Joe Neguse in 2018 League of Women Voters

On Energy & Oil: Climate change is the existential crisis of our time

Joe Neguse: As virtually all scientists agree, I strongly believe that climate change is caused by human activity and directly influenced by our carbon and other emissions. It is incumbent upon us to combat climate change as it is the existential crisis of our time, and I'm proud to have the support of organizations & individuals committed to that cause, including the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, and former President Barack Obama. I believe we should have stronger federal emissions standards, a federal carbon tax, and an end to the massive subsidies currently provided in our tax code to oil and gas companies who contribute so greatly to climate change. The 2nd District is also fortunate to have many incredible federal climate research labs in our district, and I will work to preserve and expand the funding for their work, as well as the development and advancement of renewable energy sources.

On Free Trade: Trade wars punish U.S. exporters & trickle down to consumers

Joe Neguse: I disagree with President Trump's current trade policies, including his planned USMCA and its proposed changes to NAFTA, and the administration's levying of various tariffs. Many of President Trump's policies isolate and punish American export industries, which ultimately trickles down to American workers and consumers. Starting endless trade wars is not going to aid these workers, and will instead lead to ceaseless acts of retribution between our nations. One of Colorado's largest industries is agriculture and the Trump administration's trade policies--and the ensuing retaliatory tariffs--negatively affect this essential economic industry in our state. Should I be fortunate enough to represent this district in Congress, I will work to protect, not punish Colorado's workers, and will fight for fair trade that prioritizes workers' rights and environmental protections.

On Government Reform: Ensure every voter's voice, despite Russian interference

Joe Neguse: We face many national security threats, but one threat I am particularly concerned about is Russian interference in our elections. As the co-founder of our state's largest youth voter non-profit organization, I have spent much of my career working to ensure that every voter has a voice in our elections, as is essential to a thriving democracy. Russian's attempted interference into and influence of our election process and systems threatens the foundation of our democracy--fair and free elections. As a member of Congress, I will fight against this interference by supporting continued sanctions against Russia, working with the US intelligence community to further guard against such interference in the future, and supporting the integrity of each states' voting system through increased funding for system advancement and security.

On Health Care: Fix ObamaCare, then champion Medicare-for-All

A: Time and time again in communities across Congressional District 2, folks tell me about their concerns and great needs when it comes to healthcare. Some communities in our district are paying the highest premiums in the country for insurance plans with such unaffordable copays and deductibles they do not actually have access to care. We need to reform the Affordable Care Act to fix immediate problems for families across this country and, ultimately, we need to enact universal health care that ensures no person is left behind because they cannot afford to visit a doctor. That is why, if elected, I will champion a Medicare-for-All healthcare system in Congress.

On Immigration: Clean DREAM Act, then comprehensive reform

Joe Neguse: As the son of refuges from a war-torn country in East Africa, immigration is very close to my heart--as a CU Regent for the 2nd District, I fought for undocumented students, and if elected, championing a humane immigration system will be an important focus of mine. My family has been incredibly fortunate to live the American Dream, but the ability of folks to do the same today is under severe threat because of the xenophobic actions of this administration. If I am elected to Congress, I will work tirelessly to cease the separation of children and their families at our southern border, pass a clean Dream Act that protects those who know no other country as home but ours, and champion comprehensive immigration reform that welcomes those seeking asylum.