Biographical Information
County
Lehigh
Occupation
Member of Congress
Education
American University, Bachelor’s Degree; George Washington University Law School, Juris Doctor
Qualifications
Susan Wild has lived in the Lehigh Valley community for over 30 years. In 2018, Rep. Wild became the first woman to represent Pennsylvania 7th’s Congressional district. In Congress, Rep. Wild spends every day working on behalf of her community to make government work better for Pennsylvanians.
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What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
My number one priority in Congress has always been lowering your costs. Since Day One, I’ve been fighting to reduce the cost of prescription drugs and health care, so that every American can access the life-saving care they deserve. I’ve worked to create high-quality job opportunities right here in the Greater Lehigh Valley to support local manufacturing and local workers, and to address supply chain issues that have raised everyday costs for our families. And I’ve worked to make sure every person can access the critical reproductive health care they need – because medical decisions should be made by you and your doctor, not by politicians. I promise you, I will always put you first, just like I’ve done as your Representative.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Our citizens deserve proven, reliable leaders who can put aside partisan differences to focus on what matters most: making sure hard-working families and seniors have what they need to thrive. When I first got to Congress, I requested that I serve on the House Ethics Committee, where I am now the top ranking Democrat. I have dedicated my career to ensuring that all elected officials are held to the highest standards of accountability and transparency. I’m also proud of my strong bipartisan track record in Congress where my focus has always been getting things done and delivering for the Greater Lehigh Valley. We need more leaders ready to step up to the plate to put our communities first, as I have done throughout my career.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
The right to vote is sacred in a democracy, and we cannot have a fair and representative government if there is discrimination in our voting process. I’m proud to have supported voting rights legislation in Congress, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I introduced legislation to require every state to offer at least 15 consecutive days of early voting for federal elections. I also introduced the Stay in Line to Vote Act, which would explicitly allow food and drink to be provided to voters waiting in line to vote. At a moment when threats to American democracy have never been greater, we must do everything in our power to give citizens the tools and resources they need to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
Through my role on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve been proud to advocate for human rights and the protection of democracy abroad. I believe that the United States has a collaborative role to play with others in the international community, while also supporting our interests here at home. To address issues like climate change, the protection of democracy, and the expansion of human rights, we must work with other nations in our connected global community.