Justin Burau: 2022 candidate for 3rd Congressional District
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: 3rd Congressional District
City: Winfield
Age: 36
Occupation: VP of Operations, Aceland Mortgage
Previous offices held: DuPage Young Republicans Board
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 think it is dangerous to single out any single group, political party or incident for investigation. If we pursue one group for riots, we must have an equally intensive investigation of riots and damage done during 2020 that destroyed the livelihood of small business owners. I do not have a problem with a committee looking into all aspects of the attack on our capital but when it comes to the Jan 6th committee and many other Congressional investigations, I have a hard time believing they are all giving an unbiased opinion. What happened that day was awful and anyone who violently stormed the capital should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law just as I have always said. As far as I'm concerned, anything after this is up to the DOJ, not political grandstanding in Congress.
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: We always need to support our allies, that why they are our allies. We need to support Ukraine and protect them from the failing Putin regime. Just like Ukraine, Israel is our ally and we must make sure they have the resources to protect themselves while also promoting peace. In any foreign matters, it's crucial we are a united front and that we aren't just writing blank checks. As with any decision within our Government, the American people should be the #1 priority.
Q: Mass shootings at schools and public gatherings are generally a uniquely American phenomenon. What should Congress do to address the problem?
A: I do believe it's important we address the recent uptick in gun violence and school shootings but it's also important that we don't rush and make emotional decisions. We see in states like Illinois that strict gun laws don't necessarily reduce gun violence. It's why we need to look into bills like H.R. 6712 School resource officer act of 2022 that provides funding for our law enforcement to protect our schools while also promoting relationships between students and law enforcement. It's time we stop labeling all cops as evil and promote the 99% of officers that do things the right way. Labeling all officers as evil just continues to promote more hate and division.
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: I believe this is a State or a Supreme Court issue, just like it has been since Roe V. Wade was enacted. I do believe in someone's right to choose which is why its puzzling that the far left is in favor of vaccine mandates. In regards to gay marriage, I do not agree with Senator Grahams recent statements on gay marriage and I don't believe the case should be brought in front of the Supreme Court. Just as I support states having more authority, I believe in the separation of church and state.
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: Myself and the voters I speak with on a daily basis are very concerned with inflation and the massive spending coming from Democrats and this Administration. Massive spending bills are one of the leading factors in our current inflation situation. We cannot keep throwing money at our problems and expecting different results. We must address the root of issues when we are talking about education, health care, child care. I wouldn't say the solution to our problems are budget cuts but more budget audits. Billions of dollars are just wasted by departments each year. It's why health care is so important to fix because our nation's health care bill is roughly equal to our 2.8 trillion dollar deficit. Work on health care could go a long way in solving financial problems for both the government and consumers.
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: I do believe our elections are free and fair and we believe we need to make sure they are secure. I disagree with H.R. 1 which eliminates states from requiring voter ID. In Georgia, in which we were told was the biggest attack on civil rights since Jim Crow, actually had record high voter turnout in the 2022 primary with requiring voter ID. We are required to show ID to fly, public buildings like our capital, and to buy or rent a house. If minorities are suppressed because of showing an ID, we should be talking about how to get them ID's rather than making showing an ID to vote illegal to vote which is our most prized possession as U.S. citizens.
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: My approach is no different if I am in the minority or majority. I will always hold both parties accountable and will be willing to work across the aisle to get smart legislation passed. I've spent my entire career working with people with different opinion, just like we all do, and I welcome different opinions. Just like many, I learn from people who disagree with me because you get to see a different perspective. I'm not walking into Congress to fight, I'm walking into to help my District, and help issue in the next generation of young leaders who are tired of the far left and right.