Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Adriano Espaillat for US Congress NY-13
Candidate Name: Adriano Espaillat
Office Seeking Election for: US Congress, Congressional District 13 (Manhattan)
Campaign Address: Adriano Espaillat for Congress
P.O. Box H
New York, NY 10034
Campaign Website: www.AdrianoEspaillat.com
Campaign Telephone: 917-547-1147
Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter):
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepEspaillat/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EspaillatNY
Campaign Contact (name/phone/email): Aneiry Batista, 917-547-1147, abatista@adrianoespaillat.org
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district
Congressman Adriano Espaillat immigrated to Washington Heights with his family when he was nine-years-old. He learned the importance of service at an early age, travelling uptown with his grandmother and her friends to provide Spanish-English translations at government offices and hospitals. Service to neighbors transformed into legislative advocacy when Congressman Espaillat was elected to the State Senate. Years later, Congressman Espaillat made history as the first Dominican-American elected to federal office. A steadfast champion for working- and middle-class New Yorkers, Congressman Espaillat is a staunch advocate of a fair living wage, immediate and effective investments in affordable housing, meaningful criminal justice reform, infrastructure improvements, expanded youth programs, and better educational opportunities.
Congressman Espaillat’s legislative achievements include securing funding for ICE body cameras to protect immigrants from persecution and abuse; securing $600,000 for domestic-violence prevention; protecting more than 400 affordable housing units in his district; and restoring funding for the construction of the 2nd Avenue subway, which will bring much-needed transportation services to a transit-desert in his district. Congressman Espaillat is also proud to be a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, and continues to advocate for environmental justice and infrastructure investments to secure a safe, healthy future for our nation.
Throughout his years of service, Congressman Espaillat has introduced and supported progressive legislation and worked to halt President Trump’s anti-immigrant and anti-American policies. Congressman Espaillat is running for reelection so he can continue to advocate for his community. He would be honored to win the endorsement of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and champion progressive values for another term.
Do you now support or have you ever supported openly LGBTQ candidates for public office?
Congressman Espaillat has previously endorsed openly LGBTQ candidates for public office. Congressman Espaillat is committed to endorsing candidates who champion progressive values in their communities, regardless of a candidate’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity. He has supported Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, the first openly gay man elected to the New York State Assembly, Councilman Ritchie Torres, and
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly).
Congressman Espaillat is a proud member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. He was proudly an original cosponsor of H.R. 5, the Equality Act, and voted for it when it passed in the House last May. Additionally, Congressman Espaillat has cosponsored myriad legislation directly affecting the LGBT community, including:
H.R.2402, the Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2019
H.R.1521, Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace harassment through Education and Reporting (EMPOWER) Act
H.R.94, Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act of 2019
H.R. 2747, Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act
H.Res.722, Supporting the goals of Transgender Day of Remembrance
H.Res.465, Expressing support for the designation of June 26 as “LGBTQ Equality Day”
H.Res.388, Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
H.R.5001 (115th Congress), To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King, in recognition of her contribution to the Nation and her courageous and groundbreaking leadership advancing equal rights for women and the LGBT community in athletics, education, and our society
This June, Congressman Espaillat plans to introduce a resolution honoring the specific history, adversities, and successes of queer communities and individuals of color. Too often, this intersection is overlooked or swept aside, and Congressman Espaillat intends to work with these communities to help ensure their voices are heard and respected in Washington.
What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
Each year, Congressman Espaillat works with a number of local LGBT groups to host a breakfast on the day of the New York City Pride parade, including Lavender Heights, the Inwood LGBTQ community, Stonewall Democrats, Harlem Pride and the Community Board 12 LGBTQ Task Force. He has also worked with groups like the Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN, NCTE and the LGBT Equality Caucus on federal policy issues impacting the LGBT community.
If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
Members of Congress are not able to allocate official funds directly to organizations, but Congressman Espaillat has always donated to the Jim Owles Club from his campaign. He’s worked to help establish the first LGBT Youth Center in the Bronx, and supported the first openly gay US ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Wally Brewster, fighting back against conservative forces that opposed him.
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community?
Congressman Espaillat is a committed ally -- through both his personal actions and legislative work -- of the LGBT community.
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Each pride month, Congressman Espaillat hosts a Pre-Pride Parade Breakfast to meet with constituents and discuss his legislative work as a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.
Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes and Yes. Congressman Espaillat adheres to the Rules and Guidelines of the House on non-discrimination in hiring, but is proud to have openly LGBT employees throughout and in top positions in his office.
If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Congressman Espaillat would be proud to include an endorsement from Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on any and all campaign materials, both printed and digital.
What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro choice legislation, criminal justice issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended?
In 2019, Congressman Espaillat held his 9th Annual Pride Forum in honor of LGBTQ pride month. He has always been an ally, and has used his position to be a fierce advocate for LGBT rights. He recognizes that members of the LGBT community can still be fired from their jobs, evicted from their homes, and denied necessary services. Congressman Espaillat has joined numerous events denouncing Trump Administration policies on these and other issues, as well as calling for the impeachment of President Trump.
If elected or re-elected will you become a member of the “Squad?"
While this is not a formal congressional organization, Congressman Espaillat has good working relationships with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
Congressman Espaillat has been arrested while protesting ICE for its treatment of immigrants.
Will you advocate for legislation to mandate the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age of 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release?
Yes.
Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility?
Yes.
Do you believe sincere remorse, risk of reoffending and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?
Yes.
Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
Congressman Espaillat will adhere to the rules and guidelines of the House and believes in second chances for incarcerated individuals.
Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work?
Yes. In 2018, Congressman Espaillat’s office welcomed constituents participating in the first-ever organized sex workers day of action in Congress. Through this and continuing conversations, he believes decriminalization is necessary. Sex work is work.
If an incumbent, did you vote for HR 1865 in 2018? Will you introduce and or support legislation to amend HR 1865 so that sex between consenting adults, with monetary exchange, is legalized? This would include the use of ads and on-line contact.
Yes. Having seen the unintended, adverse impact of this legislation, Congressman Espaillat believe it is necessary to amend the law to ensure the safety of sex workers and to protect against exploitation and human trafficking. That is why he is proud to cosponsor H.R. 5448, the SAFE SEX Workers Study Act.
Do you support a national law legalizing gestational surrogacy? Will you introduce such legislation?
Congressman Espaillat would support a proposal to repeal the ban on compensated surrogacy that includes safeguards for a woman’s health, safety and privacy, and provisions that ensure no woman is coerced when making the important decision to be a surrogate.
What proposals will you advocate for the protection of immigrants and to further New York as a Sanctuary City?
As a formerly undocumented immigrant, Congressman Espaillat understands the specific needs of the immigrant community. The congressman is committed to protecting new immigrants and their families, and ensuring that all New Yorkers can access social services and opportunity in NY-13.
As a state senator, Congressman Espaillat was a leader in the movement to secure Drivers Licenses for undocumented immigrants in New York. More recently, the congressman introduced H.R.3312, the Family Reunification Act of 2019, as well as H.R. 1011, the Protect Sensitive Locations Act, which would prohibit immigration enforcement at designated sensitive locations like courthouses, schools, employment training centers, child care centers and a number of other locations.
Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
Congressman Espaillat is supportive of funding transportation costs for students attending non-public schools.
Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes, however Congressman Espaillat does believe they should be located in an appropriate setting.
Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
No.
Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
Under House Rules and Guidelines, Congressman Espaillat’s office may not make hiring decisions on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. That being said, he is committed to ensuring that any member of his staff liaising with the LGBT community has a deep understanding of the community’s needs and concerns, and should an openly LGBT member of his staff choose to fill this role, he would be more than happy to accommodate them.
Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff?
Yes.
Who did you support for office in the following races A) mayor and Public Advocate in 2014 B) President in 2016 C) Governor and Attorney General 2018?
A) Bill Thompson during the primary and Bill de Blasio during the general election for Mayor; and Letitia James for Public Advocate
B) Hillary Clinton
C) Andrew Cuomo and Letitia James
Describe any federal legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination
Congressman Espaillat believes that it is the duty of our leaders and elected officials to acknowledge the ugliness of our nation’s history, and remain steadfast in efforts to ensure equity and equality for all individuals.
Congressman Espaillat supports HR40 -- the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act -- proposed by Rep. Jackson Lee. Congressman Espaillat also supports abolishing the death penalty -- and has introduced legislation to abolish the federal death penalty -- to remove this stain on America’s criminal justice system, which has disproportionately impacted citizens of color. Mass incarceration and the prison system as it currently exists is a modern extension of slavery and we must decarcerate America and focus our efforts on rehabilitation and comprehensive criminal justice reform.
What legislation or other policy changes do you support in order to make college and graduate school affordable for poor, working-class, and middle-class Americans and to alleviate the crushing loan debt that many students and alumni are facing?
Congressman Espaillat supports student debt forgiveness to alleviate the burdens of higher education, and create opportunities for individuals who have historically been excluded from higher education. Congressman Espaillat has also introduced legislation -- the Jumpstart on College Act -- to increase funding for dual-enrollment and early college programs and help close the educational opportunity gap for low-income students.
Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Congressman Espaillat is a founding member of the Medicare for All Caucus and is a cosponsor of Medicare for All legislation. He is one of seventy members who advocate for the implementation of a single-payer healthcare system.
Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
Congressman Espaillat firmly supports every individual’s right to bodily autonomy, including the right to choose to terminate an unwanted pregnancy and access affordable contraceptives. The congressman is a proponent of overturning the Hyde amendment so that more low-income citizens can access reproductive healthcare.
Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate?
Congressman Espaillat will ensure that any contributions he receives from those in the real estate industry are not connected with slumlords or any individuals who discriminate in housing or disobey tenant protections.
Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
Yes.
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
Congressman Espaillat will continue to work to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on color, race, gender, sex, creed, disability, sexual orientation or national origin.