Diana DeGette, candidate for Congressional District 1

(Incumbent)

Party: Democratic

Profession: Member of Congress

City of residence: Denver

Campaign website: degette.com

How would choosing you for this office improve the lives of residents of the district? 

I've made it a priority to fight for expanding health care access, securing funding for medical research, and supporting medical professionals and patient protections. I'm a leading voice on environmental issues in Congress and am working to protect both Colorado's public lands and our global environment. I'm a strong proponent of women's reproductive rights. Constituents can count on my continued dedication to these efforts and more if they honor me with re-election this fall.

What should Congress do to address the nation's opioid epidemic? 

We need to understand the role of drug manufacturers and others in bringing the opioid epidemic to the point where it claims 115 Americans' lives daily. For more than a year, the Energy and Commerce Committee on which I serve has been investigating how issues with the controlled-substances supply chain in this country may have contributed to the epidemic. Additionally, we need to ensure that the federal fight against opioid addiction is sufficiently funded.

What is your position on immigration reform? 

There are many ways in which our nation's immigration system is broken. Congress must come to a consensus on what needs repairing, and how. From the disgrace of the Trump administration's “zero-tolerance” policy of separating refugee families at the border to the ongoing heartbreak of Dreamers in our communities who just want to remain in the only country they've ever known, there is much that needs fixing. As a nation, we are better than this.

What can be done to improve the nation's health care system? 

After wasting nearly a year on trying to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, the current Republican majority in Congress has finally come to realize that there must be a better way. GOP colleagues have approached me to say they'd like to work on bipartisan solutions. We need to find common ground on matters of mutual concern affecting all our constituents, such as the high cost of health care — especially prescription drugs.

What are two other issues that demand attention from Congress, and why?

Climate change is the moral imperative of our generation. Protecting our environment is a top priority. It is also important that Congress stand up for the safety of our citizens and school children. It is time we say “no” to the powerful lobby and “yes” to sensible gun-safety legislation.