Candidate Questionnaire: U.S. House District 1

Monica Tranel- (D) — U.S. House District 1

Ryan Zinke- (R) — U.S. District 1

As of press time, Zinke had not responded to the Exponent’s questionnaire. Responses received after press time will be published on msuexponent.com

John Lamb- (L) — U.S. District 1

As of press time, Lamb had not responded to the Exponent’s questionnaire. Responses received after press time will be published on msuexponent.com

What do you think is the biggest political issue affecting college campuses right now? What legislation would you support to address that issue?

Tranel: Too many Montana students can’t afford to go to college, whether it’s a two-year trade school, four-year degree or a postgraduate degree. The federal student loan program has failed the more than 45 million borrowers it was set up to service. I am in support of the restructuring of federal student loan programs to increase Pell Grants, reduce the overall cost of college and to ensure that those who do have to borrow do not incur debt they cannot afford. A college education should not be a burden for Montana’s middle - it should be a stepping stone for a life in a fulfilling industry, a home and savings for the future.

Beyond college tuition, students who choose to live off-campus should have access to affordable housing options. Congress must prevent private equity and hedge fund corporations from manipulating our housing market. Congress can use legislation to address predatory entities who rent out second homes and push hard working locals and college students out of their own communities.

What federal action would you support to make housing more affordable for Montanans?

Tranel: I have put on over 42,000 miles traveling this new district and the most common issue for everyone is the lack of affordable housing. The only long-term solution is to increase the supply. Congress can incentivize new affordable home building via tax credits and other funding mechanisms. We can also incentivize that this new construction is built sustainably.

As previously mentioned, Congress must prevent private equity and hedge fund corporations from manipulating our housing market. Congress can use legislation to address predatory entities who rent out second homes and push hard working locals and college students out of their own communities. I have a detailed plan to address the affordability crisis facing Montanans, including addressing affordable housing.

What is your vision for Montana’s energy future? What steps would you take in Congress to help the state get there?

Tranel: As part of my campaign I have released a 4-point working families affordability and inflation plan. A key aspect of this plan is to bring manufacturing back to the United States by encouraging the development of renewable energy technology in Montana. By investing in the new energy economy we will also be able to become more fully energy independent.

Congress has an enormous role to play in the energy transition, and right now it is missing a rural voice who understands climate and energy. Montana can lead the way in the energy transition.

In the infrastructure bill, Congress invested in the new energy economy: by funding construction of EV charging stations; by allocating funds to protect against drought and heat; and by funding upgrades to our electric grid.

Montana needs a voice in Congress to connect those dollars with projects that will reduce carbon emissions. Montana can continue to be the engine room of the country, and supply clean, renewable energy. My experience working as a lawyer on numerous energy projects within Montana would help allow the state to take advantage of the new energy economy.

What would you identify as the most pressing issue in Montana healthcare right now? What action would you support in Congress to alleviate it?

Tranel: In my meetings with voters, health care providers, and law enforcement across the district one thing is abundantly clear: Montana is dealing with a growing and concerning mental health crisis. Mental health issues are impacting everyone from our students and veterans to farmers and ranchers in Montana. Congress must work to destigmatize seeking medical help for mental health issues and provide more resources to communities to address and provide mental health treatment before it manifests into larger problems.

We must also codify the right to an abortion. I stand with families and trust them to make their own decisions, including when or whether to become a parent.

What is your single highest priority issue? What legislation would you support to address it?

Tranel: Affordability; women’s rights; cleaning up corruption, and the existential crisis of climate change.

In one Montana community, there are only four houses for sale, all over $700k, that doesn’t work for a teacher with a salary of $33,000. Congress must support efforts to increase housing through funding and incentives. Currently only 25% of eligible projects in Montana are funded because of limited federal tax credits.

We must also codify the right to an abortion and protect privacy. I stand with families and trust them to make their own decisions, including when or whether to become a parent.

Congress has an enormous role to play in the energy transition and right now it is missing a rural voice who understands this work. I have on the ground experience with these projects and know what works, and what doesn’t. Montana can be the engine room of the country, and supply clean, renewable energy.

If we don’t first clean up corruption in Congress, we won’t be able to do the people’s work back in Washington. I am in full support of banning insider stock trading by members of Congress.

Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?

Tranel: Montanans' freedoms are on the ballot this November; everything from women's rights to our democracy itself are under attack. I've been on the trail, showing up in rural Montana to listen, learn, and provide real solutions for working families. Montana's new western district is winnable and critical to prevent extremists and corrupt politicians from further eroding our freedoms and exploiting public service to enrich themselves and powerful special interests. I am willing to work with anyone who can bring to the table more than party talking points that include real solutions that benefit real people. I’ll always listen to those ideas and try to find a common starting point. I ask for your vote on November 8 - a vote for freedom, choice and your future.