David Rouzer, 52, is vying for a sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has represented District 7 since 2014. He previously served in the North Carolina Senate from 2009 to 2012. A resident of Wilmington, Rouzer graduated from N.C. State University and was a small business owner before his career in politics.
Our Q&A with David Rouzer
Note: Rouzer’s campaign did not respond to multiple requests for answers to the questions below. To provide information to readers, we have included examples from his congressional voting record, along with statements he has made on his website and in news releases.
What would be your plan for ensuring the future security/strength of Medicare?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, but he recently co-sponsored the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2024. The bill would ensure “timely, reliable access” to medications for Medicare recipients with cancer and other serious illnesses, according to the American Journal of Managed Care.
What would you support in Congress as a plan to help control health care/pharmaceutical costs?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, but he is a co-founder of the relaunched bipartisan Congressional Primary Care Caucus. In a statement earlier this year, he said caucus hopes to “craft solutions where patients receive the very best care at the lowest possible cost.”
Where do you stand on work requirements and targeted time limits for Medicaid?
Rouzer did not respond to this question. However, he voted for legislation that would require adult Medicaid beneficiaries to work, perform community service or participate in a work program (or a combination of these) for at least 80 hours per month. Anyone not meeting those requirements for three or more months in a year could be disenrolled. Some Medicaid recipients, such as those physically unable to work or enrolled at least part-time in school, would be exempt.
What can the federal government do to support rural hospitals?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, but he cosponsored the Rural Hospital Access Act of 2017. The bill sought to “improve access to care in rural areas by permanently addressing the Medicare Dependent Hospital and Low Volume Adjustment rural Medicare programs,” according to the National Rural Health Association.
Where do you stand on restoring funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, but he declined to sign onto a bill that would have extended the program, which was used by 28 percent of constituent households in his district.
PFAS contamination is a nationwide issue; How do you address it while balancing public safety and business interests?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, but he was one of only 24 Republicans in the U.S. House to vote in support of legislation requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate PFAS. He also co-sponsored a bill that would have required the Department of Defense to include assessments for PFAS exposure in health evaluations for veterans, military members and their families who may have been exposed to PFAS. Neither bill became law.
Is the federal government ready for the next pandemic?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, but in September he voted in support of a bill that would, according to The Hill, “prohibit U.S. acceptance of a World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic prevention, preparedness and response agreement unless approved as a treaty by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.”
Do you think the federal government should enforce stricter requirements for nonprofit hospitals to justify their tax exemptions? Why or why not?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, and NC Health News was unable to find anything in the public record detailing his position.
Where do you stand on federal abortion limits? What gestational limits, if any, would you set?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, but he co-sponsored legislation that would allow the prosecution of physicians who perform abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.
How can Congress improve access to child care? What states are leading the way that you think could be a good federal model?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, and NC Health News was unable to find anything in the public record detailing his position.
What steps would you take to improve access to mental health services and to address the opioid overdose crisis?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, but the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022 includes legislation he introduced to expand eligibility for counseling and mental health services to families of veterans who die by suicide.
Are there any other issues that you’d like to weigh in on?
Rouzer did not respond to this question, although on his website he repeatedly calls for the repeal of “Obamacare.”