Judy M. Feder (D)
Office Sought: U.S. House, District 10 (D)
Age: 62
Residence: McLean.
Education: BA, politics, Brandeis University; MA, PhD, government, Harvard University.
Occupation: Professor and former dean, Georgetown University Public Policy Institute.
Web site:http://judyfeder.com/
E-mail address: Judy@Judyfeder.com
Offices and positions held: Principal deputy assistant secretary, Department of Health and Human Services; staff sirector, Comprehensive Health and Long Term Care Commission; member, Institute of Medicine; member, National Academy of Public Administration; senior adviser, Kaiser Family Foundation Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured; past chair and member, Academy Health; board member, the Chavez School.
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
The weakened economy is the most urgent problem facing families in the 10th District. Rising health care costs are eating into incomes at the same time that gas prices are rising and the housing crisis has caused the value of a family’s most important investment to decline. We need to get a handle on spiraling health care costs and ensure affordable health care for all Americans. We also need to protect homeownership by closing the bankruptcy loophole, and cracking down on fraudulent lenders. And we have to invest in alternative fuels to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Why should voters elect you?
As a teacher and Dean of Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute I’ve trained future military and civilian leaders on how to make change and solve real problems. In Congress I’ll continue my fight to get quality affordable health care for all Americans, and use my policy know-how and common sense approach to get our country back on track and make the changes we need on issues such as: making college more affordable, increasing mass transit and reducing our dependence on foreign oil and ending the war in Iraq – bringing our troops and our resources home.
By summer 2011, it is predicted, Northern Virginia could be facing blackouts due to its growing demand for energy. Should Congress intervene now to prevent that possibility, and if so, what is the most important single step it could take?
Our demand for energy is continuing to grow and Congress has to act immediately. We need to end our dependence on foreign oil, develop renewable energy sources, and promote conservation. We also have to promote efficiency for autos, utilities and industry. This means leadership moving forward on reducing carbon emissions not just on our own but by reasserting U.S. leadership on energy and the environment, repairing the damage done by the present administration.
What impact does immigration have on your district?
Our immigration system in this country is broken. The federal government has abdicated its responsibility and left a mess for local and state officials. We need a new immigration policy that secures our borders, stops the flow of illegal immigration and penalizes employers who hire illegal immigrants.
What steps, if any, should the federal government take to address funding issues for transportation projects?
Our district is part of the national capital region and it’s time that the federal government recognizes that it has a responsibility for transportation and infrastructure issues in northern Virginia. When the transportation bill is reauthorized we need to ensure that it is guided by policy that promotes public transportation as well as roads and smart, sustainable growth. We also need rail to Dulles to assure a world-class airport and economic development of Tysons Corner should be at the top of the list.
-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.
