U.S. Representative: 17th Congressional District

PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

Matt Cartwright:
Supports the law but said if anything he would have gone even further. He said the portions that guarantee coverage of pre-existing conditions and children on their parent’s insurance plans until they’re 26 were long overdue.

Laureen Cummings:
Would vote to repeal the law in full.

DEFENSE SPENDING

Cartwright:
Believes there is a need to cut some defense budget spending but not when it comes to Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Cummings:
Not only is she opposed to cutting the defense budget, she believes if anything, more money should be spent for that department. She said the killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya shows why she feels that way.

TAXES

Cartwright:
Thinks increasing taxes on the rich are needed and supports the tax plan that was in place when Bill Clinton was president, which he noted was the last time a balanced budget was in place in the United States.

Cummings:
Believes in abolishing federal taxes and instituting a national “Fair Tax” in its place.

ABORTION

Cartwright:
Pro life in all circumstances except when it comes to cases of rape, incest or where the health of the mother is at risk.

Cummings:
Pro life and said she would vote to repeal Roe v. Wade if given the chance.

ENERGY POLICY

Cartwright:
Supports natural gas drilling but believes safeguards should be in place and wants to repeal the Halliburton Loophole. He also believes gas drilling should be responsibly taxed. When it comes to oil, he supports drilling in areas currently being explored but not expanding it to new areas including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Also that the rights to drill and mine on public lands should not be given away to private, international corporations for pennies on the dollar.

Cummings:
Believes all energy forms should be explored and the nation needs to end its dependence on foreign oil. ‘Drill baby drill’ is a motto she uses often.

NATIONAL DEBT

Cartwright:
Sees a balanced approach to the matter, not just going in with scissors and cutting budgets, departments and agencies. It should be done in stages.

Cummings:
Reining in the overspending and regulations will help solve a lot of the issues. She said repealing the health care law is one way to help. She believes overregulation is hurting business.