representatives - District 24 seat, appear below. Marchant is running against Tom Love (D) and David Casey (L).

LWV: Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

Marchant: I have been in public service for twenty-eight years. Prior to being elected to Congress, I served as a Texas State Representative (eighteen years), Mayor, and also as City Councilman (Carrollton). I currently serve on the House Financial Services, Education and Labor, and Oversight and Government Reform Committees.

LWV: What reforms would you propose to the U.S. healthcare system to control costs, improve the quality of care and expand access to healthcare to uninsured Americans?

Marchant: In my opinion, the federal government should help improve but not control the healthcare system. To achieve more accessible healthcare that does not compromise quality, the tax code must be reformed to provide individuals and families refundable tax credits similar to employer-sponsored health insurance. I would consider supporting a high-risk pool as many states have done. I firmly believe individuals and families should be in charge of their healthcare dollars, and not a Washington bureaucrat.

LWV: Do you support a timetable for the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq?

Marchant: With the improved security climate due to the recent surge, the U.S. can continue current troop withdrawals as our military leaders seem fit. Time horizons are a viable option to consider so long as the U.S. and Iraq cautiously guard the achieved progress. As our military leaders will best advise on troop numbers, the U.S. must continue to strengthen our relationships with local Iraqi communities and neighboring countries to enhance long-term stability in the region.

LWV: How do you propose to reduce the number of undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S., while also meeting the increased need of American agriculture and small business for workers?

Marchant: I strongly oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants. I support measures such as “American Employment First” requirements that insist businesses make jobs available to qualified American workers before immigrant applicants (such as “guest workers”) can be considered. Small businesses should hire legal immigrants who apply through the process American law requires. Enforcement of our laws is a must.

LWV: The U.S. Highway Trust Fund is expected to go into deficit next year. Congress is reluctant to raise the federal gas tax. How should America pay for its massive infrastructure needs related to roads and bridges?

Marchant: To complement the current funding structure, Congress must leverage non-federal money through innovative financing options and public private partnerships. When it comes to financing, the bottom line is we need as much flexibility as possible on the state and federal levels. The current highway trust fund is clearly outdated and Congress needs to modernize its funding system in order to properly pay for infrastructure needs.

LWV: What source do you think represents the greatest opportunity to achieve energy independence? How can the federal government best advance its development?

Marchant: Energy independence can be achieved if we diversify and invest in various energy resources; our country cannot afford to become complacent with an energy monoculture like we have now. I support increasing domestic energy production and exploration, investing in smart alternative fuels and clean renewable energy research, promoting wind, solar, nuclear, and providing incentives for conservation. The government must act with an “all of the above” approach to ensure long-term economic health and security.

LWV: What other issue do you believe will be most pressing in the next session of Congress, and what is your position on this issue?

Marchant: Congress must reduce the national debt. From my experience in city and state government, it astounds me how irresponsible and inefficient Washington can be with spending. Congress needs to cut expenditures on waste and duplication, and accordingly reduce the federal government’s budget. The national debt has an impact on every sector of government and economy, and it is critical that Congress takes measures to resolve the problem not only for today, but for future generations.