Stonewall Democrats of Dallas 2016 Candidate Questionnaire

1.Why are you seeking the endorsement of Stonewall Democrats of Dallas?

I am a Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas's 30th Congressional
District, respectfully seeking the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats
of Dallas. I have worked closely with you to advance the pro-equality
policies and legislation important to LGBT Americans and would very
much continue on my work in the House of Representatives.
I hope that my voting record assures my dedication to issues impacting
the LGBT community in Dallas. Again in the 113th Congress, I was
awarded with a 100% rating with the Human Rights Campaign. This score
reflects my voting and support on a variety of issues, including an LGBT
inclusive reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. The LGBT
inclusive VAWA represents the first time Congress has passed a nondiscrimination law that protects LGBT Americans.
2. Will you use the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas endorsement in or on?
a)
b)
c)
d)

your website Yes

your campaign literature Yes
your social media assets Yes
your campaign advertisements Yes

3. What are your plans to support or participate in a coordinated campaign in the

general election in Dallas County?
While FEC rules prohibit direct coordination between a Candidate for
Federal office and a County Partys campaign efforts, I have and will
continue to encourage everyone to vote Straight Democrat during the
course of a very active campaign. I will promote the Straight Democratic
Ticket in all of my campaign materials, radio ads, newspaper ads, social
media platforms, robo calls and phone banks.

www.ebjcampaign.com

4. When elected, how will you recruit, retain, and create a friendly environment
for LGBT and LGBT friendly staff?
I do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, religion, sexual orientation or age in hiring and employment
practices. I strongly support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
(ENDA), which would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual
orientation. I believe that every American deserves fair treatment under
the law regardless of his or her gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Over 35 years of public service, I have always been, and will continue to
be committed to creating and maintaining a community in which all
persons in Congressional offices have the opportunity to work in an
atmosphere free from all forms of harassment, exploitation, discrimination,
or intimidation.
5. Would you be willing to appoint a liaison to meet with the LGBT community on
an ongoing basis?
Yes.
6. Will you have a non-discrimination policy for employment and protection of
LGBT residents and protection based on sexual orientation or gender identity?
Yes. As one of the leaders in Congress on civil rights issues, I have
worked to prevent sexual orientation discrimination and to take appropriate
disciplinary action, as necessary, against behavior that violates that policy. Every
member of my staff is aware of Office of Compliance and aware that I will not
tolerate sexual orientation discrimination and that such behavior is prohibited by
Executive Order 13087, and office policy.

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7. How would you address the recent trend of state governments adding
medically unnecessary procedures to the course of treatments pertaining to
womens health (e.g. the requirement to witness a sonogram prior to the legal
termination of a pregnancy?

The decision to have an abortion is not an easy one for a woman to

make. I strongly believe that women who have made this choice
have not done so in haste and the last thing they need is an intrusive
and medically unnecessary procedure. Texas has some of the
harshest abortion laws on the books, this is just another that keeps
women from exercising their constitutionally protected reproductive
rights.
8. How would respond as an office holder to countries and regimes that enact
laws and policies that specifically target LGBT citizens for detention or
punishment based on their LGBT identity or the free expression of their LGBT
identity?
In December 2011, President Obama issued the Presidential
Memorandum on International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons to ensure that the
United States is protecting the human rights of all individuals, such as by
combating criminalization of LGBT individuals, protecting vulnerable
refugees and asylum seekers, and directly responding to human rights
abuses abroad. The protection of fundamental human rights of all people
is a cornerstone of American democracy and our relations with foreign
countries. I will use all available resources to me, as the Member of
Congress, and work with the President and our State Department to
protect human rights around the world. The policy of the United States
government could not be more clear: that gay rights are human rights,
and human rights are gay rights, and that we will continue protecting all
people to the best of our ability.

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9. How would you lead or support efforts to pass legislation like the Equality Act,
which would provide employment and residence non-discrimination protections
for LGBT citizens?
I am a supporter of the Equality Act, the first comprehensive LGBT nondiscrimination bill to be introduced in Congress. As a member of the LGBT
Equality Caucus I am committed to the extension of civil rights, the repeal
of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate motivated violence, the
improved health and well being for all regardless of sexual orientation or
gender identity and expression.
Throughout my years in public service I am proud to have demonstrated
my leadership and commitment to equality by supporting legislation like
the Employment Non Discrimination Act, the Ryan White Care Act, the
Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Legislation, and the
Repeal of Dont Ask Dont Tell.
10. How will you combat Republican efforts to eliminate or severely reduce the
programs below that are critical to the well being of many Texas residents?
There is now doubt that Republicans cuts are devastating to vital
programs that are lifelines for many Americans, my years as a public
servant and as a leader in Congress have given me the experience and
know how to accomplish many of my goals even in the face of a
Republican opposition. I am proud that I have been able to deliver for
District 30 and North Texas by helping to secure vital funds for local nonprofits like AIDS Arms and Abounding Prosperity who along with 90 other
organizations shared a $216 million Grant from the CDC. I have also been
able to find funds for local programs like Housing Opportunities for
Persons with AIDS (HOSPWA), Housing Authority of the City of Dallas,
On the legislative front In Congress I have worked to craft and support
legislation that improves the quality of lives for people who are the most
vulnerable. I have consistently been a co-sponsor of the reauthorization of
the Ryan White Care Act, which is the largest federally funded program in
the United States for people living with HIV/AIDS. I am also a proud co
sponsor of the Ryan White Patient Equality and Choice Act, which if
enacted would make needed improvements to how HIV/Aids funds are

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allocated. I have fought against Republican legislation that cut basic food
aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, eliminated food
assistance for 170,000 veterans, and cut school lunches for over 200,000
children. I am an original co-sponsor of the Extend Not Cut SNAP Benefits
Act.
I have also worked in Congress to build the active voting blocks and
coalitions necessary to stand our ground in the face of a Republican
majority. I am former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, which is
one of the most influential caucuses in Congress. I am also a member of
the Progressive Caucus and the LGBT Equality Caucus as well as founder
of the Congressional Tri Caucus, which brings together the Congressional
Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional
Asian Pacific American Caucus into one voting block.
My passion and commitment to public service are stronger now than ever
before and my years on Capitol Hill have earned me the rank and leverage
to get things done. I am committed to standing up for my constituents,
fighting for our common values and working with my colleagues to
strengthen social safety nets and improve the lives all Americans.

www.ebjcampaign.com