League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Orange County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Loretta Sanchez Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 46

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?

As your elected representative, my top priority is rebuilding Orange County's economy and creating more jobs so that people can get back to work. Congress is working effectively to reduce unemployment, currently at its lowest rate in two years. I am committed to continuing this trend, ensuring that our economy is strengthened and that all American's have the opportunity to succeed.

Through tax breaks for small businesses and improvements to our roads and highways, we're getting our economy back on track while bettering our community. For the unemployed, I'm working to ensure unemployment benefits are extended, and health care is accessible.

2. How should the federal budget deficit be addressed, now and into the future? How should budget priorities for defense and domestic programs be adjusted?

As a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition, I have long fought for responsible spending, and I will continue to do so. I believe spending must be curtailed, but these cuts must be smart and targeted. We have to cut unnecessary and wasteful funding, not important investments that are helping to grow our economy and helping the private sector to innovate and create jobs. And we absolutely cannot balance the budget on the backs of our seniors, which is why I am committed to protecting vital programs like Social Security and Medicare.

As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I understand the importance of maintaining a strong military that is prepared to achieve America's ongoing national security goals. But no strategy for deficit reduction can work without a plan to cut waste, fraud and abuse within the Defense Department budget, which comprises one third of our national budget. I recently authored an opinion editorial in Politico, laying out my thoughts on where defense spending can best be cut - http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/50284.html

3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy? Should there be an emphasis on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, and/or on reducing our dependence on foreign sources?

California has been blessed with incredible natural resources, and it is our responsibility to preserve our beaches, bays, and national parks for future generations. The long-term health of our country and our planet depends on the investments we make today, and I am proud to support legislation will help create a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

I believe that investments in solar energy and other green technologies not only contribute positively to our environment, but that these technologies are imperative to improving our nation's current economic situation. Solar energy will provide cost cuts to struggling families by reducing energy bills as well as providing thousands of green energy jobs.

4. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?

I support the Affordable Care Act. While not perfect, it is a step in the right direction and will bring down costs for Orange County families and small businesses, expand coverage to millions of Americans, and end the worst practices of insurance companies. As the law continues to be implemented I will work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure the law is improved so that all Americans can receive quality and affordable health care.

5. What, if any, changes should be made to federal rules on campaign financing?

I am a strong supporter of the DISCLOSE Act, because it would have dramatically increased transparency and accountability in political spending. Corporations and foreign governments should not be allowed to issue a blank check to influence the outcome of our elections. It is completely inconsistent with our democratic principles.

We can't flood our democracy with millions of dollars in political expenditures and then keep people in the dark about who is trying to influence our elections. The end goal of the DISCLOSE Act is to provide more information to the American people so they can make informed decisions- something I think people on both sides of the aisle can agree on.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 21, 2012 12:53
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