20 -- WMUR 2020 COMMITMENT SPECIAL. TONIGHT, THE CANDIDATES IN THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. >> GOOD EVENING, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THE FINAL NIGHT OF OUR GRANITE STATE DEBATES. I’M WMUR POLITICAL DIRECTOR ADAM SEXTON. TONIGHT WE’RE HEARING FROM THE CANDIDATES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE’S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, WHICH STRETCHES FROM NASHUA TO KEENE, AND THROUGH THE NORTH COUNTRY TO THE CANADIAN BORDER. WE ARE LIVE TONIGHT, BUT EVERYONE IS KEEPING THEIR DISTANCE BECAUSE OF COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS. OUR CANDIDATES ARE SAFELY SPAC APART IN THEIR OWN STUDIO, I’LL JOIN THEM IN A MOMENT. THE PANELISTS WILL STAY IN THIS STUDIO, TONIGHT WE’RE JOINED BY WMUR ANCHOR CHERISE LECLERC AND POLITICAL REPORTER JOHN DISTASO. EVERYONE CAN SEE AND HEAR EACH OTHER, SO WE LOOK FORWARD TO A ROBUST DEBATE. FIRST, LET’S LEARN A BIT ABOUT THE CANDIDATES. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT REPUBLICAN STEVE NEGRON HAS CHALLENGED INCUMBENT DEMOCRAT ANNIE KUSTER TO REPRESENT NEW HAMPSHIRE’S SECOND DISTRICT AND ONCE AGAIN, THEY’RE OFFERING STARKLY DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS ON HOW TO BEST SERVE THE INTERESTS OF GRANITE STATERS. FROM HEALTH CARE. TO ABORTION. >> IT IS ALL ABOUT A WOMAN’S CHOICE. >> I AM A PRO-LIFE CANDIDATE. >> FROM THE ECONOMY. TO BASIC CAMPAIGNING. >> SHE WANTS US TO STAY AT HOME AND NOT GO OUT AND NOT THE PEOPLE. >> MY OPPONENT IS CAMPAIGNING DOOR-TO-DOOR AND I HOPE YOU DOESN’T BECOME A SUPER-SPREADER FEARS >> -- BECOME A SUPER SPREADER. >> EACH CANDIDATE HAS THEIR OWN CLEAR VISION FOR HOW TO HELP NEW HAMPSHIRE THRIVE, THAT IN MANY CASES DIFFERS FROM THEIR OPPONENT. NOW IT’S UP TO VOTERS TO DECIDE IF THEY WANT THIS DEMOCRAT TO REPRESENT THEM FOR A FIFTH TERM. OR IF THEY’RE READY FOR THIS REPUBLICAN TO BRING A CHANGE OF DIRECTION. WMUR NEWS 9 EVALUATED ALL LEGALLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES AND SELECTED THOSE CONSIDERED MOST NEWSWORTHY ACCORDING TO ITS OBJECTIVE CRITERIA TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS DEBATE. THE CANDIDATES WILL GET ONE MINUTE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS TONIGHT. 30-SECOND REBUTTALS WILL BE ALLOWED AT THE MODERATOR’S DISCRETION. I’LL BEGIN WITH TONIGHT’ OPENING QUESTION. IN THIS FIRST QUESTION -- WE LIVE IN A MOMENT WHEN MANY PEOPLE WHO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS WORRY THEY’RE GOING TO BE THE TARGET OF CRUELTY, HATE OR MOCKERY. OTHERS FEEL THAT NO MATTER HOW FACTUAL SOMETHING IS, THE FACTS MAY BE DISMISSED IN FAVOR OF POLITICS HOW WILL YOU CONVINCE GRANITE STATERS THAT AMERICA WILL COME TOGETHER AGAIN, AND THAT THEY CAN TRUST YOU TO LEAD THEM WITH HONESTY? REP. KUSTER: HOPEFULLY WE HAVE SET THE TONE IN OUR CAMPAIGN. IT IS TRUE THAT THE COUNTRY HAS BECOME FAR TOO DIVIDED. I GREW UP IN A REPUBLICAN FAMILY. I AM UNIQUELY SITUATED TO BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER. I CREATED THE FIRST BIPARTISAN OPIOID TASK FORCE WITH MY FORMER COLLEAGUE FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE AND IT IS STILL GOING STRONG. I ALSO CREATED THE FIRST-EVER BIPARTISAN TASK FORCE TO END SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND I AM PROUD OF THE WORK THAT I HAVE DONE WITH COLLEAGUES FROM ACROSS THE AISLE. >> SAME QUESTION TO YOU, MR. NEGRON. MR. NEGRON: CRUELTY, HATRED, AND MOCKERY HAVE RUN TRUE EVEN WHEN OUR PRESIDENT TOOK THE OATH OF OFFICE. IT IS A SHAME THAT IT IS A BATTLE CRY FROM FOLKS ON THE LEFT. THROWING ROCKS AT AN ADMINISTRATION THAT IS TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING. MY OPPONENT WILL TALK TO YOU ABOUT HOW HER BIPARTISANSHIP HAS MOVED THE BALL FORWARD, BUT POLLS WILL SHOW THAT THAT HAS NOT BEEN IT. THIS IS OUR COUNTRY, THE UNITED STATES. WHEN I WAS A YOUNG OFFICER AND SECOND LIEUTENANT, THIS COUNTRY INTERESTED IN ME ONE OF THE GREATEST RESPONSIBILITIES, TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY FROM A NUCLEAR ATTACK. HIS COUNTRY CAN DO IT AGAIN BY SENDING ME TO CONGRESS. >> THIS WEEK PRESIDENT TRUMP SAID DOCTOR ANTHONY FAUCI, THE NATION’S TOP INFECTIOUS-DISEASE EXPERT, WAS A QUOTE DISASTER, THAT THE DOCTORS INVOLVED ARE IDIOTS, AND THAT VOTERS DON’T WANT TO HEAR MORE FROM THE COUNTRY’S SCIENTIFIC LEADERS ABOUT THE PANDEMIC. MR. NEGRON, DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT MESSAGE? AND WHAT DO YOU TELL GRANITE STATERS WHO ARE CRAVING INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEADLY PANDEMIC? MR. NEGRON: THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. CLEARLY, WE KNOW THAT THERE IS A GROUP OF FOLKS THAT WE HAVE TO PROTECT. THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT THAT. I BELIEVE THE SCIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THIS UNIVERSE OF FOLKS ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE PANDEMIC AND THE CORONAVIRUS. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING MORE TO PROTECT THEM. THE ISSUE IS THAT IT IS NOT A PEANUT BUTTER SPREAD. IT IS NOT THAT EVERYONE IS AFFECTED THE SAME WAY. YOU ARE RIGHT, GRANITE STATER’S WANT TO KNOW. THEY WANT TO GET OUT OF THEIR HOMES. THEY WANT TO GET TO THEIR NORMAL LIVES. KIDS WANT TO GET BACK TO SCHOOL. WE NEED TO GET WHAT THAT SIGN SAYS ABOUT THAT SPECIFIC UNIVERSE OF PEOPLE, BUT TO TAKE A PEANUT BUTTER SPREAD LIKE THAT IS WRONG. I THINK PEOPLE HAVE SHOWN THAT THEY CAN ACTUALLY SURVIVE ON THIS PANDEMIC. WHAT’S PROTECT THOSE WHO ARE MOST VULNERABLE AND FOR THE REST OF US, LET’S TRY TO GET BACK TO OUR LIVES. >> REPRESENTATIVE KUSTER, THERE ARE PEOPLE ACROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE AND THE COUNTRY WHO BELIEVE THE U.S. HAS OVER-REACTED TO COVID, AND THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE NOT TELLING THEM THE WHOLE TRUTH. HOW DO YOU RESPOND? REP. KUSTER: FIRST, LET ME GO BACK TO DR. FAUCI. I HAVE TREMENDOUS FAITH IN DR. FAUCI AND THE MEDICINE. HE HAD 13 TELEPHONE CALLS BECAUSE MY CONSTITUENTS WERE SO ANXIOUS TO GET INFORMATION LAST SPRING ABOUT THE 19 -- COVID-19. I WANT TO THINK THE DOCTORS WHO CAME ON THOSE CALLS JUST TO EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE, THIS IS JUST SUCH A CHALLENGE. WE WANT TO GET BACK TO WORK, BACK, BUT WE HAVE TO FOLLOW THE SCIENCE. THAT IS WHY I LAID OUT A ROADMAP TO RECOVERY. IT IS ON OUR WEBSITE. YOU CAN SEE THE STEPS THAT WE NEED TO TAKE WITH INCREASING TESTING, CONTACT TRACING, AND I AM VERY EXCITED TO GET INTO THE DISCUSSION ABOUT THE VACCINE WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IN MY COMMITTEE IN CONGRESS. MODERATOR: NEXT QUESTION. >> EARLIER THIS MONTH, HOUSE DEMOCRATS PASSED A $2.2 TRILLION BILL TO FUND ADDITIONAL STIMULUS CHECKS FOR AMERICANS, ADDITIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, STATE AND LOCAL AID, MONEY FOR EDUCATION, CHILDCARE, THE AIRLINE AND RESTAURANT INDUSTRIES, AND CORONAVIRUS TESTING AND TREATMENT. THE SENATE HAS NOT VOTED ON THAT BILL AND RIGHT NOW HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI IS NEGOTIATING WITH ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS OVER THIS. CONGRESSWOMAN KUSTER -- YOU VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE LARGE BILL -- BUT WHAT IS YOUR SPECIFIC TOP FUNDING PRIORITY AND WHAT WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO DO WITHOUT? REP. KUSTER: IT IS THE RESPONSE, WE NEED A NATIONAL TESTING STRATEGY, AND WE NEED TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE AND SEPARATE IF THEY TEST POSITIVE. USING ISOLATION, FOLLOWING THE SCIENCE. THE BIGGEST ISSUE THAT WE HAVE IS THE VACCINE. WE ARE WORKING ON THAT IN OUR COMMITTEE AND I THINK WE WILL HAVE A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE VACCINE. PART OF THE HEROES FUNDING IS NOT ONLY THE RESEARCH, BUT ALSO EQUITABLE -- DISTRIBUTION OF THE VACCINE. THE REAL ISSUE KEEPING THE PARTIES APART AND I FEEL SO STRONGLY ABOUT THIS. OUR GOVERNOR AGREES WITH ME. IT IS FUNDING FOR STATE AND LOCAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LOST REVENUE. IT WOULD BE $800 MILLION TO THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. IF WE DO NOT COME TOGETHER AND PASS THIS BILL, THAT IS GOING TO BE A TREMENDOUS GOAL IN OUR STATE BUDGET COME JANUARY. >> MR. NEGRON, IF ELECTED, YOU MAY NEED TO OFFER SOME COMPROMISE ON THIS ISSUE AS WELL. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES, AND WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO COLLEAGUES ABOUT COMPROMISING? MR. NEGRON: THE ISSUE THAT WE SEE HERE IS NANCY PELOSI IN HER GOVERNMENT WANTS ADDITIONAL THINGS IN THIS RELIEF TILL AND THAT IS NOT THE CASE. IF YOU REALLY WANTED TO HELP SOMEBODY, THEN EXCISED THAT OUT, PUT A PPP PROGRAM IN PLACE, AND LET’S VOTE ON THAT. IF YOU WANT TO PUT AN EXTENSION ON ON APPOINTMENT BENEFITS, EXCISED THAT AND PUT IT IN PLACE. THE ADMONITION IS WILLING TO NEGOTIATE ON THESE THINGS BECAUSE THEY ARE REQUIRED AND NEED HELP IN THE GREAT STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, BUT NEW WRAP IT UP IN THIS WAY OR NO WAY, I THINK THAT IS WRONG. IF THE CONGRESSWOMAN REALLY WANTED TO HELP NEW HAMPSHIRE, SHE SHOULD GO TO SPEAKER PELOSI AND SAY, LET’S TALK ABOUT PPP RIGHT NOW. LET’S GET THIS DONE. BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. THE CASE IS THAT THIS IS AN OVERARCHING KIND OF BILL. THEY WANT TO GET IN SOME STUFF THAT IS OVERSPENDING, THAT IS NOT WHAT THIS ADMINISTRATION WANTS. IF WE WANT TO DO SOME THINGS, WE CAN DO THINGS AND GO FORWARD. REP. KUSTER: A HOLE IN THE NEW HAMPSHIRE BUDGET IS SIGNIFICANT AND I REPRESENT MY CONSTITUENTS AND THE SECOND DISTRICT. I HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR. HE HAS BEEN TALKING TO VICE PRESIDENT PENCE AND REPUBLICAN SENATORS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET THAT REIMBURSED FUNDING BECAUSE WE WILL HAVE DEVASTATING CUTS ACROSS THE BOARD IN OUR STATE BUDGET IF WE DO NOT. MODERATOR: NEXT QUESTION. >> A SURVEY OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS’ CEO’S, BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, SAYS THAT 52% OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES, BUT CAPACITY IS DIMINISHING AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC. WHAT SHOULD CONGRESS DO RIGHT NOW, TO ADDRESS AND PLAN AHEAD FOR THE INCREASING DEMAND ON MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES? MR. NEGRON: THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION. IT IS NOT BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC, IT IS BECAUSE OF OUR REACTION. ABSOLUTELY, WE KNOW THAT PEOPLE SHUT IN THEIR HOMES OVER THE LAST 6-8 ONCE IS NOT A GOOD RESPONSE. -- MONTHS IS NOT A GOOD RESPONSE. IN THIS STIMULUS BILL, WE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THOSE KIND OF THINGS AND GETTING THE MONEY INTO THE GRANITE STATE, HOLDING IT UP FOR OTHER REASONS IS NOT THE WAY THAT YOU GOVERN. YOU DO NOT GOVERN BY HOLDING THINGS HOSTAGE. I ABSOLUTELY AGREE THAT BECAUSE OF THIS PANDEMIC AND OUR RESPONSE TO IT, WE HAVE HAD MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. WE ARE SOCIAL CREATURES. WE WANT TO GET OUT AND TALK TO PEOPLE. THAT IS WHY I KEPT DOOR KNOCKING AND PEOPLE WERE APPRECIATIVE OF THAT. WE SHOULD GET BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT, GET BACK TO LEGISLATING AND GET MONEY TO THE STATES SO WE CAN HELP THOSE. >> SAME QUESTION. REP. KUSTER: I DID SEE A RECENT STUDY THAT 37% OF PEOPLE HAD INCREASED ANXIETY AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. WE HAVE SEEN THIS ACROSS-THE-BOARD IN NUMEROUS CONVERSATIONS WITH OUR MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS AND TREATMENT PROVIDERS. WE HAD A 30% INCREASE IN OPIOID DEATHS. THANK GOD THAT GOT PASSED IN A BIPARTISAN WAY. BUT THAT IS ALSO PART OF THE FUNDING THAT IS IN THE HEROES ACT. SPEAKER PELOSI AND THE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY MNUCHIN ARE READY TO REACH A DEAL. BUT STOP -- LET’S CALL IT WHAT IT IS. IT IS MITCH MCCONNELL THAT IS HOLDING THIS UP. MODERATOR: NEXT QUESTION. >> ON TUESDAY, THE WHITE HOUSE TESTING CZAR, ADMIRAL BRETT GIROIR, WAS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SAID THE COUNTRY WILL PROBABLY HAVE WIDESPREAD HOME TESTING KITS AVAILABLE IN A FEW MONTHS. HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD BE SPENT ON THIS EFFORT, WHAT MECHANISM SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT USE TO DISTRIBUTE TESTING KITS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AND WHAT PART OF THE POPULATION SHOULD GO FIRST IN GETTING THESE KITS? REPRESENTATIVE KUSTER? REP. KUSTER: THIS IS ONE OF THE BIG DISAPPOINTMENTS OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. IT DID NOT HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. WE HAVE HAD OVER 200,000 DEATHS. CLOSE TO 500 DEATHS RIGHT HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. I AGREED THAT PEOPLE WANT TO GET OUT AND ABOUT WITH THEIR LIVES. THIS IS A HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS DISEASE. TESTING WOULD MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. IF YOU COULD TEST BEFORE THANKSGIVING SO YOU CAN HUG YOUR GRANDCHILDREN AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAY, BUT THIS ADMINISTRATION NEVER HAD A NATIONAL TESTING STRATEGY. I’M GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE ADMIRAL IS TALKING ABOUT A TEST NOW. IT IS LONG PAST OVERDUE. I THINK IT SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED WIDELY. NURSING HOMES, FIRST RESPONDERS -- BUT I THINK ANYONE THAT GETS OUT AND ABOUT IN THEIR LIVES FOR WORK OR WANTS TO BE WITH THEIR FAMILY SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THAT TEST. THE QUALITY OF OUR LIFE WOULD IMPROVE DRAMATICALLY, AS IT WILL WITH THE VACCINE. >> MR. NEGRON? MR. NEGRON: BEFORE WE START SPENDING MORE MONEY, LET’S LOOK AT THE MONEY WE SPENT FROM THE FIRST PACKAGE. LET’S BE JUDICIOUS ABOUT THE MONEY THAT WE HAVE. THIS DEMOCRATIC PARTY, I WOULD WORK WITH THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND THE GOVERNOR TO FIGURE OUT THOSE PEOPLE. THERE SHOULD NOT BE A MANDATE, REQUIRE TESTING FOR EVERYBODY. IT IS NOT WHO WE ARE IN THE LIVE FREE OR DIE STATE. IF IN FACT WE ARE ABLE TO USE SOME OF THOSE RESOURCES OUT THERE TO GO AHEAD AND GET THIS TESTING AND KITS INTO THE HANDS OF PEOPLE WHO WANT THEM, WE SHOULD ABSOLUTELY DO THAT. I WANT TO GO BACK TO HER PLAN. THE PLAN SHOULD -- THE PLAN DID NOT SHOW ANY HEALTH, IT WAS STAY-AT-HOME, GET A MASK. IT IS BECAUSE OF THAT PLAN THAT WE HAVE THIS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE AND AN INCREASE IN CASES BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE DECIDED TO STAY HOME AND NOT GO OUT. REP. KUSTER: I WANT TO TAKE EXCEPTION. THE PLAN WAS FOLLOWED CLOSELY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, WHICH IS WHY OUR RESULTS ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN RESULTS IN STATES ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. WE HAVE OVER 40 STATES WITH DRAMATICALLY INCREASING NUMBERS OF POSITIVE COVID-19 AND INCREASING HOSPITALIZATION. OF COURSE I WANT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO GET OUT AND ABOUT. GOOD NEWS HERE IS OUR UNEMPLOYMENT IS DOWN TO 6.5% FROM A HIGH OF 16% DURING THE SHUTDOWN. PEOPLE ARE GETTING OUT AND ABOUT, I JUST WANT THEM TO BE SAFE AND KEEP THEIR FAMILIES SAFE AS WELL. MODERATOR: SHOULD THE GOVERNMET PROVIDE THESE FOR FREE OR SUBSIDIZE? MR. NEGRON: I THINK WE CAN GET THESE KITS TO PEOPLE WHO DO WANT THEM. MODERATOR: WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT PICK UP THE ENTIRE TOWN? REP. KUSTER: I DO NOT THINK THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THE WHOLE THING. I THINK IF YOU CAN GET THE PRICE POINT DOWN TO A PLACE THAT IS REASONABLE, I AM PRETTY SURE BILL GATES CAN PAY FOR HIS OWN TESTING KITS. THE TAXPAYERS DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR EVERYONE ELSE’S TESTING KIT. >> MR. NEGRON -- IN THE LAST WMUR DEBATE WITH YOUR PRIMARY OPPONENT -- YOU STATED YOU MAY NOT TAKE A COVID-19 VACCINE EVEN IF APPROVED AND MARKETED TO THE PUBLIC. THE PRESIDENT HAS LONG SPOKEN OF THE VACCINE AS A TURNING POINT IN THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID. DO YOU AGREE -- AND IF NOT -- HOW DOES THE U.S. GET OUT OF THIS PANDEMIC IF NOT THROUGH VACCINATIONS? MR. NEGRON: MY SISTER CONTRACTED COVID-19. SHE WENT TO THE PROTOCOLS WITHOUT THE VACCINATION AND IS PERFECTLY FINE NOW. THIS VACCINATION, IT IS MY OWN PERSONAL DECISION. IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT IS MANDATE -- WE HAVE FLU VACCINES THAT ARE NOT MANDATED BY THE GOVERNMENT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK IS A PERSONAL LIBERTY. DO NOT NEED THE GOVERNMENT TELLING ME THAT I NEED TO TAKE A VACCINATION FOR SOMETHING THAT I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE END RESULT IS GOING TO BE. IF THE PRESIDENT WANTS TO TAKE A VACCINATION, THAT IS HIS CHOICE. BUT MANDATING A MANDATORY VACCINE FOR A COVID-19 PANDEMIC I THINK IS THE WRONG BOARDS OF ACTION. IF PEOPLE WANT TO TAKE IT FOR THEIR OWN WELL-BEING AND STATE OF MIND, THEY SHOULD DO THAT. MANDATING IT, I AGREE WITH. >> -- I DISAGREE WITH. >> CONGRESSWOMAN KUSTER, YOU BROUGHT FORTH THE CORONAVIRUS VACCINE DEVELOPMENT ACT TO ENSURE THE NATION COULD MASS-PRODUCE A VACCINE ONCE APPROVED. BUT AN AUGUST GALLUP POLL SHOWED 1 IN 3 AMERICANS WOULD NOT TAKE SUCH A VACCINE. IN THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE, DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE KAMALA HARRIS SAID QUOTE, IF DR. FAUCI, THE DOCTORS, TELL US THAT WE SHOULD TAKE IT, I’LL BE THE FIRST IN LINE TO TAKE IT. BUT IF DONALD TRUMP TELLS US WE SHOULD TAKE IT, I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT. HY SHOULD PEOPLE TRUST ANY VACCINE BEING TESTED AT THIS UNPRECEDENTED PACE? REP. KUSTER: HERE’S THE POINT. I THINK IT IS PRESIDENT TRUMP THAT POLITICIZE IS THE VACCINE. BECAUSE HE TALKED ABOUT RUSHING THE VACCINE BEFORE THE ELECTION, THERE HAS BEEN A 29% DROP IN THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS WILLING TO TAKE THE VACCINE. WHAT I HAVE FAITH IN IS THE SCIENTIFIC PROCESS. WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE. THE FDA, GETTING PAST THIS ELECTION, AND UNDER A BIDEN ADMINISTRATION, FOLLOWING THE SCIENCE. THEN WE WILL KNOW IF IT IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE. WE HAVE NINE DIFFERENT CANDIDATES IN HUMAN TRIALS RIGHT NOW AND UNTIL WE KNOW IF IT IS SAFE OR EFFECTIVE, THIS DECISION IS ESSENTIALLY MOOT. I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL HAVE A VACCINE AND ANY ELECTED OFFICIAL, ONCE IT IS PROVEN, NEEDS TO STEP UP AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THAT SYSTEM SO THAT WE CAN RESTORE THE INTEGRITY. WE WILL NOT FIND OUR WAY OUT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WITHOUT THE VACCINE. THIS IS CRITICAL FOR OUR ECONOMY, THE WELL-BEING OF OUR FAMILIES AND RADICAL FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TOO. >> THE PANDEMIC IS NEGATIVELY IMPACTING PEOPLE THROUGHOUT SOCIETY, AND THERE ARE NOW GROWING CONCERNS THAT WOMEN WILL BEAR LONG-TERM EFFECTS. A BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS STUDY OUTLINES TWO REASONS FOR THIS, FIRST, THE CRISIS IS HITTING SECTORS WHERE WOMEN’S EMPLOYMENT IS MORE CONCENTRATED, LIKE RESTAURANTS, RETAIL, HOSPITALITY, AND HEALTH CARE. SECOND, BECAUSE SCHOOLS AND DAYCARES HAVE CLOSED, CHILDCARE IS MORE CHALLENGING, AND THAT IS AN ADDITIONAL OBSTACLE FOR WORKING MOTHERS. THE AUTHORS ESTIMATE 15 MILLION SINGLE MOTHERS IN THE U.S. WILL BE THE MOST SEVERELY AFFECTED. WHAT CONGRESSIONAL ACTION CAN BE TAKEN NOW TO HELP WOMEN, AND WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN THE NEXT CONGRESS TO ADDRESS THE LONGER-TERM IMPLICATIONS OF THIS? REPRESENTATIVE KUSTER, WE’LL START WITH YOU. REP. KUSTER: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION. I WANT TO SEND TO EVERY MAMA AND COPING WITH COVID RIGHT NOW, I HEAR YOU AND I SEE YOU AND I WANT TO SUPPORT YOU. WE CAN HELP RIGHT NOW WITH CHILDCARE, GETTING SUPPORT TO CHILDCARE ORGANIZATIONS SO THAT YOUR CHILDREN CAN BE SAFE AND YOU CAN GO BACK TO WORK. TO OUR TEACHERS, SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE SURE THAT THE CHILDREN ARE SAFE, OR WHETHER THEY ARE LEARNING FROM HOME. ONE IN FOUR WOMEN HAVE BEEN FORCED OUT OF THE WORKFORCE OR HAS LEFT THEIR JOB COMPLETELY. THIS WILL HAVE MONUMENTAL IMPACT ON OUR ECONOMY AND IT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE TO TACKLE NOW. I ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT THE LEGISLATION AND FUNDING IS IN THE HEROES ACT AND I FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT GETTING IT PASSED. >> MR. NEGRON? MR. NEGRON: THERE ARE SINGLE FATHERS OUT THERE FACING THE SAME KIND OF ISSUE. I HAD SOMEONE TRYING TO GET SOME HELP SO THAT WE COULD OPEN UP THE SCHOOLS. THEIR CHILDREN THAT NEED TO BE BACK IN SCHOOL, BACK IN THE INSTITUTION OF LEARNING. WE ARE IN A LOCKDOWN AND THEY ARE NOT ALLOWING THE KIDS BACK IN SCHOOL. LET KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL. I HAVE A DATE -- LET’S FIND WAYS TO GET DAYCARE, SINGLE PARENTS AND MARRIED COUPLES TO USE THOSE FACILITIES TO GET THE SCHOOLS BACK. THIS IS OUR REACTION TO THE PANDEMIC. THERE ARE PARENTS WITH KIDS OUT THERE. WE WILL SEE THAT FOR FUTURE ANIMATIONS TO COME. >> WITH STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY SEEING A SPIKE IN COVID CASES, THE NEXT ADMINISTRATION WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER ANOTHER FAR-REACHING SHUTDOWN OF DIFFERENT SECTORS OF SOCIETY. THIS COULD AFFECT RURAL AREAS OF YOUR DISTRICT WHERE COVID-19 HAS NOT BEEN WIDESPREAD. HOW WOULD YOU ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CONSTITUENTS IN AREAS WHERE MORE DRAMATIC SHUT-DOWNS MAY NOT BE NECESSARY? MR. NEGRON: THAT IS THE UNIQUE THING ABOUT THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. WE HAVE SUCH DIVERSE POPULISM IN THE DISTRICT. WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE NORTHERN COUNTIES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN HIT AS HARD AS OTHERS. I DO NOT THINK THIS WILL CHANGE WITH AN INCREASE IN COVID POSITIVES. I DON’T THI -- WE WILL WORK WITH THE SECOND CAN RATIONAL DISTRICT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET THE RESOURCES WE NEED, IT IS NOT A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL. THAT WHAT I DID DOWN IN THE SOUTHERN PART. REP. KUSTER: WHAT IS INTERESTING IS WHEN I SPENT TIME AS I DID, I WAS UP THERE FOR A FEW DAYS THIS SUMMER. THEY HAD A FEW CASES, BUT EVERYONE WAS WEARING A MASK. WHEN I ASKED PEOPLE, THEY SAID WE WANT TO HAVE VERY FEW CASES. WE DO NOT WANT COVID TO MOVE IN. WE ARE BEING VERY VERY CAREFUL. AS OF THE TYPES OF DECISIONS PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE ARE MAKING. AND THEY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A TIME WHERE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THE VACCINE AND KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE AND WILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETELY OPEN UP THE ECONOMY. THE OTHER THING ABOUT THE WESTERN AND NORTHERN PART OF THE STATE IS MAKING SURE TO HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE BROADBAND. AN ISSUE THAT I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IN CONGRESS AND THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC HAS PULLED THE CURTAIN ON THAT. EVERY FAMILY NEEDS ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE BROADBAND. MR. NEGRON: THAT IS A GREAT POINT, CONGRESSWOMAN. HAVE BEEN IN CONGRESS FOR EIGHT YEARS AND BROADBAND HAS BEEN AN ISSUE. THERE WERE COVID EMERGENCY FUNDS THAT GAVE EIGHT TOWNS BROADBAND. WE NOW KNOW THAT DISTANCE LEARNING IS AN ISSUE. WE SHOULD OF HAD THIS FIXED LONG TIME AGO. THERE ARE PEOPLE SAYING WE HAVE ASKED AND ASKED AND ASKED. REP. KUSTER: THE GOOD NEWS IS WE DID GET FUNDING FOR NOT JUST EXTENDING BROADBAND, BUT ALSO FOR TELEPHONE, MAKING SURE THAT WE HAD TOWERS, AND I THINK THIS IS THE TYPE OF RESULT YOU GET WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER, WORKING WITH THE GOVERNOR, THE FUNDING THAT CAME TO THE CARES ACT MOST RECENTLY SO THAT WE COULD EXTEND BROADBAND THROUGH THE DOOR AND OBVIOUSLY EDUCATION FROM HOME. MR. NEGRON: BUT IT SHOULDN’T HAVE TAKEN A PANDEMIC TO GET THAT THROUGH FRUITION. MODERATOR: WE HAVE A QUESTION TONIGHT FROM DOMINIQUE BOLDUC, A STUDENT AT SAINT ANSELM COLLEGE. >> MY QUESTION IS, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE THAT WE’RE FACING IN OUR STATE RIGHT NOW? AND DO YOU HAVE ANY POLICIES OR THOUGHTS ON HOW TO FIX I MODERATOR: LET’S LOOK TO THE FUTURE BEYOND COVID-19. WE START WITH YOU, CONGRESSWOMAN. REP. KUSTE I TALKED ABOUT HOW THE PANDEMIC IS REALLY PULLED BACK THE CURTAIN ON A LOT OF SOCIAL CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE. WE HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC. INCREASING ATTACK -- LONG-TERM RECOVERY AND WORKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT. REGRETFULLY, BECAUSE OF WORKING WITH THE PANDEMIC, WE HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE. EMTS AND TREATMENT PROVIDERS AND HOSPITALS HAVE TOLD ME THAT THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN OPIOID OVERDOSES AND A 30% INCREASE IN OPIOID DEATHS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THAT IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE VERY FIRST PRIORITIES AS WE BUILD BACK BETTER, MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE LOOKING OUT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN THROUGH THE CRACKS BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC. MR. NEGRON: I THINK THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IS MAKING SURE WE HAVE A PLACE FOR OUR YOUNGER GENERATION TO STAY IN THE STATE. IT IS ABOUT GIVING OUR YOUNGER GENERATION TO NOT LEAVE THIS GREAT STATE BUT TO COME HERE AND STAY. THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER THINGS OUT THERE THAT WE HAVE FAILED THEM AND REPRESENTATION. THIS IS NOT GOTTEN BETTER -- THIS HAS NOT GOTTEN BETTER REGARDLESS OF ANY TASK FORCE. I WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE TO FIGURE OUT A WIN DO THAT. THERE ARE LOTS OF THINGS THAT WE CAN MAKE NEW HAMPSHIRE BETTER, BRING PEOPLE IN. WE WANT TO KEEP OUR STATE, WE HAVE TO ATTRACT YOUNG FOLKS AND I THINK THAT IS ONE THING THAT EVERYBODY IGNORES. REP. KUSTER: I JUST WANTED TO SAY, THIS IS AN UNUSUAL SILVER LINING THE PANDEMIC. I DO WANT TO THINK ABOUT THE SORT OF WINS AND LOSSES HERE THAT WE TALKED BRIEFLY ABOUT. TELEHEALTH HAS BEEN A BIG POSITIVE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. PEOPLE WERE WORKING TOGETHER -- ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT WE HAVE HERE IS THAT PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY MOVING UP HERE BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC. I THINK THAT IS A GOOD THING FOR OUR STATE AND WE ARE GOING TO SEE SOME GROWTH AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY COMING OUT OF THESE NEW VISITORS THAT ARE DECIDING TO STAY BECAUSE IT IS SO SAFE HERE. >> WITH THE NOMINATION OF JUDGE AMY CONEY BARRETT TO THE SUPREME COURT, THERE HAS BEEN RENEWED DISCUSSION ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF OVERTURNING ROE V WADE. MR. NEGRON, YOU ARE STAUNCHLY PRO-LIFE. IF ROE V WADE IS OVERTURNED, AND YOU ARE A MEMBER OF CONGRESS, WHAT BILL WOULD YOU AUTHOR OR IMMEDIATELY SIGN ON TO, TO RESTRICT ACCESS TO ABORTION? MR. NEGRON: I THINK THAT WHEN EVERYBODY TALKS ABOUT THE NOMINEE TO THE SUPREME COURT, WE SHOULD LOOK AT IT IN CONFINES OF A SINGLE DECISION THAT A PREVIOUS SUPREME COURT MADE. WE NEED TO LOOK AT THIS IN A SITUATION AS SOMEONE BEING NOMINATED THAT INTERPRETS THE CONSTITUTION THE WAY THAT IT WAS INTENDED. I KNOW THE LEFT SIDE AND CONGRESSMAN KUSTER WANTS TO TALK ABOUT ROE V. WADE BECAUSE THAT IS HOW THEY LOOK AT THE SUPREME COURT, AS A BENCH TO LEGISLATE. THAT IS NOT WHAT IT IS ABOUT. THEY ARE ABOUT THE INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION AS IT APPLIES TO THE COUNTRY. WHETHER OR NOT THE ACA OR ROE V. WADE IS OVERTHROWN, THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS IF JUDGE BARRETT IS THE RIGHT PERSON TO NOMINATE TO THE SUPREME COURT. CLEARLY SHE HAS IMPECCABLE STANDARDS AND AN IMPECCABLE -- AND AN UNBELIEVABLE BACKGROUND. >> WOULD THERE BE LEGISLATION THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO SIGN ON TO THAT WOULD RESTRICT ACCESS TO ABORTION? MR. NEGRON: IT IS NOT A SECRET TO ANYBODY WATCHING THAT I AM A PRO-LIFE CANDIDATE, BUT THE THING THAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT THOSE PEOPLE WHO WILL MAKE THOSE DECISIONS, I AM STILL GOING TO BE THERE FOR THEM ON THE BACKSIDE OF IT. IT IS NOT GOING TO BE A SITUATION WHERE THEY GO THROUGH FACILITY AND THEY TERMINATE THEIR PREGNANCY AND ARE FORGOTTEN. BECAUSE OF MY FAITH, I AM GOING TO BE THERE FOR EVERYBODY REGARDLESS OF THEIR DECISION AND THAT IS HOW I WILL LOOK AT THE LEGISLATION. >> CONGRESSWOMAN KUSTER, YOU ARE STAUNCHLY PRO-CHOICE. IF ROE V WADE IS UPHELD, AND CONGRESS FEELS EMPOWERED TO CODIFY ABORTION RIGHTS, HOW FAR WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO GO IN ALLOWING LATE-TERM ELECTIVE ABORTIONS? REP. KUSTER: LET ME JUST SAY, DO NOT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. IT IS DONALD TRUMP WHO CHOSE AMY CONEY BARRETT BECAUSE SHE WILL OVERTURNED THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AND LOSE COVERAGE FOR PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS AND OVERTURN ROE V. WADE. MY OPPONENT’S POSITION IS VERY EXTREME. HE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN ANY TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY, EVEN IN THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER OR RAPE OR AND SUSSED. I WAS AN ADOPTION ATTORNEY FOR 17 YEARS SO I WALKED THE WALK ON THIS ISSUE. FEEL VERY STRONGLY. ROE V. WADE BALANCES THE EQUITIES AND I BELIEVE THAT SHOULD BE THE LAW OF THE LAND. IT IS AND IF IT IS OVERTURNED, WE WILL CODIFY IT IN A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS. MR. NEGRON: TALK ABOUT EXTREME. YOU SUPPORT A BILL THAT WOULD TAKE A LIFE AFTER IT HAS BEEN BIRTHED WHILE MOTHER. -- BY A MOTHER. REP. KUSTER: THAT IS NOT EVEN PLAUSIBLE. MR. NEGRON YOUR STANCE ON LIFE IS BAD FOR BUSINESS. THESE WOMEN, SOME OF THEM WILL MAKE THAT HARSH DECISION, BUT WE NEED TO BE THERE FOR THEM. REP. KUSTER: YOU -- I REPRESENTED OVER 300 BIRTHMOTHERS. THEY WERE FACING A DIFFICULT DECISION. THEY CHOSE TO CARRY THE PREGNANCY, PLACE THE CHILD FOR ADOPTION. NOT ONCE DID ONE OF THOSE BIRTHMOTHERS WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THAT DECISION. THAT IS WHERE WE ARE DIFFERENT. MR. NEGRON: I APPLAUD YOU FOR THE 300 BABIES THAT WERE BORN. >> RECENTLY, THE NEW YORK TIMES DID A LENGTHY SERIES OF ARTICLES ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S TAX RETURNS FINDING THAT IN BOTH 2016 AND 2017, THE PRESIDENT PAID JUST $750 IN FEDERAL INCOME TAX. THE ARTICLES RENEWED THE DEBATE ABOUT HOW MUCH WEALTHIER AMERICANS SHOULD PAY IN INCOME TAX. SOME PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED THAT THIS SHOWS THAT WEALTHY AMERICANS - INCLUDING POWERFUL COMPANIES LIKE AMAZON - CAN USE THE CURRENT SYSTEM TO GET OUT OF PAYING THEIR SHARE? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT CRITICISM, AND WHAT PROPOSAL, IF ANY, WOULD YOU SUPPORT TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD? REP. KUSTER: ADVOCATE IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT FROM THE BEGINNING PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS NOT SHARED HIS TAX RETURNS WITH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AS EVERY OTHER CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT HISTORICALLY HAS. NOW WE KNOW WHY. HE ONLY PAID $750. LESS THAN ALMOST EVERY TAXPAYER IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. AND THERE WERE YEARS WHERE HE PAID ZERO IN TAXES. I ABSOLUTELY BELIEVE THAT A PERSON WITH THAT KIND OF WEALTH SHOULD BE PAYING TAXES AND I THINK WE NEED THE IRS TO HAVE THE OVERSIGHT AND STRENGTHEN THEIR IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR TAX CODE. HE IS CHEATING YOU AS THE TAXPAYER AND I THINK IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE. HE SHOULD BE VOTED OUT ON NOVEMBER 3. MR. NEGRON: CLEARLY, THE TAX CODE IS OVER 75 PAGES -- IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. AS IT EXISTS, IT HAS GIVEN RISE TO AN INDUSTRY WHERE YOU HAVE TO GO TO PEOPLE TO TELL YOU WHAT YOUR TAXES ARE. THE INTERESTING THING IS THAT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE CONSTITUTION AND THE REQUIREMENTS, AND I HAVE LOOKED A COUPLE OF TIMES. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANYTHING ABOUT TAX RETURNS. WHEN THEY WANT TO MAKE THIS BATTLE CRY ABOUT TAX RETURNS AND IT IS A VOLUNTARY THING, MANY PRESIDENTS HAVE DONE IT BEFORE, BUT IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. THEY HAVE BEEN AFTER THIS THING SINCE PRIOR TO HIS ELECTION IN 2016. IT IS ABOUT ANOTHER DIVISIVE OPPORTUNITY TO GO AFTER THIS PRESIDENT TO MAKE SURE THAT HE IS DOING SOMETHING ILLEGAL BECAUSE IT IS NOT ABOUT LEGISLATING, IT IS ABOUT THIS VISCERAL REACTION TO THIS PRESIDENT. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE 2017. THE STATE IS TIRED OF IT. EVERYTHING IS ABOUT FIGHTING INSTEAD OF GETTING TOGETHER AND PUTTING GOOD LEGISLATION ON THE TABLE. MODERATOR: A LITTLE PALATE CLEANSER WITH A LIGHTNING ROUND. 15 SECOND ANSWERS. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF ELIMINATING THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE? MR. NEGRON: ABSOLUTELY NOT. REP. KUSTER: NO. MR. NEGRON: THAT’S FUNNY, BECAUSE SHE SUPPORTED BUTTIGIEG WHO WANTED TO GET RID OF IT. REP. KUSTER: MY ANSWER IS NO. MODERATOR: TWO WEEKS AGO THE STATE APPROVED A 1.24 MILLION CUBIC YARD EXPANSION OF THE NORTH COUNTRY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LANDFILL IN BETHLEHEM, OVER THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS OF SOME RESIDENTS. DO YOU AGREE WITH THE STATE’S DECISION? REP. KUSTER: NO. MR. NEGRON: NO. MODERATOR: HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL YOU INVITE TO YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER THIS YEAR? MR. NEGRON: AS MANY AS I CAN. REP. KUSTER: THREE. MY SON, HIS GIRLFRIEND, AND HER FRIEND. MODERATOR: NEW HAMPSHIRE IS ONE OF JUST TWO STATES THAT HAS NOT STARTED TO LABEL INTERSTATE EXIT NUMBERS BASED ON MILES. DO YOU THINK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD REQUIRE STATES TO FOLLOW ITS GUIDELINES FOR MARKING EXITS? REP. KUSTER: I THINK IT IS HELPFUL BECAUSE THEN I THINK YOU KNOW HOW FAR YOU ARE TO THE NEXT EXIT AND I THINK IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE, IT WILL BE VERY HELPFUL FOR PEOPLE RUNNING OUT OF GAS OR IF YOU PULLOVER WITH A PROBLEM IN YOUR CAR OR IN THE SNOW. AND FOR STATE TROOPERS, I THICK IT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL TO IDENTIFY WHERE YOU ARE BASED ON MILEAGE. MR. NEGRON: NO, I THICK IT IS SILLY. WE HAVE APPS ON OUR PHONES -- REP. KUSTER: IF YOU CAN AFFORD A PHONE. MR. NEGRON: IT IS AMERICANO. WE SHOULD BE CHANGING IT. MODERATOR: NAME YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN RED SOX-YANKEES HISTORY? MR. NEGRON: I HAVE TO TELL YOU. A-ROD KNOCKING THE BALL OUT OF THE MITT. REP. KUSTER: I THINK THE BIG WIN. THAT MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN OUR LIFE AND I AM PROUD OF THE RED SOX ON THE WAY. MR. NEGRON: -- MODERATOR: DR. SERIOUS QUESTIONS. >> WHAT IS CONGRESS’S ROLE IN REGULATING BIG TECH COMPANIES LIKE APPLE, FACEBOOK AND GOOGLE, TO PROTECT CONSUMER PRIVACY, AND AT THE SAME TIME FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION? MR. NEGRON? MR. NEGRON: WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT, YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT IT IN TERMS OF AN ANTITRUST. AN ANTITRUST WHERE PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY SHUTTING DOWN YOUR FIRST MEMORY RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH, WE ARE SEEING IT RIGHT NOW AND SOME OF THESE PLATFORMS. THAT IS NOT THE ROLE OF THE CEO OF THESE HIGH-TECH COMPANIES. THEY SHOULD NOT BE PICKING WINNERS AND LOSERS. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A PLATFORM AND WE HAVE SEEN IT NOW TO THE DETRIMENT OF ALL SIDES AND PARTIES THAT IS OUT THERE THAT THEY ARE JUST HIDING INFORMATION AND I DO NOT SEE WHERE THEY LEAVE THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO THAT. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE FIRST MOMENT RIGHT IS STILL MAINTAINED REGATTAS OF THE PLATFORM AND THEY SHOULD LOOK INTO THESE BIG MONOLITHIC ENTITIES THAT ARE ACTUALLY SHUTTING DOWN THE FAMOUS SPEECH WE SHOULD ALL ENJOY. REP. KUSTER: I THINK OUR HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND I WOULD LOOK TO MY COLLEAGUE FROM RHODE ISLAND WHO IS CHAIRING THE SUBCOMMITTEE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS WITH THE BIG TECH COMPANIES ON THE ANTITRUST IMPLICATIONS OF THEIR MONOPOLIES AND I DO THINK WE NEED TO INVESTIGATE AND IF WE FOLLOW THOSE INVESTIGATIONS WITH LEGISLATION, I WILL DEFINITELY LOOK AT IT VERY CAREFULLY. I THINK WE HAVE PUT FAR TOO MUCH CLOUT IF YOU WILL AND JUST A HANDFUL OF COMPANIES AND WHAT WE ARE SEEING IS A HUGE DISPARITY BETWEEN WHAT THE CONSUMER CAN DO AND WHAT THE COMPANIES CAN DO. I THINK BACK IN OUR HISTORY, WE HAVE BROKEN UP MONOPOLIES BEFORE AND WE NEED TO LOOK AT THIS VERY SERIOUSLY. >> EARLIER THIS WEEK, COURT-APPOINTED LAWYERS SAID THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE PARENTS OF 545 CHILDREN WHO WERE SEPARATED AT THE U.S. BORDER WITH MEXICO EARLY IN THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNDER A "ZERO-TOLERANCE" POLICY TO CRIMINALLY PROSECUTE EVERY ADULT WHO ENTERED THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY FROM MEXICO. MR. NEGRON, DO YOU SUPPORT AN EXPLICIT PROHIBITION ON FAMILY SEPARATION AT THE BORDER? AND WHAT IS YOUR BROADER PLAN TO MAKE SURE THAT U.S. POLICIES ON IMMIGRATION DO NOT END UP HURTING FAMILIES? MR. NEGRON: AS YOU DO KNOW, MY GRANDFATHER CAME HERE FROM MEXICO. ANYTIME THAT YOU SAY A LEGITIMATE FAMILY, THAT IS WRONG. WE NOW KNOW THAT WITH A LOT OF EMPIRICAL DATA THAT A LOT OF THESE PEOPLE THAT ARE BRINGING KIDS IN ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE NOT THE CHILDREN. THEY ARE USING THE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO USE THEM AS PAWNS TO GET INTO THIS COUNTRY. PART OF THAT STORY IS THESE PARENTS DO NOT WANT TO BE RECONNECTED WITH THEIR CHILDREN. I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT A HOLISTIC LOOK WITH IMMIGRATION. I AM A PARENT OF THREE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN. NOBODY SHOULD BE SPLIT FROM THEIR PARENTS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT THIS IS A POLICY THAT WAS ENFORCED BY THE STERN ADMINISTRATION. IT WAS A POLICY PUT IN PLACE BY THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION. THOSE SITUATIONS, IF THERE IS A WAY TO MAKE SURE WE CAN CONTROL THE BORDERS, TECH THIS COUNTRY, ALLOW PEOPLE TO COME IN THE RIGHT WAY, WE SHOULD DO THAT. >> REPRESENTATIVE KUSTER, YESTERDAY THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAID FEDERAL PROSECUTORS HAVE CHARGED 127 SUSPECTED MEMBERS OF THE VIOLENT MS-13 STREET GANG THIS YEAR, AND SIX FACE LIFE SENTENCES AFTER BEING CONVICTED . REPORTS SAY THAT ALTHOUGH MANY GANG MEMBERS WERE BORN IN THE U.S., MS-13 RECRUITS YOUNG TEENAGERS FROM EL SALVADOR AND HONDURAS. WHAT POLICIES CAN CONGRESS IMPLEMENT TO REDUCE THE FLOW OF GANG MEMBERS INTO THE U.S., AND TAKE MORE EXPEDIENT ACTION TO DISRUPT LEADERS OF MS-13 BASED IN CENTRAL AMERICA, FROM COORDINATING CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THE U.S.? REP. KUSTER: THE PROSECUTION PROVES THAT OUR LAWS ARE SUFFICIENT FOR PROSECUTING THESE INDIVIDUALS. I SUPPORT THAT. LET ME GO BACK TO THE 545 PEOPLE THAT WERE SEPARATED. I THINK THIS IS PURE EVIL. I DID NOT HEAR HIM SAY THAT HE OBJECTS TO THIS. I THINK THAT THIS IS NOT CHRISTIAN. IT IS NOT AMERICAN. I WENT TO THE ORDER TWICE. I MET WITH THESE WOMEN. I KNOW THAT THEY WERE THEIR CHILDREN. THEY WERE NURSING MOTHERS. THOSE BABIES HAVE BEEN SNATCHED FROM THEM BY ICE WHEN THEY WENT INTO DETENTION. THIS IS NOT THE AMERICAN WAY. WE SHOULD HAVE A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP. WE SHOULD HAVE COMPASSIONATE LAWS AND WE SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT WE TRACK DOWN THE PARENTS OF EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE 545 CHILDREN. IT IS A HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION IN THE UNITED STATES. MR. NEGRON: CONGRESSWOMAN, YOU SHOULD GO TO MANCHESTER AND TALK TO SOME OF THE IMMIGRANTS THERE AND TALK TO THEM IN NASHVILLE. TO GO DOWN TO THE BORDER FOR A PHOTO OP IS THE WRONG THING TO DO. WE NOW KNOW THAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS SUCH A HUGE DEAL. WE PUT OUR HANDS -- WE PUT OUR HEADS INTO THE SAND. THESE PEOPLE USE CHILDREN TO GET ACROSS THE BORDER. IF IT IS A LEGITIMATE FAMILY, WE SHOULD NOT DO THAT. BUT WE NOW KNOW, AND -- THAT SITUATION HAS DECREASED BECAUSE OF THE WALL AND BECAUSE OF THE IMMIGRATION STATUS THAT WE ARE NOT GIVING OUR ICE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO DO THE RIGHT THING. REP. KUSTER: I HAVE SPOKEN TO IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES IN NASHUA AND ACROSS MY DISTRICT AND I KNOW THAT THEY WANT A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP. THEY WANT TO BECOME AMERICAN CITIZENS. THEY ARE WORKING VERY HARD HERE. I AM SIMPLY STATING MY MORAL VIEW OF THE WORLD THAT THIS IS UNCONSCIONABLE WHAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AND STEPHEN MILLER -- HE USED THIS POLICY TO THREATEN FAMILIES AND I THINK IT IS WRONG AND THAT IS WHY PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD BE DEFEATED ON VENDOR THIRD. >> -- ON NOVEMBER 3. >> CONGRESSWOMAN KUSTER, RECENTLY THE NEW HAMPSHIRE POLICE ASSOCIATION ENDORSED MR. NEGRON, SAYING IN PART IT WAS BASED ON NEGRON’S OPPOSITION TO ENDING QUALIFIED IMMUNITY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT - WHICH PROTECTS THEM FROM PERSONAL LAWSUITS WHILE ON DUTY. THE UNION’S PRESIDENT MARK MORRISON SAID YOU HAVE QUOTE - DEMONSTRATED A WILLINGNESS TO COMPLETELY DISREGARD THE REALITY THAT WITHOUT THIS PROTECTION, THERE WILL BE NO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WILLING TO SIGN UP TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES. CONGRESSWOMAN HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THAT? REP. KUSTER: IT IS NOT ABOUT THE IMMUNITY, BUT A COUNTABILITY -- ACCOUNTABILITY. NEW HAMPSHIRE CAN LEAD THE WAY. OUR GOVERNOR PUT FORWARD A COMMISSION. I TALKED TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION, INCLUDING RECENTLY WITH COMMISSIONER QUINN ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE THAT THEY HAD. 26 DIFFERENT MEETINGS, 48 DIFFERENT RECOMMENDATIONS. ALL OF THEM AGREED TO BY EVERYONE AND ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNOR. IT HAS TO DO WITH IDENTIFYING IMPLICIT BIAS. IT IS ABOUT TRAINING AND IT IS ABOUT RECOGNIZING THAT WE NEED TRAINING AND ETHICS AND TRAINING IN DE-ESCALATION. MANY AMERICANS, INCLUDING PEOPLE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, WATCHED THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD. I BELIEVE WE CAN DO BETTER. I BELIEVE POLICE DO BETTER EVERY DAY. I APPRECIATE THE CHIEF DOWN IN NASHUA WHO PUT TOGETHER A GROUP WITH PEOPLE LIKE -- TO TALK IN THE COMMUNITY ABOUT RACIAL INEQUALITY AND IMPLICIT BIAS AND TRAIN HIS POLICE TO DO BETTER IN COMMUNITY POLICING. >> MR. NEGRON, IN COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE THERE ARE MANY WHO FEEL IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD POLICE ACCOUNTABLE. IF YOU HAVE TAKEN THIS STANCE ON QUALIFIED IMMUNITY - HOW DO YOU EXPECT ANYTHING TO CHANGE? MR. NEGRON: LET ME GO BACK TO THE MEETINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS THAT CONGRESSWOMAN KUSTER IS TALKING ABOUT. YOU KNOW WHO WAS ABSENT? QUALIFIED IMMUNITY. THAT IS THE VERY ESSENCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. CONGRESSMAN KUSTER IS OUT OF TOUCH. I HAVE TALKED WITH FORMER POLICE CHIEF AND HE SAYS THAT BY REMOVING QUALIFIED IMMUNITY, YOU ARE ACTUALLY JUST EVISCERATING LAW ENFORCEMENT BECAUSE THAT IS THE ONE THING THAT THEY KNOW THAT IN THAT LIFE-AND-DEATH SITUATION IT IS WHAT IS PROTECTING THEM. WE DO NOT WANT WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN’S -- WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SEATTLE, OREGON, OR CHICAGO. NOT ONCE HAS CONGRESSWOMAN KUSTER DENOUNCED THIS. YOU NEED LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE STATE. THAT IS WHY I RECEIVED THE POLICE ENDORSEMENT BECAUSE YOU HAVE ABANDONED THEM. AND THEY REALIZE THAT. FOR ONCE, WE NEED TO STAND AND SAY THAT THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN IN OUR GREAT STATE. BY YOUR STANCE AND QUALIFIED IMMUNITY, IT IS CLEAR YOU HAVE ABANDONED THE POLICE. REP. KUSTER: I JUST WONDERED IF HE WAS GOING TO ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT SHE ASKED, BUT I AM GOOD. >> CONGRESSWOMAN KUSTER, IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY YOUR FRIEND AND FORMER HOUSE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SEATMATE BETO O’ROURKE MADE A VERY DRAMATIC CALL FOR GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION, SAYING HELL YES, WE’RE GOING TO TAKE YOUR AR-15. HIS CALL FOR CONFISCATION DREW CHEERS AT LAST YEAR’S STATE PARTY CONVENTION. IF DEMOCRATS TAKE BACK THE WHITE HOUSE AND SENATE, HOW WOULD YOU VOTE ON A BILL TO OUTLAW AND BUY BACK THE AR-15 AND OTHER SO-CALLED ASSAULT RIFLES? REP. KUSTER: NEW HAMPSHIRE HAS A STRONG TRADITION OF GUN OWNERSHIP. I RESPECT THAT. WE HAVE A TRADITION OF HUNTING, BEING OUTDOORS, PEOPLE WANT TO PROTECT THEIR FAMILIES. THE DIRECTION THAT I HAVE GONE IN IS RESPONSIBLE GUN REFORM THAT IS RELATED TO BACKGROUND CHECKS, HIGH APPROVAL BY RESPONSE OF GUN OWNERS AND NONOWNERS ALIKE, AND THAT IS THE DIRECTION I THINK WOULD BE MOST IMPORTANT. WE HAVE NOT HAD THE BILL THAT IS SUGGESTED SO WE HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT. AT THIS POINT, I AM COMFORTABLE WITH THE POSITIONS I HAVE TAKEN ON JUST MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE REFORM, CLOSED THE LOOPHOLE, THE TYPES OF THINGS THAT HAVE LED TO THESE MASS SHOOTINGS THAT HAVE BEEN SO TRAGIC IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS, ALL THE WAY UP TO CHURCHES. >> MR. NEGRON, YOU’VE CALLED FOR LAWS THAT EMPOWER, NOT RESTRICT, GUN OWNERS. SO WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION TO KEEPING GUNS OUT OF THE HANDS OF SEVERELY MENTALLY ILL OR DANGEROUS PEOPLE? MR. NEGRON: ABSOLUTELY. I HAVE SAID THIS ONCE AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN. THESE ISSUES WHERE WE HAVE THESE HORRIFIC ACCIDENTS, IT IS NOT THE INSTRUMENT THAT IS THE ISSUE. THE ISSUES THE MENTAL HEALTH. HIS PANDEMIC -- THIS PANDEMIC IS GOING TO EXACERBATE THAT PROBLEM. THERE ARE GOING TO BE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO ARE MENTALLY UNSTABLE AND THEY NEED THE HELP AND WE HAVE TO PROVIDE THAT HELP FOR THEM. THERE IS A BILL IN FRONT OF THE CONGRESSWOMAN, THAT HAS NOT EVEN HIT THE STREETS. THEY ARE GOING TO PUT A 30% TAX ON ALL GUNS SOLD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. THE 50% TAX ON AMMO SOLD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. THEY WANT TO START A NATIONAL REGISTRY SO THAT YOU HAVE TO REGISTER YOUR FIREARMS SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS EXACTLY WHO OWNS WEAPONS. THEY TRIED TO DO THIS AFTER SANDY HOOK. THEY TRY TO NEW YORK. THE PAPER POSTED WHERE EVERY GHOSN OWNER -- GOING OWNER LIVED ON A MAP SO THEY HAD TO TAKE IT DOWN. THE CONGRESSWOMAN NEEDS TO KNOW THAT WE DO NOT NEED ANY MORE LEGISLATION. REP. KUSTER: I JUST KNOW THAT THE POLLING IS THAT THE CITIZENS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AGREE WITH ME ON RESPONSIBLE GUN REFORMS. I HAVE NOT MET A RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNER. -- MR. NEGRON: I WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO TELL ME ABOUT THE BACKGROUND CHECK THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. JUST TWO HOURS AGO, U.S. OFFICIALS SAID THAT RUSSIAN HACKERS TARGETED STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AHEAD OF THE ELECTION, STEALING DATA FROM TWO SERVERS. EARLIER THIS WEEK - THE U.S. CHARGED SIX RUSSIAN MILITARY OFFICERS FOR THEIR ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT IN HACKING, AIMED AT AMERICAN BUSINESSES, FRENCH ELECTIONS, AND THE WINTER OLYMPICS. IT APPEARS THAT RUSSIA CONTINUES A CAMPAIGN OF USING THE CYBER WORLD TO DISRUPT AND INFILTRATE THE U.S. AND ITS INTERESTS. WHEN AND HOW SHOULD THE U.S. FIGHT BACK USING ITS CYBER CAPABILITIES? MR. NEGRON: FOUR YEARS AGO, THERE WAS A SAVORY COMMAND FOR THAT -- A CYBER COMMAND FOR THAT SPECIFICALLY. THIS IS A NEW BATTLEFIELD. YOU WILL BE ON EITHER SIDE OF THE LINE AND DASHING OTHERS CYBER WARFARE. THERE ARE SMART PEOPLE OUT THERE. WE HAVE TO BRING SOME OF THOSE YOUNG KIDS AT OUR SCHOOLS TO HELP DEFEAT THOSE THINGS. THOSE GUYS KNOW THAT WHEN THEY HAVE ANYTHING CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET, JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE TECHNOLOGY JUST NOT MEAN THAT WE ARE BETTER OFF. I LOVE THE GREAT STATE THAT I -- THAT IS NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING AND THAT IS HOW I CAST MY BALLOT. I THINK THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON HOW WE DO DEFENSIVE AND OFFENSIVE CYBER WARFARE AND TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE COUNTRIES THAT WE KNOW THAT THEY ARE STARTING TO DO THINGS AND WE SHOULD MAKE SURE TO PREVENT THEM AND PROSECUTE THEM TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. REP. KUSTER: WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT THAT ANSWER IS THAT REPUBLICAN - -- TO PROTECT YOUR VOTING RECORDS. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE REFERRING TO HERE. VOTER REGISTRATION ARE HACKED BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS. THE SHIELD ACT WOULD PROHIBIT CAMPAIGNS FROM REACHING OUT OR COOPERATING IN ANY WAY TO INTERFERE WITH THAT INTERFERENCE. AND THAT THEY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE FBI ABOUT ANY KIND OF INTERFERENCE. WHAT WE ARE SEEING IS A REPEAT FROM 2016 WITH THE INTERFERENCE FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. I THINK WHAT PEOPLE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE NEED TO KNOW IS THAT YOU CAN VOTE SAFELY AND YOU CAN VOTE NOW. THAT IS PROBABLY THE BEST THING TO DO. CHANGES TO THE CLIMATE - WHETHER CAUSED BY HUMANS OR OTHERWISE - HAVE PRESENTED CHALLENGES FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE’S SKI INDUSTRY AND OTHER WINTER SPORTS VENUES, ALL OF WHICH ARE PART OF THE STATE’S IMPORTANT TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY RIGHT NOW TO REVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS THAT MAY EVENTUALLY TAKE AWAY THE CONDITIONS THAT THIS INDUSTRY NEEDS TO SURVIVE? REP. KUSTER: THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. MY FATHER WAS THE FOUNDER OF THE -- I AM A SKI RACER. THIS IS PERSONAL TO ME. I PUT OUT MY CLEAN ENERGY AGENDA TO TACKLE CHALLENGING -- CLIMATE CHANGE. YOU CAN FIND IT AT KUSTER.HOU SE.GOV. WE NEED TO LOWER THE RATE OF CO2 IN THE ENVIRONMENT, FOLLOW THE SIGNS. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT WE CAN CREATE GOOD CLEAN ENERGY JOBS SO IT IS A WIN, WIN, WIN. I SERVE ON THE HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE AND LAST WEEK, THE U.S. HAS PASSED A COMPREHENSIVE CLEAN ENERGY BILL THAT WILL BE THE BACKBONE FOR LEGISLATION IN JANUARY. MR. NEGRON: HAVING BEEN A SCOUTMASTER FOR OVER 15 YEARS AND TAKEN MY TROOP THROUGH THE STATE, WE HAVE HIKED EVERY MOUNTAIN AND CROSSED EVERY STREAM. WE WANT TO PROTECT THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THIS DATE. I WILL TAKE A LOOK AT THE THINGS THAT ARE PRUDENT AND JUDICIOUS TO MAKE SURE WE DO NOT DO ANYTHING THAT AFFECTS THIS GREAT STATE OF OURS. THE SITUATION IS THIS. WE ARE NOT THE BAD ACTOR. WE WANT TO LOOK AT THE SITUATION. IF WE ARE SO CONCERNED ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE, DOES BAD ACTORS THAT WE ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT -- THE DEMOCRATS WANT TO POINT AT US AND HAVE THIS GREEN YOU DEAL WHEN THEY SHOULD BE LOOKING AT PLACES LIKE INDIA AND CHINA THAT HAVE THE LARGEST CARBON FOOTPRINT. WE HAVE REDUCED OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT ORGANICALLY WITHOUT HAVING ANYBODY TELL US WHAT TO DO. I GREW UP ON AN ISLAND IN COURT ARRIGO -- ARRIGO. -- PUERTO RICO. MODERATOR: A FINAL QUESTION NOW BEFORE YOUR CLOSING STATEMENTS, IF YOU HAD TO GO INTO A HIGH SCHOOL CIVICS CLASS, AND ASSURE THEM THAT POLITICIANS TRULY CAN WORK TOGETHER, WHAT WOULD YOUR ARGUMENT BE? MR. NEGRON: LOOK AT THE 90 80’S -- 1980’S. THEY SAT TOGETHER SHOULDER TO SHOULDER TO GET GOOD LEGISLATION DONE. RIGHT NOW IT IS NOT ABOUT LEGISLATION, BUT BRINGING DOWN THE LEAD -- AND ADMINISTRATION. YOU CAN TURN THIS AROUND AND I BELIEVE THAT IS THE FUTURE. LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU CAN WORK TOGETHER. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE BASED ON. I THINK WE CAN DO BETTER. REP. KUSTER: I WOULD EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT IT IS ONE AMERICA. WE ARE TERRIBLY DIVIDED NOW, BUT AFTER THIS ELECTION I LOOK FORWARD TO BRINGING EVERYONE TOGETHER IN JANUARY. I WOULD TELL THEM ABOUT THE WORK THAT I HAVE DONE WORKING ACROSS THE ISLE WITH THE VETERANS COMMITTEE, WITH THE AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE, AND NOW MY ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE. I WOULD TELL THEM ABOUT THE PROGRESS MADE ON OPIOIDS AND ENDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE. THESE ARE TOUGH CHALLENGES, BUT I ENJOY WORKING WITH MY COLLEAGUES AND I WOULD EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT THEY WOULD ENJOY IT AS WELL. MODERATOR: THE FIRST CLOSING STATEMENT WILL BE CONGRESSWOMAN CUSTER. REP. KUSTER: THANK YOU FOR STICKING WITH US TONIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN A LOT OF INFORMATION. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION, CERTAINLY THE MOST IMPORTANT IN MY LIFETIME. I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT ALL THE THINGS I HAVE DONE FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE, THE FEDERAL FUNDS HAVE BROUGHT FROM TOWNS ACROSS THE DISTRICT. THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT THE LEGISLATION I HAVE PASSED AND I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT THE WORK THAT WE HAVE DONE FOR CONSTITUENTS EVERYTHING WILL DAY AND I WANT TO THINK MY TEAM FOR THAT. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, I WANT TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY VALUES. I WANT TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO WORK HARD. TO TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I CARE ABOUT YOUR LIFE. I CARE ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE. I KNOW YOU WANT TO HUG YOUR GRANDCHILDREN AND HUG HER GRANDPARENTS. WE ALL WANT THIS TO END. I AM WORKING HARD TO MAKE SURE THAT WE FOLLOW THE SCIENCE AND THAT WE HAVE A VACCINE THAT YOU CAN RELY ON, YOU CAN FEEL SAFE ABOUT, AND WE CAN ALL GET BACK TO OUR LIVES BEFORE COVID. AND BUILD OUT BETTER. BACK BETTER. MR. NEGRON: THIS IS AN ELECTION ABOUT WHO WE ARE AS A COUNTRY. IT IS CLEAR TO YOU AND TO ME WHAT WE HAVE SEEN ACROSS THIS COUNTRY FOR THE LAST YEAR. WE SEE THIS PANDEMONIUM IN THE STREETS OF SEATTLE AND PORTLAND AND KENOSHA AND IT IS THERE BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO WORK WITH THIS CURRENT ADMINISTRATION. YOU HAVE HEARD THAT THE CONGRESSWOMAN HAS WORKED ACROSS THE AISLE. SHE IS PART OF THE GROUP THAT IS ACTUALLY -- HAS WANTED TO IMPEACH THIS PRESIDENT BEFORE THE INAUGURATION. WE NEED TO GET BACK, BUT THERE IS A TIME FOR A CHANGE. IT IS ABOUT BUILDING OUR FUTURE. WE NEED A NEW START. WE NEED A NEW VISION. I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3 AND YOUR PRAYERS. GOD BLESS. MODERATOR: WE APPRECIATE YOUR THIS PLATFORM. THANK YOU TO THE ESTEEMED PANEL. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ARE WATCHING FROM HOME. IF YOU MISSED ANY PART OF THE SERIES OR WANT TO SEE SOMETHING AGAIN YOU CAN FIND IT ALL ON OUR DIGITAL PLATFORM THANKS FOR WATCHING. HAVE A GOOD NI