Democratic incumbent Bobby Scott and Republican challenger John Sitka are competing to represent Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The district includes Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth and parts of Chesapeake.
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Bobby Scott
Age: 77
Employment: Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives
Highest level of education: J.D., Boston College Law School
Party affiliation: Democrat
Previous elected office: Virginia House of Delegates (1978-1983); Senate of Virginia (1983-1993); U.S. House of Representatives (1993 – Present)
Military service: Massachusetts Army National Guard followed by service in the U.S. Army Reserve (1970-1976)
Website: www.bobbyscottforcongress.com
What do you believe is the greatest problem facing our nation today and what would you propose to address that if elected?
Protecting our democracy for future generations of Americans. Trump will unleash the radical Project 2025 plan, which will increase taxes on working families, give tax handouts to the wealthy, dismantle critical health care & worker protections, eliminate the Department of Education, & reverse the significant investments we have made that have kept our economy strong. If reelected, I will continue to advance legislation that levels the playing field for American workers. We must pass my Raise the Wage Act to increase the federal minimum wage and my PRO Act to strengthen collective bargaining rights for workers. And we must pass my Roadmap to College Student Success to bring down the cost to attend college, help students access a quality degree, and address the student loan crisis.
The United States is currently providing significant military aid to Israel and Ukraine. Do you believe the U.S. should continue to provide funding to both or either of these nations? Explain why or why not.
It is critical for our national security that we continue to provide military aid to Ukraine and end Putin’s war of aggression. The failed policy of appeasement that led to World War II offers valuable lessons on what could happen in Europe if our nation turns its back on our democratic allies. I supported the recently enacted legislation to provide aid to Israel. I support the Biden-Harris administration in their efforts to ensure an immediate ceasefire, bring all the hostages home, put diplomatic pressure on the Netanyahu government to limit civilian casualties, and ensure that more humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians. This will bolster our efforts for a lasting peace and a two state solution, and guarantee the safety and dignity of the Israeli and Palestinian people.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has said the court should reconsider several of its past rulings, including one that protected the right to contraception. Would you support legislation in Congress to codify the right to birth control into law?
Yes, and I am already a proud cosponsor of the Right to Contraception Act, introduced by my colleague Representative Kathy Manning of North Carolina. If re-elected, I will continue to fight to guarantee reproductive freedom for all.
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John Sitka
Age: 68
Employment: Retired
Highest level of education: Doctor of Education in Education Leadership, Liberty University
Party affiliation: Republican
Military service: Retired Navy
Website: sitkaforcongress.com
What do you believe is the greatest problem facing our nation today and what would you propose to address that if elected?
The economy, interest rates, and loss of border security have resulted in violent crimes and the proliferation of fentanyl.
The United States is currently providing significant military aid to Israel and Ukraine. Do you believe the U.S. should continue to provide funding to both or either of these nations? Explain why or why not.
Since our economy has out-of-control spending, any foreign aid to other countries is insane. Inflation is eating people’s paychecks, and seniors on fixed incomes cannot afford the US to spend their money on any country. That being said, I am very skeptical about sending money and resources to Ukraine. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have used this country to launder money from the aid we have given it. Additionally, there is no evidence that the aid that was given was used for its intended purpose. As for Israel, if there was any country in the world that needs our support, that is a country I can get behind. My direct experience with Israel goes back to 1983 with the US involvement as Peacekeepers in Beirut, Lebanon. They have always been our ally in a highly volatile region.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has said the court should reconsider several of its past rulings, including one that protected the right to contraception. Would you support legislation in Congress to codify the right to birth control into law?
The 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution states that any powers not given to the federal government, or prohibited from the states, are reserved for the states or the people. Therefore, I am not in favor of any legislation to codify the right to birth control into law. Virginia has very liberal laws concerning such matters. It would not be wise to have the federal government make such laws that affect other states since the Supreme Court has ruled on the matter. States need to fund those programs.
Answers compiled by The Virginian-Pilot staff.
