Michelle Steel and Derek Tran on National Debt and Federal Deficit – Orange County Register

Over the past two months, our newsroom has surveyed and interviewed candidates for offices throughout Southern California. Here are the responses from Rep. Michelle Steel and challenger Derek Tran. We present them so that voters can find out what the candidates’ positions are on key issues and form their own opinions. However, we note that we supported the re-election of Rep. Steel.

How would you reduce the deficit and national debt?

Michelle Steel:

“The United States has a spending problem and we should all be concerned about the recent announcement that we now have a debt of over $35 trillion.

We cannot follow Sacramento’s failed policies that burden citizens with high taxes and stifle job growth.

The recent announcement that Chevron is the latest major company to move from California to business-friendly states like Texas should make you think that wasteful spending only leads to higher taxes and more debt, while also destroying innovation.

Congress must act bipartisanly to reduce wasteful spending and work toward a balanced budget.

“Californians are not exceeding their means, and neither are their elected officials.”

Derek Tran:

“I believe in a balanced approach to reducing the deficit and public debt that combines fiscal responsibility with wise investments in our future.

This means reducing unnecessary spending and finding improvements in government programs, while ensuring that key services and supports are maintained for working families.

I would also advocate reforming the tax code to close loopholes and ensure that everyone, including corporations, pays their fair share of tax. By taking a pragmatic and bipartisan approach, we can put our nation on a more sustainable fiscal path without sacrificing the investments necessary for long-term economic growth.

For example, as a military veteran, I understand the importance of investing in protecting the lives of American servicemen and women.