Paul Cook

Cook has worked as an instructor at Copper Mountain College and the University of California, Riverside.

He's held memberships to various groups including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Red Cross, Saint Mary's Catholic Church, United Way, Veterans of Foreign Wars and former Executive Director of the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce.[1]

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Campaign website

Cook's campaign website stated the following:

Jobs and Economy

Government doesn’t create jobs, the private sector does. Too often, government prevents job creation. The pathway to a strong economy is clear: a reduced tax burden, a simplified tax code, controlling wasteful government spending, and reducing government regulations and bureaucracy. My record shows action on all of these key points. That’s why I voted for the REINS Act, which requires Congressional approval of all new federal regulations with an economic impact of $100 million or more. I also support the President’s 2:1 ratio plan for regulations: for every new regulation, two must be repealed. That we’re exceeding this ratio – it stands at over 20:1 – is a positive sign, but we have much more to do.

I also supported and voted for H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. For too long, young people have been funneled into college pathways with few economic prospects while technical fields – many offering the possibility of great careers – were ignored. That must end. H.R. 2353 will help more Americans enter the workforce with the in-demand skills necessary for in-demand careers. Specifically, the bill empowers state and local leaders to take charge of technical education programs, it improves alignment with in-demand jobs, it increases transparency for funding, and it ensures a limited federal role.

Voted for H.R. 367, the REINS Act, which requires Congressional approval of all new federal regulations with an economic impact of $100 million or more. (H.R. 367, Roll Call 445, Aug. 2, 2013)

Voted for H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act, which promotes access for people with disabilities, while giving protection to business owners and local governments from shakedown lawsuits. (H.R. 620, Roll Call 80, February 15, 2018)

Taxes and IRS

America’s economic power is tremendous, but we were burdened by an outdated, oppressive tax system that encouraged investment overseas and hampered the job market for American workers. That’s why I voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced taxes for nearly all Americans and made our nation a much more attractive place for job growth and business expansion.

In fact, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a family of four here in California’s 8th Congressional District will see a tax savings of $1853 per year on average. By nearly doubling the “standard deduction” on your income taxes, 91% of residents here can take advantage of it: for individuals, the standard deduction increases to $12,000 from $6,350 and for married couples the standard deduction increases to $24,000 from $12,700.

Passing this tax cut plan was the culmination of years of work, and the results are showing: already, millions of Americans have benefitted from new investment, bonuses, and hiring across the nation, and that’s on top of their reduced tax bills.

As always, I stand for lower taxes, a simpler tax system, and no new taxes. I’m proud to have delivered on that promise, and I’m working this year to lower taxes further.

Voted for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the largest tax cut to become law in over 30 years.

Cosponsored H.R. 1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015, which permanently repeals the Death Tax.

Cosponsored H.R. 2355, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act, which bans taxes to access the Internet.

Sanctuary Cities and State

California’s sanctuary cities and sanctuary state laws are an abomination of justice for American citizens and for vulnerable communities all over California. Politicians supporting these laws seek to score cheap political points while blood spills on the streets and dangerous criminals remain at large. The federal government must do all it can to force California and its cities to comply with federal law, abide by the US Constitution, and help remove criminals from our communities. I will do everything in my power to utilize all federal pressure points and mechanisms in order to force compliance.

I commend the cities of Hesperia, Yucaipa, Barstow, and others for taking a stand against the ludicrous state law – SB 54 – which bans state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials – thus creating a safe haven for criminals – and I encourage other local governments to join suit. In Washington, I’m supporting bills to restore sanity and end sanctuary states and cities:

Voted for H.R. 3009, which prohibits illegal immigrant “sanctuary cities” from receiving federal law enforcement grants (H.R. 3009, Roll Call 466, July 23, 2015)

Voted for H.R. 3697, the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, which would bar aliens suspected of gang activity from entering the US and allow for swift deportation of illegal immigrants suspected of gang involvement. (H.R. 3697, Roll Call 517, September 14, 2017)

Voted for H.R. 3004, Kate’s Law to ensure that illegal immigrants who repeatedly enter our jail are in prison, not on our streets. (H.R. 3004, Roll Call 344, June 29, 2017)

National Security

As a combat veteran and as a retired Marine Corps infantry officer, I understand the importance of our military and military readiness. Faced with growing threats from North Korea, Iran, and Russia and the existing threat from ISIS, I have consistently opposed efforts to reduce American troop strength and underfund vital national defense capabilities. A strong military is necessary for a strong America.

Under President Trump and Secretary of Defense James Mattis, we’ve benefited from a military freed the Washington-based globalists, apologists, and stubborn bureaucrats that had “veto” power over military actions under former President Obama. Our GOP-led Congress has aided in this fight by carefully increasing military resources and flexibility. As a result, ISIS lost 89 percent of its territory in 2017 alone.

In Washington, I’m supporting bills that provide our military and our brave service members the tools they need to succeed:

Led successful fight to repeal former President Obama’s dangerous reduction of military funding, providing our military and troops with the resources they need to rebuild following eight years of neglect. (H.R. 1892, Roll Call 69, February 9, 2018)

Voted for a 2.3% increase for the Armed Services through the National Defense Authorization Act (S 1356, Roll Call 618, November 5, 2015)

Voted for $1.1 billion in counterterrorism funding. (HR 2029, Roll Call 193, April 30, 2015)

Terrorism

The San Bernardino Terrorist Attacks were a reminder that even though Osama bin Laden is dead, terrorists still seek to harm Americans. I voted to end former President Obama’s reckless policy of allowing un-vetted Syrian and Iraqi refugees to enter our country. As a member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-Proliferation, and Trade, I pushed to develop a robust national counter-terrorism strategy that places the needs of America and its citizens first.

President Trump’s 2017 decision to pause travel and immigration to the United States from seven Middle East/North African countries was a reasonable policy action with a simple aim: no matter the circumstance on the world stage, the safety and needs of American citizens must come first.

Voted for H.R. 4038, the American SAFE Act, which immediately suspends the admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States and requires the FBI, *Department of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence to create a program to certify each individual refugee is not a threat before any can be admitted in the future. (H.R. 4038, Roll Call 643, November 19, 2015)

Cosponsored and voted for H. Res. 575 to establish the Select Committee on the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi. (H. Res 575, Roll Call 207, May 8, 2014)

Cosponsored and voted for H.R. 3662, the Iran Terror Finance Accountability Act, which blocks a President from offering sanctions relief until certifying a person or entity has not done business with a terrorist organization. (H.R. 3664, Roll Call 54, February 2, 2016)

Voted against Obama’s Nuclear Deal with Iran.(H.R. 3461, Roll Call 493, September 11, 2015)

Cosponsored and voted for H.R. 2297, the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015, which imposed sanctions on Hizballah, a terrorist organization sponsored by Iran that has killed thousands of civilians and hundreds of Americans. This bill became law. (H.R. 2297, Roll Call 698, December 16, 2015)

Immigration and Border Security

For America to be a strong nation, we must also have strong borders. For years, drugs, gangs, and violence have spread across our borders as too many politicians turned a blind eye to illegal immigration. Those who advocate for open borders are promoting the cause of drug cartels, terrorists, and human traffickers. Open-border advocates also do no favors for illegal immigrants with otherwise good intentions, as these individuals face extortion, assault, and robbery on their journey to the US border. Simply put: if people knew the border was closed, they would not try to cross it. Our priority must be to secure our borders and end illegal immigration to the United States. I support fully funding the Border Patrol, which is down some 2000 agents nationwide, as it was starved of resources intentionally by the Obama administration. Finally, I support a better physical barrier – a wall – and better electronic surveillance. I’ve voted for all of these priorities:

Voted to provide $1.6 billion in wall funding for the US-Mexico Border. (H.R. 3219, Roll Call 435, July 27, 2017)

Voted for H.R. 5230, the Supplemental Border Appropriations bill, which provides additional resources for federal agencies involved in border control to address the flood of illegal immigrant minors. (H.R. 5230, Roll Call 478, August 1, 2014)

Voted for H.R. 5272, the Deportation Deferral Ban, which blocks the President’s attempt to expand his “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” executive amnesty plan that sparked the 2014 border crisis. (H.R. 5272, Roll Call 479, August 1, 2014)

Veterans

After serving 26 years in the Marine Corps, I vowed to make veterans and military families a top priority in public office. I’ve never wavered in that commitment.

In my time serving you in Congress, I’ve taken action by supporting the long-overdue reforms to the federal Veterans Administration, which is responsible for many programs serving our veterans – most importantly, through healthcare services. I’ve also made it a priority to improve educational opportunities for veterans and improve job prospects for the military spouses.

Cosponsored and voted for H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which would modernize and expand the post-9/11 G.I. Bill, eliminating time restrictions for veterans, increasing funding provided to reservists and guardsmen, dependent, and surviving spouses and children. (H.R. 3218, Roll Call 409, July 24, 2017)

Cosponsored and voted for H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015, which makes it easier to remove or demote employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct. (H.R. 1994, Roll Call 489, July 29, 2015)

Voted for H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt SAV Act, which increases access to mental health care and capacity at VA to meet demand, improving the quality of care, boosting accountability at VA, and developing a community support system for veterans. (H.R. 203, Roll Call 17, January 12, 2015)

Voted for H.R. 280, which authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recoup bonuses and awards paid to VA employees who broke the law or harmed veterans. (H.R. 280, Passed on Voice, March 2, 2015)

Voted for H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act, which improves access to care for veterans seeking medical care from the Department of *Veterans Affairs and allows some veterans to seek care outside of the VA system. (H.R. 3230, Roll Call 467, July 30, 2014)

Introduced and passed into law H.R. 3286, the HIRE Vets Act, which promotes private sector recruiting, hiring, and retaining of men and women who served honorably in the U.S. military. (H.R. 244, Roll Call 249, May 3, 2017)

Led the fight to fund Work for Warriors program to assist in job placement for 4,000 California National Guardsmen, reservists and Veterans.

Crime and Safety

Law-abiding citizens – particularly the most vulnerable among us – deserve all due protections under law and from our law enforcement. I’ve worked tirelessly for years to help bring to justice child predators, scammers, terrorists, and other criminals. The safety of our families and our communities from threats both foreign and domestic is my top priority in Congress.

With the threat of criminals and terrorism, I also know that it’s more important than ever to stand with law enforcement in keeping our communities safe. Rather than demonizing law enforcement, we should work with them to make sure they have the resources and training necessary to do their jobs effectively. The federal government should support local law enforcement.

Pushed for full federal funding of the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which reimburses states for the costs of incarcerating illegal immigrants.

Fought to maintain sales of surplus military equipment to local law enforcement to ensure they have the equipment necessary to fight heavily armed drug cartels and terrorists. This type of equipment was utilized during the manhunt for the San Bernardino terrorists in December of 2015.

Cosponsored and voted for H.R. 4854, the Justice Served Act, which provides additional resources to state and local prosecutors to address the backlog of violent crime cases involving suspects identified through DNA evidence. (H.R. 4854, Roll Call 182, May 15, 2018)

Introduced H.R. 3025, the Wildfire Airspace Protection Act, which makes it a federal offense to launch a drone that interferes with fighting wildfires on federal property.

Second Amendment and Gun Rights

The Second Amendment is a constitutional right and should not be infringed. I’m a member of the National Rifle Association and have consistently received an ‘A’ rating from them. I was proud to receive the endorsement of the NRA in my 2012, 2014, and 2016 elections.

I’m also a proud combat veteran, trained and proficient in the use of handguns and rifles. I know firsthand their deadly force, and I know the attention and respect they deserve. The best gun advocates are always responsible gun owners.

Cosponsored H.R. 2620, the Lawful Purpose and Self Defense Act, which protects second amendment rights by preventing the federal government from banning popular types of rifle ammunition and making it easier for law-abiding gun owners to transport their firearms across state lines.

Voted to repeal an Obama Administration rule that would have allowed the federal government to bar individuals, including veterans from owning guns without any due process. (H.J.Res. 40, Roll Call 77, February 2, 2017)

Cosponsored H.R. 1365, the Ammunition and Firearms Protection Act, which prevents the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) from falsely classifying M855 ammunition as armor-piercing and from instituting a ban on the sale and manufacture of ammunition for rifle use.

Cosponsored H.R. 986, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2015, which allows any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state that does not prohibit concealed carry and provides legal protection for law-abiding concealed carry permit holders.

Life

I’m pro-life, and I always will be. I also support requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortion. A minor contemplating an abortion needs the moral advice of a parent, not only for the sake of the unborn but for her sake as well. I oppose federal funding of Planned Parenthood.

Cosponsored and voted for H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which bans abortion after 20 weeks except in cases where it is necessary to save the life of the mother or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (H.R. 36, Roll Call 549, October 3, 2017)

Voted for H. Res. 461 to establish a Select Investigative Panel into Planned Parenthood and their practice of harvesting and selling fetal tissue (H.Res 461, Roll Call 538, Oct. 7, 2015)

Healthcare

Our healthcare system has long required major changes, and that need has only intensified in recent years, as costs have skyrocketed for Americans. That’s why I’m dedicated to lowering costs through market-based changes that allow Americans to find affordable plans for individual needs. Additionally, we have a duty to our seniors who have spent their lives paying into Medicare to ensure that it remains solvent and affordable.

Voted to eliminate the unpopular and costly “individual mandate” created by the Affordable Care Act. The individual mandate was sold as a healthcare reform, but was in fact a hidden tax, as determined by the US Supreme Court. Until repeal, the IRS was empowered to collect up to 2.5% of yearly household income, $695 per individual, or $2085 per household for the individual mandate — whichever was higher –with allowances for increases every year for inflation.

Cosponsored H.R. 2653, the American Health Care Reform Act of 2015, which would create an affordable market-based health care system.

Cosponsored H.R. 173, the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act, which would repeal taxes on employer-provided healthcare plans.

Cosponsored H.R. 592, the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, which would allow pharmacists to offer Medicare beneficiaries the same services they are authorized to provide through state pharmacy practice acts.

Government Spending

My view on government spending is simple: we need fiscal responsibility. We saw it for eight years as former President Obama indulged in welfare programs and the expansion of unnecessary bureaucracies, all while starving our military. Government spending should first and foremost keep us safe, provide protections for seniors and veterans, and create the infrastructure necessary for a strong economy. Overall, our spending priorities suffered until recently. We accomplished a lot during the Trump administration, but there’s more work to do.

Specifically, we must make cuts in spending that will reduce the budget deficit and put us on a path to a balanced budget. I’ve supported measures doing just that:

Voted for “No Budget No Pay,” a bill that would require both chambers pass a budget by date certain or Members do not receive their paychecks. (H.R. 325, Roll Call 30, Jan. 23, 2013)

Voted for a budget that would balance within 10 years. (S. Con. Res 11, Roll Call 183, April 30, 2015)

Voted against increasing the debt limit. (S. 540, Roll No. 61, February 11, 2014)

Voted to require the government to standardize all of its spending data and publish it for the public, making it easier to track waste, fraud, and abuse. (S. 994, Voice Vote, April 28, 2014)

Public Lands

Over 90% of California’s Eighth Congressional District is federal land. I’ve consistently opposed efforts to restrict public access to public land, and I’ve fought to turn over more unneeded federal land to our cities and counties. All public land should have reasonable protections in place for hunting, mining, off-roading and other uses.

Introduced H.R. 3668 to protect Off-Highway Vehicleactivity and mining in the California Desert.

Led the successful fight to include language in H.R. 3304, the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, to save off-roading in Johnson Valley.

Introduced H.R. 4313, the Historic Routes Preservation Act, which would create a process for counties to claim existing rights of way on federal land, preventing the closure of public roads rural areas.

Introduced H.R. 3176, the Protecting our National Parks Act of 2015, which would make it a crime to vandalize national parks.

Education

As a former educator, I support parental involvement and local control in education. That’s why I’m opposed to Common Core. Parents and the local schools that serve our communities should design curriculum, not bureaucrats in Washington.

Voted for S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, which improves K-12 education by reducing the federal role, restoring local control, empowering parents, and significantly rolling back mandates for common core. (S. 1177, Roll Call 665, December 2, 2015)

Cosponsored, H.R. 5024, the Local Control of Education Act, which prohibits the federal government from compelling a state, local agency, or school to adopt Common Core.

Cosponsored H.RES 476, a resolution supporting the restoration and protection of state authority and flexibility in establishing and defining academic standards and assessments and denouncing the President’s coercion of states to adopt Common Core State Standards (113th Congress).

Voted for H.R. 1911, the Smarter Solutions for Students Act, which removes politicians from the business of setting student loan interest rates by tying all federal student loans (except Perkins) to the market rate. This bill strengthens federal student loan programs making education more affordable for students while protecting taxpayers. (H.R 1911, Roll Call 183, May 23, 2013)

[6]

—Paul Cook Campaign[7]

The following issues were listed on Cook's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

Jobs: We can get this economy moving again by simplifying the tax code; lowering taxes; encouraging investment; getting wasteful spending under control; developing energy resources in America; and reducing government red tape and bureaucracy. Additionally, I’m opposed to job-killing trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Taxes: Our current system is too complicated and costly for American families, and it’s a drain on our economy. I support replacing our current code with one that is simple, fair, and reduced.

National Security: Faced with growing threats from ISIS, Iran, and North Korea, I have consistently opposed efforts to reduce American troop strength and underfund vital national defense capabilities. A strong military is necessary for a strong America.

Terrorism: As a member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-Proliferation, and Trade, I’ve pushed to develop a robust national counter-terrorism strategy and hold the President’s administration accountable for its failures.

Immigration: Our priority must be to secure our borders and end all illegal immigration to the United States. As an opponent of Amnesty, I’ve fought to overturn the President’s lawless executive amnesty. [6]

—Paul Cook's campaign website, http://www.joinpaulcook.com/

Cook's campaign website listed the following issues:[8]

Jobs & Economic Prosperity

Excerpt: "Government doesn't create jobs, the private sector does. Too often, government gets in the way of job creation. We can get this economy moving again by simplifying the tax code; lowering taxes; encouraging investment; getting wasteful spending under control; developing energy resources in America; and reducing government red tape and bureaucracy."

Tax Reform

Excerpt: "We need fundamental tax reform immediately. Our current system is too complicated and is a drain on the US economy. I support replacing our current code with one that is simple, fair, and reduced. I will oppose any increases in taxes, and I will oppose any new taxes. "

The Budget & Debt

Excerpt: "The national debt of the US is out of control, having risen to over $15 trillion dollars. This fiscal crisis now threatens even our national security. We must act today to ensure our nation's strength and economic vitality today and for the future. "

National Defense

Excerpt: "America's Armed Forces must be ready to face threats to freedom and democracy, both today and tomorrow. Congress should give them the tools necessary to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions, face down extremists and fanatics worldwide, and stand strong with Israel."

Life

Excerpt: "I have always been pro-life, and I always will be. I am against abortion. I am also in support of requiring parental notification before an underage abortion. A child contemplating an abortion needs the moral advice of a parent, not only for the sake of the unborn but for her sake as well."