Ahead of the March primary, The Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Lou Correa
Current Job Title: U.S. Representative
Political Party Affiliation: Democrat
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: State Assemblymember, state senator, Orange County Board of Supervisors
City where you reside: Santa Ana
Campaign website or social media: Website: www.loucorrea.com; Social: @voteloucorrea
How much assistance should the U.S. provide — military and/or financial — to foreign countries at war, like Israel or Ukraine? What, if any, should be the litmus test for American allies to receive assistance from the U.S.?
The two World Wars of the past century taught us that “isolationism” will not keep us safe. As President Ronald Regan used to say, “America is a shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere.” Today, this saying still rings true. Our policy of defending democracy around the world must continue. The U.S. assistance, funded by American taxpayers, must be properly accounted for and be subject to scrutiny, and our public policy and objectives must be clear. We must not engage in “20-year wars” like Afghanistan.
Border security continues to be a concern for many Americans. What is one proposal, that you believe could get bipartisan support, to address the border?
I remember 9/11 very clearly. And as a Homeland Security Committee member, I will never forget. We must always be ready to defend our nation. Border security, as a part of our homeland security, must be a top priority for our nation. As a policymaker, it’s clear to me that homeland security, immigration policy and refugee challenges are different issues that are usually mixed into one discussion. For the economic refugee crisis, one immediate solution is lifting tariffs on garments and foods grown in Central America thus creating jobs in their respective home countries immediately. Another is collaboration. Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and others are also struggling with refugees. We are already working with our neighbors. We need to do more.
Long term, invest in economic growth and economic management in the Americas. Our Marshall Plan did this for Europe after World War II. It’s not about being benevolent; it’s about our national interest.
As AI technology continues to rapidly expand, what do you see as the federal government’s role in creating and enforcing a regulatory framework?
The inventions of the semiconductor and the internet profoundly changed our world and how we live. Today, AI is that kind of catalyst reshaping how we live and how we work. AI promises much and has the potential for great misuse. The federal government must get ahead of the curve and provide “legal guard rails” to ensure that AI develops for the benefit of all on Main Street and not further erode our civil rights and privacy. We must also ensure that American entrepreneurship and innovation continue to flourish under AI and that the benefits of AI flow to all, creating jobs and prosperity for all Americans.
The role — and size — of the U.S. Supreme Court has come under scrutiny in recent years. Do you believe more justices should be added to the nation’s highest court, or would you support any kind of reform, like term limits?
The Supreme Court is the highest law of the land. Like the legislative branch, public confidence is key to the U.S. Supreme Court’s function in our nation. Any semblance of conflicting interests or self-dealing cannot be tolerated. The justices of the Supreme Court are public officials and should be subject to an enforceable code of ethics that prohibits unreasonable gifts and provides for full disclosure and transparency of justices’ financial interests.
What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?
As of Jan. 1, 2024, California has banned the sale of gasoline lawnmowers. Most of the gardeners who cut our lawns live paycheck to paycheck and will unlikely be able to make the expensive “transition” to all-electric. I have introduced legislation to give a 40% tax credit to small entities purchasing electric lawnmowers. As we address climate policy, let’s not forget our hard-working men and women on Main Street.
The George Santos saga made for numerous memes and “SNL” skits. But what is one thing Congress should take away from the former congressman’s expulsion from the House?
The bipartisan Congressional Ethics Committee did its job of fully investigating George Santos and unanimously recommended his expulsion. As members of Congress, we are held to higher standards. Public trust is key to our job. Those of us who violate our oath of office and the public’s trust will not be members of Congress.
2023 was a year for labor in California. What is one policy you’d champion to support workers, if elected?
Fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
If you are an incumbent, tell us the most significant accomplishment of your most recent term. If you’re a newcomer, tell us how you, as a freshman, would stand out.
I have worked on veterans issues for most of my elected career — local, state and federal. At the federal level, we succeeded in adding an amendment (with Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Michigan) to federal spending legislation. This will push the Veterans Administration to study the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for veterans returning home with invisible wounds, such as PTSD. This therapy promises to be the first major breakthrough treatment since the 1960s.
Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.
Fighting for Main Street.
What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?
Coffee (black, no sugar) and red apples.
