Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Tim Kaine*
www.timkaine.com

The passion that drives me to do this job is striving to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. The committees I've sat on, including Armed Services, Foreign Relations, Budget and HELP, touch on critical policies impacting all Virginians. I believe I am one of the few voices in Congress that can work across party lines and find common ground, when we need to, and stand my ground when we need to as well.

Corey Stewart
www.coreystewart.com

I am running because Virginians need and deserve a U.S. Senator who can work with the Administration to get things done.

What are your three main priorities as a candidate?

Tim Kaine*

I'm focused on access to good paying jobs, education, and healthcare. I've fought against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and we need to continue improving access to affordable quality health care. I introduced legislation that would provide another option for low-cost health insurance and create competition in the marketplace. Finally, career and technical education (CTE) is a passion of mine that I believe can strengthen the links between the classroom and workplace.

Corey Stewart

1. Growing our economy
2. Securing our borders
3. Rebuilding our military

Farmers are struggling to find workers who are willing and able to provide the manual labor required in the agriculture industry. Therefore, farmers have to rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps. What can be done to resolve the critical labor shortage?

Tim Kaine*

In 2013, one of the first major bills that I voted on was an immigration reform bill, which included reforms to our agricultural visa program, which we still need to improve upon to make it easier for farmers to legally hire workers. We need an immigration reform bill that will fix our broken system and provide a pathway to citizenship for established undocumented farm workers that pass a background check.

Corey Stewart

Seasonal labor shortages must be addressed through lawful visa programs – not blanket amnesty for illegals. I advocate streamlining the H-2A visa process, which is currently far too costly and slow-moving to meet the needs of American farmers. With a modernized process, H-2A visa utilization could easily resolve any farm labor shortages, just as the Bracero Program did many years ago.

Many bodies of impaired waters are showing signs of recovery but federal funding is decreasing, and threats of increased requirements continue. What can be done to continue the improvements to water quality without expanding the jurisdictional authority of EPA?

Tim Kaine*

The Farm bill includes provisions that make technical changes to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, doubling funding from $100 to $200 million, providing farmers with the necessary tools to implement conservation practices within the Bay watershed.

We must also pass America’s Water Infrastructure Act, authorizing the EPA to provide grants and loans to state and local governments, public water systems, and other entities to support water infrastructure projects and programs to improve water quality.

Corey Stewart

To successfully focus on its core mission, the EPA’s authority must be limited and defined. I will fight against measures that are written so broadly they would count even man-made ditches as “bodies of water.”

If you are an incumbent, did you vote in favor of the most recent Farm Bill? Why or why not? What were the most important aspects of the most recent Farm Bill that you believe helped Virginia farmers? If you are a challenger, would you have voted or again the Farm Bill? Why or why not?

Tim Kaine*

I voted in support of the bipartisan Senate version because it included:

• Legalization of industrial hemp production to bring new businesses and jobs.
• Full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
• Changes to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, helping to provide farmers with the necessary tools to implement conservation practices.
• Designation of George Washington National Forest as part of the Rough Mountain Wilderness and Rich Hole Wilderness areas, adding them to the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Corey Stewart

I liked the House version’s food stamp work requirements. Conversely, I favored the Senate version’s modest subsidy reforms (ensuring that non-farmers would be ineligible for subsidies). Neither version sought to repeal the 2015 “Clean Water Rule” – a missed opportunity, in my view.

Are trade tariffs an important tool to ensure fair trade? What can be done to help protect agriculture goods from unfair trade practices? With ongoing negotiations, how can agriculture goods be protected from a trade war?

Tim Kaine*

President Trump’s tariffs on our closest allies threaten the livelihood of Virginia farmers by starting a trade war making it harder to export products overseas. Our allies are retaliating by imposing steep tariffs on many Virginia products. I've urged the President to reverse course, making it clear that we are honest brokers. We should be, in some cases, improving existing trade deals pushing for fairer trade and more certainty for our farmers.

Corey Stewart

As an international trade attorney, I understand the value of free trade. Having said that, I commend the President’s hard-nosed approach to trade. We need more reciprocity from our trading partners, as a matter of fairness to U.S. exporters, including farmers. I applaud recent efforts to pry open foreign markets (particularly those of Canada and Mexico) to more U.S. produce.

From precision agriculture to regulatory agencies requiring online filing, the agriculture industry is becoming increasingly reliant on web-based technology. What can be done to make sure that rural Virginians with limited or no access to the internet stay competitive and comply with laws and regulations?

Tim Kaine*

Broadband access must be a part of any discussion regarding infrastructure investments. I urged the President to invest in communications infrastructure and streamline the deployment process in rural areas as part of an infrastructure bill.

I introduced a bill that renames the USDA as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to reflect the focus on rural areas by providing access to critical infrastructure, broadband, telecommunications connectivity, capital, and other essential resources.

Corey Stewart

Diane Katz cautions that relying on subsidies would undermine the competition needed to build out rural broadband in a cost-effective manner. I believe low taxes and minimal regulations are the way to go. Broadband is the infrastructure of today that is necessary for growth, including within the agricultural sector, so I believe there's a limited role for governmental efforts to incentivize building out the “last mile” of broadband to rural areas.

Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Rob Wittman*
www.robwittman.com

I have been honored to serve the First District in Congress, and it would be my privilege to continue advocating and delivering results to farmers and rural communities. I grew up working on my parent's farm in Westmoreland County, the contributions farmers make to Virginia and our nation are deeply ingrained in me and I will do all I can to keep farming as a critical and vibrant part of the First District economy.

Vangie Williams
www.vangieforcongress.com

I want to work for all Americans, not just the well connected.

What are your three main priorities as a candidate?

Rob Wittman*

• To provide for a strong national defense and to keep Americans safe while continuing to improve veteran care.
• Support rural communities with rural broadband expansion, improved infrastructure and accessible healthcare.
• Ensure our nation's economy leads the world and that small businesses are able to thrive by lowering taxes, reducing burdensome regulations, and reforming the education system to provide low debt career and technical education options to prepare students for the jobs of the 21st century.

Vangie Williams

Investing in an economy for all, immigration reform, and rural broadband.

Farmers are struggling to find workers who are willing and able to provide the manual labor required in the agriculture industry. Therefore, farmers have to rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps. What can be done to resolve the critical labor shortage?

Rob Wittman*

Illegal immigration is a serious threat to our national security and additional significant steps must be taken to secure our borders. Any legislation considered by the House must secure our border, enforce the rule of law, and address DACA recipients. However, legal immigration and provisions to ensure temporary and seasonal guest workers are important to business, agriculture and local economies. I would support efforts that strengthen, improve and ensure a workable guest worker program.

Vangie Williams

We need comprehensive immigration reform. We can have secure borders while still having an economy that works for everyone. First, we must account for the currently undocumented immigrants with a pathway to documented and legal residency. This brings millions of hardworking Americans out of the shadows and into gainful employment without fear of deportation. We must also enhance guest worker programs which bring people on a temporary basis.

Many bodies of impaired waters are showing signs of recovery but federal funding is decreasing, and threats of increased requirements continue. What can be done to continue the improvements to water quality without expanding the jurisdictional authority of EPA?

Rob Wittman*

The federal government must continue to meet its funding obligations to ensure continued Chesapeake Bay clean-up progress. I have continued to successfully fight to restore $60 million for Bay restoration funding. Burdensome regulations weigh down families, farmers and business. I oppose efforts to increase the regulatory reach of the EPA by expanding the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act.

Vangie Williams

I believe we need to make government regulations more efficient, giving affected parties clear understanding of what is expected so that they can easily comply and get back to growing our economy. In the case of farming, one plan I have is to create an inter-agency office between the EPA and USDA so that regulations that affect farmers match.

If you are an incumbent, did you vote in favor of the most recent Farm Bill? Why or why not? What were the most important aspects of the most recent Farm Bill that you believe helped Virginia farmers? If you are a challenger, would you have voted or again the Farm Bill? Why or why not?

Rob Wittman*

I was pleased to support the House of Representatives passed Farm Bill which provides much-needed certainty and stability to farmers in the Commonwealth. The agriculture and forestry economy continues to face multiple challenges; this farm bill helps producers better manage risk with crop insurance, promotes food security and a strong farm economy.

Vangie Williams

I am troubled by cuts to SNAP, but I appreciated increased protection for farmers who lose crops to disease and drought. Most importantly, the 2018 Farm Bill supported rural broadband, an issue for which I am passionate. I believe I would have voted in favor of it.

Are trade tariffs an important tool to ensure fair trade? What can be done to help protect agriculture goods from unfair trade practices? With ongoing negotiations, how can agriculture goods be protected from a trade war?

Rob Wittman*

Tariffs and retaliatory trade practices are harmful to farmers and many Virginia businesses and are not helpful in promoting free and fair trade. Trade assistance may offer temporary relief for some farmers but strong new trade agreements that expand access for Virginia farmers and producers around the world is the help the farm economy needs to grow.

Vangie Williams

Zippy Duvall of American Farm Bureau said, "Farmers and ranchers are, by necessity, patient and optimistic. We know markets ebb and flow. But China’s threatened retaliation against last night’s U.S. tariff proposal is testing both the patience and optimism of families who are facing the worst agricultural economy in 16 years...We urge the United States and China to return to negotiations and produce an agreement that serves the interests of the world’s two largest economies.”

From precision agriculture to regulatory agencies requiring online filing, the agriculture industry is becoming increasingly reliant on web-based technology. What can be done to make sure that rural Virginians with limited or no access to the internet stay competitive and comply with laws and regulations?

Rob Wittman*

I have a record of successfully advocating rural broadband expansion, and I was glad to support the House passed Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 that will help bridge the digital divide. This important measure will bring together public and private stakeholder to expand broadband access and increase the ability of farmers to utilize cutting edge technology to increase yields and better protect the environment.

Vangie Williams

I have championed rural broadband since the beginning of my campaign. This gives better connection to Americans who need it the most. I would like to see federal regulation tied to our transportation infrastructure that lays down increased transmission lines all over America and connect all Americans

Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Scott Taylor*
scotttaylor.us

Did not respond to this questionaire

Elaine Luria
elaineforcongress.com

I’m running for Congress because we deserve better than what we see in Washington today. As a Navy commander, my philosophy was simple: “Be Good, Do Good Work.” That’s what most Americans wake up in the morning and try to do– for their family, their career, and the people they care about. But today, too many Americans are working hard and getting less. That’s because politicians in Washington aren’t looking out for them.

What are your three main priorities as a candidate?

Elaine Luria

The core values guiding my campaign and that will guide me in Congress are promoting security, equality, and prosperity. Security extends not only to combating military threats, but also global challenges such as climate change and sea level rise. I will also fight for broad-based prosperity, not only for city residents beset by high housing costs, but also for farmers, crabbers, and fishermen struggling with this Administration’s misguided immigration and trade policies.

Farmers are struggling to find workers who are willing and able to provide the manual labor required in the agriculture industry. Therefore, farmers have to rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps. What can be done to resolve the critical labor shortage?

Elaine Luria

When I talk to farmers, the one issue that comes up over and again is the difficulty of finding employees, especially seasonal employees. In Congress I will fight for immigration policies that keep our borders secure while also welcoming those who wish to contribute to our economies and communities. I will support targeted fixes such as simplifying the H-2A visa program and maintaining or expanding the number of workers who can participate in this program.

Many bodies of impaired waters are showing signs of recovery but federal funding is decreasing, and threats of increased requirements continue. What can be done to continue the improvements to water quality without expanding the jurisdictional authority of EPA?

Elaine Luria

While I am open to exceptions to avoid unduly burdening family farmers, I am opposed to the current Administration’s wholesale scrapping of the Waters of the US rule. I also support federal funding to help farmers comply with environmental protections.

If you are an incumbent, did you vote in favor of the most recent Farm Bill? Why or why not? What were the most important aspects of the most recent Farm Bill that you believe helped Virginia farmers? If you are a challenger, would you have voted or again the Farm Bill? Why or why not?

Elaine Luria

I will fight for a Farm Bill that protects and promotes family farmers and the rural economy and ensures all Americans have food security. I support much of the policy in the current House version of the farm bill, such as changes to the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs to better protect farmers. However, I cannot support restricting SNAP benefits for families in need, or scaling back environmental protections.

Are trade tariffs an important tool to ensure fair trade? What can be done to help protect agriculture goods from unfair trade practices? With ongoing negotiations, how can agriculture goods be protected from a trade war?

Elaine Luria

Tariffs and other trade restrictions, when employed judiciously, can be integral parts of our nation’s trade strategy. However, the current Administrations tariffs were issued recklessly and with no regard to the disastrous effects they would have on our nation’s farmers. Soybean prices, for example, have already taken a 20% plunge in value. While the Administration’s emergency aid for farmers will help, the better approach would be to avoid a trade war in the first place.

From precision agriculture to regulatory agencies requiring online filing, the agriculture industry is becoming increasingly reliant on web-based technology. What can be done to make sure that rural Virginians with limited or no access to the internet stay competitive and comply with laws and regulations?

Elaine Luria

As of 2016, almost 40% of rural communities had no access to broadband. In Congress, I will fight for net neutrality so that consumers will have more options for internet service providers, and so that new rural businesses can afford their web services. For areas that still lack access to the internet, I would support regulatory flexibility to make it easier for those farmers to file by paper.

Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Bobby Scott*
bobbyscottforcongress.com

Did not respond to questionnaire.

Unopposed

Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Donald McEachin*
www.donaldmceachin.com

Congress has a responsibility to tackle difficult, pressing issues in a responsible, pragmatic way. I want to keep fighting for progress, and my experience as a small business owner and a longtime state legislator give me a valuable perspective—since coming to Congress, I have worked in good faith with partners across the aisle—and I have stood firm for the principles Virginians hold dear. I would be honored to continue that work.

Ryan McAdams
www.ryanmcadamsforcongress.com

God has clearly called me and uniquely prepared me to serve the 4th District and the people of the District's diverse needs up in Washington.

What are your three main priorities as a candidate?

Donald McEachin*

While we face many challenges as a nation, and while Congress has a responsibility to address all of those challenges, I am especially focused on creating economic opportunity, security, and jobs; ensuring equal treatment and protecting all Americans’ civil rights; and addressing climate change and other environmental threats.

Ryan McAdams

1. Economic prosperity and opportunity for all - lower taxes, deregulation and workforce training.
2. Veterans Services - timely and quality healthcare, transitional and affordable housing, vocational training.
3. Affordable Housing/HUD Reinvestment - innovative ideas and design for public housing, public-private partnership, vocational training.

Farmers are struggling to find workers who are willing and able to provide the manual labor required in the agriculture industry. Therefore, farmers have to rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps. What can be done to resolve the critical labor shortage?

Donald McEachin*

I support continued use of tools like H-2A visas to ensure that farmers can find the workers they need and the reform of those tools to ensure that they can meet future demand in a way that helps growers and producers without disadvantaging U.S. citizens. I strongly oppose the current administration’s efforts to drastically reduce legal immigration and otherwise cut off other needed sources of labor.

Ryan McAdams

Help increase access to legal immigrant worker policies that are common sense and help bring consistency to labor needs for farmers. Streamline and expand the H2A Program and the rehiring of legal immigrants coming into this country to work. Along with immigration reform we must have a well thought out system where immigrants come legally come into this nation to work.

Many bodies of impaired waters are showing signs of recovery but federal funding is decreasing, and threats of increased requirements continue. What can be done to continue the improvements to water quality without expanding the jurisdictional authority of EPA?

Donald McEachin*

Nothing is more important to public health than reliable access to clean water. In pursuing that goal, regulators at the EPA and elsewhere need to carefully balance the cost and benefit of any new rule.

Virginia has had significant success in using voluntary initiatives to improve water quality. I would support creation of new, more generous federal incentives for voluntarily protection of our water and efforts to offer greater technical assistance and support.

Ryan McAdams

I believe we must ensure property rights of farmers while working toward clean water practices and policies. Without increasing the authority of the EPA, I believe the Federal Government can help educate and provide resources and technical information to farmers - such as to how to effectively and efficiently use nutrients/pesticides, the use of cover crops to build up the soil, etc. The government can also provide incentives to farmers to use organic practices in farming

If you are an incumbent, did you vote in favor of the most recent Farm Bill? Why or why not? What were the most important aspects of the most recent Farm Bill that you believe helped Virginia farmers? If you are a challenger, would you have voted or again the Farm Bill? Why or why not?

Donald McEachin*

I've been present for the crafting of the Farm Bill that Congress will vote on this year. I have repeatedly met with growers and producers from across my district and, based on these meetings, I support most agriculture-related provisions. I hope to be able to support final passage of that bill; I have repeatedly urged conferees to remove partisan language regarding non-agricultural issues that prevented me from supporting the earlier House-passed version.

Ryan McAdams

I would vote for the House Farm Bill - funding crop insurance and making reforms to the SNAP program. I am for getting a Farm Bill completed and passed before it expires on Sept 30.

Are trade tariffs an important tool to ensure fair trade? What can be done to help protect agriculture goods from unfair trade practices? With ongoing negotiations, how can agriculture goods be protected from a trade war?

Donald McEachin*

Tariffs harm everyone involved and should be used only as a tool of last resort, and only then in a tailored and thoughtful way. Close engagement and respectful dialogue should be our first steps in any dispute over international trade.

My preferred outcome, which I will continue to work toward, is to end the conflict that this administration is pursuing, and seek to address legitimate issues using better-crafted and better-targeted forms of pressure

Ryan McAdams

In the long run I believe the Presidents strategy on tariffs will be a win for Americans and farmers. While negotiations continue, I agree with the President in helping farmers with subsidies for losses during trade war.

From precision agriculture to regulatory agencies requiring online filing, the agriculture industry is becoming increasingly reliant on web-based technology. What can be done to make sure that rural Virginians with limited or no access to the internet stay competitive and comply with laws and regulations?

Donald McEachin*

Farmers need Internet as much as any other industry and the government has a responsibility to ensure universal access to high-speed Internet.

I've voted for legislation that seeks to improve connectivity nationwide, and have worked to highlight grant proposals that would use public dollars to expand rural Internet access in my district. I support initiatives like the Connect America Fund and believe the federal

Ryan McAdams

Rural Broadband is a must for farmers and rural citizens in general. I live in rural Charles City and understand the issue personally. I will work to get the needed infrastructure in place to see broadband in place and operational.

Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Leslie Cockburn
www.lesliecockburnforcongress.com

Virginia needs a Congressperson with experience exposing Washington’s wrongdoings. I have 35 years of investigative journalism behind me.

I’ve owned a farm in Rappahannock County. I have fought for land conservation so farms can thrive. I've fought power lines, pipelines, uranium mining, and outside corporations seeking to exploit the 5th district.

I'll take on corporate lobbyists who are trampling environmental laws that protect our children’s health, our air, and our water.

Denver Riggleman
denverforcongress.com/

My military service and background as a small business owner puts me in a unique position to tackle the issues that affect the 5th district in a reasonable and knowledgeable way. The 5th District of Virginia needs a "non-politician" to assist in solutions that enable agricultural and manufacturing success.

What are your three main priorities as a candidate?

Leslie Cockburn

My three main priorities as a candidate are healthcare, jobs, and the environment.

Denver Riggleman

1. Promoting growth in jobs, infrastructure, manufacturing and agriculture.
2. Run on a platform of anti-regulation to help expand the economy.
3. Making permanent institutional and personal tax cuts for continued growth.

Farmers are struggling to find workers who are willing and able to provide the manual labor required in the agriculture industry. Therefore, farmers have to rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps. What can be done to resolve the critical labor shortage?

Leslie Cockburn

We need immigration reform. All agricultural associations in the 5th have this as a top priority. Dairy and poultry farms rely on immigrant labor as does the department of forestry for tree planting. We must also address the opioid epidemic which has hit the fifth hard. Many people find themselves unable to hold onto jobs. By addressing this epidemic, we can increase the availability of labor for the agricultural industry and hold Big Pharma accountable.

Denver Riggleman

By fast-tracking legal immigration and migrant worker policies we can ensure that the agricultural industry has the foreign workers available to staff the gaps. Congress must act to streamline the system while simultaneously enforcing rule of law on illegal immigration.

Many bodies of impaired waters are showing signs of recovery but federal funding is decreasing, and threats of increased requirements continue. What can be done to continue the improvements to water quality without expanding the jurisdictional authority of EPA?

Leslie Cockburn

The first thing that can be done is to define more clearly what is a waterway that can be regulated by the EPA. After their 2015 laws took place, the definition of water became significantly broader, encompassing more than just navigable waters. I support the use of renewable energy including the use of solar farms as a way to provide new jobs while keeping our waterways clear of pollutants and harmful chemicals.

Denver Riggleman

Local authorities need to take more responsibility for the water supply. The EPA regulatory burden is real but providing clean water is essential. I have experiencing with the regulatory burden of this act.

If you are an incumbent, did you vote in favor of the most recent Farm Bill? Why or why not? What were the most important aspects of the most recent Farm Bill that you believe helped Virginia farmers? If you are a challenger, would you have voted or again the Farm Bill? Why or why not?

Leslie Cockburn

I would have opposed the most recent Farm Bill. The Bill does not provide aggressive enough support for America’s farmers and agricultural industry and places partisan interests above the needs of farmers. A strong Farm Bill ensures the continuity of programs such as The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in order to guarantee children have access to healthy foods. It also ensures that funds are allocated to the critical SNAP program.

Denver Riggleman

I would have supported the Farm Bill. It provides strong support to farmers who may be suffering and is good for my district. In congress, I will work to make sure agriculture remains a priority.

Are trade tariffs an important tool to ensure fair trade? What can be done to help protect agriculture goods from unfair trade practices? With ongoing negotiations, how can agriculture goods be protected from a trade war?

Leslie Cockburn

Achieving free and fair trade is crucial for Virginia’s agriculture. Current tariffs are devastating farmers. Dairy, grape, apple, and soybean farmers and breweries are all affected. We need to ensure our timber industry can sell to China. It is important to support trade deals including NAFTA which has promoted agricultural trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico. Trump’s 12-billion-dollar handout is inadequate and won’t make up for the 13-million that his tariffs have cost farmers.

Denver Riggleman

Trade tariffs can be effective based on the length of those tariffs and the goods involved provided fair and free trade is the objective. Negotiating directly with export/import partners is the only way to ensure a legal playing field. Regulatory burdens must be decreased for agriculture to ensure free-market policies allow businesses to be competitive.

From precision agriculture to regulatory agencies requiring online filing, the agriculture industry is becoming increasingly reliant on web-based technology. What can be done to make sure that rural Virginians with limited or no access to the internet stay competitive and comply with laws and regulations?

Leslie Cockburn

Without broadband, rural Virginians are excluded from the modern economy. The broadband issue has a long and checkered history. We need to ensure Virginia is next in line to receive the federal funding that has flowed to other states. Virginia needs to lure companies like Microsoft, that want to be part of a rural broadband renaissance. Microsoft’s data center is already in the district and the company is thus a natural partner for the 5th.

Denver Riggleman

Encourage private business to expand into rural areas through tax incentives, electric cooperatives familiar with the local communities could assist by using existing casements to build broadband infrastructure.

Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Ben Cline
bencline.com

The values and priorities of the Sixth Congressional District have been well represented by Congressman Bob Goodlatte for over 25 years, and with his retirement, it is critical that those values and priorities continue to be represented in Congress with strong and steady leadership. I am confident that with my experience and record, I can provide that leadership for the citizens of the Sixth District.

Jennifer Lewis
jenniferlewisforcongress.com

As a mental health worker who was born and raised on a family farm, I know what it's like for people to struggle in service and agricultural jobs in rural America, and I'm running for Congress to make things better for working people.

What are your three main priorities as a candidate?

Ben Cline

1. Working to sustain the current economic growth that is helping employers create jobs for families across the Sixth District.
2. Working to shrink the federal government bureaucracy and reduce the taxes and regulations that harm families and small businesses across the Sixth District.
3. Working to expand freedom and opportunity for all Americans, especially those who live in the Sixth District.

Jennifer Lewis

I support universal health care so all Americans can live healthy, productive lives, and I want to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour to reward ordinary people who work for a living. We also need to change the broken system in DC, so I have pledged not to take any special interest money for my grassroots campaign.

Farmers are struggling to find workers who are willing and able to provide the manual labor required in the agriculture industry. Therefore, farmers have to rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps. What can be done to resolve the critical labor shortage?

Ben Cline

We must enact a combination of reforms that will help strengthen our borders and reform our legal immigration system, while ensuring that farmers have access to a stable and legal workforce.

Jennifer Lewis

I support immigration reform that recognizes the reality that if we curtail legal immigration and deport all undocumented immigrants, then we will have crops dying on the vines in the heartland. I support a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, and I believe in expanding DACA and DAPA to further help parents of Dreamers, parents of legal residents, and families of citizens so they can find work here productively and legally.

Many bodies of impaired waters are showing signs of recovery but federal funding is decreasing, and threats of increased requirements continue. What can be done to continue the improvements to water quality without expanding the jurisdictional authority of EPA?

Ben Cline

The WOTUS rule from 2015 is excessively intrusive and expands federal jurisdiction beyond what is constitutional, imposing unreasonable requirements on agriculture producers. It should be repealed.

Jennifer Lewis

We've found success in cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay and local aquifers by providing farmers and landowners funding to ensure that they can meet government mandates. I would like to continue to protect our common wealth by working with industry and stakeholders so that our public waters, lands, and forests can continue to promote a healthy economy and citizenry.

If you are an incumbent, did you vote in favor of the most recent Farm Bill? Why or why not? What were the most important aspects of the most recent Farm Bill that you believe helped Virginia farmers? If you are a challenger, would you have voted or again the Farm Bill? Why or why not?

Ben Cline

The Farm Bill is critical to assisting farmers with agricultural markets and helping them compete with heavily subsidized commodities produced in other countries. It also helps farmers and ranchers survive natural disasters without having to come back to Congress for emergency legislation. While I am still reviewing the specifics of the most recent Farm Bills passed by the House and Senate, I'm hopeful a conference report can be successfully adopted in the near future.

Jennifer Lewis

The Farm Bill is must-pass legislation, and I would vote for it. However, I will fight against decoupling the urban-rural compromise linking nutrition to commodity insurance, and would fight against cuts to programs in our district. In the pending Farm Bill, Congress should promote stability in agricultural markets by 1) removing the unconstitutional "Protect Interstate Commerce Act" from the House version of the bill and 2) protecting farmers from ill-conceived trade wars.

Are trade tariffs an important tool to ensure fair trade? What can be done to help protect agriculture goods from unfair trade practices? With ongoing negotiations, how can agriculture goods be protected from a trade war?

Ben Cline

Farmers across the Sixth District support the goal of lowering global trade barriers, creating a more level playing field for the U.S. and its products, and thereby reducing our overall trade deficit. However, we must ensure that these ongoing trade negotiations protect our farmers and our agriculture exports, an area where the U.S. already has a trade surplus.

Jennifer Lewis

Farmers have become the innocent victims in a global chess game with few good solutions. If the Executive continues on its current path, then Congress must step in to provide price supports and government market procurement. The ideal vehicle for this the current Farm Bill, which should pass before the midterms. Ultimately, when other nations retaliate for American actions, we must negotiate in a way that protects American jobs.

From precision agriculture to regulatory agencies requiring online filing, the agriculture industry is becoming increasingly reliant on web-based technology. What can be done to make sure that rural Virginians with limited or no access to the internet stay competitive and comply with laws and regulations?

Ben Cline

Farmers across the Sixth District are using the Internet to make their businesses more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly. I support policies that will encourage the rollout and distribution of high-speed broadband to more rural areas that can be utilized by farmers to improve their operations and remain competitive in a global economy.

Jennifer Lewis

I strongly support rural broadband, and the federal government has a role to play in providing access to the internet, which has become a basic utility. I would extend broadband to local, high-use community centers (hospitals, schools, libraries), and then incentivize local companies to provide access to local residents. For residents unable to access the internet, agricultural extension, post, and other vital government offices must remain accessible for phone, mail, and in-person visits.

Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Dave Brat*
www.davebrat.com

Our economy is growing, wages are up, and Virginians are keeping more of their hard-earned money. Yet, we still have a fiscally irresponsible Congress, mortgaging our children’s futures to pay for programs we simply can’t afford. Then, there are the problems that hit our communities directly, like the opioid crisis ravaging our towns and the trafficking of young women across state lines. We need to do better, and that’s why I’m running.

Abigail Spanberger
abigailspanberger.com/

My background is one of service, and partisan politics driven by ideology do not serve the American people. We need members of Congress who are listening and engaging with their constituents to understand and address the needs of their districts. I am running to continue serving my community, engage with my fellow Virginians, and become their voice in Washington looking for pragmatic solutions to everyday issues.

What are your three main priorities as a candidate?

Dave Brat*

• Fixing our broken immigration system and securing the border
• The economy and a balanced budget
• Healthcare

Abigail Spanberger

• Accessibility to and staying connected with the people of Virginia’s 7th district.
• Finding sensible, pragmatic solutions to the everyday issues facing Virginians.
• Ensuring a government that is accountable to the people and lives up to the values of our founding.

Farmers are struggling to find workers who are willing and able to provide the manual labor required in the agriculture industry. Therefore, farmers have to rely on foreign workers to fill these gaps. What can be done to resolve the critical labor shortage?

Dave Brat*

Everywhere across the 7th District, I hear that the labor shortage is a serious issue requiring action. As the Chairman of the Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access, I held a hearing to discuss this issue where businesses offered insights into what our public policy should be.

Earlier this year Rep. Donald Norcross and I introduced the Jobs Plus Recovery Act, which incorporates job training into drug addiction recovery programs.

Abigail Spanberger

American farms depend on the work of temporary immigrant laborers. In 2017, more than 160,000 H-2A visas were issued for temporary agricultural workers. However, these visas provide less than 4 percent of the workers needed to harvest crops and maintain farmland. To address critical labor shortages, Congress must pass a comprehensive immigration solution that prioritizes security, yet allows enough workers into the country to fill the positions required to support our businesses and agriculture producers.

Many bodies of impaired waters are showing signs of recovery but federal funding is decreasing, and threats of increased requirements continue. What can be done to continue the improvements to water quality without expanding the jurisdictional authority of EPA?

Dave Brat*

I’m a member of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus and support federal funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Earlier this year I introduced the Clean the Bay Resolution, which commemorated the 30th annual Clean the Bay Day, where Virginians come together to support clean water. The House passed the next Water Resources Development Act and Congress is working on finalizing the bill so we can send it to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

Abigail Spanberger

The government must make the investments to ensure our water bodies and systems are adequate and safe for commercial, agricultural, and recreational uses. We must educate communities about the importance of water conservation. The EPA and state regulators play an important role in ensuring safe water quality and holding bad actors accountable, however, rules and regulations should be tailored to community needs and costs should be appropriately matched to the benefits they provide.

If you are an incumbent, did you vote in favor of the most recent Farm Bill? Why or why not? What were the most important aspects of the most recent Farm Bill that you believe helped Virginia farmers? If you are a challenger, would you have voted or again the Farm Bill? Why or why not?

Dave Brat*

Weather and disease threaten crops and animals, and it’s in the interest of all to make sure our food supply is secure. After the House resolved the controversy surrounding the immigration bill, I voted yes on the recent Farm Bill. In addition to providing certainty to our agriculture producers and protection from commodity price fluctuations, I was pleased this bill addressed SNAP reforms and committed to helping able-bodied adults without kids escape poverty.

Abigail Spanberger

This reauthorization of the Farm Bill must be completed on a bipartisan basis taking a pragmatic approach to the issues facing our agriculture communities. The House of Representatives Farm Bill was a failure. The House bill was drawn up on a partisan basis as a statement of messaging, but the Senate came together and passed a bipartisan bill. I would not have voted for the House bill, but would support the bipartisan Senate bill.

Are trade tariffs an important tool to ensure fair trade? What can be done to help protect agriculture goods from unfair trade practices? With ongoing negotiations, how can agriculture goods be protected from a trade war?

Dave Brat*

Shortly after the announcement of the tariffs on steel and aluminum, I joined 106 of my colleagues in signing a letter requesting targeted penalties for bad actors. The letter stated that because tariffs make U.S. businesses less competitive and consumers poorer, any tariffs imposed should be designed to address specific distortions caused by unfair trade practices while minimizing negative consequences on Americans. This more targeted approach would protect workers from many industries from unfair competition.

Abigail Spanberger

Trade agreements such as NAFTA have been beneficial for our agriculture industries, however, the current Administration is putting our nation's farmers at risk of losing long term market share abroad. Issues like intellectual property theft need to be addressed, but not on the backs of hardworking agriculture producers. Congress should look at improving export promotion programs to help farmers identify other export markets to expand the reach of their goods abroad.

From precision agriculture to regulatory agencies requiring online filing, the agriculture industry is becoming increasingly reliant on web-based technology. What can be done to make sure that rural Virginians with limited or no access to the internet stay competitive and comply with laws and regulations?

Dave Brat*

I hosted FCC Commissioner Michael O’Reilly for a town hall on rural broadband, I heard from a panel of experts on the current regulatory and operational environment limiting the ability of small telecommunications carriers to bridge the rural digital divide, I worked with Orange County to resolve an FCC grant issuer, I plan to coordinate a roundtable discussion with stakeholders to identify how we can work together to improve our rural broadband infrastructure.

Abigail Spanberger

Congress and the Administration must prioritize the deployment of broadband speed internet across rural America. The reality is that in many rural areas, there are not the economies of scale necessary to incentivize private companies to invest the infrastructure needed to deploy broadband in these areas. It will take a cash infusion from the federal government through grants and guaranteed loans to build out this infrastructure.

Please tell us briefly why you are seeking this position.

Don Beyer*
friendsofdonbeyer.com