Steven M. Schiffman
Republican | Nevada
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Steven M. Schiffman
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
London School of Economics (LSE), London, UK, LL.M, 1984
Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, New York (formerly), JD, 1983
Josef Korbel School at the University of Denver, Denver, MA, incomplete
University of Miami, Coral Gables, BA, 1972
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Cruising Gourmet Educational Media, Inc. (501c3 non profit), Chair, American Bar Association
Member, US Peace Corps, Volunteer
New York Democrats for Reagan, Leader, International Republican Institute
Leader - Country Director (Armenia), Jewish Culture and Heritage Foundation, Inc., Leader - Co Founder
Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Volunteer
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
US Congress, NY Special Election CD/9 (Open Seat), 2011
US Congress, NV CD/3 (Open Seat), 2016
US Congress, NV CD/3 (Open Seat), 2018
US Congress, NV CD/2, 2020
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Pendng
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Roland Pederson (2005)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
Abortions are a small component of Planned Parenthood activities; mainly Rx.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Disagree
Once an Rx meets original USG regulatory approval, that should be deemed final. One approval is obtained, health issue is moot. In today's world, an "in-person" consultation with a medical doctor should not be required, unless the personal physician recommends such to patient as part of regular physical examination.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
During the first trimester, the decision to terminate the pregnancy was solely at the discretion of the woman. After the first trimester, the state could “regulate procedure". eg. the state could regulate (but not outlaw) abortions in the interests of the mother’s health. After the second trimester, the fetus became viable, and the state could regulate or outlaw abortions in the interest of the potential life except when necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
After the first trimester, the state could “regulate procedure". eg. the state could regulate (but not outlaw) abortions in the interests of the mother’s health. After the second trimester, the fetus became viable, and the state could regulate or outlaw abortions in the interest of the potential life except when necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Encourage voters/consumers to be more prudent in their savings, investments & discretionary spending. The issue relating to taxes for most consumers is not the tax rate but whether they agree on the priorities of how tax revenues are being allocated.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
I took out federally guaranteed student loans (national defense student loans in the late 1960s) while attending university, both undergrad and graduate school. I paid them back, 100%. I also took advantage of deferments, such as when I served in US Peace Corps.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
As a matter of public policy, the answer is no. However, such an approach is acceptable, if desired, by private, non-public, investors, themselves.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
1) There is no "state" sponsored and/or sanctioned/approved religious faith - as existed, historically, in Europe. 2) There is no "state" requirement of public acts such as mandatory "bible reading" in public schools and other tax-financed public institutions. This does not mean the prohibition of "silent" meditation or "inner thought" as long as such does not intimidate others. The key is to respect but not impose.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
It comes down to common sense -- Examples: The act of baking a wedding cake for a gay/lesbian couple does not mean endorsing or agreeing with such a wedding ceremony; The act of serving a meal to a catered event consisting exclusively of gay/lesbian attendees does not mean the hired staff endorses or advocates such life style; The act of driving a bus or any form of transit to a location where a gay/lesbian event takes place does not mean endorsing or agreeing with such an event.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations for certain communicable diseases, such as DTaP, MMR, polio, and varicella should be mandatory for children to attend both public and/or private schools as well for "home learning". All other vaccines should be deemed voluntary.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
"C": Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other tax-payer funded programs are necessary -- WITH THE FOLLOWING CAVEAT - it is also necessary to continue tax-financed TRICARE -- which is the health care program for US military service members, retirees and their families worldwide.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
As a matter of general principle, "A" is my viewpoint. I still support the position stated by JFK in January 1961 (when I was just 11+ years old): "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge--and more." The phrase, "selectively help", in option "B" is too vague and will justify "isolationism".
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
I know first hand. I was a senior USG attorney-advisor with USPTO (which as part of my work involved working with Office of US Trade Representative), where one of my responsibilities/tasks was to serve on the US negotiating team with Communist China, in both WDC and Beijing. I also gave speeches in Hong Kong and "mainland China" on behalf of US State Department - advocating the need to protect US IP rights.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes. We need to reverse Biden's recent abandonment of Israel at the United Nations Security Council to the applause of Hamas, Russia, China, and Iran; to reverse Biden's recent attempt to pressure Israel to recognize a Palestinian state, which would reward Hamas’ barbarism; to reverse Biden's recent backstabbing of Israel by calling for regime change in our democratic ally; to reverse Biden's recent labeling communities in Judea and Samaria as illegal,
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
It is a generational problem of not having sufficient "institutional memory" of why we need a strong military and the need to support those in uniform while both in active service and post-service, be it those whose enlistments were over as well as those who retired from military service.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Regretfully, the continuous threat from terrorists as well as from state actors who oppose American values require taking pro-active steps such as to increase our current actions to increase our physical security along the Mexican border. Of course, that does not mean ignoring possible risks on our US/Canadian border, which is just as important and perhaps more susceptible to terrorist infiltration due to its relative "open border environment.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
1) Those seeking political asylum due to imminent threats of death, unjust imprisonment, and/or government-sanctioned physical and/or mental bodily injury. 2) Core family members of both American citizens and permanent residents e.g., "green card holders". 3) Individuals that can contribute to the intellectual and/or economic wealth of the United States. 4) Individuals whose skills are under-represented in the USA but are badly required. 5) Individuals who served American interests overseas.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Such is part of my campaign platform, to wit: supporting school vouchers for attendance in both private and/or charter schools as well as expanded Federal-State co-funding partnership in such areas as: STEAM ; bi-lingual primary education; vocational and technical education schools; and subsidized home Internet access for families receiving public assistance.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Disagree
This has been suggested since the 1970s. We eliminated HEW but retained key components in subsequent restructuring due to its needed functions. In fact, my response to question "1" within the context of "Education" shows why such a department is needed in the 21st century.
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Disagree
Marriage is both a secular and religious institution, and neither should have a "veto". I also agree with the suggestion that the term "civil union" may be utilized in those situations where the term "marriage" may result in social tension. A good example is that of Judaism, where the marriage ceremony consists of both secular license and Jewish requirements, eg "Ketubah", which is the standard marriage contract that Jewish law requires a groom to provide for his bride on their wedding day.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
However, such a position should not interfere with bona fide religious beliefs and/or rituals. One example which has become somewhat "controversial" is that of the Jewish practice of the "brit milah", also known as a "bris". It is the Jewish ceremony in which a baby boy is circumcised. Circumcision dates back to the Book of Genesis, when God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his offspring as a sign of the covenant between Jews and God.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Such procedures should not be done in the first instance; and certainly not funded by American taxpayers, should the parents permit such undertaking despite grave issues surrounding such procedures.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a "conservative" Jew who respects Jewish culture, mores, and traditions, both faith-based and in my conditional support of Israel as the Jewish homeland. As a staunch Zionist, supporter of Israel who has lived and worked in Jerusalem e.g. Israel Radio’s English Overseas Service and WZO Press Service; who was active with WUJS Institute in Arad; who as a law student, studied – in part – at Tel Aviv University Faculty of Law, I am no stranger to the issues facing Israel and the Jewish people.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
I do not believe that requiring a photo ID to vote is, on its face, unconstitutional or a violation of civil rights under American law. That being said, should the people of a state wish to allow alternative means of voter identification, that is okay. I can accept either situation, personally. In other words, the requirement of a photo ID should be left to the voters of any given state - which is an essential element of our American democracy.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College preserves the delicate balance the lesser populated states and the fewer states that have a large, concentrated population. Just as the US Senate preserves this balance within Legislative branch, the Electoral College does so in terms of voting for a national president.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
The CRT is based on faulty assumptions and thus fails on its merit.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
I agree 100%. I fail to see any bona fide exception that would nullify my view on this question/topic.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Neutral
While "man" clearly contributes to environmental pollution, I do not accept the notion that the "climate" per se, globally, is being modified or changing. There may at times be a need for urgent action when environmental problems arise, on a case-by-case basis, but in the context of the question posed, I do not see it as a "global threat" per se. The above, notwithstanding, there should be global concerns vis-à-vis the conditions found in Communist China and parts of the former Soviet Union.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
There is no such thing as "the most reliable energy source". We have a mix of alternatives, be they in final or being developed for future use. They include such traditional choices as thermal, nuclear, wind, solar, water (including hydro).
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Moderate
As a Moderate common sense Republican, I believe in policies that create meaningful and sustained well-paying job creation, support the introduction of educational vouchers, reduced public spending with appropriate tax cuts for the over-burdened “middle class”; strengthening the fight against international (and domestic) terrorism; and, increased border enforcement in order to curb illegal immigration and drug-related crime, with the active involvement of both state and local authorities.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To representative the people's interests consistent in promoting respect for diversity of political opinion; for consensus on common-sense solutions; where honesty, respect, integrity and ethics are the political norms and not the exceptions to the rule. In other words, moderation, integrity and pragmatism; members of Congress and the Executive branches who seeks out consensus and compromise — while being both honest and loyal to one’s own core principles,
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
Attempts to "stack the deck" only serves to destroy the Supreme Court's reputation for intellectual honesty and its allegiance to the notion of justice and the rule of law.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
Absolutely not. That does not mean that police departments should not expand their own "community-based" involvements, often which does serve the public good and/or interest.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Right of Private Business to forbid weapons on premises Mandatory course on gun safety and usage Mandatory insurance on gun related injury to 3rd party Mandatory 72 background check; no on-site purchases from any source Federal ban on Armor-Piercing Ammunition Federal ban on Large-Capacity Magazines Re-institute ban on semi-automatic firearm, including pistols and rifles Mandatory “child-proof” safety-mechanism on guns Strict liability imposed on use of firearms Ban gun sound suppressors
