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Ken Buck's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
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Ken Buck did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • Rated 100% by National Right to Life Committee. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Speaker Pelosi: "We write to express our unified opposition to Congressional Democrats' efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment and other current-law, pro-life appropriations provisions. As part of their pro-abortion crusade, Democrats have taken direct aim at these long-standing, bipartisan protections that generally prevent the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to support abortion procedures. Repealing these pro-life provisions would destroy nearly half a century of bipartisan consensus. Each year since 1976, Congress has included Hyde protections in annually enacted appropriations. No president in American history has ever vetoed an appropriations bill due to its inclusion of the Hyde Amendment." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 36 "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "No taxpayer should be forced, against their moral or religious conscience, to fund an abortion," Congressman Ken Buck stated. "Americans and Congress have prohibited federal funding of abortion for decades, and this bill simply makes that prohibition permanent." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 610 "Protecting Medicare and Amerivan Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Administrator Verma: "We write to express strong bipartisan support for the Medicare Advantage program, which 40 percent of eligible Medicare beneficiaries, more than 22 million people, choose to enroll in.[1] We appreciate your ongoing commitment to preserving and strengthening the Medicare Advantage program for current and future Medicare beneficiaries. As the Administration considers updates to the program for plan year 2021, we urge you to ensure that the Medicare Advantage program will continue to offer affordable, high-quality, patient-centered coverage options for the diverse populations the program serves, including beneficiaries with End Stage Renal Disease who for the first time will be able to choose a Medicare Advantage plan." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to President Trump: "It should be a fundamental principle that government benefits should not pay Americans more than if they went to work. The result is no surprise: CBO determined extending this program would result in higher unemployment in both 2020 and 2021. Small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns enacted by state and local governments. There could not be a worse time for the federal government to create disincentives for returning to work. The most effective path to economic recovery is to allow businesses to safely reopen their doors and rehire employees. If there is future action from the federal government, it should reinforce those goals. Allowing the $600 supplemental UI benefit to expire will lower unemployment and help small businesses rehire employees. We urge you to oppose any extension." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, Congressman Ken Buck voted against misguided legislation that would force the American taxpayers to finance political campaigns, would ensure non-citizens were registered to vote, and that would give convicted felons access to the voting booth even if they committed election-related offenses. Following the vote, Congressman Buck issued the following statement: "I voted against this bill because it will do nothing to prevent voter fraud or restore election integrity, as the Democrats claim. Instead, it will only undermine America's elections and infringe upon Americans' First Amendment rights" stated Congressman Buck." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Common Cause. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "A blanket repeal of qualified immunity will make our police officers hesitant and less likely to intervene in dangerous situations. This move will undoubtedly harm our most vulnerable neighborhoods as police pull back." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "I was in law enforcement and I understand the noble profession that the brave men and women in blue have chosen. That’s why I have signed the @Heritage_Action #PolicePledge to stand with America’s police and oppose any bill, resolution, or movement to defund police." (twitter.com)
  • "I will always advocate for police, who truly are the thin blue line between law-abiding citizens and dangerous criminals." (buckforcolorado.com)
  • "I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act today to build a 21st century military that takes care of our troops. #NDAA" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Center for Security Policy. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • ""Mutual irrigation, reservoir, and water companies play a critical role in the agriculture industry in Colorado and throughout the nation," said Representative Buck. "Farmers and ranchers should be able to maintain and develop their water infrastructure without being penalized for it. The WATER Act will replace a burdensome restriction with a beneficial solution that will support America's rural communities."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""Our transportation infrastructure must meet the needs of Colorado's growing population and bustling economy," stated Congressman Ken Buck. "I've worked closely, alongside my colleagues in the delegation, to emphasize to the Department of Transportation the importance of the I-25 Gap project for the people who rely on this section of the interstate as a key thoroughfare. These grant dollars will make Colorado better connected, benefiting our economy and our communities."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Governor Hickenlooper: "Access to broadband and economic development are vitally important issues to the rural communities of eastern Colorado and the Fourth Congressional district. I applaud your willingness to take on these important concerns. Eastern Colorado has wonderful communities and people, but the region faces unique economic challenges that we must address. The Eastern Plains are a great place to do business. Family-run operations like the Coffee Holding Company in La Junta bring stability and rootedness to their communities." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Mutual irrigation, reservoir, and water companies play a critical role in the agriculture industry in Colorado and throughout the nation," said Representative Buck. "Farmers and ranchers should be able to maintain and develop their water infrastructure without being penalized for it. The WATER Act will replace a burdensome restriction with a beneficial solution that will support America's rural communities." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our transportation infrastructure must meet the needs of Colorado's growing population and bustling economy," stated Congressman Ken Buck. "I've worked closely, alongside my colleagues in the delegation, to emphasize to the Department of Transportation the importance of the I-25 Gap project for the people who rely on this section of the interstate as a key thoroughfare. These grant dollars will make Colorado better connected, benefiting our economy and our communities." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Unfortunately, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act will harm our future generations in ways that the coronavirus never could -- by drastically increasing our national debt by stuffing this bill with pork. The President has shown strong leadership during these trying times, seeking to help struggling families and small businesses. Congress must do the same. But we can't do so at the expense of our children and grandchildren's future. After thoughtful reflection, I have concluded that I must oppose this bill, which contains many provisions that, as history and experience tell us, will do long-lasting damage to our economy, delaying economic recovery and harming Americans in return." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I cannot, in good conscience, vote for this legislation that spends billions of taxpayer dollars on pet projects that have nothing to do with COVID relief or keeping the government funded." (twitter.com)
  • "The Democrats can call their pork-filled stimulus bill whatever they want — but they can’t call it COVID relief. Everybody's got their finger in this pie, whether it’s a $1.5M bridge for Chuck Schumer’s New York or a $100M rail project for Nancy Pelosi’s California." (twitter.com)
  • "Due to inflation, this Thanksgiving could be the most expensive meal is the holiday's history. Prices at the pump are up 50 percent and home heating costs are climbing. Joe Biden's response? Push for $550 billion in Green welfare subsidies and shameful special interest spending." (twitter.com)
  • "Every day feels like #TaxDay under Democrats’ radical spending agenda. Inflation has skyrocketed to a 40-year high and Coloradans know who to blame for this inflation crisis." (twitter.com)
  • "Right now, we have the highest inflation rate since 1982, 8.3 percent, meaning that the price of goods and services is increasing much faster than people’s wages. The president’s policies have caused this issue. He has spent money that the country doesn’t have. As federal spending goes up very quickly, the economy can’t just simply summon more goods and services into being–those take time to produce, further adding to the upward pressure on prices." (buckforcolorado.com)
  • "While you are gathering tonight for dinner, House Democrats are planning to spend trillions of dollars -- further fueling inflation, and giving mass amnesty to illegal immigrants." (twitter.com)
  • "College debt forgiveness is a massive wealth transfer from the working class to those who had the opp to pursue higher education. My legislation—the PSLF Fairness Act—would ensure hardworking taxpayers are not subsidizing the student loan payments of those in the top 10%." (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats are using the pandemic to justify student loan write-offs they said would never happen, which would mostly benefit higher-income borrowers." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against H.R. 2547 “Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "It is such a supposed burden that we need to have preclearance from an administration that has screwed up Afghanistan, the border, and inflation--but we're supposed to go to them to ask for permission because voter ID is such a burden." (twitter.com)
  • "MONMOUTH POLL: 91% of Republicans, 87% of independents and 62% of Democrats support requiring some form of identification to vote. SR1/HR1 would ban voter ID. The American people do not support this radical liberal power grab." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The majority of Americans support commonsense Voter ID laws. Democrats don’t." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by American Energy Alliance. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019." (votesmart.org)
  • "Wind is a great source of energy... until the wind turbines freeze over in frigid temperatures. We need to learn the correct lessons from the crisis in Texas." (twitter.com)
  • "Original cosponsor of H. R. 519, the Safeguarding Oil and Gas Leasing and Permitting Act of 2021, which would shut down President Biden’s oil and gas moratorium." (buckforcolorado.com)
  • "President Biden's moratorium on oil and gas leases will kill American jobs and force us to rely on foreign nations for energy. This assault on the industry rips good-paying jobs away from oil and gas workers, many of whom reside in Colorado's Fourth District. It is unconscionable to do this in the middle of a pandemic," Rep. Buck said. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 96% by Independent Petroleum Association of America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Chairperson Neumayr: "We write in support of the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) efforts to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This rulemaking represents the first comprehensive overhaul since the NEPA regulations were originally promulgated more than 40 years ago. These critical reforms will bring needed clarity to our nation's environmental laws, preserve the competitive edge that powers our economy, and foster continued stewardship of our environment and natural resources. Congress wrote NEPA with the straightforward, significant goal of establishing a review framework "under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans." However, over the years, through misguided regulation, and presidential directive, the NEPA process has strayed from these objectives. Now, unending litigation and mountains of paperwork define a permitting process that stretches along an indefinite timeline." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • ""I am proud to cast my vote against these gun control measures and defend the constitutional, God-given right of Americans to keep and bear arms," said Rep. Buck. "Any attempt to limit law-abiding Americans' access to a firearm is a clear violation of the oath I took to protect and defend the Constitution. I will always fight for Coloradans' Second Amendment rights in Congress."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by National Rifle Association (NRA). (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Dems gun control bill criminalizes gun transfers between law-abiding citizens who have NO criminal record and NO criminal intent! #2ndAmendment #Support2A" (twitter.com)
  • "I am proud to cast my vote against these gun control measures and defend the constitutional, God-given right of Americans to keep and bear arms," said Rep. Buck. "Any attempt to limit law-abiding Americans' access to a firearm is a clear violation of the oath I took to protect and defend the Constitution. I will always fight for Coloradans' Second Amendment rights in Congress." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I'm voting to #override so we can provide an alternative approach to healthcare that prioritizes patient choice" (twitter.com)
  • "Obamacare is a national disaster. It must be replaced to provide affordable healthcare to the citizens of our state." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1628 “American Health Care Act of 2017” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 2192 “McSally Amendment” (votesmart.org)
  • "I’m proud to join @RepAndyBiggsAZ as a cosponsor of the Freedom for Families Act, which provides a free market alternative to federally-mandated paid family leave. Under this bill, individuals can use funds in their Health Savings Accounts to pay for expenses during family leave." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Today I am introducing 3 bipartisan bills that will make drugs more affordable for Americans. It’s unacceptable that big drug companies are engaging in anticompetitive practices that make senior citizens pay more for prescription drugs. Let’s hold these companies accountable." (twitter.com)
  • "Tomorrow, House Judiciary Committee will look at advancing legislation which creates competition, lowers drug prices, and helps prevent opioid abuse. I am proud to co-sponsor these bills. Lowering the cost of prescription drugs is the right thing to do." (twitter.com)
  • "Cosponsored H. R. 471, the PAUSE Act of 2021, which would stop the Biden Administration from ending Title 42, a pandemic emergency authority that’s key to keeping migrant caravans from continuing to come to our southern border." (buckforcolorado.com)
  • "I’m against illegal immigration, and I fully support securing the border, deporting those who are here, and building both a physical wall and a legal wall against additional illegal immigration." (buckforcolorado.com)
  • "It’s hard to overstate just how dangerous the Biden border policies are. His own Department of Homeland Security predicts an influx of 18,000 migrants PER DAY when he carries out his dangerous revocation of Title 42, a public health authority that allows the United States to suspend the entry of aliens that may present a public health risk. That comes out to about 6.5 million migrants per year–more than the entire population of the state of Colorado." (buckforcolorado.com)
  • "Without a border, we don’t have a country. Instead, every city and state becomes a border town. I was recently on a border tour with my friend Congressman Andy Biggs and the situation down there is very bad, as any border patrol agent or local sheriff can tell you. That lack of security has the potential to translate across America, to your town or city." (buckforcolorado.com)
  • ""Sanctuary cities force the federal government to spend more money on immigration enforcement," stated Congressman Ken Buck. "We must assert federal authority on federal issues and cut off funding for cities that violate the rule of law, which is what this appropriations request does."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "With more than 40 million Americans out of work, it is unfair to send hard-earned taxpayer dollars to non-citizens who entered this country illegally. We need to prioritize the American people by making sure taxpayers are not subsidizing blue states' plans to give cash payments to illegal immigrants." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I’m against illegal immigration, and I fully support securing the border, deporting those who are here, and building both a physical wall and a legal wall against additional illegal immigration." (buckforcolorado.com)
  • "Sanctuary cities force the federal government to spend more money on immigration enforcement," stated Congressman Ken Buck. "We must assert federal authority on federal issues and cut off funding for cities that violate the rule of law, which is what this appropriations request does." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "If the world unites—except for China—and imposes strict sanctions on Russia then the Russian people are going to feel the effects of this war." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Center for Secuirty Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "There are sanctions that could hurt Russia generally, but we need personal sanctions that would affect those closest Putin." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 “Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "After Zelenskyy’s address to Congress, we can all agree that America must give Ukraine every opportunity to defend themselves from Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified attack. President Biden: It’s time to step up." (twitter.com)
  • "My prayers, the prayers of Coloradans, and the prayers of the American people are with the people of Ukraine. There are going to be widespread ramifications as a result of Russia’s invasion into the Ukraine, including here at home." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Center for Secuirty Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S. 3522 “Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 93% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This week in Congress, Democrats are trying to raise your taxes, add trillions to the national debt, and make inflation even worse. No one in Colorado wants this." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1 “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "We are in the middle of a Biden caused inflation crisis. Democrats want to raise taxes by $2.9 trillion and spend another $3.5 trillion. They are going to kill the economy and your paychecks." (twitter.com)
  • "It’s been over a year since @POTUS signed the #USMCA, which is crucial for the future of American prosperity, as well as our farmers, manufacturers, & those who continue to stimulate future economic growth. Dems don't need any more time. It's time for Congress to pass #USMCAnow." (twitter.com)
  • "Today we will vote on the #USMCA trade agreement which will pave the way for further economic development with our state’s leading exporting partners. This is a bipartisan win for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers that is long overdue. #USMCAnow" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "It’s been over a year since @POTUS signed the #USMCA, which is crucial for the future of American prosperity, as well as our farmers, manufacturers, & those who continue to stimulate future economic growth. Dems don't need any more time. It's time for Congress to pass #USMCAnow." (twitter.com)
  • "Today we will vote on the #USMCA trade agreement which will pave the way for further economic development with our state’s leading exporting partners. This is a bipartisan win for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers that is long overdue. #USMCAnow" (twitter.com)
  • "U.S. manufacturers are getting creamed by high taxes and tariffs. MTB will help manufacturers compete globally & grow our economy" (twitter.com)

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