Dallas morning news voter guide united states representative district 3 Democrat

1. Age and contact information
Age: 40
Address: 1778 W. McDerrmott Dr Suite 102, Allen , TX
Campaign or Work Phone Number: (972) 807-9180
Email address: info@voteadambell.com
Web site: www.voteadambell.com
 
United States Representative -
District 3
Select candidates from the list below to compare their answers to our questionnaire:
 Note: Based on your address of McKinney Springs or party selection, you’re not eligible to
vote in this race.
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
D

2. Age: 41
Address: 7920 Belt Line Road, Suite 700, Dallas , TX
Campaign or Work Phone Number: (469) 305-2907
Email address: campaign@lorieburchforcongress.com
Web site: lorieburchforcongress.com/
Age: 35
Address: 7161 Bishop Road, Suite 220, Plano , TX
Campaign or Work Phone Number: (972) 836-9690
Email address: asksam@VoteSamJohnson.com
Web site: www.VoteSamJohnson.com
Age: 53
Address: 1301 CEDAR BRANCH DR, WYLIE , TX
Campaign or Work Phone Number: (214) 727-9762
Email address: medrick.yhap@gmail.com
Web site: www.mycongressmantx.com
Social media
Twitter: @voteadambell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/voteadambell/
Twitter: @LorieB4Congress
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LorieBurchforCongress/
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch

3. Twitter: @SamJohnsonTX3
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VoteSamJohnsonTX3/
Twitter: @MyCongressmanTX
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MYCongressmanTX
Occupation/main source of income:
Small Business Owner
I operate a local real estate services company, with two of ces in Collin County. Areas of service
include title insurance, escrow and settlement, as well as real estate appraisal and real estate
education.
Attorney focused on wills, probate, and estate planning
Attorney
Software Engineer
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

4. Education (include all degrees):
Johnson & Wales University A.S.-Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University B.S.-Management
B.S. from Trinity University
J.D. from the George Washington University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Government: University of Texas at Austin
Doctor of Jurisprudence: South Texas College of Law - Houston
MBA General Business - Amberton University
BS Economics - College of Staten Island
Highlights of current civic involvement/accomplishment:
Currently, I devote my spare to time to my leadership position on the board of The Caddo Nation
Indian Guides & Princess program. The program is based in Allen, TX and serves Allen ISD, Lovejoy
ISD, and surrounding areas. It is part of one of the largest parent-child programs in North Texas.
Our programs have been developed to educate children and their parents on the traditions and
heritage of the Native American Indian while building strong character, strengthening bonds, and
creating lasting memories between fathers and their children. I also enjoy participating in the
"Watch D.O.G.S." (Dads of Great Students) program at my children's school. Recently my team and I
sponsored community signup events to enroll uninsured or underinsured people into health
insurance plans through healthcare.gov and we are also currently working with the City of Plano on
environmental cleanup initiatives. Additionally, I am a member of the Collin County Association of
Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Texas Land Title
Association, American Land Title Association, The Tri-County Chamber of Commerce as well as
Collin County NAACP.
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell

5. Human Rights Campaign Federal Club Member
Lambda Legal Liberty Circle Member
Rainbow Roundup Sponsor
American Business Women's Association Member
North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce Member
- Anti-Defamation League – North Texas/Oklahoma Region: Board Member; Executive Committee
Member; Co-Chair of Education Committee
- Anti-Defamation League – National: Advocacy and Engagement Committee Member; Leadership
20/20 Member
- FBI Dallas Field Of ce Citizens Academy Alumni Association: Member
- South Texas College of Law - Houston: Young Alumni Council
NA
Highlights of past civic involvement/accomplishment:
In 2017, I worked with many municipal, civic and school board candidates to help them get elected.
I have also been involved with the Allen and Richardson Chambers of Commerce, Trout Unlimited
and the Appraisal Institute.
2008 Chair of the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
2010 Co-Chair of the DFW Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee
2011-2014 Board of Trustees for the SBMEF Foundation (provides scholarships to women for
education and career advancement)
2013-2014 National President of the American Business Women's Association
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch

6. 2014-2016 Board of Directors for Dallas' Black Tie Dinner
2016-2017 Lambda Legal Leadership Committee
- Anti-Defamation League: Glass Leadership Initiative Graduate (2012); Glass Leadership Initiative
Co-Chair (2013)
- FBI Dallas Field Of ce Citizens Academy Graduate (2016)
- Plano City Council Campaign volunteer (2009)
NA
Previous public offices sought or held:
2016 Primary Candidate for U.S House of Representatives in Texas' 3rd Congressional District
2016 Democratic Nominee for U.S House of Representatives in Texas' 3rd Congressional District
None
None.
NA
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

7. How much funding have you raised for your campaign?
$215931.21
$63,890.37 during 2017
Approximately $50,000.
NA
Who are your top three contributors?
Susan and Jeff Kacines
Scott and Judy Cote
Abid Abedi
Scott Collen, Kay Van Wey, and Texas Democratic Party (in-kind contribution).
Aaron Kaufman, Neil Goldberg, Ken Glaser.
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson

8. My campaign is grassroots and am receiving small donations.
Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal
proceedings? If so, please explain:
No
No
No.
I have ever been arrested nor am involved in any criminal proceedings.
Have you ever been involved in any civil lawsuits or
declared personal or professional bankruptcy? If so, please
explain:
No
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell

9. No
Only as counsel for numerous clients, and as counsel for my own rm in claims against former
clients.
I have not been a party to any civil lawsuits.
What is an example of how you led a team or group
toward achieving an important goal?
As a small business owner, I am faced with the challenges of leadership and goal attainment on a
daily basis. Running a small business is like trying to hit an ever-moving target. Change is the only
constant. The success of my business depends on my scal responsibility, my ability to hire the right
people and how well I take care of my clients. Operating independently and being responsible for
the livelihood of others has required me to be practical, nimble and sel ess. Which I have done
successfully since I started my rst company in 2003. Through my candidacy as the 2016
Democratic Nominee for US House of Representatives, I was not only the leader of my own
campaign, but I was also in uential in working to elect Democrats, from the top of the ticket.
I was the National President of the American Business Women’s Association and proposed the rst
fully inclusive non-discrimination policy, which was passed unanimously. I am very proud of the
work we did as an association to help women achieve their educational, career, and leadership
goals. With this non-discrimination policy, we were able to help women from diverse backgrounds
feel welcome and included within the organization.
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson

10. I am an inaugural co-chair of the Anti-Defamation League’s regional Education Committee. Like so
many important achievements, our success has been the result the team efforts involved, not just
one person. Working with my other co-chair and our Director of Education, we have taken the
Education Committee from a loose handful of people to a robust, organized committee with
targeted objectives, measurable accomplishments, and greatly increased impact in our community.
In particular, I led the charge on structuring the committee into its current format to help our
members more easily take on tasks and achieve their objectives, set up the structure into
bifurcated working groups and subgroups so that our volunteers can focus their energy on the
projects that interest them most, and thus those at which they will be most effective. We are
looking at another banner year of utilizing our education programming to teach students, parents,
and educators to ght bias and bigotry across DFW. This is especially important because this
programming isn’t focused on any one group or demographic, but on bettering the lives and
experiences of all the students we contact.
NA
Why are you running for this office?
I am running because I feel a strong need to give back to this country that has given me so much and
frankly because I have been repeatedly dissatis ed with my elected representatives and the
options presented to me to replace them. I began my previous candidacy largely based on political
issues that affected me directly. However, my campaign activities in the 2016 cycle exposed me to
the vast tapestry that is the Collin County Electorate and an understanding of the issues that face
so many others in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District. The one constant being that many in the
district have also repeatedly felt marginalized by their representatives. I believe that elected
of cials should be stewards of the constitution and advocates for their constituents rather than
highly compensated puppets of a broken political system. Ultimately, I am running because I
imagine a point in the future where my children or grandchildren ask about this tumultuous time in
our Nation’s history, and I do not want to tell them that I did nothing. I can proudly say that I made a
stand against the rising tide of isolationism and that I fought for inclusion and equal representation
for everyone in my district, not just a selected class or a list of donors.
We need leaders who represent all of us. Our elected of cials must be willing and able to listen to
the people, inspire participation, nd common ground, and work together through differences. In
order for our Democracy to better serve everyone, we need to prioritize getting big money and
special interests out of campaigns, increase voter turnout, ght voter suppression, and inspire
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch

11. more everyday people from all walks of life to run for of ce. We must end the divisive ideological
partisanship that permeates our government and our community.
The time has come for new, authentic leadership to cooperatively take the reins with an eye toward
inclusion in the many measures of success American society has to offer. “Cooperation” and
“common sense” shouldn’t be verboten words. We need somebody who can listen to and talk with
constituents in both parties, and those who haven’t found a home in either major party. Our district
has for too long been underrepresented in both substance and action. The residents of Texas’ Third
Congressional district are progress-oriented, believe in opportunity for all of our families, have real
matters of concern, and they deserve a representative who will empathize and problem solve with
them. With the incumbent retiring, this is the best opportunity to reclaim this seat and make sure
that truly all the voters in our district are represented and empowered. I have long been a
community advocate for equality and equal opportunity for all - not just for one group, and not just
for the groups to which I belong. Texas needs a new kind of politician, the kind they taught us we
were supposed to have. I am that politician, and I am the best candidate to represent and be a voice
for all citizens in our district.
There was a time when public service was respected, taken seriously and the public good was
served. Today, we are in the throes of political change and public service is misunderstood. Our
representatives represent their donors and special interests. Our voices have become diminished
and we the people are ignored. It is time for “we the people” to be represented.
I will uphold integrity in the of ce, represent the families and communities of the district and focus
on issues that are relevant to my constituency. I will ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear.
Together we will work towards solutions to bene t all people.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Understanding that I am facing three capable Democrats in the upcoming primary, I have never
wavered from the task of winning a general election. As the 2016 Democratic Nominee for the
United States House of Representatives, I blazed a trail by earning close to 40,000 more votes than
any Democrat before me, proving that Democrats have a place at the table in Collin County. As
Democrats have emerged over the past twelve months and become candidates themselves, I
continuously hear echoes from the refrain of my previous campaign in their speeches and
messaging. The experience that I gained through my 2016 candidacy has allowed me to move past
the business of learning to be a candidate and focus on the needs of our constituency and
understand how to win a general election. It all comes down to, experience and electability. Most
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell

12. importantly, why do I believe I am a better choice for voters than my likely general election
opponent? Well, I guess that depends on your perspective. If you are pleased with the ef cacy,
temperament, and productivity of Congress over the last twenty years, then I may not be a better
choice. If, on the other hand, you are like the vast majority of Americans that are far more
frustrated with the mockery of the representative democracy that is our Congress, then there is
only one true way to change the organization; elect new members. Given that my likely opponent in
the general election has been a member of our state legislature for eight years, it provides a ne
opportunity to evaluate what type of Congressman he may be. He has repeatedly voted against:
Equal Pay for Women, A Ban on Texting While Driving, Free Breakfasts in Schools, and Term Limits.
While voting in favor of: Reducing the hours required to carry a concealed weapon, redistricting of
the Texas Legislature and Congressional districts to further disenfranchise voters, Expansion of
Franchise Tax Exemptions, and even to Allow Corporal Punishment in Texas Schools. Van Taylor
does not represent the citizens of Collin County. Inside of that a deeper truth exists. Van Taylor has
exempli ed the partisan problems that have plagued our country recently. State Senator Taylor is
committed to the status quo, preservation of the Republican agenda and re-election at all costs.
The people of Texas’ 3rd Congressional District deserve a representative that will work for the
bene t of all residents of Collin County, Texas and The Country. The people of my district
understand that issues today are not speci cally Republican or Democratic issues, but community
issues. They also understand that solutions to issues are not found by donning red or blue; these
issues are resolved through compromise. I am a consensus builder and committed to ghting for
the diversity of Collin County. I understand that if elected, I will represent the vast tapestry of
culture that makes up my community, not just people who look like me or contribute to my
campaign. I will place my constituents ahead of personal interest and party loyalty. That is why I am
a superior choice to be our next Congressman.
I have a proven record of leadership and community advocacy, and a history of bringing people
together and building coalitions. I have been on the front lines and trenches in Washington D.C.
working with Congressional leaders to affect positive change for the American people.
I am the most quali ed candidate to represent Texas' Third Congressional District. I have spent
more years in the district than any of the other candidates, and it has been my home nearly my
whole life. My quali cations extend far beyond my degree in government or my years counseling
businesses as their attorney to help them form and grow. My quali cations extend beyond my
activity in professional and alumni organizations, and even beyond my work as a civil rights
advocate and the numerous times I've lobbied my legislators in Austin and Washington for
progressive values. Voters should choose me because, of all the compliments I've ever been given,
the greatest is that I am a good listener. I will be a voice for voters because I actually listen to them,
all of them. I will be an advocate for voters because I actually engage with them. I will be a
representative for voters because I care not just about myself and my family, but all the people and
all the families in our district. This is a quality, drawn from working since I was 14 years old and from
the personal experiences I've had that make me so unique and yet so common. This is a quality
drawn from my innate desire to do good for others. This is what makes me the best to represent
Texas' Third Congressional District.
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson

13. For far too long we have suffered from inadequate representation. I say enough! We deserve
proper consideration. Our concerns must be addressed.
We demand to live in a fair and just society. It is essential we push forward; instead of deteriorating.
Fair wages, affordable education, access to healthcare, racial and gender equality, reasonable
immigration policies, protections in the workplace, safe communities are paramount to our national
security. Without such we are divided.
Our country is an economic powerhouse with vast interests worldwide. We cannot afford to isolate
ourselves. We must remain engaged to continue in our leadership role, enhance our standing and to
bring meaningful change. It is crucial to open new markets for our goods, products and services for
America to thrive.
As your representative and public servant, I will listen to and represent you and bring solutions.
America must be united.
Length of residency in Texas and, if applicable, your
district:
I am a native Texan and resident for the past 40 years. I have lived in my district since 2001.
Texas combined: 24 years; District combined: 20 years
I have lived in Texas my entire life. Other than my tenure in college and law school, I have also lived
in the district my entire life.
Texas Residency 26 Years
Collin County 16 Years
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

14. What political leader do you most admire and why?
Aspects of many but speci cally, Ann Richards, Sam Rayburn and as of late, John McCain stand out
as leaders who put personal politics aside and worked with all parties for the common good. Ann
Richards, is an example for all Democrats in Collin County as person who was not afraid to call it
like it was and she proved that Texas Democrats are good for business and we will grow our
economy without sacri cing the needs of our citizens. Sam Rayburn was a man of immense political
integrity and proved throughout his career that he was truly an advocate for his constituents, as
well as the country. Most recently, John McCain voted against party lines and immense political
pressure to preserve health care for nearly 20 million Americans.
Although never elected to of ce, I most admire Martin Luther King, Jr. because he persevered
against seemingly insurmountable odds to ght for equal rights and equal dignity for all people -
especially through peaceful means - sacri cing his own life in the process.
As a student of history and government, I always struggle to choose one political leader over so
many who have bravely faced the challenges of their times. That said, since childhood I’ve been
drawn to Present Kennedy for study and admiration. I look up to President Kennedy in particular
because his ascendancy to the of ce was challenging as a result of his age, his religion, and the
complexities of change occurring in civil rights, the Cold War, and technological advances. He
inherited the of ce with pending crises involving very complex regional and global relationships
while balancing the domestic needs of Americans. Through all of this, President Kennedy and his
team managed to disarm threats to America and continue on to inspire Americans to achieve and
innovate in various arenas of industry, commerce, and society.
I admire John F Kennedy (JFK). During one of the most turbulent times in America, JFK grasped the
gravity and potential impact of the civil rights movement; inspired Americans to venture outside of
our land to learn, explore and serve; and set us on the path to go to the moon. JFK was a visionary
who understood science, technology, unity, and compassion are required for the human race to
progress. He was an amazing leader.
JFK beckons us again, “ …ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your
country”
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

15. What do you make of President Donald Trump's style and
agenda? Do you view him as an ally, a breath of fresh air in
a capital that needs to be shaken up? Or as volatile,
dangerous and out of his depth? Or something in
between? What would your role be in working with or
against him?
President Donald Trump? Do you mean Donald Trump the reality TV star? I think this is a reality
that many of us are still trying convince ourselves of. I am a consensus builder, but our president
believes in creating a destructive revisionist history and calls it ‘winning.’ Despite his disappointing
performance and embarrassing behavior, the charge remains for the legislative branch to work with
the executive branch in order to govern. Much the way a person who dislikes their boss continues
to persevere, I will faithfully work to ensure that people of my district are properly represented and
interactions with The White House are productive.
President Trump was elected by voters who wanted to see a dramatic change in how our nation is
run. While there are many areas where I disagree with his ideas and his approach as a leader, that
does not mean that the concerns of those voters were not valid. We do need to see a change in
Washington, but I do not believe that President Trump has brought about the kind of change we
need.
He is a man who has admitted to sexually assaulting women, and was recorded stating that he
believed his actions were justi ed because he is rich and famous. That is insulting to me not only as
a woman but as a human being who feels all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
And we continue to see his disregard for sexual harassment and assault now that he is in of ce. For
example - during Alabama’s special election, he chose to endorse Roy Moore despite numerous
accusations of the candidate’s sexual misconduct.
The President of our country is a re ection of us as a nation - and when he chooses to insult other
world leaders, he puts the United States and our allies in danger. When he questions a free and
independent press, he undermines a crucial part of our Democracy. When he hurls insults at
Americans who disagree with him, he is further dividing our country. These words and actions have
consequences, and we need leaders who understand that their duty to serve is more important
than their egos. As a member of Congress, I will strive to do what is best for the American people.
That goal will not change depending on who sits in The Oval Of ce. Whether doing the right thing
for the American people means working with the President or attempting to prevent him from
causing harm will largely depend on his actions.
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson

16. I don’t make much of Mr. Trump’s style and agenda because I don’t believe he truly has any beyond
improving his own reputation. While I agree that Americans are ready for elected representatives
who break the mold of a career politician, we still need women and men who will appreciate the
complexities of policymaking and give due regard and contemplation to pronouncements and
legislation, and I’m not con dent that Mr. Trump ts the bill. Of course if the opportunity arose to
work with Mr. Trump on a law or policy that is in the best interest of my district, I would do so
because I am running for a representative job, and above all else my role will be to serve the best
interests of my constituents.
The Of ce of the Presidency and the role of the President is deserving of our respect. The
President has many functions, seven of which are the most cited: Commander in Chief, Chief of
State, Chief Diplomat, Chief Executive, Legislator, Moral Leader and Party Leader. A good leader
will effectively and prudently manage these functions in thoughtful and compassionate ways.
With respect to the moral (conduct, honesty and integrity) and party leadership, the President has
not yet evolved into the sophisticated leader that he is capable of. We have heard of the many
instances where President Trump had shortcomings on both fronts. The behavior and opinions
attributed to the President are less than stellar, given the many accusations that were leveled
against him.
The President’s etiquette on the international stage negatively impacts the roles of the Chief of
State, Diplomat, Executive. These responsibilities are critical to our reputation and ability to
conduct business globally, negatively impacts us at home as demand for our products and services
are curtailed as a result.
Congress is charged to be a check and balance to the President; therefore, it is not a matter of
working with or against any President. Rather, it is maintaining these checks and balances as the
founding fathers intended. In terms of both domestic and foreign policy, Congress, using the
powers bestowed, must actively pursue the President to move in accordance with the best interest
of the American people.
The gap between the rich and the poor in America is
widening. Is this a problem for the country, and if so what
should Congress do about it? What action should
Congress take, if any?
Wage disparity continues to be a popular rallying point of both parties. John Kennedy reminded us
that, “A rising tide lifts all boats…” It is not the role of government to place constraints on those that
achieve great levels of success. It is however, the role of government to safeguard the ability of all
citizens to reach those levels. In turn, to those whom much has been given, much is expected. In
order to close that gap, Americans need to earn more and be burdened with less debt. First to be
achieved is making college more affordable and accessible; not just academia, but also trade
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell

17. schools. We need to get back to a U.S. that celebrates the highly skilled just as we celebrate the
highly educated. Also, as the steel and automotive industries were the catalysts for growth in the
twentieth century, I believe Congress must work to foster the re-birth of manufacturing in this
country and domesticate innovative production while retraining a retrain-able workforce.
Education is the great escalator of socio-economic mobility. Finally, our minimum wage and social
welfare programs do not allow for someone with the drive and ambition to ever move out of
poverty; they instead create generations of citizens sponsored by the state, not because they want
to be, but because there is no other option. Education, Economics, Innovation, and Accountability
are the solution.
Income inequality is absolutely a problem in our country - and one that Congress has a
responsibility to address. With the new tax plan, this inequality may become even more prevalent.
We cannot continue to make promises to the middle class while only making policies that favor the
wealthy. We have to think of the long-term costs of this permanent tax break for corporations.
With Congress back in session, they will be eyeing cuts to programs like Medicare and Medicaid to
pay back the money they are giving to big businesses. Our leaders have the power to use that
money to support the lower and middle classes instead of waiting for that money to "trickle down"
to workers. Investments in education, infrastructure, and access to affordable healthcare are all
much better ways of directly bene tting everyday Americans.
The wealth gap in America is not only a problem for the country in the short-term, but for our way
of life in the long-term. As families struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table, their effort
to make ends meet necessarily cuts into the amount of time parents can share with their children
and the quality of experiences those children obtain in their developmental years. My great
concern is that if Congress does not take action to ensure American workers are able to sustain
themselves and their families in a manner that allows them to thrive, the fabric of American life and
development will begin to unravel, which will be detrimental socially and economically to our
country. Instead, Congress should ensure that we are investing in programs such as pre-
kindergarten for all, paid family leave, fair wages – including raising the minimum wage, and tax
policy that encourages and supports wealth accumulation for working class families.
The gap between the rich and poor is a high priority. The pay gap also includes discriminatory pay
practices in terms of gender and race where equal work does not equate to equal pay.
A comprehensive overhaul of the labor laws including key employee protections is essential. Labor
laws need to be reviewed, including the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the recent repeal of the Lilly
Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Topics should include:
• Increasing minimum wage
• Closing the pay gap (Gender and Race)
• Protecting employees who wish to unionize
• Corporate incentives for improvements to employee work/life balance
• Corporate incentives for reinstating pensions or pension-like programs
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

18. Increasing in lifetime earnings, increases social security contributions, thereby; increasing the
likelihood of the program's survival beyond its projected lifespan, thus bene tting more Americans.
What is the greatest threat to American security, and how
should America respond? What specifically should
Congress do to help?
Many will cite military action by North Korea or radical religious terrorism as the greatest threat to
American security. This, despite the fact that the US has the most feared and powerful military that
history has ever known. I submit that the greatest threat to American security is truly our national
debt. China and Japan own close to 11% of our debt and Russia is an aggressive buyer. Failure to
address the subversive nancial attack on our country will eventually render us INCAPABLE OF
DEFENDING OURSELVES from any foreign military attack in the coming future. Congress must put
aside partisan politics and once again work collaboratively towards a balanced budget to ensure
our nancial stability.
The single greatest threat to American security at this moment is not North Korea, Russia, or even
ISIS or Boko Haram. It is climate change. Global warming could create up to 150 million climate
refugees in the next three to four decades. Some of these refugees will be U.S. citizens seeking
shelter as their homes become unlivable in places like Louisiana, Florida, Alaska, and even Texas.
And though we often talk about “saving the planet”, our planet will recover from the damage it is
currently sustaining. It is the human race that will suffer as areas of the planet become unlivable.
Tackling this problem at the legislative level in Congress will not be easy, but it is our only choice if
we want to prevent more human suffering due to climate change. We have to accept that this is not
a problem we will be able to handle on our own. The United States should join other nations who
are working collaboratively to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement around the world. As a nation,
we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership on this issue and enact changes that will
improve our globe for generations to come.
Like so many things, this issue has become unnecessarily complicated by the current regime in the
White House, which I believe to be the greatest current threat to American security. Mr. Trump’s
approach to global politics and interactions with other world leaders has undermined decades of
work by our State Department, national intelligence and law enforcement agencies, as well as
previous administrations. While I certainly agree with putting American security and prosperity
above all else, engaging in diplomatic relationships and missions around the world is a necessary
means toward that end, as is maintaining positive connections with our allies who have helped
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson

19. America throughout its time as a hegemon. Showing respect and dignity for other nations and for
diplomacy itself is one way we make America more secure. Congress needs to stop turning the
other cheek to Mr. Trump’s naiveté and work to ensure our constitutional system of checks and
balances is properly functioning to protect our nation.
Cyberwarfare: Most Americans essentially live in cyberspace. We work, shop, bank and socialize
within these platforms. Cyberspace must be given the same level (or higher) of scrutiny and
security the physical offerings. This is a matter of national security.
Countries as small as N. Korea have the power to attack our electrical and water grids through the
use of malware and viruses. Both Republican and Democratic Parties were hacked, but only one
party's data was released. We cannot afford leakage of classi ed information.
Accommodations must be made to resolve issues in real-time due to dynamic nature of the
internet. We must protect citizens and government.
What changes should be made to U.S. trade policy?
Any changes to our current trade policies must be focused on fostering a more hospitable
environment for business here in the U.S. It is vital that we equalize the playing eld for all levels of
wage earners and businesses within the macroeconomic sphere of those we involve ourselves with.
As well as, reward the U.S. for good stewardship of economics amongst our trading partners.
Additional safe guards must also be included in any revisions to our trade policies that speci cally
protect American jobs, building upon the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. North Texas, being
a major distribution hub for the US, could bene t greatly from a properly crafted and negotiated
trade agreement. I will NOT support any trade agreement that jeopardizes American jobs or allows
member countries to manipulate their own currency in order to cheat the United States.
American trade policies should bene t the average American worker, while also keeping in mind
the needs of the American consumer. Whenever possible, we want to encourage manufacturing
and agricultural jobs in the United States. However, it is inevitable that some goods will be more
expensive for the American consumer if they are produced here at home. Maintaining positive
relationships with our trade partners is essential to keeping the costs of goods low, but that doesn't
mean that we ignore the American worker, either. Part of our responsibility when allowing
companies to move their jobs overseas is to have policies in place that help to relocate and retrain
workers.
America also needs to evaluate the message we send when we choose our trading partners. For
example, It may be inexpensive to trade with Saudi Arabia, but what is the cost of doing business
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch

20. with a country that is regularly responsible for atrocities and violations of human rights? Our
leaders need to look closely at trade policies that re ect our values.
US trade policy is of particular signi cance to Texans. Texas, after all, leads the nation in exports and
bene tted copiously from programs such as NAFTA. Texas' import industry employee over a million
people. The primary changes needed in US trade policy today aren't changes so much as catching
up with modern needs. America needs to ensure that both domestically and abroad, US workers
are being paid a fair wage, are safe and secure in their workplaces, and that reasonable efforts are
made to protect their jobs. Tangentially, the US also has to demand that our trade policy
encourages (or demands) environmental standards are met and improved. We also are responsible
for updating our policies, or developing new ones, that address commercialization of the internet,
block chain technology, emerging energy technologies, and new global competitors and
competitive threats. US trade policy also needs to account for its integration with our education
and immigration systems, to ensure we are cultivating and inviting the talent we need to continue
as a leader in global trade.
The United States is the second largest exporter and the third largest importer in the world. Total
trade activity is 4.9 trillion and 41 million American jobs. Texas is also a major exporter coming in
with a respectable 232 billion dollars and is supported by over 1 million jobs. Texas main trading
partners like the United States are Mexico, Canada. In total, the US runs about a $500 billion trade
de cit worldwide.
With 95% of the world's customers living outside the United States, we must remain engaged in the
world and aggressively pursue trade agreements with new global customers. Global customers
equate to good-paying American jobs should be the motivating factor to strengthen our ties with
our current trading partners and negotiating new trade deals with emerging markets.
I agree we should we be renegotiating our agreements where possible, however, that does not
mean throwing the baby out with the bath water. NAFTA does make sense as Canada and Mexico
are two of the largest and geographically closest trading partners we have. A better deal is always
the goal. In the interim, the focus should be on exporting our goods and services while looking for
ways to reduce imports so as to normalize the trade de cit we are currently running.
To bene t from trade agreements, we must remain highly engaged in international trade. Our
goods, products and services enjoy credibility and high standards worldwide. We must continue to
protect our lead and standard to maximize gains. Having a State Department and other
internationally focused entities such as Export Import banks fully staffed with the most capable
diplomats and negotiators.
How should the next Congress address illegal
immigration? Please be specific about the millions of
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

21. people in this country illegally.
Almost everyone I know is the child of an immigrant to one degree or another. Immigration is what
has made America who we are, for better or worse. Before I discuss what to do, let’s talk about
some ideas that are just impractical and embarrassing for the people that thought them up or those
that support them. First, the deportation of all current illegal immigrants is a fantasy, a logistical,
economic, social, and practical impossibility. The “wall” is equally laughable, unless its aim is blatant
and directed racism towards one group of immigrant. In that case I say bravo to the GOP, you have
successfully supplanted your place in the annals of our worlds’ most sinister. However, the fact
remains that the vast majority of illegal immigrants are just people trying to build a better life for
their families, just as those of us who were born in here. While many have committed a crime by
entering illegally, about 45% of undocumented residents originally entered legally and overstayed
their visa. Fear of immediate deportation or jail time often prevents illegal immigrants from
beginning the citizenship process. A process that is unclear and time prohibitive when struggling to
earn a living. So what do we do? How do we accept these future Americans that are already on our
soil as well as those to come? We need to create a path to citizenship that includes comprehensive
background checks and employment requirements for illegal immigrants and speci c time tables
that do not put these immigrants in an endless and hopeless loop of bureaucracy that continually
baits them with the empty promise of citizenship tomorrow.
The majority of undocumented people here are good people. They came to our country because
they wanted to improve their lives, contribute to our economy through employment relocation, and
they are willing to put in the necessary work to do so. Our nation is supported by many
hardworking immigrants, and we rely on them as they rely on us. We need to have options for those
who are here illegally and who have demonstrated that they are willing to comply with our laws.
When we give these folks a pathway to citizenship instead of creating a system that forces them to
hide from authority, we also hold them accountable to the laws of our communities and the
economic responsibilities that come with American citizenship.
Immigration is one of the most complex issues facing our country right now, especially in a state like
Texas, where approximately 6% of the state population is undocumented immigrants. It is also one
of the most important issues facing our country, and Congress needs to face it head-on as soon as
possible.
First, Congress must enact legislation mimicking and strengthening the DACA program initiated by
President Obama. Many “dreamers” are, in my opinion, Americans through and through.
Second, Congress must work to transform and restructure our immigration system to make it more
ef cient and less expensive. The process takes too long, cost tens of thousands of dollars, and in
today’s climate, puts them and their families at risk.
Third, Congress should encourage, via protection from deportation, undocumented immigrants to
come forward and obtain work permits through an expedited process. This would allow these
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson

22. neighbors and friends to work and earn wages, pay taxes, and be able to enrich their families’ lives
by not having to live in fear.
Finally, Congress must work with our homeland security and immigration agencies to develop a
cost-effective, and actually effective, means of securing our border.
The Pew Research Center estimates that there were 11 million illegal immigrants living in the
United States as of 2015. The nations of origin are Mexico 5.6 million, the remainder, totalling 5.4
million, arrived from other countries of which, Asian countries such as India, China and South Korea
are the largest populations. Many arrive on tourist or other visas and overstay. Many sources have
stated that illegal immigration particularly those from Mexico have fallen by one million. A trend
that started during the recession and continues. For others, according to the department the
overstays dwindle over time.
Given these facts, to say that building a wall between Mexico and the US to solve the issue of illegal
immigration would be sophomoric. We would also need to stop 41 million tourists and other
international business travelers from entering into the country on "fears" that they will overstay
their visas. This would also mean building a wall between the US and Canada as well, to prevent
Canadians crossing the border and staying illegally. The estimate is that there are over 100,000,
currently living "under the radar".
We do need border security there is no question about that and Congress must come up with
solutions that will address the illegal border crossings and visa overstays. Bee ng up border patrol
agents is certainly desirable as it creates well paying jobs with great bene ts for the purposes of
securing the physical borders. This increase will also be utilized to monitor those who wish to
overstay their visas.
Pertaining to the illegals that are already here, their culture is american, we have already made an
investment in their well being. Therefore, I fully support DACA - Path to Citizenship, Temporary
Protected Status, and reasonable immigration policies. Many DACA recipients are well educated,
skilled and are already participating in the economy. The tests of Georgia and Arizona should show
the problems inherent with unfair immigration practices. I will support preferences given to those
who study for and enter elds where the US experiences signi cant labor shortages, such as
Medicine and Nursing, Teaching etc and for those entering the Military to "jump" the line and
receive greater protections. I do not support those who exploit the system or those who commit
crimes of any kind.
Would you support or oppose the full repeal of all
provisions of the Affordable Care Act?
The ACA was a historic piece of legislation that has helped millions of people nd health coverage.
Our responsibility going forward is to improve on the positives of the law – allowing people to buy
and change their insurance without being concerned about pre-existing conditions and eliminate
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell

23. the negatives; such as the absence of an affordable basic plan. We need reform with a focus on
driving down costs, not simply creating larger bureaucracies and we will not be able to achieve that
until we have healthcare reform in concert with health insurance reform. For instance, I have a
daughter with an allergy that requires my family to have an emergency supply of epinephrine.
Currently it is cheaper to y round trip to Canada and buy the most common auto-injector than it is
for a person without insurance to buy the same treatment locally. We must nd ways to make
pharmaceuticals more affordable in this country rather than be continually taken advantage of by
drug companies that utilized federal grants, OUR MONEY, to develop their drugs and then turn
around and bilk those most vulnerable in this country. When I speak about the ACA, I am speaking
from personal experience: I cancelled my personal coverage through my business and went to the
Healthcare.gov Marketplace. I am a case study for the success of the plan, but I also recognize
where it has fallen short and believe that there are changes that could greatly improve the success
of the Act. The only scenario that I would support a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act is if
replacement legislation protects and ensures that all Americans have access to the care they need
through affordable insurance coverage and that BOTH Republicans and Democrats agree not to
immediately work to dismantle the new law as a matter of political discourse.
I would oppose a full repeal of all provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The ACA is far from
perfect, but we should work to improve our current system rather than scrapping it and throwing
the insurance market into chaos. For instance, we need to continue to protect individuals with pre-
existing conditions. No American should have to choose between paying their rent and paying their
medical bills. Instead of defunding and dismantling Medicaid and Medicare, we should be
expanding these programs. Our eventual goal should be to provide affordable health care coverage
to all citizens. A single-payer healthcare system is possible in the United States, but this is not a
change that Congress needs to make overnight. If we are going to build a long-term solution for
healthcare in our country, we need to do so cautiously so that we are left with a system that works
for everyone.
I oppose the full repeal of all provisions of the ACA. In its recent tax legislation, the GOP did away
with the individual mandate, removing perhaps what most people found most repugnant about the
ACA. But the ACA should be built upon and improved, not wholesale repealed. This is especially
important because so many Americans, for the rst time in a long time, have the promise of access
to health care through health insurance they had previously been unable to obtain. Congress
instead should work on reining in health insurance companies and the unabashed labyrinths they
call their contracts with consumers. Much like antitrust and deceptive trade legislation, the health
care discussion needs to move on to protecting Americans from paying exorbitant premiums,
stopping health insurance companies from getting involved in health care decisions, and prohibiting
pharmaceutical companies from pricing medications beyond the reach of so many Americans who
need them. Medicare and Medicaid should have the ability to truly negotiate what they pay for
medication on behalf of the American people. Health care is indeed a right, and it is high time
America treats its citizens as deserving of this common dignity.
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson

24. I will oppose any attempt to repeal the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. I will work to protect
what is left of the Affordable Care Act and improve it. I believe that a public option should be
included in the next iteration of the Affordable Care Act 2.0. I will work hard to achieve the option
of Universal Healthcare System.
Objections to a Universal Health Care System or any social safety nets is quite curious. I believe
that it was Plato who said that we are "Once a man and twice a child'. Another way to say this, is
once independent twice dependent. Healthcare and social safety nets are necessary. Mother and
child need health care, work bene ts(FMLA etc) and social safety net to give birth and be born, we
take care of ourselves when we are adults until we become sick and require healthcare, we become
again old and dependent and again require health care (Medicare, Social Security), other programs
such as Medicaid and Chip are available for the poorest amongst us. I believe that reasonable and
responsible Americans will acquire and maintain access to healthcare and the unreasonable and
irresponsible will not. However, a well funded Universal Healthcare System that covers all will be
there for both when needed.
It should go without saying that a strong society requires well educated, healthy citizens and to
take health care off the table will do more harm than good.
Congress writes the budget for the United States. What is
one area that Congress should invest much more heavily
in, and why? What should we be spending much less on?
Our crumbling infrastructure must be at the top of any budget discussion. However, we must be
more innovative than simply throwing money at repairs. Our country must begin to incorporate
preservation of our ecology into any plans for revitalization of our Nation’s infrastructure. The
investment into ‘Green’ and other ecologically friendly construction will not only sustain and
protect us in the long term but it will also, much like Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System,
create a cascade of ancillary jobs and industries.
I previously mentioned that our Military is the most powerful military the world has ever known.
Currently, we are out spending the next most powerful military at a rate of three to one and the
next most powerful military is technologically de cient to us by 20 years. The most precious right
we have is Freedom and our Military is vital to the preservation of that Freedom but, the roughly
600 billion dollars we spend each year is almost 400 billion dollars more than the next biggest
spender. Slight reductions in military spending through thoughtful examination of the budget will
not render us any less formidable, but would free up budget constraints that currently limit other
vital aspects of our government. Under no circumstances would I support reductions that would
endanger the lives our servicemen and women.
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch

25. Education is the great equalizer in our nation. If we are to continue to compete in a global
marketplace, our education system needs to provide every student with equal opportunities for
advancement and learning. When we cut back on education spending today, we do ourselves and
our children no favors tomorrow. Somehow we justify asking schools to do more with fewer
resources, while we continue to raise our military budget. We would spend less on defense if we
committed to bringing more of our troops home. While other programs get slashed and put on the
back burner, the defense budget has been raised almost every single year since 1996. We can
continue to defend ourselves without in ating the military budget at every opportunity.
Additionally, we should eliminate taxpayer money being used to defend members of Congress from
sexual harassment allegations.
Congress should invest in the health of Americans, plain and simple. A healthy citizenry is a
productive citizenry. A healthy society is a more peaceful society. A healthy nation is a more
content nation. By providing a public option of “health insurance,” we as a country can (and should)
ensure that every single American has access to the healthcare they need, including preventive
care. Not only is this a matter of assuring dignity and ful lling a basic right of every human being,
but it ultimately must lead to a reduction in the amount we spend on healthcare (acknowledging
that a lot of spending takes place at the state and local, not Federal, level). This will free up families
to have a parent stay home with their children, if they are otherwise able and want to. This will
allow the founders of the next Apple or Amazon to quit their jobs and innovate America’s next big
provider of jobs, spurring on industry. It will send a message to Americans that when you invest in
your country, your country invests back in you.
Along those lines, we should be spending far less on the war on drugs and incarceration. America
has spent over $1 trillion ghting the unsuccessful war on drugs. In doing so, we have also increased
the tab for incarcerating people convicted of drug-related crimes to roughly $30 billion each year.
While certainly violent offenders can’t be allowed to run free, it’s time that America demand its
legislators take a look at where their tax dollars are going, and what the true value, if any, is realized
from prosecuting low-level, nonviolent drug offenders and then paying their room & board. Is there
really a societal bene t form criminalizing an entire generation, whole classes of people? Virtually
whole races of people? Quite the contrary, I would argue.
Instead of lining the pockets of private prison companies, we should prioritize our students and
those with astronomical student debt, investing in low-income communities and addressing the
growing food desert they face, and revitalizing our infrastructure.
Infrastructure: The biggest bang for the buck in the short and medium term would to invest heavily
in rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure as well as adding to our capital stock. Overhauling and
revitalizing our infrastructure and bringing it into the 21st century, reducing traf c congestion and
providing other modes of transportation are worth pursuing. We do not yet have high speed rail.
Our state of technology is such that we are building driverless vehicles that may not nd our roads
and bridges compatible.
Economically, this will not just create good paying jobs with bene ts but will bene t many small
businesses as well. More income will result in an increase in taxes including social security to be
paid thereby improving every one in the process. Social security contributions will get a boost,
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

26. more taxes to invest into schools and other programs, more disposible income means more
spending.
Military: We are currently in a state where our military can respond effectively and ef ciently to
any crisis anywhere in the world. Understandably, personnel must be taken care of, military
materiel wears out or become obselete and needs to be replaced, and research and development
must be conducted. However, the military will not suffer from a reduction in their budget, that will
be invested in other public goods such as education and health. In fact, the military will bene t
greatly from these investments as their systems become more and more sophisticated, requiring
more educated personnel to operate them.
What action, if any, should Congress take in response to
mass killings involving firearms?
While mass shootings are what make the headlines and grab the nation’s attention, they account
for only about 7% of gun deaths in the United States. If we focus on eliminating the causes of the
other 93%, mass shootings will follow suit. The #1 thing we can do to reduce gun deaths is to pass
legislation that requires comprehensive background checks. We must keep guns out of the wrong
hands, speci cally criminals and people with dangerous mental illnesses. Also, if two thirds of all
gun deaths are by suicide, then we must be more focused on the mental health of prospective gun
owners as well as those with access to guns. I am a gun owner, and supporter of the second
amendment, who recognizes that we cannot continue to allow 93 gun deaths every single day in
this country. My priority is to SAVE LIVES. Guns are a part of our rich Texas Heritage and we take
great pride in being responsible gun owners and sportsman. We hold those who wish to carry in
public to a high standard and I am not interested in lowering that standard so that careless or
dangerous people can carry guns in our country. My likely opponent in the general election has
voted to diminish the standards required for licensure and against the enforcement of Federal Gun
Laws. Finally, we must educate. Responsible gun ownership includes the knowledge of how to
safely store a gun, so that curious children are not even tempted to play with a gun. Three hundred
unintentional child shootings per year can be prevented!
The rst step is to enforce laws that are already present. Many politicians talk about "common
sense gun control”, but it is important to be speci c about what that means. Background checks
aren't enforced as widely as they should be. We saw this in the recent shootings in South Texas and
Nevada. Before creating new legislation, we need to be sure that the laws we already have in place
to protect our communities are enforced appropriately. It is true that the US has more mass
shootings than any other country in the world, but it is also true that the majority of gun deaths in
our nation are not related to mass shootings. They are a result of suicide. Though this does not
dismiss the fact that there is an underlying problem with guns in America, Congress needs to take a
more proactive approach to preventing gun deaths by promoting public awareness of signs and
symptoms of mental illness and making treatment more accessible for those who need it.
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch

27. It’s no secret that I have a License to Carry in Texas, and that I exercise my rights with that license
on a regular basis. Like many Texans, I’ve shot everything from a .22 pistol to a tactical shotgun,
from my 9mm carry weapon to an AK47 and a 100-year-old tommy gun. But make no mistake: guns
are extremely dangerous. Military-style weapons and gear are especially dangerous in the hands of
someone who wishes to do harm, and that is why we cannot entrust these weapons of war to the
general public. We must pass common sense public safety rearm reforms.
Congress, rst and foremost, must reauthorize and fund CDC research on gun safety and gun
violence; we cannot solve a problem that we do not understand.
Second, Congress needs impose a moratorium on sales to civilians of devices that simulate or allow
simulation of the rate-of- re of automatic weapons, which necessarily includes high-capacity clips.
This is a matter of public safety and public health. Sadly, we here in DFW can particularly
appreciate the need to restrict access to these sorts of devices to only our military and law
enforcement.
It is without question that I am fully supportive of the second amendment. However, the gun
violence epidemic continues unabated. The Centers for Disease Control reports that over 36,000
Americans die and 85,000 are injured as a result of rearms in 2015, the latest report available. The
cost associated is conservatively estimated to be $45 billion including lost wages, this does not
include long term care, police investigation, and incarceration costs etc. In the current
environment, we are beseiged with mass shootings. I believe that the public good must be given
serious consideration with respect to this matter. Now is the time to have this conversation, about
stronger gun laws. We can reduce the violence through the following common sense approach.
In the short term:
1. Ban any accessories that changes or enhances the original behavior of the weapon,
2. Creation of National Gun Registry
3. Repeal Conceal Carry Reciprocity
4. Restrict those who are accused of or convicted for domestic violence
5. Stronger background checks (inclusive of all 50 States and US terrorities)
Medium Term - Limit the sale of ARs and other military style weapons
Long term - Work on the safety and security of our neighborhoods This will include nally dealing
with racial parity and coming up with solutions that will bene t all Americans.
The Social Security fund that pays most retiree benefits
will be insolvent within a generation. What steps should
Congress take to keep it in the black? Please be specific
about who would be affected and how soon.
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

28. The ‘dog whistle’ has been a pervasive tactic since the beginning of politics. So much so today that
the reality of how our combined OASI (Old-Age and Survivors Insurance) and DI (Disability
Insurance) trusts are actually managed, has been skewed to point to mismanagement and a raid on
our personal futures. The truth is that the Social Security trust is adequately nanced and can pay
full bene ts for almost twenty years to come. In fact, the Social Security trust has run a surplus for
more than 30 years and will continue that run through at least 2021. The question that should be
asked is how can we ensure that the actuarial 1% shortfall over the next 75 years is avoided. As
Stephen Goss, Chief Actuary for the Social Security Administration put it, “Fortunately, in the
entire 82-year history of the program, the Congress has always made timely adjustments in the law
to avoid reserve depletion and any sudden reduction in bene ts paid.” To avoid any reduction of
bene ts paid to people with disabilities after 2028 and any reduction in bene ts to retirees after
2034, the Congress must get back to the business of representation. Bene ciaries will be best
served when politicians end the ideological partisanship and pay attention to the actuarial reports
and recommendations that have kept the Social Security Trust Fund a reliable American institution
for the past 82 years.
People who are currently in their 30's, 20's and even teens, working now, won't get back what they
have contributed to Social Security if it continues on its current trajectory. One option to keep
Social Security solvent would be to raise the total payroll tax (including employee and employer
tax) by 2%. This would keep Social Security solvent for the next 75 years. There is also the
possibility of raising the retirement age to 66 years and 2 months. The most likely solution will
include a combination of increasing the payroll tax and raising the retirement age to re ect our
country's changing population, which is expected to live longer. Although none of these solutions
may be particularly popular, Congress cannot continue to delay taking action, because keeping
Social Security in the black will only be more dif cult as time goes on. At the same time, we must
ensure that our retired and veterans receive the contributions they are entitled to receive after
paying into our system and contributing to our economy and country.
Congress needs to start by investigating the short-term and long-term needs of the fund, along
with projections for contribution to the fund based on current and expected workforce
productivity. Perhaps more importantly, though, is that Congress needs to revisit signi cantly the
recent tax legislation signed into law by Mr. Trump. That law is going to require funding cuts as a
result of PAYGO. The tax law also incentivizes certain employees to reclassify themselves as
independent contractors, which reduces the base of people paying into the fund. Congress must
reconsider the dramatic reductions in the corporate tax rate and close loopholes that allow huge
corporations and conglomerates to avoid paying taxes altogether. They, too, should pay their fair
share. Programs like Social Security are citizen-support programs that America has made a promise
to maintain, and we cannot allow GOP-led tax gifts to their donors to pull the rug out from under
those who have been paying into the fund their entire lives or who are unable to work and earn
wages.
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson

29. The most effective way of xing Social Security is to increase all levels of income across the board. I
will argue that Social Security contribution is a function of income and therefore, the current state
of the program is that Social Security is the victim of stagnant wages, wage inequity, inclusive of
gender/race pay gaps, unreasonably low minimum wages and other discriminatory wage practices.
Less income means less contributions, moreover, this also means less savings and nally less
disposable income to invest in such programs as 401k, IRAs etc. Other ways of xing Social Security
will require shared pain by every one.
Absent 1. a signi cant increase in wages now for all employees or even incremental cost of living
wage increases over the years and 2. absent solutions such as paths to residency and or citizenships
for illegal immigrants, whose income will become eligible for taxation including contributions to the
Social Security fund, the solutions for xing Social Security is going to require sacri ces from
everyone.
In order to keep the payout of bene ts the same and maximize contributions, the x will require
raising the earnings cap from 118,500 to perhaps 500,000 over a period of time for high income
earners, raising the payroll tax incrementally for all other earners below 500,000. Future tweaks
are to be carefully made, in order to reach a true equilibrium between contributions and
disbursements.
The Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015. Has
that had a positive or negative impact on America since
then, and is there anything that Congress should do either
in response or to further support gay rights?
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” Civil Rights are the
hallmark of our Nation and the basis of why anyone came to America in the rst place. To think that
we still live in a country that requires continued clari cation of this should strike fear in the hearts
of all Americans. Much the way the Civil Rights Act of 1964 sought to end discrimination on the
basis of race, color, sex or national origin, the recent Supreme Court decision of Obergefell versus
Hodges is a reminder of our Unalienable Right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Unfortunately, the harsh truth is that this ruling does not end the plight of the LGBT community.
The reality of being red or being denied housing because of whom you marry is still very real.
Congress should continuously take note of our own history and ensure that no class of citizen is
subjected to any form of discrimination.
I have been at the forefront of the ght for marriage equality and for laws respecting the dignity of
the LGBT community. Providing these loving couples and families legal recognition has helped
Medrick Yhap
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch

30. ensure that children of same-sex couples are able to have the protection for their parents, that
partners/spouses are able to visit each other in the hospital, make medical decisions, inherit joint
property, cover each other on health insurance and bene ts, qualify for their spouse's social
security, receive citizen status, receive veteran's bene ts, and other many federal and state
protections.
To quote Justice Kennedy: “Without the recognition, stability, and predictability marriage offers,
their children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser. ...Same-sex couples
are consigned to an instability many opposite-sex couples would deem intolerable in their own
lives. As the State itself makes marriage all the more precious by the signi cance it attaches to it,
exclusion from that status has the effect of teaching that gays and lesbians are unequal in
important respects. It demeans gays and lesbians for the State to lock them out of a central
institution of the Nation’s society.”
I have personally seen how Congress and State Legislatures must continue to include the LGBT
community in basic, fundamental rights, such as employment discrimination, housing, and public
accommodations. We must also see changes to the laws regarding parentage when it comes to
same-sex couples. Second-parent adoption is costly for many couples and without courts
recognizing non-biological parent's rights, many such parents lose any access to children they've
raised if the marriage or relationship dissolves. The only de nition of family is love and many laws
are outdated in being able to provide protection for children of same-sex relationships.
The greatest positive impact from the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling is that it ended a conversation
that should never have been up for discussion in the rst place. When two adults are in love, and
wish to commit themselves to each other through marriage, that should be the end of the inquiry,
certainly as far as the government is concerned. Unfortunately, some still wish to enforce their
private “morality” and judgment on gay couples, in commerce and in the workplace. Sexual
orientation and gender identity need to be added as protected classes under all federal laws
prohibiting discrimination on the basis of other immutable characteristics such as race, religion,
nationality, sex, and age. Congress should pass comprehensive amendments to the Federal hate
crimes law adding sexual orientation and gender identity, which would con rm and standardize
what 35 states have already done with their own hate crime laws, including Texas. Congress should
also work with the LGBTQ community to determine other pronouncements, policies, and
legislation that can ensure protection of and respect to all members of this community.
More and more members of the LGBTQ community are joining the ranks of matrimony as they
should. I believe that every one who wishes to be married should, as well as, enjoy the rewards of
marriage. It is said that married couples live longer, are healther, wealthier and happier. All nancial
bene ts that are afforded to married couples should also be enjoyed as well.
Discrimination in any form, whether it is through race, religion or any other form, does not serve
America well and I tend to view this issue through these same lens. Each time we move forward,
each time we strike down unreasonable or irrational barriers, America becomes greater, so yes I
believe that it has had a positive impact on America.
Congress can and should address the protection of rights of all Americans including legislating laws
that would protect everyone - Fair and equal treatment is for everyone, not just for the few.
Sam Johnson
Medrick Yhap

31. What is your view on the science of man-made climate
change? Do you support action to reduce the output of
greenhouse gases? If so, what steps do you favor?
I am not a scientist, but I know that if I run my car in my closed garage inde nitely….it’s not going to
be a place hospitable for life. I absolutely support congressional action to reduce the output of
greenhouse gases. Unfortunately, we have an administration that continually denies the science of
climate change and has withdrawn the U.S. from a global community that is working to reverse the
damage that man has caused. We’re not just talking about hypotheticals anymore, we’re seeing the
effects of sea level rise as far away as Bangladesh and as close to home as Florida. With a change of
leadership, the U.S. can still lead the world in the effort to preserve our planet. Thirty years ago the
world came together to combat the release of chlorine gases that were damaging our ozone layer.
Today, our ozone layer is healing. The time to act is now! Solutions exist but, continued denial and
inaction will lead to the extinction of oceanic eco-systems that support life around the world. So I
ask the Republicans that proclaim man-made climate change is a hoax conjured by Democrats
seeking to regulate business: What is your plan to re-settle our coasts? What is your plan to deal
with global food shortages? Why can’t you see that businesses that emerge to protect our planet
are just plain good for business?
Climate change doesn't care if we believe in it. Over 97% of published peer-reviewed literature
agrees that humans have contributed to global warming. I absolutely support action to reduce the
output of greenhouse gases. Climate change is a threat to not only our nation but to the world as a
whole. I support the actions that other nations have followed, including a carbon tax, reducing our
dependency on fossil fuels, and supporting solar and clean energy initiatives in the United States. In
order to secure our planet for future generations, we need to take action.
Earth is experiencing climate change right now, and I believe that it is either caused or exacerbated
by human activity, especially the cumulative and increasing output of greenhouse gases. I do not
have any reason to dispute the scienti c ndings made by climatologists around the globe.
Nevertheless, I wholly support action to reduce output of greenhouse gases regardless of whether
man-made climate change is “real.” As an advanced society, we can and should move away from
energy sources that pollute our air and water in favor of incentivizing the development and
proliferation of cleaner energy sources. We owe it to our posterity to do so as stewards of the
planet they will inherit. As a matter of national security and economic independence, America is
better off developing renewable energy sources.
Adam Bell
Lorie Burch
Sam Johnson