Mike Quigley : 2022 candidate for 5th Congressional District

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office sought: 5th Congressional District

City: Chicago

Age: 64

Occupation: U.S. Representative

Previous offices held: Cook County Board of Commissioners

Q&A

Q: What is your reaction to the results so far presented by the committee investigating the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol and what should Congress do next as a result of them?

A: I was in the Gallery of the House of Representatives on January 6, 2021, where I experienced the insurrection firsthand. This was not only a deeply disturbing experience personally, but also represents the first interruption to the peaceful transfer of power since the Civil War. The work that the House Select Committee is doing is critical to the future of our democracy. Their investigation has exposed the truth around that day and has exposed how directly involved Donald Trump and the Trump administration were in the planning of the attack on the Capitol. We have also learned how derelict Donald Trump was in calling off the attack - even as his own Vice President's life was in danger.

These revelations will hopefully lead our country to be able to hold those responsible accountable for their actions criminally and - critically - at the ballot box.

Q: What is America's role in foreign affairs, particularly related to two separate crises: Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Israel's conflict with the Palestinians.

A: In any international conflict, America should serve as an arbiter of peace. In response to the Russian invasion, the United States has led the free world in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. Our objective is to support Ukraine's fight for its sovereignty. The U.S. also champions a two-state solution between Israel and Palestinians. The U.S. should continue to encourage direct negotiations between both parties in order to make progress towards peace and achieve lasting security.

Q: Mass shootings at schools and public gatherings are generally a uniquely American phenomenon. What should Congress do to address the problem?

A: This summer, I proudly supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun violence prevention legislation signed into law in over 30 years. However, I believe this legislation fell short of what Congress needs to do to end mass shootings. In 2004, Congress let the 1994 assault weapons ban expire, and statistics showed that mass shootings became more fatal. Congress must pass a new assault weapons ban to help reduce the frequency of mass shootings. Getting these weapons off our streets can, at the very least, decrease the number of deaths we see in these horrific attacks. I also support universal background checks to keep firearms away from dangerous criminals.

States like Illinois are routinely impacted by lax gun laws in neighboring states and the interstate gun trade is responsible for many of the illegal guns used in Chicago. The federal government can and must take additional steps to address gun trafficking to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals.

Q: The Supreme Court has made it clear it considers abortion a states' rights issue and has suggested it may rule similarly on same-sex marriage and other social issues. What should the response be from Congress? How do you define whether such issues should be governed by federal authority or state authority?

A: Human and civil rights must not be subject to the whims of state legislatures. As a country that has been described as a "shining city on a hill," it is unthinkable that we would give license to discriminate and have different standards of rights in different places in our country. Federal authority has historically and properly been used to ensure human rights and civil rights are upheld nationally. Congress should immediately act to safeguard the rights of women, LGBTQI+ individuals, people of color, and all Americans.

Q: Are you concerned about the impact of all the recent federal spending on inflation, and what is the role of Congress in managing the economy? If you favor spending cuts, where specifically would you want to see spending reduced?

A: While prices are starting to decrease after spiking earlier this summer, inflation remains a top and real concern for many Americans. The Federal Reserve, through its ability to raise interest rates, is the main actor in reining in inflation, but Congress has a role to play too. In August, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill will bring down many Americans' prices on prescription drugs and healthcare.

Importantly, it will also diversify our energy sources so Americans are less reliant on foreign energy sources that can raise prices.

Congress must continue to take action to smooth the supply chain of goods coming into the U.S, which has contributed to inflation. In June, Congress passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which cracks down on foreign-owned carriers' unfairly raising prices, strengthens the maritime supply chain, and reduces costs for Americans. This bill is a step in the right direction, but more work can be done.

Q: Are you confident that elections and voting access are free and fair in America? If not, why not and what should be done?

A: The 2020 election was a free and fair election that resulted in Joe Biden winning the presidency.

Unfortunately, many states have passed legislation to make it more difficult for Americans to vote, under the guise of preventing fraud. The Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder stripped federal oversight of voting laws, opening the floodgates to the underhanded tactics we see state legislatures deploy today: limiting when and how people vote, closing polling locations, and unfair purging of voter rolls.

I was proud to vote to restore key provisions of the VRA and to give the federal government authority to hold states accountable for violations. However, our election infrastructure is outdated, low-tech, and underprepared to prevent intrusions. In my role as chair of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, I've worked to secure election security grants to safeguard our democratic process.

Q: Whether your party is in the majority or the minority, what is the key to being a successful congressman and what are the characteristics about you that would make you successful?

A: Understanding my constituents' needs has been key to my success in representing Illinois' 5th District. Every weekend I'm not in Washington, D.C. working for my constituents, I am in Chicago meeting with people out in our neighborhoods and across the city. That constant communication means that I am incredibly familiar with the needs of my constituents. Coupled with my understanding of the policy process, I am poised to continue delivering for the residents of the fifth district and help ensure our country is on a strong path for the future.

I have utilized my position on the Appropriations Committee to bring funding to our community and ensure it's targeted to where it's needed most, including the $10 million I secured earlier this year. My position on the Intelligence Committee has also afforded me the opportunity to serve in a key oversight position of our national security apparatus, keeping not only Chicago but our entire nation safe.