1) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR HALF THE GROWTH OF THE U.S. ECONOMY SINCE WORLD WAR II. WHAT ROLE, IF ANY, SHOULD GOVERNMENT PLAY IN STIMULATING INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SO WE CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM THEM?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

The United States - particularly New Jersey - has long led the world in innovation and technological discovery. When breakthroughs occur, the entire nation benefits. Therefore I believe that it is not just the government’s obligation, but in the government’s best interests, to support innovation through measures such as funding research and development and encouraging STEM education in schools.

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2) WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND WHAT KIND OF ENERGY STRATEGIES WOULD YOU SUPPORT?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

I believe climate change is real and is a threat to our environment, our economy, and our national security. Being a good steward of the environment is also not at odds with our economic future. Our country needs to move away from the old, dirty energies and toward a clean economy. Not only will this help our environment, it will create the jobs of the future. The 11th congressional district alone is home to 600 solar jobs. It is my hope that, if elected, I will find partners who want to invest in the clean energy economy right here in New Jersey.

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3) WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON NEW JERSEY RIGHT NOW, OVER THE NEXT TWO DECADES, AND BY THE END OF THIS CENTURY? WHAT ACTIONS, IF ANY, SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TAKE IN RESPONSE?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

In the last century, New Jersey has warmed more than twice as much as most of the nation, largely due to the increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. It is time to transition our economy to clean energy and end our reliance on fossil fuels. I fully support Governor Murphy’s goal of 100% renewable power by 2050, and believe that Congress can be a meaningful partner in achieving that goal. First, Congress can pass an infrastructure bill that prioritizes the clean economy. This includes funding for the Gateway project so we promote fewer cars on the road, training workers for clean energy sector jobs, and tax credits to create clean energy manufacturing operations here in the United States. Congress should also increase its investments in research and development, including energy storage and other new technologies.

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4) WHAT WILL YOU DO TO PROTECT AMERICA FROM CYBER ATTACKS WHILE ALSO PROTECTING PERSONAL PRIVACY?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

As a former Russian policy officer in the U.S. Navy, I know that we need our government to take the threat posed by Russia seriously. That means more funding for cybersecurity and election protection. As 2018 approaches, Americans should not have to fear interference in our election process. Our democracy cannot function if there is no trust in its institutions.

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5) HOW SHOULD THE SCIENTIFIC RESULTS OF PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH INTO GUN VIOLENCE BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY LEGISLATORS? SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAVE A ROLE IN FUNDING THIS RESEARCH?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis. According to the CDC, more people have died from guns since 1968 than all U.S. wars put together. We need to allow our healthcare providers and scientists to do research on gun violence, just like any other public health concern. The revision of the Dickey Amendment in the Omnibus Appropriations bill lifted the ban on studying causes of gun violence, but did not go far enough. I support federal funding for gun violence research at the CDC.

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6) MENTAL ILLNESS OFTEN LEADS TO DRUG ADDICTION, CRIME, AND SUICIDE AND COSTS AMERICA MORE THAN $300 BILLION A YEAR. WHAT MENTAL HEALTH POLICIES WILL YOU SUPPORT IF YOU ARE ELECTED?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

Mental illness has been so stigmatized that it often goes unaddressed. It is time that our representatives take mental health as seriously as physical health. If elected, I will support allocating more resources toward mental health research. Improved services and funding for mental health and healthcare are also necessary.

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7) IN AN AGE DOMINATED BY COMPLEX SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, HOW CAN WE ENSURE THAT STUDENTS RECEIVE ADEQUATE STEM EDUCATION?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

As a mother-of-four, I believe it is pivotal that curriculum in United States schools prepare young Americans for the world they will enter-- a world driven by technological innovation and scientific advancement. Every student should have the opportunity to innovate. Our schools should expose students to subjects such as computer science and robotics at a young age. I would also support investments in educational programs for students and job training opportunities for workers by partnering with local schools, community colleges, and universities to provide a direct path to high-skill jobs for graduates.

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8) THE LONG-TERM SECURITY OF WATER SUPPLIES IS THREATENED BY AGING INFRASTRUCTURE, POLLUTION, CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND A GROWING POPULATION. WHAT SHOULD GOVERNMENT DO TO ENSURE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

The federal government can take a much more proactive role on the issue of clean drinking water in our country. Right now, communities in our own district are facing a crisis of lead in the public water supply. It is incumbent upon leaders in New Jersey to protect our disadvantaged communities who have not always had sufficient resources to protect themselves and their children from environmental hazards. Congress can also do more to support improving water infrastructure nationwide. Congress should pass legislation that would increase investments in water infrastructure through grant programs, create tax credits for homeowners to remove lead, and develop new water technologies.

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9) HOW WOULD YOU MANAGE AMERICAN AGRICULTURE SO IT PROVIDES HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE FOOD GROWN IN A JUST AND SUSTAINABLE WAY?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

I believe we should be taking a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change. I am supportive of a thorough review of factory farming, one of the largest generators of greenhouse gas emissions. I would also like to see more support for small farmers, who are vital to the nation’s economic prosperity.

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10) WHAT SHOULD AMERICA’S GOALS BE FOR SPACE EXPLORATION AND EARTH OBSERVATION AND WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO ACHIEVE THEM?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

I am proud that America is a leader in space exploration and earth observation, as well as the fact that the 11th District has produced four incredible astronauts with Buzz Aldrin, Mark and Scott Kelly, and Garrett Reisman. However, there is still so much progress to be made. If elected, I will support the continued funding of NASA and the further development of technologies for human and robotic exploration.

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11) LARGE AREAS OF OUR OCEANS ARE POLLUTED, ACIDIFICATION IS DAMAGING CORAL REEFS AND OTHER HABITATS, AND OVERFISHING COULD WIPE OUT CERTAIN SPECIES AND DIMINISH THIS VITAL SOURCE OF FOOD. WHAT WILL YOU DO TO IMPROVE OCEAN HEALTH?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

Plastic is a serious problem for the health of our oceans. I would like to see more promotion of eco-friendly single-use products as an alternative to plastic. Furthermore, I strongly believe that the federal government can do more to promote recycling programs across the country.

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12) POLITICIANS ARE DISPUTING SETTLED SCIENCE AND FIRING GOVERNMENT SCIENTISTS FOR POLITICAL REASONS. HOW WILL YOU FOSTER A CULTURE THAT RESPECTS SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND PROTECTS SCIENTISTS?

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

If elected, I plan to focus on finding solutions and building coalitions, rather than arguing about the existence of a problem that scientists have proven exists. Peer-review is the cornerstone of the scientific community, and the federal government should maintain critical funding for research so our scientists can focus on innovation that has always driven New Jersey’s economy. In Congress, I will support funding for the sciences, especially through the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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13) SHARE ANY SCIENCE POLICY ISSUES INVOLVING MEDICINE, NATIONAL SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION, THE ECONOMY OR OTHER PRESSING TOPICS THAT IMPACT YOUR STATE/DISTRICT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPAND ON.

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+ Mikie Sherrill's Response

A major concern in New Jersey is Superfund sites. New Jersey has more Superfund sites than any other state, and there are several sites in New Jersey’s 11th District where no remediation has yet taken place. In Congress, I will fight to make sure the federal government fully funds the Superfund program. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget has been gutted. Those cuts flow down to New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and our ability to clean up these sites is inhibited. We need to make sure the EPA is fully funded and that Superfund clean-up is a top priority. EPA funding is another pressing issue. The proposed FY 19 budget would see EPA funding slashed by 33 percent. These dramatic cuts will devastate the NJ DEP and further erode state programs that ensure we have clean air and water. We have already lived through eight years of Governor Chris Christie’s mismanagement of New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection. We cannot afford even less support to our state environmental agency.

Lastly, I believe that infrastructure is crucial for environmental and economic wellbeing in New Jersey. I therefore reiterate my commitment to making the Gateway Project a reality. I will fight against any infrastructure bill that does not include the funding promised by the federal government and agreed to by the governors of New Jersey and New York. We have waited for decades for the new tunnel, and every year we go without funding this project, the closer the existing tunnels come to obsolescence. The federal government must honor its commitment to Gateway and fund 50 percent of the project.