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Melissa McDonough

Democrat
U.S. Representative District 38
Non-partisan election information about Melissa McDonough, Candidate - U.S. Representative District 38 by the League of Women Voters of Houston
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Since 2004, I have lobbied Congress on my own time and dime for affordable housing, affordable healthcare, and consumer protection. I understand how Congress works and how to get results, even when Congress is having trouble passing legislation.

A recent example of this is when I visited Congress last year and lobbied on behalf of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH). Harris County had not been awarded VASH funds since 2016, and $800,000 in funds arrived soon after my visit.
What actions do you support to address cost of living concerns?
As mentioned in my previous response, I recently lobbied on behalf of HUD-VASH to help veterans pay for housing.

This spring, I lobbied with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to allow for veterans to use a real estate agent, as a recent rule change had prevented that. I also lobbied for the More Homes on the Market Act, Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, and increasing tax deductions for homeowners.
What are your priorities regarding immigration policy? What specific actions would you take to address these priorities?
We can all agree that the border needs fixing, but not everyone agrees on how to fix it. A border wall is a medieval solution to a modern problem. It is costly, ineffective, and does not address those who come here legally and overstay their visa.

Coordination between federal agencies and local law enforcement needs improvement. Legal immigration needs to be streamlined. Immigration judges need more staff to handle their overwhelming caseloads. This issue requires multiple approaches.
What is the role of the federal government in establishing laws and regulations related to reproductive healthcare services including family planning, pregnancy care and post- partum services? Please explain your position.
The Constitution states "Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States." Women's reproductive health falls under general welfare and needs protection.

Reproductive freedom has been taken from us, and now we are all at risk. Over half of Texas counties do not have access to women's health services. We must codify Roe and pass laws to protect physicians from lawsuits.
What measures do you support to address environmental issues and natural disasters, such as air quality, extreme weather events, drought, and flooding?
The EPA is crucial to mitigate catastrophe from companies who put profits over people, and Republicans aim to cut their budget. As representative of the Energy Corridor, I support the oil and gas industry, but there must be accountability.

Natural disasters have devastated CD38 this year, and the incumbent was absent during recovery. We must listen to experts and plan to prevent disasters and catastrophic failure. Projects can be costly in the short term, but are worth it in the long term.
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