Kentucky Republican US Senate candidate Andy Barr on immigration, national debt
The Herald-Leader posited six written questions to the candidates, both Democrat and Republican, seeking to be Kentucky’s next U.S. senator.
For Republicans, those questions addressed issues like Sen. Mitch McConnell’s legacy, immigration policy, the national debt and more.
Candidates were limited to 150 words in their responses and agreed not to use artificial intelligence in generating their answers.
Below are Republican contender Andy Barr’s answers. Other candidate questionnaires can be viewed here.
Can you describe your ideal U.S. immigration policy? Please be specific.
President Trump endorsed me because he knows I’ve been with him all the way. All the way to build the wall, secure the border, and deport all criminal illegals. I successfully defended his authority to build the wall in federal court during his first term. I voted to triple ICE agents and provide a historic investment in border security through the Big Beautiful Bill. I’m leading a Constitutional Amendment proposal to ban birthright citizenship for the children of illegals. And I’ll continue my work in the Senate. I’m honored to have the endorsement of President Trump, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and the National Border Patrol Council. I am the border security candidate in this race.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is deeply concerned with the size of U.S. federal debt. Do you share his concern? If so, can you explain your support for the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” which he voted against on the grounds it would increase the national debt.
I share Sen. Paul’s concern about the national debt. I ran for Congress to save America from bankruptcy, and I’m still fighting to do it. That’s why I voted for the Big Beautiful Bill, which is also the largest deficit reduction bill in U.S. history, cutting $400 billion from the deficit over a 10-year period. As a member of the DOGE Caucus, I voted on a spending cut package that saved taxpayers almost $10 billion by ending the left-wing slush fund at USAID that funded outrageous projects like building “Net Zero cities in Mexico” and LGBTQ initiatives abroad. I’ve also consistently voted against clean debt-ceiling increases that didn’t include spending cuts and voted for balanced budget amendments. I will continue to advocate for fiscal conservatism.
How would you describe Mitch McConnell’s impact on Kentucky?
Obviously Leader McConnell has left a lasting impact on our commonwealth and our country, for which we are grateful. As for me — I’m an Andy Barr Republican, not a Mitch McConnell Republican or a Rand Paul Republican. I’m my own man, and I’ll fight every day to deliver for all Kentuckians.
Wealth inequality has risen in the U.S. in recent decades. Is that a problem? If so, how should it be addressed?
I’m fighting every day to bring down the cost of living for Kentuckians, especially the cost at the pump. It’s critical that we keep Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. Making life affordable again — and keep Americans safe — will always be my priority in the U.S. Senate.
Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster, which allows the minority to block most legislative action without 60 votes? Why or why not?
I’ve been clear that we need to eliminate this zombie filibuster. Doing so will allow us to pass the Save America Act — and so much more — to save our great country. I’m ready to get to work alongside President Trump and do whatever it takes to advance our commonsense agenda that delivers for Kentucky.
What committees would you like to join and why?
Serving on the Senate Banking Committee would allow me to build on my work on the House Financial Services Committee by defending free enterprise, supporting community banks, promoting innovation in digital assets and financial technology, and advancing policies that expand access to credit, affordable homeownership, and economic opportunity for Kentucky families. On the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I would continue my focus on national security and countering China’s growing threat, building on my experience on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and China Select Committee. Service on the Armed Services or Appropriations Committees would help me strengthen Kentucky’s military assets — including Fort Campbell, Fort Knox, the Boone National Guard Center, and the Bluegrass Army Depot — and attract high-paying defense jobs to the commonwealth. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I would remain a strong advocate for Kentucky farmers and our agriculture economy. These are some of the Committees I’m thinking through as I look to continue my service to the people of Kentucky.
Andy Barr’s website can be found here.
