Chris Dodd Return to Candidate Profile Page »

Do you have a plan to make health care more accessible to Americans? If so, how would you do it?

I believe that the federal government has a responsibility to ensure that every American receives affordable, quality medical care and that universal health coverage can be achieved through universal responsibility. We need a system where everybody is covered and where every person and every business contributes based on their ability to pay. As President, I will call on the federal government to create a health insurance marketplace based on, and parallel to, the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP). Every employer and individual will be given the chance to go to the marketplace to purchase high-quality, affordable health care or, if they wish, keep their existing insurance arrangements. No one will be forced into the marketplace, and individuals, as well as businesses, will contribute based on their ability to pay. By putting special emphasis on prevention so we can treat illnesses like asthma and diabetes before they require a trip to the emergency room, and by investing in technology and data collection for better care and better efficiencies, we can better serve all populations of patients. Savings in better care and better efficiencies, will finance new coverage. The purchasing power of millions of Americans under one plan will drive costs down for consumers.

I have long opposed the idea of diverting payroll taxes - the tax used to fund Social Security - into private investment accounts that fluctuate with the stock market and could lower or decimate the amount of money seniors receive when they retire. I do not support putting Social Security funds into pr

For 70 years, America has led the way in providing a secure retirement for our citizens. For 26 years, I have been proud to be part of that fight - protecting Social Security and insisting on fiscal responsibility that ensures its long-term health. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration has put retirement at risk by running up deficits as far as the eye can see. As President, I will insist on responsible pay-as-you-go budgeting that protects Social Security's guarantee. I was a vocal opponent of President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security and have fought throughout my career to protect Social Security from budget cuts. Retirement also depends on pension security. As President I will not stand by as workers' retirement savings are used to pay for their employers' mistakes. Pension funds should be off-limits to anyone but those who have earned them. Having helped author the Sarbanes-Oxley Act so that families could feel more confident that their investments are secure after the Enron scandal, I understand what it means to guarantee that every penny people put into their retirement comes back to them when they retire. American workers should be able to rely on the retirement security they were promised when they faithfully contributed to pension plans. As President, I will prevent employers from using workers' savings to pay for their mistakes and fix the lax federal oversight protections that weaken pension protections. America's retirees deserve a President with the experience to ensure a promise made is a promise kept.

Do you support setting a deadline for either a withdrawal or a partial pullback of troops from Iraq? If so, what would be the date of that deadline?

I support a firm deadline for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq tied to funding. American troops should be out of Iraq by April 30, 2008. I believe this allows us enough time to safely redeploy our troops out of Iraq and to hand over power to the Iraqis on the ground. I also think a timeline is required to ensure that the Administration effectively plans for the withdrawal of military forces from Iraq. They failed to plan for the invasion of Iraq, and I think a timeline will force the President to plan for the withdrawal. After April 30, 2008, I would support leaving a limited number of troops in Iraq for three narrowly targeted missions - the training and equipping of Iraqi security forces, the protection of US personnel still in Iraq, and targeted anti-terrorism actions aimed at international terrorists. It is critical that we allow for the flexibility of a small number of US forces to be used in Iraq for very specific narrow missions, which are critical to US and Iraqi security. I also support leaving some troops in the region, at bases in Kuwait and Qatar, to ensure some degree of regional stability.

What distinguishes your plan for Iraq from those of the other candidates?

I support starting the withdrawal immediately, and having 50,000 troops out of Iraq by January 31, 2008. Using this timetable, full redeployment will be complete by April 30, 2008, after which time there will be no additional funding for combat operations. Under my plan, war funding during the redeployment period will be contingent on redeployment progress.

What would be your top three national security priorities if you were elected?

1. Ending the war in Iraq. 2. Restoring America's leadership role in the world. 3. Ending dependence on Middle East Oil.

What types of regulations and guidelines do you plan on implementing or promoting in order to deal with climate change and to make our country less oil dependent?

I have proposed the most ambitious comprehensive energy plan of any candidate running for President. My plan will reduce 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, enhance national security by eliminating our dependence on Middle East oil by 2015 and strengthen our economy by creating jobs. I'm the only candidate in this race who supports a Corporate Carbon Tax which would generate about $50 billion a year in revenue. I would reinvest this money in research and development of energy efficient technologies to create new jobs in the sustainable energy sector and fund consumer rebates to help make hybrid cars and appliances more affordable to middle class families. I would use these funds to help create a technical education curriculum to train a new generation of automobile mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and construction workers to install, repair and maintain energy efficient goods across the spectrum, from cars to lamps. Apart from my energy plan, my education plan provides the opportunity for a free community college education for every American. Community colleges will be at the forefront of training the next generation of renewable energy workers. Community college training will help fill the demand for workers with specialized skills.

Should the government have a role in encouraging development of energy efficient technologies and sustainable energy resources? If yes, how would you do it?

In my administration the government will lead by example. I will require that all new government vehicles use hybrid, plug-in, or other fuel efficient and alternative technology and I will require that all new and existing federal buildings be equipped with the latest energy efficiency technologies. With the Federal government being one of the world's largest purchasers of vehicles and America's single largest energy consumer, we have a remarkable opportunity to lead by example and create markets for emerging technologies. Again, in my administration, every federal building will be built or retrofitted with the greenest technologies, from light-bulbs to power generation, and every vehicle will run on E85, biodiesel or other sources of clean energy. Additionally, I am the only candidate in this race who supports a Corporate Carbon Tax which would generate approximately $50 billion a year in revenue. I ill reinvest this money into research and development of energy efficient technologies to create new jobs in the sustainable energy sector. I would also fund consumer rebates to help make hybrid cars and appliances more affordable to middle class families.

How do you think the United States should handle illegal immigrants? Do you support President Bush's immigration plan?

I strongly believe in the pressing need for comprehensive immigration reform that is tough, fair and practical. For the last 400 years, people around the world looking for opportunity, hope and a new life have dreamed about one country: America. America should continue to be a welcoming country. But today, the system is broken. We need comprehensive immigration reform that will secure our borders, strengthen the path toward legal status for the millions of workers already here, and bring together families. We also need to put tough penalties in place for businesses that break the law.

What are your top three priorities with regard to immigration?

1. Secure the borders. 2. Strengthen the path toward legal status for the workers who are already here. 3. Tough penalties for businesses that break the law.

Do you support affirmative action? If you do, why do you think it is a benefit to our country? If not, what do you think would be gained by changing or eliminating it?

I support affirmative action. Providing equal educational opportunity to every American is essential to our democracy. Every American deserves a chance to go as far as their ability and effort will take them - regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity or economic circumstances.

Do you agree or disagree with the argument that only the wealthiest Americans are benefiting from the current economic growth? Why or why not?

The Bush tax cuts clearly were aimed at helping the wealthy, not middle class families - a big reason income inequality has hit its worst levels in 80 years. While economic growth has increased overall, too few middle class families have felt its benefits. Tax and budget policy should embrace four core principles. Responsibility - because no government or business can sustain itself if what it spends consistently surpasses what it takes in. Fairness - any society that expects to leave subsequent generations a future of opportunity and prosperity must commit itself to creating a vibrant middle class so that every family has the opportunity to move up. Growth - so that America can continue to lead the world in innovation, job creation, and economic security. And pragmatism - because leading sometimes means being willing to think beyond your own ideology.

What are the three most important things you would do to promote economic growth and prosperity?

As President, I will offer a balanced budget that ensures opportunity for all Americans. Under ordinary circumstances, fiscal responsibility is important. At a time when we are spending $2 billion per week on the War in Iraq, it is paramount. Our nation's current spending is resulting in unsustainable federal budget deficits that will only worsen as the baby boom generation begins to retire. Additionally, I will support tax cuts that benefit the middle class and repeal the Bush Administration tax cuts for the extremely wealthy. Working Americans should not shoulder the burden of our tax liability. I will also support tax policies that stimulate growth -- tax cuts for job-creating businesses such as the permanent extension of the Research and Development tax credit.

If elected, would you balance the budget? If you answered yes, how soon would you do it?

Yes. I will work as quickly as possible to balance the budget. The first step toward accomplishing this goal will be to end the war in Iraq. With spending on the war at $2 billion per week, it will be nearly impossible to balance the budget until we bring our troops home.

Would you roll back tax cuts that were supported by the Bush administration?

Yes. I will support tax cuts that benefit the middle class.

Do you support the No Child Left Behind program? Why or why not?

I believe that we must reform No Child Left Behind. While there is room for improvement across the entire law, two fundamental changes much be made. First, we must ensure that we invest in schools in need of improvement rather than penalize them. Second, in order to truly understand whether or not a school has increased a student's achievement, we should consider students progress over time as opposed to their scores on tests given one or two days out of the school year. After all, learning isn't about filling in the bubbles, it's about connecting the dots. Finally, in order to realize No Child Left Behind's promise to close the achievement gap between different groups of children, it is essential that we fully fund the law.

What changes, if any, would you attempt to implement in national education policy?

My education plan provides a comprehensive solution to America's education crisis. In addition to reforming No Child Left Behind, I will implement universal pre-k for our children. We know that the preparation children receive in quality pre-k programs is enormously important to their success throughout their education. The next step to providing children with the best education in the world is to provide access to high quality teachers to every student in state-of-the-art schools. That is why my plan provides highly qualified teachers who commit to spending 5 years in high need schools with a salary supplement of $10,000 per year. In addition, my plan would make $25 billion available to school systems for the building of new schools and the modernizing of existing facilities. In order to achieve at their highest potential, we must have high expectations of all students. The more we expect from America's children, the more they will accomplish. My plan provides incentives for states to adopt a universal set of challenging standards for students. Additionally, my plan makes funds available for schools that wish to extend the school day by at least 30% to increase student learning opportunities and provide a wide-range of enrichment activities. My Virtual Learning Innovation Fund will offer public schools a chance to supplement their current course load with advanced or specialized courses on-line. Virtual courses will offer all students, regardless of geographic location, a chance to supplement their current curriculum. Keeping kids on track toward graduation also a necessary task. That is why my plan provides for every 9th grader to have a personal graduation plan. Teachers, parents, administrators, and counselors will help students stick to this plan and graduate college and workforce ready. I believe that no student should be denied access to higher education because of inability to pay. That is why my plan includes an opportunity for free community college for all students. If states agree to pay 50% of community college tuition, the federal government will match this payment dollar for dollar, resulting in free tuition for students in that state. I also will overhaul the student loan system to eliminate bank subsidies, make lending more transparent, put a spotlight on the rapidly inflating cost of tuition and expand eligibility and the amount of the maximum Pell grant.

What is your position on the proposed constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman?

I do not support a constitutional amendment dictating the definition of marriage. This is a state issue. For Congress to dictate to states how to proceed runs counter to the states-rights principles that many hold dear. This constitutional amendment has no place in our founding document, because it runs, in my view, counter to our most sacred constitutional traditions.

What is your position on civil unions between same sex partners?

I am a strong supporter of civil unions. All Americans should have equal rights regardless of their age, income, or sexual orientation. I wish every American, when considering these issues, would think about this as a personal matter affecting their own family. Every American should be able to have the jobs of their choice, build homes, and take care of the people they love.

Do you support the Roe v. Wade decision or would you like to see this decision overturned? Why or why not?

I support Roe v. Wade. I have always believed that abortion should be safe, legal and rare. This is a decision that needs to be between a woman and her doctor. As President, I will never waver in defending a woman's right to choose. I will fight to ensure that fewer women will be faced with such a decision in the first place.

Should the federal government have a role in seeking an end to poverty? What would you do, specifically, to deal with poverty?

I think it is disgraceful that in a nation as prosperous as America, a quarter of all jobs fail to provide enough for a family of four to live on. Reducing poverty and increasing income equality will be key priorities in my administration. As President, I will immediately make a substantial increase to the minimum wage. I will expand child care incentives so that working parents will never have to turn down a job opportunity because they cannot find or afford high quality child care. I will expand the Earned Income Tax Credit so that low-income families who work hard can share in our nation's prosperity. Despite the success of the Family and Medical Leave Act, millions of working men and women who need family leave - more than three in four employees -- have not been able to take it because they could not afford to go without pay. For that reason, I support the Family Leave Insurance Act of 2007, a measure which would provide paid leave for eight of FMLA's 12 weeks. This bill will provide workers with paid leave to care for themselves or their families in times of crisis without suffering the loss of a paycheck. I understand that with more and more families living on two incomes and with more and more baby boomers caring for their aging parents, a stronger FMLA is more vital now than ever.

Do you think gun control has an impact on crime rates in the United States?

Yes. I am a very strong supporter of gun safety. This does not mean taking guns away from law-abiding citizens who purchase their guns legally, but making sure that people who should not have guns don't have them, and can't get one. We need a president who has the judgment to know the difference between responsible gun ownership and allowing people to purchase and walk around with an Uzi. This is why I support renewing the Assault Weapons Ban, banning cop-killing bullets and ensuring anyone who buys a gun make available their mental health records. These are things we should all agree are commonsense.

Do you think tighter restrictions should be in place for those buying a firearm?

Yes. I was an original cosponsor of the Brady Bill, creating a five-business-day waiting period before purchasing a handgun and establishing a national instant criminal background check system to be contacted by firearms dealers before the transfer of any firearm. I supported the Assault Weapons Ban, which made it illegal to manufacture, transfer, or possess 10 types of semiautomatic assault weapons or to transfer or possess a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and cosponsored the legislation extending the ban when it expired in 2004. Along with these landmark gun safety laws, I voted to make all school zones gun free areas and to protect children by requiring all handguns have child safety locks.

If elected, would you keep the current ban on funding for embryonic stem cell research in place? Why or why not?

As President, I would lift the current ban on funding for embryonic stem cell research. Of all the actions we could take, none would be more life-affirming than allocating federal funds for biomedical scientists to conduct research with human embryonic stem cells. At least 58 diseases could potentially be cured through stem cell research, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, cancer, and brain and spinal cord disorders. These diseases touch every family in the world.

What would be your top three overall priorities if elected?

1. End the War in Iraq and Restore American Leadership in the World. The current administration has severely damaged this country's leadership role in the world while simultaneously disregarding our own Constitution. The first thing we must do to change this is to end the war in Iraq, which I would do through a phased withdrawal ending on April 30, 2008. In addition, I would restore the Constitution by restoring habeas corpus and requiring the US to live up to the Geneva Conventions. This would remedy much of the harm done to our nation's international reputation by disregarding any commitment to due process rights by the misguided Military Commissions Act. 2. Stand Up for the Middle Class. The American middle class has endured six years of the Bush administration. As President, I will support the middle class by extending affordable, quality health care and a world-class education to every American, not simply the privileged few. In a nation as prosperous as ours, no one should be without quality health care. In order to compete in the global market, our country must develop the most educated workforce in history. To do this, we must extend access to quality education to all Americans. 3. End our Dependence on Oil. Ending our reliance on oil from the Middle East will both increase national security and help to reverse the effects of global warming. My Corporate Carbon Tax would generate about $50 billion a year in revenue. By reinvesting that money in research and development of energy efficient technologies, we can create new jobs in the sustainable energy sector. Supporting consumer rebates to help make hybrid cars and appliances more affordable to middle class families would be another major step toward ending our dependence on oil.