Michael McCaul[/caption]Michael McCaul (Republican)
Hometown: Dallas
Experience: Congressman McCaul has served six terms as the U.S. Representative for District 10. In 2013, he became chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. He also serves as the chairman of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group. He co-founded and served as co-chairman for the Congressional High Tech Caucus and the Cybersecurity Caucus.
202-225-2401
www.mccaul.house.gov
What are the most significant challenges facing U.S. District 10 today?
The issues facing the 10th District of Texas, and Texas as a whole, are diverse. I think the main issue of concern to the people I represent is border security and immigration as well as the economy. In general, we have to do a much better job of knowing who is coming into our country both illegally through our Southern border and through the refugee program from terrorist hotspots. This can only be done through increased operational control as well as effective screening procedures. Failing to do so presents security concerns that could be exploited by those who seek to harm us. On the economy, Congress must do more to promote small-business growth and fight back against excessive spending and overregulation that has stifled the economy. Texans do a great job of standing on their own and simply need government to get out of the way.
If re-elected, how do you plan to address these issues?
As chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, I have the responsibility of ensuring our nation’s borders are secure and Americans everywhere are safe from the threat of Islamic extremism. I have introduced legislation aimed at accomplishing both of these things and recently released a comprehensive strategy to defeat and destroy ISIS and following groups. I believe we must provide the men and women working hard to secure our border with the necessary resources they need to get the job done. In the highest terror threat environment since 9/11, it is critical that our first responders in metropolitan areas such as Houston have the tools and training they need to respond to active shooter situations or terror attacks. I have introduced legislation to provide regulatory relief to small-business owners spending money, time and energy complying with paperwork rather than figuring out how to grow their business.
What are your top two legislative priorities?
I believe there is no bigger priority for a member of Congress than to continue to reflect the will of their constituency. My constituents want to be safe, they want to have the laws of the land enforced, and they want the government out of the way. I will continue to press for policy that achieves this and continue to represent the views of my district.
Tawana Cadien[/caption]Tawana Cadien (Democrat)
Hometown: Beaumont, Texas
Experience: Cadien is active in her local community’s Democratic executive committee. She has been elected twice to precinct chairwoman of Jefferson County Precinct 26 and has worked in the health care industry as a registered nurse, MMA surgery supervisor and medical caseworker. She is an alumna of Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University.
409-553-9381
www.tawanacadienforcongress.com
What are the most significant challenges facing U.S. District 10 today?
Throughout the 10th Congressional District, there are overwhelming concerns from parents as it relates to their children. Whether it is safety on schools, the community or protections for their disabled children, safety is a great concern. Also, security for seniors is a major concern.
If relected, how do you plan to address these issues?
I will champion and support bills that implement additional protections for children within the school system, including—but not limited to—enhanced safeguards within every school in the country and a revamping of policies designed to protect disabled children. Our children are exposed to much more than we were at their age. Their level of concern often mirrors those of adults. This is quite disturbing to know that children are now bearing the same emotional burdens as adults. I encourage every adult with a child in [his or her] life to stop and ask them to write down the answer to one simple question: What is your biggest fear? As a mother of two daughters, and [as] your congressional representative, I will advocate and fight for protections for all children.
What are your top two legislative priorities?
I will take the lead in advocating for a comprehensive policy on [genetically modified organisms] in foods. Americans deserve to know and understand what is in the foods they consume daily. Adults and children alike are battling allergies, diseases and sickness like never before. The American woman needs women in Congress to represent them. Our current representative voted against equal pay for equal work. As it stands today, 80 percent of women over 65 are considered to be in poverty. Why? Because they have not been paid fairly; they were unable to save at the same rate of men for retirement. Now that they are of retirement age, they are impoverished. I don’t want this for myself, you, your daughters, nieces or granddaughters. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease and breast cancer— in which women lead the statistics—are underfunded. Women must not only sit at the table but lead the meetings when it comes to issues impacting women. I will be that voice, and I will share your voice.
