Congressman Andy Kim Contrasts Pro-Business Record, Vision with Opponent at CCSNJ Forum

MARLTON, NJ — Today, Congressman Andy Kim laid out a strong case for his reelection at the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey Candidates Forum. Andy highlighted his diligent bipartisan work for businesses across the district, his record of championing health care solutions that get all Americans covered, and his tireless work for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Andy contrasted his record of leading during the coronavirus pandemic with his opponent’s underplaying of the crisis, refusal to support federal funds for New Jersey’s pandemic response, and flippant disregard of the tremendous progress made by the Affordable Care Act.

Andy was endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and received their ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ Award for his pro-business work earlier this year.

ON THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS & THE NECESSARY RESPONSE

While Ocean County experiences a spike in cases, David Richter downplayed the virus.

Congressman Andy Kim: “My opponent is someone who has said that he believes the worst is behind us when it comes to the coronavirus crisis. I fundamentally disagree. I really think we need to make sure we are standing strong, staying vigilant on this and getting the support our communities need.” […]

David Richter: “I do believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us”

ON THE FEDERAL SUPPORT NEW JERSEY NEEDS

While the state recovers from the coronavirus, David Richter said he would refuse federal help.

Congressman Andy Kim: “We need to have more resources here to New Jersey. That’s why I’ve been pressing forward to get federal spending to be able to help us through this crisis, through the Heroes Act trying to get billions of dollars back to our state, something my opponent refuses to agree to do. He said he would vote against federal support to New Jersey right now through this crisis and I think that is a devastating blow when it comes to our ability to have the good paying schools, infrastructure and other aspects of this we need to do moving forward.”

ON THEIR VIEWS OF EXPANDED HEALTH COVERAGE UNDER THE ACA

While the ACA helps cover millions of Americans, David Richter called health coverage an “entitlement program.”

Congressman Andy Kim: “To be even talking about gutting pre existing conditions protections especially during a pandemic makes no sense. Absolutely no sense.” […]

David Richter: “One of the down sides of an entitlement program is people come to rely on it, and there’s no question people have come to rely on Obamacare.”

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