Democrat Dave Dawson and Republican Chris McGowan, candidates for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, discussed foreign policy, immigration and gas prices ahead of the November election Wednesday.
Iran War
The war in Iran has raised questions about many things for Americans, ranging from its constitutionality to gas prices of $4.20 per gallon in Iowa.
Dawson shared he thinks that the war in Iran is both unconstitutional and the primary cause of increased gas prices.
“At this point in time, to drive down fuel prices and stabilize the fuel prices across the country, we need to end the war,” Dawson said. “Right now we have a president engaged in an unconstitutional, illegal war that Congress hasn’t authorized and no one in Congress has been willing to stand up and say this is wrong, and we are putting too many American lives at risk.”
McGowan said he supported the decision to go into Iran, but that we have been there for too long. On congressional approval, McGowan said he doesn’t have the confidential information needed to decide.
“We have put an awful lot of young men and young women in harm’s way, and the sooner that we can end this conflict and bring them home, the better for all,” McGowan said. “We have to define success by making sure that we do not allow the Iranians to have access to nuclear weapons, but also to make sure that the Strait of Hormuz is open. It is the leading supply line for oil on the global market.”
Economy
The economy and cost of living were a prominent topic of discussion that brought up issues of tariffs and the minimum wage. The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 2009, making this the longest the U.S. has gone without raising the minimum wage, and tariffs have cost Americans around $1,744.75 per household.
Dawson said the current minimum wage is losing Iowa residents to neighboring states with higher wages, and that he supports raising the federal minimum wage. He also called the tariffs under President Donald Trump illegal.
“We shouldn’t have the president engaging in illegal activity that costs consumers more money,” Dawson said. “Sometimes tariffs are appropriate, but they shouldn’t be unilaterally imposed by one person.”
McGowan argued that raising the minimum wage would increase costs for consumers, and it would not be effective for containing inflation. McGowan also supports the tariffs from both an economic and national security standpoint.
“For far too long we have had free trade that has not been fair trade,” McGowan said. “The Trump administration is working diligently to try and level that playing field. We were successful in World War II because we knew how to build things, and we knew how to manufacture things, and we could do so quickly.”
Immigration
Immigration is set to undergo several changes this year, including Temporary Protected Status expiring for Ukrainian refugees, which the two candidates agreed should be extended.
“As long as we are providing for refugees seeking refuge under the banner of freedom in the United States of America, I do not believe that we should restrict that immigration,” McGowan said.
“If you’ve entered the country lawfully and you are being a productive member of our society, you shouldn’t have your lawful status unilaterally revoked by the president,” Dawson said.
Agriculture policy
In April, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, which now awaits a vote in the Senate. Both candidates voiced their support of the bill.
“Without having a long-term bill in place, it’s harder for farmers to plan long-term,” Dawson said. “I would have supported the current bill even though it didn’t have everything.”
McGowan said Iowa congresspeople have done outstanding work regarding agriculture policy, but he would like to see more support from other members of Congress.
“Hopefully this will be passed by the end of the year,” McGowan said.
To learn more about how to vote Nov. 3, visit the Iowa Secretary of State webpage.