From Deseret News archives:

Paul Van Dam answers Deseret Morning News questionnaire

U.S. Senate

Published: Monday, Oct. 18, 2004 8:17 p.m. MDT
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I agree with the 1981 statement by the First Presidency of the LDS Church that the development of vast nuclear arsenals is deplorable, and that viable alternatives should be explored. It is absolutely unthinkable to me that anyone would consider resuming nuclear testing. From the 1950s to the 1980s, hundreds of tests were conducted, exposing tens of thousands of Utahns to radioactive fallout and its accompanying cancer and other horrible afflictions. That's why I am in favor of a complete ban on new underground or open-air testing — a ban that my opponent voted to lift during his last term. He also voted in favor of funding to develop new nuclear weapons and to prepare the Nevada test site for resuming tests. We presently have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world dozens of times over, and almost nobody (my opponent included) can envision a scenario that would require the use of new nuclear weapons. I will introduce legislation that would reinstate the ban and eliminate funding for new nuclear weapons research and site preparation. We cannot let Utah's skies and our children's future be clouded by the fallout of nuclear testing.

7. Do you favor or oppose the United States remaining a member of the United Nations?

The United Nations is not a perfect organization, and I disagree with some of the decisions it has made in recent years. However, the U.N. can be an effective forum for resolving disputes diplomatically and building relationships with other nations. I strongly oppose giving it control over our troops or our ability to conduct military operations, but I do think we should remain a member of the U.N. and support its efforts to alleviate human suffering in the world.

8. With higher-than-usual gasoline prices in the United States, do you favor or oppose releasing some of the federal government's huge oil reserves in an attempt to drive down gas prices? What are other options of helping to lower fuel costs at the pump?

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I am opposed to releasing some of the government's strategic reserves. Doing so would have only a minor effect on gas prices and fails to address our long-term energy needs. Instead, we need to move to energy independence and focus on increasing fuel efficiency standards and developing alternative fuels.

9. The United States is now running huge budget deficits. How would you deal with this problem? Do you favor or oppose making the Bush tax cuts permanent? If so, how do you reconcile giving more tax cuts as the deficit just grows larger? Do you think tax cuts only benefit the "rich" or do they help citizens across the economic board?

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