Ripon Forum - February 2020

Page 30

Name: John Katko Occupation: Member of Congress: NY-24 Previous jobs held: Shortly after graduating from Syracuse University College of Law I began my career in public service, serving first as a Senior Trial Attorney at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I then worked for 20 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). During this time, I worked with the DOJ’s Criminal Division, Narcotics & Dangerous Drug Section and spent time working as a Senior Trial Attorney on the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas and in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Most recently, I served as a federal organized crime prosecutor in Syracuse, leading high-level narcotics federal prosecutions. Books you’ve read that you’re recommending to friends: Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked. Detailing the relationship between President Ronald Reagan and Speaker Tip O’Neill, this book is a model of how politics should, and can work. Although the two came from drastically different ends of the political spectrum, the book tells the story of how two great political opponents were able to bring positive change in this nation through bipartisanship and compromise. Challenge facing New York you’re working hard to address: In Central New York and across the country, we are facing a critical shortage of mental healthcare providers. That’s why, in Congress, I have led efforts to increase access to quality mental healthcare and have worked to reduce the stigma associated with those seeking treatment. As co-chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the gaps in our mental healthcare system and have advocated for legislation that reduces the gaps in our mental healthcare system. Recently, I introduced the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019. My bipartisan legislation would increase the number of mental healthcare professionals practicing in underserved communities by authorizing a loan repayment program for those who work in an area with a lack of accessible care. Most significant accomplishments of your first five years in office: I have been most proud of my legislative record. Last Congress, I was recognized for being one of the most effective lawmakers in Congress and for being among the most bipartisan. I came to Congress to get results for Central New York and to show that working across the aisle works. With my record of passing bipartisan legislation that addresses issues ranging from combating the heroin epidemic to strengthening national security, I believe I have shown that bipartisanship is a winning strategy. Finish this sentence: “If I could change one thing about American politics, it would be…” “…the dysfunction in Washington and the partisan rhetoric that dominates the narrative.” 28

RIPON FORUM February 2020


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discussion with National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Tom Emmer. Ripon Profile - U.S. Rep. John Katko

2min
pages 30-31

News & Events - coverage of recent breakfast

7min
pages 28-29

A View from Trumbull County, OH By Adam L. Fuller “To Area Voters, Trump is Standing Up to the Beltway Elite

3min
page 22

The Issues May Change and the Map May Evolve, but America’s Two-Party System Endures A Q&A with Michael Barone The veteran political observer discusses his recent book about the Republican and Democratic Parties and how their influence has risenand fallenover the years

8min
pages 26-27

A View from Kenosha County, WI By Arthur I. Cyr “Some Gains for the Democrats, but the Strong Economy Makes November Too Close to Call

5min
pages 23-25

In this Edition

4min
page 5

America’s Economic Rebound: A Story Every Republican Should Tell By Douglas Holtz-Eakin Over the past three years, the GOP has developed a strategy that has produced not only a thriving economy, but a winning narrative that voters need to hear about this fall

5min
pages 12-15

A View from Macomb County, MI By David A. Dulio & John S. Klemanski “People Like the President’s Policies, but His Personality Gives Them Pause

6min
pages 18-19

Europe’s Dark Cloud Over the World Economy By Desmond Lachman With Europe’s economy being about the same size as America’s, another European economic slowdown would have a major effect globally

4min
pages 10-11

A View from Northampton County, PA By Chris Borick “The Economy has Prospered Under Trump, but the Local GOP has Struggled

4min
pages 20-21

A View from Dubuque County, IA By Christopher B. Budzisz “GOP Voters are Sticking with Trump, but Centrist Voters are the Key

4min
pages 16-17

Winning with Women By Susan Brooks

3min
pages 6-7

The Lessons of Brexit & Possible Parallels in the U.S. By Fred Bauer Brexit and populistAmerican politics differ in key respects, but they share some common political contexts worth noting in this election year

4min
pages 8-9
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