Beto O`Rourke in CampusElect.org 2018 Senate coverage

On Abortion: Trust women to make their own decisions

Ted Cruz (R): Ban. No exceptions for rape or incest. "Horrible as that crime is, I don't believe it's the child's fault."

Beto O'Rourke (D): Legal. Ensure abortions are rare, but trust women to make their own decisions without government interference.

Q: Employers can withhold contraceptive coverage if disagree?

Ted Cruz (R): Yes. Proposed bill to allow that.

Beto O'Rourke (D): No. Discriminates by ignoring contraception's role in women's health.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood get public funds for non-abortion care?

Ted Cruz (R): No. Was willing to risk a government shutdown in in order to defund.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Provide important preventive services, esp. for low-income families.

On Corporations: Protect consumers from predatory financial behavior

Ted Cruz (R): Yes. Abolish CFPB. "Free consumers & small businesses from the CFPB's regulatory blockades. which stunt economic growth."

Beto O'Rourke (D): No. "Protecting consumers from predatory financial behavior & this country from another economic meltdown, should transcend politics."

On Drugs: Long-time advocate for marijuana legalization

Ted Cruz (R): Personally opposed to legalization, but states should choose for themselves.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Long-time legalization advocate. Sponsored bill to end federal prohibition.

On Education: Vouchers funnel public school $ into private schools

Ted Cruz (R): Yes. Called "civil rights issue of our time." Introduced bill to allow tax deduction for costs of private & religious schools.

Beto O'Rourke (D): No. It funnels public school $ into private schools. "Ted Cruz's private school give-away will cost taxpayers $500 million to subsidize wealthy."

On Energy & Oil: Unprecedented action to build clean energy economy

Ted Cruz (R): No. Doesn't believe it's real. Says data disproving it is being ignored as liberals want government power over economy, energy sector & all aspects of our lives.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. "Crucial now more than ever that US & world leaders act urgently to address" it. Climate change increases droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, & other disasters.

Q: Climate Change: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases? Support US participation in Paris Climate Accord despite President Trump's withdrawal?

Ted Cruz (R): Opposes regulating greenhouse gases. Paris Accord "would have destroyed $3 trillion in American GDP & killed 6.5 million industrial sector jobs by 2040."

Beto O'Rourke (D): Limit greenhouse gases. "Need to take unprecedented action" in building clean energy economy. Opposes withdrawing from Paris Accord.

On Environment: Ensure EPA's funding & independence

Ted Cruz (R): No statement found, but opposed Obama EPA's Clean Power Plan & said EPA ran amok under Obama.

Beto O'Rourke (D): No. Ensure EPA's funding & independence "to exercise oversight of those harming the environment."

On Free Trade: Tariffs on China will devastate our economy

Ted Cruz (R): No. Also opposed federal aid given to TX farmers hurt by trade retaliation.

Beto O'Rourke (D): No. They "will devastate our state, businesses, & economy."

On Government Reform: End secret spending flooding American elections

Ted Cruz (R): No. Opposes DISCLOSE Act, as it raises "grave constitutional concern for speech protected by the First Amendment." Supports Citizens United as aid to 1st Amendment free speech protections.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Co-sponsored DISCLOSE Act to "shine light on the unlimited, secret spending flooding American elections," including foreign influence. Supreme Court should end Citizens United.

On Government Reform: Empower communities by ending gerrymandering

Ted Cruz (R): No. Political gerrymandering is legitimate, though not racial gerrymandering.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. "Empower communities by making sure voters can pick their representatives, not the other way."

On Gun Control: Universal background checks; ban assault weapons

Ted Cruz (R): No. Led fight not to ban assault weapons. Calls gun control efforts "tiresome."

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Supports universal background checks & banning assault-style weapons.

On Health Care: Improve ObamaCare, including public option

Ted Cruz (R): Absolutely repeal. Caused millions to lose their jobs, be forced into part-time work, lose health insurance & doctors & pay skyrocketing premiums.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Keep but improve, including public option. Repeal would reduce healthcare access & benefits, make health insurance less affordable.

On Immigration: DREAMers are as American as my kids

Ted Cruz (R): No. End DACA. No path to citizenship to Dreamers or anyone else who violates immigration laws.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Protect Dreamers. "As American as my kids. & have done everything we've asked of them." Supports earned path to citizenship for millions here illegally.

On Jobs: Raise minimum wage from $7.25/hr to $15

Ted Cruz (R): No. "Raising the minimum wage would cost jobs for the most vulnerable."

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Supports increasing to $15/hr.

On Technology: Stimulus spending invests in areas like infrastructure

Ted Cruz (R): No. Choice between more & more spending & individual liberty.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Supports investment in areas like infrastructure & education.

On Technology: Rolling back net neutrality hurts democracy

Ted Cruz (R): No. Net neutrality puts government in charge of pricing, products & services.

Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Rolling back net neutrality hurts democracy, the arts & innovation.

On War & Peace: Nuclear treaty was best path to prevent Iranian nukes

Ted Cruz (R): Yes. Applauded withdrawal, saying agreement didn't sufficiently rein in Iran's nuclear program.

Beto O'Rourke (D): No. Agreement, while imperfect, was "best path to keep Iran from having nuclear weapons."