Cartwright of Bresnahan to represent Monroe in Congress – Times News Online

Tuesday’s general election will feature two candidates seeking to represent the 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Incumbent Matt Cartwright, a Democrat, will be challenged by Rob Bresnahan, a Republican.

District 8 includes all of Wayne, Pike and Lackawanna counties, along with parts of Luzerne and Monroe counties.

The Times News asked each candidate the same set of questions. Their answers are printed below.

Matt Cartwright

Party: Democrat

Place of residence: Moosic

Background: Matt Cartwright has stood up for working people throughout his career, first as a trial attorney and now as a congressman in Pennsylvania’s 8th District. Since taking office in 2013, he has introduced more bills with support from Democrats and Republicans than any other Democrat in the House of Representatives since he was first elected. In doing so, he funds state and local law enforcement, prosecutes violence against women and benefits for seniors on Medicare.

1. What is the biggest problem facing your district and how do you plan to address it?

People in this district are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of necessities like groceries and gas, while major corporations are making record profits. I lead the fight against the greedy special interests who make a fortune off the backs of working people. I voted to allow the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on oil companies that gouge consumers, and I helped pass legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors. But Pennsylvanians need relief now. That’s why I support eliminating junk fees, lowering taxes for working people and asking the wealthy to pay their fair share.

2. How would you address the economic challenges the District currently faces, including job growth, inflation and small business support?

Bad trade deals and greedy corporations have shipped high-paying manufacturing jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania to countries like China. In Congress, I’m working to rebuild our manufacturing industries and strengthen our supply chains to bring back jobs and keep costs down. I was proud to help pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Now I support the MADE in America Act to boost domestic production of drugs and other medical supplies so we can create jobs here and make the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain less dependent on China and other foreign adversaries.

3. What is the greatest threat to national security and how can Congress address it?

The current situation at our border is unacceptable and the greatest threat to our national security. In Congress, I have opposed my own party’s passage of more than $1 billion in funding for the border wall, and voted against sanctuary cities and deporting immigrants who commit crimes. But that’s not enough. Both sides must work together to pass border security and fix our broken immigration system. That’s why I supported Senator Lankford’s bipartisan border agreement to reform the asylum process, fund more border agents, and combat drug trafficking.

4. How would you address rising health care costs and ensure access to quality, affordable health care for all residents of the district?

I was proud to stand up to Big Pharma and pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which lowered healthcare costs for our seniors by finally allowing Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies, limiting insulin to $35 per month for seniors and limit out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D recipients. Now I’m working to lower health care costs for others. I have co-sponsored bills to limit the cost of insulin for all and strengthen our medical supply chain. I also support codifying the Roe decision to restore women’s reproductive health care rights and get politicians out of the doctor’s office.

5. How can your district’s voters most benefit from electing you in November?

This November, voters face an important choice about who can best address costs, protect their rights, and secure our border. I have been ranked as one of the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress and have a proven track record in this area. I’ve helped pass legislation to lower drug costs, deploy more border agents, and bring manufacturing jobs home. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare, the only candidate who will fight for reproductive rights, and the only candidate who will take on the rich and powerful.

Rob Bresnahan

Party: Republican

Residence: Dallas Township

Background: Rob Bresnahan learned business by sweeping floors, wiring junction boxes, driving trucks and operating heavy equipment for his grandfather Walt Kuharchik, an Exeter electrical contractor. He took over as CEO and then founded RPB Ventures to rehabilitate historic buildings in downtown Pittston. An accomplished businessman, former chairman of the Joint Apprentice Training Committee and trustee for the Health Wellness and Annuity for IBEW 163, he is committed to meeting challenges and solving problems.

1. What is the biggest problem facing your district and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest problem facing Northeastern Pennsylvania is illegal immigration, which impacts local resources and public safety. Our open border has allowed violent criminals and drug traffickers into our communities, straining local law enforcement and resources. I will work to secure our border by ending catch-and-release policies, expanding the Border Patrol, and prohibiting taxpayers from moving illegal immigrants into communities like we saw in Scranton. My opponent, Congressman Cartwright, has voted against President Trump’s border wall seven times. I am committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our district by restoring law and order at the border.

2. How would you address the economic challenges the District currently faces, including job growth, inflation and small business support?

Our district needs relief from rising costs and stagnant job growth. I will fight to reduce inflation by reducing wasteful spending and cutting red tape that burdens small businesses. I support a comprehensive energy strategy to lower energy costs and create jobs in critical industries like natural gas. I will work to bring back manufacturing jobs and prioritize infrastructure projects here at home. Congressman Cartwright’s support of inflationary policies has hurt our economy. I will put Northeastern Pennsylvanians first by promoting job growth and supporting small businesses.

3. What is the greatest threat to national security and how can Congress address it?

The greatest threat to our national security is the border crisis, which has brought millions of undocumented immigrants and dangerous criminals into the country. Congress must secure the border by resuming wall construction, increasing the number of Border Patrol agents, and implementing technology to secure both our southern and northern borders. I fully support the Secure the Border Act to address these issues, but unfortunately my opponent, Congressman Cartwright, opposed this solution. By securing the border, we can protect our communities from criminal activity and ensure a safer America.

5. How can your district’s voters most benefit from electing you in November?

I believe the most important way I can benefit the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania is by putting our community above party loyalty. My opponent, Congressman Cartwright, has voted with the Biden-Harris administration almost 100% of the time. If I get elected, it won’t matter whether there is an “R” or a “D” next to my name; the only letters that matter are NEPA. I will work tirelessly to put our community first, focusing on policies that strengthen our economy, reduce crime and protect our values.

RobBresnahan

Matt Cartwright