(WXYZ) —
The WXYZ-TV Michigan U.S. Senate debate is happening now. Watch it in the video player below:
With just 13 days until Election Day, Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed are facing off in the final debate in the race for the U.S. Senate.
Both men are looking to take control of the seat being vacated by Sen. Gary Peters, as both parties fight for control of Congress.
The debate is taking place at WXYZ-TV in Southfield and is moderated by 7 News Detroit anchors Carolyn Clifford and Alicia Smith, and 7 News Detroit Editorial Director Chuck Stokes.
See the updates from the debate in the videos below.
7 p.m.
The U.S. Senate debate has kicked off with opening statements from Rogers and El-Sayed. Watch their opening statements below:
QUESTION 1
ECONOMY / INFLATION
One of the top concerns we've heard from our viewers is the cost of living. Families are struggling with the cost of groceries, gas and other essentials. What specific legislation would you support in the Senate to bring costs down and put more money in Michiganders' pockets?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 2
U.S. AND FOREIGN TARIFFS / CANADIAN RELATIONS
The Trump administration has used tariffs as a major trade policy tool. In your view, have those tariffs helped or hurt American workers, consumers and manufacturers?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 3
WAR WITH IRAN
The United States has used military force against Iran, a decision that has divided Americans. Do you believe Iran poses a significant threat to U.S. national security, and what should America's strategy be moving forward?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 4
U.S. IMMIGRATION POLICIES / BORDER SECURITY
What changes, if any, would you make to current immigration and border policies, and how would you balance enforcement, legal immigration and asylum claims?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 5
HEALTH CARE COSTS / PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES / INSURANCE
Health care costs in America continue to rise, outpacing inflation and placing a growing burden on individuals and families. If elected, would you work to expand, modify, or roll back policies of the Affordable Care Act?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 6
NATIONAL DEBT / SOCIAL SECURITY
Social Security's retirement trust fund is projected to be depleted in 2032. If Congress does not act, beneficiaries could face automatic reductions in future payments. What specific changes, if any, would you support to strengthen Social Security's finances and ensure its long-term stability?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 7
PUBLIC SAFETY
What federal laws or funding priorities would you pursue in the Senate to make Michigan communities safer?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 8
THE FUTURE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE / NATIONAL SECURITY
For better or worse, the vast majority of our electronic devices contain some degree of artificial intelligence. Congress has the constitutional power to regulate AI. Are you in favor of exercising that power on a federal level, should it be up to individual states, or should government not interfere with this growing technology?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 9
MICHIGAN JOBS / AUTO INDUSTRY
Michigan's auto industry faces pressure from tariffs, changing fuel-economy rules and global competition. What is the most important federal policy you would pursue to protect Michigan auto jobs and keep the state competitive?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 10
EDUCATION
Michigan ranks 44th in the nation in fourth-grade reading, and just 25 percent of our fourth graders scored at or above proficient on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress. What would you do in the U.S. Senate to improve reading and math achievement and expand educational opportunity for Michigan students?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 11
VOTER ID / SAVE ACT
If elected, you may be asked to vote on legislation requiring voter identification, and other changes to federal election laws. Would you support or oppose that legislation, and why?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
QUESTION 12
POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE
At a time when the country is deeply divided politically, what is one policy proposed by your opponent's party that you could see yourself supporting?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
Rapid fire questions:
Are you in favor of expanding the Supreme Court?
Do you support universal background checks for gun purchases?
Watch the responses from Rogers and El-Sayed in the video player below:
