Yakima Herald-Republic: 4th District candidate Dan Newhouse: In his own words

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Do you favor any changes to the government's entitlement programs and, if so, what changes?

I do believe if we're going to get serious about balancing our budget we have to look at every aspect of federal spending, and that includes entitlements. There are proposals already introduced in Congress that would strengthen and stabilize Medicare to keep it solvent for future generations, while keeping our promises to current retirees and near-retirees. We're also going to need to act to make sure Social Security is still there for future generations -- politicians have raided the Social Security fund to fund their pet projects for far too long. I'm not going to shy away from tough decisions in Congress, and I'll always look out for Central Washington's seniors.

Should Congress make any changes to the Affordable Care Act? If so, what changes?

Yes. It should be repealed and replaced with a plan that works for patients, doctors and the economy. While I am glad that this conversation has started and Congress is looking at ways to address the need for health care reform, I have heard from all across the district that this plan is not working.

Because of Obamacare, Central Washington residents are dealing with more government bureaucracy, cancelled health plans, higher premiums, Medicare cuts, loss of doctors, and even job losses. It's time for politicians to recognize these facts and get to work on a solution.

I do want to ensure people with pre-existing medical conditions can still receive coverage. There is already legislation introduced in Congress to bring down premiums, provide portability, allow for pre-existing conditions and enact purchasing pools for small business to drive down costs. These are the kinds of solutions I would look to support in Congress.

How would you approach the issue of immigration? Do you support a "path to citizenship" for those here illegally?

Our current immigration and border security policies aren't working. They aren't working to prevent violent drug offenders from crossing our borders. They aren't working for aspiring Americans who are denied legal pathways to add their hard work and talents to building the American dream. And they aren't working for employers seeking temporary foreign workers to fill jobs unfilled by the domestic workforce. It's time to work on reforms to secure our borders, stem the tide of illegal immigration and fix our guest worker program so that our agricultural economy does not suffer from labor shortages.

For undocumented workers already here, we need a long-term solution, not blanket amnesty. I would support a plan to allow undocumented workers with no serious criminal record to apply for legal status, learn English, pay taxes and a penalty then go to the back of the line and have the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

What should the federal government do to complete the cleanup of Hanford?

While I've been to Hanford, spending more time at the site, listening to those on the ground and finding new ways to meet cleanup challenges are among my first priorities.

The federal government must be held accountable for meeting all of its legal Hanford cleanup obligations to our state. While progress has been made, this requires renewed focus on a truly achievable and measurable path forward that meets commitments for all aspects of Hanford cleanup.

Greater transparency from the federal government and more decision-making authority here rather than 3,000 miles away in Washington, D.C., are needed to ensure that cleanup is conducted as safely, efficiently and quickly as possible.

As Hanford's footprint shrinks, the federal government also has a responsibility to help facilitate the local community's plans for the future, whether it's diversifying the economy or enhancing recreational opportunities that benefit our entire region.

How much funding should the federal government commit to the Yakima River Basin Enhancement project, which is estimated to cost $4 billion over 30 years?

I believe that the federal government should be responsible for the lion's share of this project. Water is the lifeblood of Central Washington, not only for our growers, but for our communities and the environment as well. It is necessary for the state, municipalities, irrigators and others who have already indicated a willingness to make an investment as well.

One of my primary duties will be to continue to educate Congress about the vital importance this project has not only to those who live in Washington, but to our entire nation.

What is the most important issue you would tackle as a member of Congress?

Long term: I truly believe that our children's and grandchildren's future prosperity is being jeopardized by out-of-control spending. I consider it one of my paramount duties to fight for a balanced budget amendment. Congress must focus on our lagging economy by encouraging job growth through reducing regulatory burdens and providing a consistent and predictable taxing policy.

Short term: Continue to work on water, immigration and health care issues while protecting life, Second Amendment rights and private property rights.

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