WPSR 2018 Congressional Candidate Survey

This survey on climate and national security issues was sent to all Congressional candidates, Districts 1-10. 

The purpose of this survey is not to promote nor harm any candidate and is strictly non-partisan. WPSR does not endorse or oppose any candidates for public office. 

The results of this survey are published verbatim and will be continuously updated as we receive additional responses. 

1. What is your view on the "No Unconstitutional Strike Against North Korea Act"? This act would prohibit the introduction of the U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities in North Korea without a declaration of war from Congress or explicit statutory authorization.

Adam Pilskog, District 1: I support Congressional declaration of war as a requirement to engage in direct action with a foreign nation. The President should not have the authority to unilaterally make these decisions. Checks and balances are in the Constitution for a reason.

Brian Luke, District 2: The United States should not attack North Korea without congressional approval unless attacked first. Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution states that "Congress shall have Power To . . . declare War . . . ." Ultimately, an act like this act should not be necessary because of the constitutional role of Congress. The Korean War was unconstitutional when began. If the description is accurate, I would support this act even though it should not have to be passed in the first place.

Collin Richard Carlson, District 2: I support that Act, I am for completely disarming our nuclear arsenal.

Gary Franco, District 2: Unconstitutional!

Stonewall Jackson Bird (Stoney) District 2: Very good idea.

David McDevitt, District 3: I agree

Jered Gavin Bonneau, District 5: Congress has soul authority to vote on a declaration of war, however if North Korea were to preemptively strike the United States or attack our soldiers the President has the authority to act in defense by striking back. Should North Korea make credible threats, and posture to act upon those threats made against us, I think the President and his cabinet, specifically Gen. Mattis would have sufficient enough information on whether or not a strike is necessary to protect our country and our soldiers.

Tyler Vega, District 6: Strongly Support

Pramila Jayapal, District 7: I am a proud co-sponsor of the No Unconstitutional Strike Against North Korea Act, which enshrines a critical check and balance on executive powers and the ability to launch a war. We should do everything possible to avoid actions that would escalate to greater conflict with North Korea.

Richard Travis Reyes, District 8: I agree however, Article 1 Section 8 of the US Constitution already states that ONLY Congress has the power to declare war. So this act is redunate. What we need are senators and congressmen/women who actually hold up their oath to support and defend the US Constitution and stop looking the other way no matter who is president.

Adam Smith, District 9:  I am in favor of tempering the likelihood of hostilities between the United States and North Korea. My concerns with the potentially disastrous outcomes of increased tensions between the United States and North Korea led me to introduce H.R. 4415, which seeks to establish the policy of the United States to not use nuclear weapons first. We must ensure that the United States is not a hostile nuclear aggressor.

Sarah Smith, District 9: I intend to co-sponsor it as soon as I am elected. I also believe no one person should have the power to declare war. The constitution explicitly states that the right to declare war stays with Congress.

Joseph Brumbles, District 10:  There should be no acts of war without congressional approval. With the exception of defending ourselves from an immediate attack.

Tamborine Borrelli, District 10: I support Tulsi Gabbard in HR922 to put all acts of war back in Congressional hands. The last time Congress authorized war was 1941. We've been fighting abroad for central banking. Ron Paul said: "It is of no coincidence that the century of total war is the century of central banking ". It is also of no coincidence that North Korea has made concessions toward oil lines in the newly found peace. Rumsfeld started the North Korea's nuclear program with the likely end-game of war. The necessity of war to defend the Petro-Dollar starts with our economy which needs to be backed by real value. Congress also needs to regain its constitutional right to maintain currency value which was given away to the private banks called The Federal Reserve. Since inception of The Fed our currency has been devalued 98%.

2. What are your views on President Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the 2014 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ("the Iran Deal")?

Adam Pilskog, District 1: I oppose most things that Trump has done since taking office, and although I do understand where he's coming from, his blatant disregard for tact and diplomacy is dangerous to our nation's security and future. I admire his perspective in preventing Iran from advancing their nuclear weapons technologies, but all indications show that the original deal from 2015 are successful at achieving the goal of prevention. Withdrawing from the deal creates more animus and tension with an already hostile nation.

Brian Luke, District 2: I did not agree with his decision to do so. Ultimately, I believe that the Iran nuclear deal has been a net positive for the United States. The deal greatly curtailed Iran’s nuclear activities and stockpile of fissile (nuclear) material. For this reason alone, I consider this to be a huge benefit to the United States and to the other countries in the region, which might pursue nuclear weapons themselves if Iran’s nuclear activities would continue. Although the agreement may not have been perfect, the United States should not have withdrawn.

Collin Richard Carlson, District 2: The Iran Deal took a lot of time and diplomacy to make happen, for Trump to just blindly jump in and pull us from the treaty was a MASSIVE step in the wrong direction. The message it sent to Iran was that the USA can no longer be trusted to uphold any treaty attempt.

Gary Franco, District 2: I disagree with our President.

Stonewall Jackson Bird (Stoney) District 2: Very poor idea.

David McDevitt, District 3: I will always prefer diplomacy. This decision was detrimental for our country.

Jered Gavin Bonneau, District 5: I support our President in this decision. Obama should have never brokered this deal, it was a massive mistake.

Tyler Vega, District 6: I think it's Insanity

Pramila Jayapal, District 7: The decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Iran Deal was as dangerous as it was short-sighted. Not only does it bring us perilously closer to war with Iran, by reneging on our agreement, we have put into question any reason another country would want to make a agreement with us.

Richard Travis Reyes, District 8: We must pursue peace over war, however, the Iran Deal was struck by President Obama and once again like the declaration of war...illegal. It belongs to congress and congress only to make treaty's or "deals" with foreign governments. Per Article 1, Section 8.

Adam Smith, District 9: I am extremely disheartened with President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the 2014 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This decision makes the United States, and the rest of the world, less safe, and contributes to worldwide instability. Unfortunately, through the President’s withdraw of the JCPOA, we have gone back on an important multilateral commitment, given Iran an increased reason to resume their efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, all while further isolating our country from our allies.

Sarah Smith, District 9: It was a terrible idea to withdraw from the Iran Deal. We have once again proven that our word counts for nothing. It discourages diplomacy with the U.S.

Joseph Brumbles, District 10:  I believe it was the best thing for America. Unfortunately it was a bad deal in the first place. 

Tamborine Borrelli, District 10: Iran is legitimately thinking about nuclear defense now that war seems inevitable. Iran is not only being sanctioned but America has threatened anyone doing business with Iran. Starving out Iran after breaking promises is in line with our dealings with Syria and North Korea: to put central banking in the last holdouts with independent currency. We are assuring war with Iran. We need to fix the economy and start waging peace.

Adam Pilskog, District 1: Unilateral authority to launch nuclear weapons is a dangerous position to put anyone in regardless of their disposition, political beliefs, composure, or qualifications. Congressional authority must be achieved to make a decision of such dire ramifications. I support HR. 669.

Brian Luke, District 2: I think that this act would be unconstitutional. The Congress has power to declare war but it does not have the power to tell the President how to fight a war. Under Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution, the President is the "Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States . . . ."

Collin Richard Carlson, District 2: I support this bill because I simply don't believe 1 man should ever have the capacity to bomb any country he deems is an enemy.

Gary Franco, District 2: These matters are clearly, the duty of the Congress. It is exsecutive overreach!

Stonewall Jackson Bird (Stoney) District 2: Good bill. The President's authority to launch nuclear weapons should be subject to the Constitutional limitation.

David McDevitt, District 3: I agree; The President should be restricted.

Jered Gavin Bonneau, District 5: If the use of nuclear weapons was ever needed to immediately defend our country and our citizens, waiting on an approval vote from Congress would prove to be devastating and could cost millions of citizens their lives.

Tyler Vega, District 6: The whole situation is ridiculous to the degree of resembling fiction. The role of presdient is not designed to be anything of this nature. The fact that he (and especially him specifically) has that power is a brutal attestation to how bad things have gotten.

Pramila Jayapal, District 7: I have been a consistent outspoken advocate for reducing our spending on nuclear weapons and the number of such weapons in the U.S. stockpile, including co-sponsoring the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act (HR 669).

Richard Travis Reyes, District 8: Nuclear weapons should never be a first strike option. All wars must be approved by Congress. The president should only respond in a defensive position!

Adam Smith, District 9: I support establishing a policy of no first use and am very concerned with President Trump’s ability to independently launch nuclear weapons. For these reasons, I have introduced H.R. 4415, which seeks to establish the policy of the United States to not use nuclear weapons first. The United States must serve as a measured international leader on issues of nuclear weapons policy.

Sarah Smith, District 9: I am against using nuclear weapons at all. It is mutually-assured self destruction.

Joseph Brumbles, District 10:  I believe that it should be at the discretion of the president. Unfortunately this is a necessary exception. Getting congressional approval, can put us in danger, in certain time sensitive situations. That being said when it comes to nuclear weapons , we do not want to be hit first.

Tamborine Borrelli, District 10: Absolutely I support HR 699

Adam Pilskog, District 1: I am cynical as it seems to be a very ambitious treaty, and I don't believe we should ever sign a treaty that we aren't capable or don't have the intention of supporting. That said, I would love a comprehensive global de-nuclearization plan. There are numerous issues associated with this idea, and we could incentivize participation in this plan, but since all of the nuclear countries didn't sign it, the idea seems moot.

Brian Luke, District 2: In the current state of nuclear weapon state s, this treaty should be rejected. It is not supported by nuclear weapon states. Nuclear weapon states should move toward disarmament treaties amongst themselves and try to get nuclear weapon states that are not members of the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty to be nuclear weapon state members to that treaty. Non-nuclear weapon states should pursue Nuclear Weapon Free Zone treaties.

Collin Richard Carlson, District 2: I think this treaty shows how mature other countries are about the dangers of nuclear weapons. America has, for a long time now, refused to ratify this treaty and it shows our immaturity in a very serious matter. We should ratify and disarm.

Gary Franco, District 2: Yes, ratify!

Stonewall Jackson Bird (Stoney) District 2: The U.S. should ratify it.

David McDevitt, District 3: I believe we should ratify the treaty.

Jered Gavin Bonneau, District 5: The United Nations is corrupt and destructive to our means as a free republic. The U.S. should withdraw conpletely from the U.N. and remove the U.N. from American soil. Furthermore, no treaty has authority or power over our Constitution, period.

Tyler Vega, District 6: Yes we should.

Pramila Jayapal, District 7: I believe that the United States should continue the path to nuclear disarmament.

Richard Travis Reyes, District 8: As stated above, I would agree but we need 100% world ratification. With UN oversight (a third party) To ensure that all nations comply.

Adam Smith, District 9: The world would be much safer with fewer nuclear weapons, and I believe that this treaty is an excellent first step. We must seek to prohibit unstable countries like Iran and North Korea from gaining further access to nuclear weapons, while also tempering our own President’s belligerent and threatening language. The United States should move towards reducing our own nuclear weapons supply, as our allies and adversaries must do the same.

Sarah Smith, District 9: Yes. In fact, in the forum put together by League of Women Voters I was the only candidate on the stage to say that the US should ratify it.

Joseph Brumbles, District 10:  I am not a big supporter of nuclear weapons. However to prohibit them completely, unfortunately will not happen overnight. I support the deduction of nuclear weapons, as long as the United States is not at risk because of it. 

Tamborine Borrelli, District 10: World annihilation serves no one. We need to de-escalte nuclear armament and reconsider the concept of armament. Turkey having been given more nuclear power than anyone in NATO Europe is a perfect example. Turkey has shot down Russian aircraft begging for World War. We also need to honor agreements from the eighties and stop war gaming on all the Russian borders. Their involvement in Syria and Crimea are a direct result of starting to pushback after time and time again we've expanded NATO bases around Russia.

Adam Pilskog, District 1: We need stronger regulations to protect the environment and combat climate change. Pursuing clean, renewable energy sources and protections of endangered and indicator species by reducing our industrial impact and dependency on fossil fuels is inevitable. We need to invest in this pathway now.

Brian Luke, District 2: I am not in favor of government action on this issue. But I believe that those individuals concerned about climate issues should embrace new technological advances.

Collin Richard Carlson, District 2: I plan on creating the Department of Earth which is a Federal program aimed to do the job of "Super Fund" sites. Some of the funds will come from an aggressive carbon tax to force corporations to pay for the damage they are dealing. I also want to restructure our agricultural industry and break up the big farms in place of small, local, eco-friendly cooperative farming. There are many things we can do with $4 trillion dollars and I plan to use every cent to reverse the damage we have done to our planet.

Gary Franco, District 2: All interests groups sit a the table of compromise to protect our invirement for the long range future and provide good paying jobs.

Stonewall Jackson Bird (Stoney) District 2: Our accounting system needs to be revised to include costs to nature - in a currency acceptable to nature - and social costs. Both are presently ignored.

David McDevitt, District 3: I advocate addressing climate change aggressively; I also advocate a universal healthcare single payer system so ALL Americans can receive healthcare.

Jered Gavin Bonneau, District 5: Man made global warming is the biggest fraud in modern human history. Climate change is a natural occurance, which cannot be controlled by higher taxes, climate treaties and other riddiculous programs invented by con artist and money grabbers. I do supportvthe growth of clean energy, because it is sensible to creating cheaper energy and becoming energy independent as a nation.

Tyler Vega, District 6: The list is long. But for starters we could stop heavily subsidizing big oil and auto and start subsidizing green infrastructure at the same level. Green new deal is the new buzz.

Pramila Jayapal, District 7: Our accounting system needs to be revised to include costs to nature - in a currency acceptable to nature - and social costs. Both are presently ignored.

Richard Travis Reyes, District 8: Not only for our planet but also for our increasing debt, taxes, and finical burden of government on the people. I believe we should support going 100% export on our fossil fuels and converting US federal and state buildings/roads etc to full solar/wind power. We would decrease the cost of government, lower our debt, lower our burden on tax payers, and at the same time update our failing national power grid. Our power grid is one of the United States biggest weakness from a military and civilian stand point. The federal government should go off the grid.

Adam Smith, District 9: Combating the climate crisis and ensuring clean air, water, and reduced levels of pollution are critical to the health and well-being of not just Washington State and American families, but the environment in which we live and the world at large. Climate change is a major concern and I support measures that reduce climate-impacting emissions in addition to those that protect the quality of our air and water. The impacts of climate change, air pollution, poor water quality, and other environmental hazards have a disproportionate impact on communities of color and low-income communities. I continue to support programs and policies aimed at reducing this environmental inequity, and we must seek environmental justice as we work to address climate change and its impacts on our communities. Since so many of our environmental challenges stem from our energy policy decisions, I am also focused on ensuring we invest in clean energy and energy efficiency technologies that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that harm our environment. It is critical that we take steps now to protect our environment and vulnerable communities across the world from the very real and dangerous effects of climate change. I support an energy plan that focuses on the long term energy needs of our country and the world, as well as the health of our environment. A balanced approach must take into account, and then reduce, our current dependency on fossil fuels. Scientific evidence has shown that burning fossil fuels releases carbon into our atmosphere, which directly contributes to the environmental damages associated with climate change. We need to harness the technologies of the future, make our current energy use far more efficient, and develop new, cleaner sources of energy. Throughout my time in Congress, I have advocated for improving environmental standards, assisting wildlife and ecosystems threatened by global warming, and requiring the U.S. to engage with other nations to reduce emissions through an international incentive program. I will continue to work to reduce our country's dependence on fossil fuels, compel the Congress to hold hearings and debates on the science of and solutions to the climate crisis, and ultimately act on clean energy and climate legislation to ensure the well being of future generations.

Sarah Smith, District 9: Invest in updating our infrastructure to meet the needs of changing climate. Mitigate some contamination by building urban tree covers and rooftop gardens. Investing in electrical vehicle infrastructure and public transportation.

Joseph Brumbles, District 10:  We should continue to monitor , and and we should have a committee with our best people regarding. We should react accordingly, and utilize realisitic and measurable solutions. However not at the expense of the people, not at a sacrifice to Liberty. Not with outrageous taxes and costs to the people. 

Tamborine Borrelli, District 10: Flat carbon tax as opposed to cap and trade. Cap and trade means creating carbon credits for a secondary futures market as the rate varies. Whenever secondary futures markets arise so do investment bankers often at the cost of the economy.

Adam Pilskog, District 1: I oppose his decision. Climate change is a threat that should rattle the economic sensibilities of the Republican party as it scientifically is threatening the future of humanity. Climate change is costly and worth investing in a fight. Global cooperation is necessary, prudent, and healthy. We should not be ostracizing our friends, neighbors, and allies.

Brian Luke, District 2: The United States should not be a member to this agreement.

Collin Richard Carlson, District 2: This was one of the stupidest things Donald Trump has done. The Paris Agreement was not an enforceable treaty, it merely set goals for countries to strive for. Trump could have stay in the treaty and simply ignored it. But his pulling out of the treaty shows his absolute refusal to acknowledge or deal with a very serious situation.

Gary Franco, District 2: I lean toward our citizens resolving these important matters.

Stonewall Jackson Bird (Stoney) District 2: Very poor decision.

David McDevitt, District 3: I oppose this decision and believe we should rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement.

Jered Gavin Bonneau, District 5: I agree with our President 100%.

Tyler Vega, District 6: Words don't do it justice.

Pramila Jayapal, District 7: It’s an utter embarrassment that the United States is the ONLY country in the world that hasn’t signed the Paris Climate Agreement. More importantly, it sends the wrong signal to our children that we don’t care about their health today or in the future. This is why I have proposed the 100 By ‘50 Act, to transition our national economy away from fossil fuels to 100% renewable and clean energy by 2050, and it is why I co-founded the United for Climate Justice Task Force in Congress. We need to LEAD and get to work fast to stop the climate crisis from intensifying.

Richard Travis Reyes, District 8: I supported this because the Paris Climate agreement was not in the best interest of the country, upon reading it, I saw it neglected the biggest polluters outside of the United States such as India and China. Any climate agreement needs to be embraced worldwide by ALL industrialized nations. Either we can be all in, or not.

Adam Smith, District 9: The United States’ departure from this agreement almost guarantees that, under the Trump Administration, we will not be a global leader working with other countries to address climate change, one of the most important challenges facing the world. Instead of taking a backseat, the United States should be at the forefront of reducing our own pollution levels and bringing other countries to the table to do the same.

Sarah Smith, District 9: I am against it. Even though the Paris Climate Agreement didn't go far enough, it was an important step forward in working together as a global community to combat climate change

Joseph Brumbles, District 10: I agree , I believe it cost us too much for too little. 

Tamborine Borrelli, District 10: Dow chemical gave Trump one million dollars and Congress 14 million to spread pesticides made from Nazi nerve gas. Scott Pruit's destruction of the EPA is a national embrassment. Exxon, Dow, Bayer and Goldman Sachs have been running government to the destruction of our world and peoples for 40 years (some longer) and it's way past time that came to an end.

Adam Pilskog, District 1: I don't support cap and trade because that is granting a certain allowance, and if the goal is reduction, we should be tightening the noose on carbon pollution to force innovation. Necessity is the mother of invention, and demand for products will spawn innovative ways to achieve supply. Taxes are the most effective way to ensure compliance or force companies out of business. I don't have a preferable way to reduce green house emissions because environmental responsibility is in conflict with shareholder responsibility, so regulation is the only way to achieve large-scale compliance.

Brian Luke, District 2: I do not believe that taxes, fees, and cap and trade programs should be used against individuals and businesses. New technology should be embraced that can cut down on pollution.

Collin Richard Carlson, District 2: Taxing is one of the best ways to reduce carbon emissions. I support any legislation aimed at reducing emissions, whether it's a tax, a cap, fees or fines. We have already destroyed this world for the Millennial generation, if we continue down this road Millennial's children will have no chance.

Gary Franco, District 2:

Stonewall Jackson Bird (Stoney) District 2: These are a start, but not nearly enough. See my comment on a new accounting system that acknowledges all the costs (not just in money) of our economic activities.

David McDevitt, District 3: It would be worth attempting to implement. I advocate strong approaches to increase use of renewable energy, including tax incentives for solar, wind, and hydro; At the same time, we should be reducing subsidies for fossil fuel and non-food farm products.

Jered Gavin Bonneau, District 5: Carbon pricing is riddiculous, crippling and does nothing to combate the naturally occurring climate change. These con artists wish to tax individuals for sinply being alive, they wish to tax rural communities for growing crops and raising cattle, they wish to profit off of our hard earned money by creating taxes for an extremely fraudulent and scientifically unsound theory such as man made global warming. I do agree with searching for and supporting clean, renewable energy while supporting our current energy industries.

Tyler Vega, District 6: Generallt support, but it has to be done right. Initiatives in the ppasr, for example, have been defeated for their impact on disadvantaged sectors of society or other flaws. 1634 has my full support.

Pramila Jayapal, District 7: We must end our addition to fossil fuels as soon as possible. Other countries are investing in this technology and are running away with it while we are stuck in the dark and dirty ages. Unfortunately, the largest and most polluting corporations will never change their ways unless there is a financial incentive to do so. That is why I have endorsed Washington I-1631 to put a fee on carbon pollution here in our state, which if passed, could become a road map for the other states and the rest of the nation.

Richard Travis Reyes, District 8: Not the biggest fan as it creates an artificial trade market which become corrupt and exploited. And honestly guys, if Yellowstone erupts or if for example where I live, Washington State we have the Juan De Fuca plate. When, not if, this plate slides it will not only destroy everything west of I5, it will make the entire cascade range to drop 4-15 meters. There are 18 volcanos on this range, that could trigger a mass eruption and drop Earth into a mini-ice age. We should reduce our harm to the environment but not in such as wait as it hurts those who are the poorest and weakest in our society's because ultimately we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. No matter how much technology we posses.

Adam Smith, District 9: Carbon pollution is a serious problem and I am very concerned about its impacts. I support measures to reduce carbon pollution, including through market-based mechanisms such as cap and trade systems, carbon fees, and taxes. I support further research and informed debate about how best to achieve reduced carbon emissions, and to begin to do so as soon as possible. I also recognize that there are potentially other preferable or more optimatal ways to reduce emissions, including combinations of approaches that involve regulation, the pricing of carbon, carbon trading, as well as new technologies and green energy that can remove or prevent the release of carbon from the atmosphere. The federal government has an important role to play in all of these areas, including through smart regulation, investment in basic research, and establishing systems to appropriately price and disincentive carbon emissions. I will continue to support these priorities and work to reduce these emissions into the atmosphere. It is imperative that as we work to reduce carbon emissions, we also ensure that environmental justice is achieved for all Americans, including people and communities of color. I will continue to work to ensure that clean air and water are basic rights for all Americans.

Sarah Smith, District 9: I don't think cap and trade does anything to combat climate climate change. We are basically saying if you "buy" enough green energy credits, you can continue polluting our climate. As with carbon tax, it depends on who is taxed. If it is the corporation doing the pollution is taxed, it is a good place to start, but ultimately, we must rapidly move towards 100% renewable energy. I would end subsidies for fossil fuel companies and subsidize green energy infrastructure.

Joseph Brumbles, District 10:  I do not agree. I believe that it is a wealth redistribution scheme. I am Pro clean energy, but not at the cost of the people, or Liberty. We can have clean energy through technological advances and the utilization of the free market. We do not need to penalize people with a carbon tax, a tripled energy bill, etc. As that will greatly increase burden & lower quality of life. 

Tamborine Borrelli, District 10: Aside from flat tax we need better jobs programs. A big foundation in those programs will be millions employed coverting to green energy.