U.S. House — 2nd District: Steve Watkins

Staff Writer
Topeka Capital-Journal
Steve Watkins

Why are you running for a seat in the U.S. House?

I am running to bring military leadership and Kansas values to Washington, all in an effort to combat the gridlock and hyper-partisanship that has plagued progress for decades. Throughout my military service I learned how to lead individuals from a myriad of backgrounds and execute plans under pressure in rigorous environments. I look forward to the opportunity to bring that experience, as well as my real-world expertise that I have gained as a engineer and small businessman, to Congress if given the chance by the people of the Second District of Kansas.

Do you believe the 2nd Amendment should be modified? If so, how? If not, should there be new gun restrictions to deal with what appears to be an epidemic of mass shootings?

The 2nd amendment should not be modified. There is no constitutional freedoms without the 2nd amendment, it is the fail safe of our republic and without it there are no other freedoms. The 2nd amendment exists to protect us. Taking away guns from law-abiding citizens does not protect them, it only puts guns in the hands of criminals who do not mind breaking the law.

We should debate the issue of mass shootings. A cornerstone of those debates must be mental health — that’s the crux of this issue and needs to be addressed across the board.

How would you respond if President Trump fired special counsel Robert Mueller? Generally, what do you think of the Russia-election inquiry?

I support the need for transparency throughout government, especially when it comes to securing our elections. However, I am not going to comment on hypotheticals. It’s painfully obvious that special counsel Mueller had failed to come up with evidence that proves there was collusion, but I would encourage the President to see the investigation through till the end. It is unfortunate that Attorney General Jeff Sessions chose to recuse himself, this investigation could have been done without his recusal and much swifter instead of simply distracting republicans from implementing the President’s agenda.

Has NAFTA done more to help or hurt the U.S. economy? How would you frame such trade agreements to better serve the Kansas economy?

I believe in free trade. I think it’s the role of our government to get out of the way and facilitate markets, not inhibit growers. Now, this matters in particular to our farmers. It’s the role of government to facilitate that, not impede it.

I believe the U.S. could benefit from renegotiating NAFTA, if done for economic gain, not partisan politics. A complete and hasteful withdrawal would disrupt supply chains that benefit the American worker. The economies of the U.S., Canada and Mexico are interdependent, which helps make, for example, the U.S. auto industry competitive globally.

Can you outline how Congress should reform the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act should be repealed completely. Repeal is what Republicans promised for the last eight years and I am incredibly disappointed that they failed to deliver on their promise despite controlling the federal government since the 2016 election.

I’ve been a member of the greater Stormont Vail medical community since I was 6 years old. My father and wife are doctors, so Healthcare is a very important topic for me.

Solutions to our problems should be found in establishing in capitalism, transparency, and competition. That drives down costs, increases innovation, and quality.

In Washington, I will fight for a patient-centered healthcare system. (99/100)

What is your view of the federal tax reform legislation signed in late 2017 by President Trump?

The tax reform package passed by Congress and signed into law by the President is one of the biggest wins of his presidency thus far. The lowering of the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% is one of the premier pro-growth policies passed by the GOP led Congress and authorized by the President, a real testament to what the Conservative vision of low taxes can really look like if given a chance to be brought to reality. A typical family of four in the second district is seeing a federal income tax cut of just over $2,200. (104/100).

How should transgender troops be integrated into the military? Or, should they be blocked from serving?

I respect commanders throughout the military and will always take their opinions under consideration — even knowing that their opinions, the military, and American cultures evolve.

That said, anyone who wants to serve shouldn’t be blocked from serving, assuming they can pass the current physical and mental health requirements outlined by the DOD or their Branch of the Military. Neither the military, nor the taxpayers, should be required to fund voluntary medical procedures desired by individuals.

What do you think about including a citizenship question on the U.S. Census?

I fully support a citizenship question on the U.S. Census. The government must do everything it can to ensure the data collected in the census are accurate. Working families in Kansas should not miss out on critical resources because undocumented immigrants skew data which, in 2020, will cost the government over $15 billion to collect.

These data are important because they help to determine how the federal government allocates resources and we elect servant leaders. If numbers are inaccurate or inflated the weight of an citizen's vote will be inaccurate too, which violates our values as Americans.

Should Congress move to end all federal funding to Planned Parenthood?

Yes. Planned Parenthood is in the business of murdering our most defenseless: the unborn. Currently, the only protection afforded to those in the womb is the Hyde Amendment. This does not go far enough. Under the current provisions set aside in the Hyde Amendment, no US Taxpayer money can go towards funding abortion. However, it does not prevent money from reaching Planned Parenthood, at which point we can’t see where the money is used. I would like to see that changed and look forward to being a part of that effort.

How would you reform federal drug policy — from legalization of marijuana to the access to addictive pharmaceutical medicines?

A strong strategy must be implemented to tackle the Opioid epidemic that plagues much of America, and even affects communities in Southeast Kansas. We must do all we can to empower the men and women of Law Enforcement to stop the trafficking of narcotics on the streets of our local communities. It is imperative to educate our children on the dangers of using illegal narcotics.

I am also open to reviewing the findings of studies conducted into the effectiveness of medicinal marijuana as a treatment for certain conditions.

STEVE WATKINS

Town of residence: Topeka

Party affiliation: Republican

Age: 41

Job: Engineer

Prior elected offices: None