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Darin LaHood's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Republican for U.S. House (IL) - District 16

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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 2024.

  • "I am is 100 percent pro-life. In Congress, I will continues to be a strong voice for the voiceless, combating the radical Left\'s support for abortion radicals and abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. In Congress, I will continue to fight back against the Democrats\' attacks and stand for our most vulnerable." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • "As a father of three and a Pro-Life advocate, I applaud the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs case. Today is a huge victory for sanctity of Life." (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats in Washington and Illinois, including President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Governor Pritzker have spent years seeking to undermine and delegitimize our independent judiciary. In the weeks since the unprecedented leak of Justice Alito's opinion, we have seen attacks on pro-family crisis pregnancy centers, disruptions of church services, and an assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh and his family. The Dobbs decision, in the face of violence, is a win for our independent judiciary and the Constitution." (lahood.house.gov)
  • Voted against HR 8297 "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (None)
  • Rated 0% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (None)
  • "Proud to join @RepAdrianSmith and a bipartisan group to introduce the Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act. Ensuring Medicare providers in rural areas are not unfairly impacted from lower payments based on an outdated model is critical for access to care." (twitter.com)
  • "Social Security turns 85 today and continues to provide the benefits earned by citizens in #IL18 and across the country. I will continue to work in Congress to ensure a fair and reliable Social Security benefit." (twitter.com)
  • "I applaud President Trump and his Administration for acting quickly to ensure Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries receive automatic coronavirus relief payments. Seniors need relief, and this decision will make it easier for them to receive their checks and eliminate unnecessary paperwork. This bipartisan fix will make certain those who need relief get it, and I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to deliver sensible solutions during this global pandemic." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "I support tax reforms and other economic growth mechanisms to help ensure that individuals can have jobs and the ability to afford the insurance and health care plans that best serve their unique needs." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "For far too long the Federal Government has not been living within its means. Our national debt is $30 trillion and growing and we continue to have a government that spends, taxes, and borrows too much. In Congress, I will continue to push to rein in spending in order to tackle the national debt, ensuring that our children and grandchildren are not forced to pay for the mistakes of our generation." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • "Jobs are crucial and a key part of turning Illinois’ and the country’s economy around. As your representative in Congress, I will continue to be an outspoken advocate for families of Central Illinois by removing the barriers to job creation: eliminating costly, burdensome regulations; cutting government red tape; and, simplifying the tax code. The role of government is not to create jobs but to get out of the way of business owners, allowing their companies to grow and their employees to prosper." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • "I support tax reforms and other economic growth mechanisms to help ensure that individuals can have jobs and the ability to afford the insurance and health care plans that best serve their unique needs." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "For far too long the Federal Government has not been living within its means. Our national debt is $30 trillion and growing and we continue to have a government that spends, taxes, and borrows too much. In Congress, I will continue to push to rein in spending in order to tackle the national debt, ensuring that our children and grandchildren are not forced to pay for the mistakes of our generation." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • "Jobs are crucial and a key part of turning Illinois’ and the country’s economy around. As your representative in Congress, I will continue to be an outspoken advocate for families of Central Illinois by removing the barriers to job creation: eliminating costly, burdensome regulations; cutting government red tape; and, simplifying the tax code. The role of government is not to create jobs but to get out of the way of business owners, allowing their companies to grow and their employees to prosper." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • Rated 0% by End Citizens United (None)
  • Rated 6% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted against HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (None)
  • "Even after being offered the opportunity to offer amendments, both of Illinois’ Senators blocked consideration of the #JUSTICEAct. Disappointing that Democrats are putting politics above an important discussion on police reform. The #JUSTICEAct deserves a debate and a vote." (twitter.com)
  • "The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association does important work to support law enforcement. In East Peoria this morning, I thanked them for their work and highlighted legislation I’ve introduced to help hire more officers. I will always Back the Blue and oppose the defund police movement." (twitter.com)
  • "I voted no tonight on House Democrats' policing "reform" bill, that would hinder law enforcement's ability to do their job. There is room for common ground, but Democrats rejected attempts by Republicans to weigh in." (twitter.com)
  • "A strong national defense is crucial to a safe, free, and flourishing America. "Providing for the common defense" is one of the most important roles of our federal government. As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief Terrorism Prosecutor, I understand the grave national security threats our country faces." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "I believe we must maintain a trained and ready force structure, provide our troops with the tools and resources they need to be successful, and ensure that military families are recognized for their service to our country. I am committed to making our national defense, active duty service men and women, and veterans a priority." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "I was proud to advocate for the $9 million to be included in the NDAA a couple weeks ago, and today gets us one step closer to getting the 182nd Airlift Wing the funding they need for this vital project." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "The FY23 NDAA will make America safer, give our men and women in uniform the resources they need and deserve, and send a clear message to our adversaries around the globe. Republicans secured key victories in this year's NDAA, including ending the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on our Armed Forces, increasing funding to combat threats from China, Iran, and North Korea, and ensuring the National Guard has what it needs to secure our southern border. We face ever-evolving 21st-century threats and this bill makes certain that our military personnel are prepared with the resources, equipment, and support at home they need. It is a privilege to continue to support our brave men and women protecting and defending freedom and I was proud to support this bill." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "The role of government is not to create jobs but to get out of the way of business owners, allowing their companies to grow and their employees to prosper." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • "Democrats are so desperate to ram through their radical tax and spending agenda that they’re pushing for a vote without letting the American people know how much it will cost. #NoScoreNoVote" (twitter.com)
  • "For far too long the Federal Government has not been living within its means. Our national debt is $30 trillion and growing and we continue to have a government that spends, taxes, and borrows too much. In Congress, I will continue to push to rein in spending in order to tackle the national debt, ensuring that our children and grandchildren are not forced to pay for the mistakes of our generation." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • "The so-called "Build Back Better" plan will be the largest expansion of the federal government in history, raise taxes on farmers and middle-income earners, and grow the federal deficit. Democrats' radical tax and spending agenda is a bad deal for Illinois." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 7301 "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" (None)
  • "Federal spending is out of control. The national debt has doubled over the last 10 years, from $10.6 trillion to $21 trillion. Paying interest on our debt alone will consume more and more of our annual budget until we get our spending in check, let alone the power it gives to the countries that own our debt. Our debt crisis is not due to the fact that Americans are taxed too little, it is due to the fact that Washington spends too much. We have to work to slash wasteful spending and consolidate or eliminate duplicative or unnecessary programs that are riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. As a father of three, I do not want to leave the burden of our tremendous national debt on future generations." (lahood.house.gov)
  • Voted against HR 8294 "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023" (None)
  • "I believe it is the government’s responsibility to create an atmosphere where businesses can thrive. To get there, we need to cut overreaching regulations, eliminate burdensome mandates, and reform and simplify the tax code by closing loopholes and cutting rates. The government needs to step out of the way and let the American people drive innovation, open small businesses and expand existing businesses. That's the best way to grow the economy and create jobs. American history is testimony to that truth." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "Illinois families who work hard must meet budgets and spend money within their means, and it is long past time that the federal government do the same. That's why I joined House Republicans to responsibly raise the debt limit and pass the Limit, Save, Grow Act last month, legislation to significantly reform Washington's spending addiction." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "For far too long the Federal Government has not been living within its means. Our national debt is $30 trillion and growing and we continue to have a government that spends, taxes, and borrows too much. In Congress, I will continue to push to rein in spending in order to tackle the national debt, ensuring that our children and grandchildren are not forced to pay for the mistakes of our generation." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • "Federal spending is out of control. The national debt has doubled over the last 10 years, from $10.6 trillion to $21 trillion. Paying interest on our debt alone will consume more and more of our annual budget until we get our spending in check, let alone the power it gives to the countries that own our debt. Our debt crisis is not due to the fact that Americans are taxed too little, it is due to the fact that Washington spends too much. We have to work to slash wasteful spending and consolidate or eliminate duplicative or unnecessary programs that are riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. As a father of three, I do not want to leave the burden of our tremendous national debt on future generations." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "In the middle of an economic crisis, Biden wants those hit hardest by inflation to bailout billions in student loans. It’s a slap in the face to those who sacrificed to save for college, worked to pay off loans, volunteered to serve, or chose a different career to avoid debt." (twitter.com)
  • 25 News "President Biden has no executive authority to "cancel" student loan debt. Student loans won’t be cancelled; they will be transferred to hardworking taxpayers. In the middle of an economic crisis, the President wants working and middle-class families hit hardest by inflation to bailout billions of dollars in student loans. It’s a slap in the face to those who sacrificed to save for college, worked hard to pay off their loans, volunteered to serve in our Armed Forces, or chose a different career path to avoid debt." (www.25newsnow.com)
  • NPR "I think the legal justification for what Biden did is weak. He can't do this arbitrarily; he has to come through the Congress, he has to go through the legislative process. If he wants to make the argument that student debt should be relieved — and again, I'm not of that opinion — but you ought to bring it to the Congress and have it debated and have a legislative solution on it." (www.wcbu.org)
  • "The right to vote and take part in the democratic process in the United States is an essential part of fulfilling the American dream. I have been and will continue to be supportive of more people exercising their civic duty through the electoral process. Unfortunately, this legislation will undermine the constitutional rights of our states, suppress the free speech rights of Americans across the country, subsidize political campaigns with taxpayer money, and increase the vulnerability of our electoral system to fraud. It’s disappointing that the Democrats' "landmark" piece of legislation for the 116th Congress is just a political power grab that will undermine the security of our electoral system." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "It is an indisputable fact that voter turnout in America has never been higher, yet Democrats continue to push a false voter suppression narrative to attempt an unconstitutional federal takeover of our electoral system. As President Biden's poll numbers plummet, the smallest majority in the history of Congress is attempting to change the way we run elections in every state. Congressional Democrats' efforts to blow up legislative and procedural rules to push their federal takeover of elections will undermine the faith in and the security of our electoral system." (lahood.house.gov)
  • Voted against HR 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (None)
  • "President Biden’s ill-advised executive order on the Keystone XL Pipeline is bad for our nation’s economic recovery and energy security. This action threatens the livelihood of thousands of workers and should be reversed." (twitter.com)
  • "Gas prices in Peoria and throughout Illinois are over $5 and rising. Illinois families can’t afford the Biden Admin’s war on American energy production. We should unleash our energy independence to make our country stronger and reduce costs at the pump." (twitter.com)
  • "On day one, President Biden canceled the Keystone Pipeline and halted new drilling, pushing gas prices to record highs. Instead of turning to domestic energy producers, Biden is looking to Iran and Venezuela. It’s past time to unleash our America’s energy independence." (twitter.com)
  • "Unleashing America's energy independence will strengthen our national security and reduce costs. Instead of looking to Venezuela and Iran, the Biden Administration should turn to America’s energy producers for more oil and gas." (twitter.com)
  • "On day one, President Biden canceled the Keystone Pipeline and halted new drilling, pushing gas prices to record highs. Instead of turning to domestic energy producers, Biden is looking to Iran and Venezuela. It’s past time to unleash our America’s energy independence." (twitter.com)
  • "Gas prices in Peoria and throughout Illinois are over $5 and rising. Illinois families can’t afford the Biden Admin’s war on American energy production. We should unleash our energy independence to make our country stronger and reduce costs at the pump." (twitter.com)
  • "Unleashing America's energy independence will strengthen our national security and reduce costs. Instead of looking to Venezuela and Iran, the Biden Administration should turn to America’s energy producers for more oil and gas." (twitter.com)
  • "I strongly support the Second Amendment and in Congress I will fight to defend the hunters, sportsmen, and firearm owners of Central and West Central Illinois. Our constitution is explicit—law abiding citizens have a right to keep and bear arms. In fact, I am an Illinois Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card owner myself." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "I firmly believes that it is our constitutional right to bear arms and it shall not be infringed. I do not support unproven gun control measures targeted at law abiding gun owners, and in Washington I will continue to be an uncompromising defender our Second Amendment rights." (lahoodforcongress.com)
  • "While I support efforts to enforce our current laws and reduce violent crime of any sort, we must isolate and address the root causes – such as ensuring adequate mental health care for those who need it most." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "Families, individual patients, and their doctor should make health care decisions, not Washington bureaucrats. Health is a deeply personal and important matter—far too important to trust the federal government to run it. I support common-sense reforms that restore individual choice and control over healthcare plans." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "I support continued care for seniors and society’s most vulnerable and reforming America’s healthcare reality, which includes repealing the harmful policies put in place under the overreaching Obamacare system." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "The greatest challenge to our healthcare system is the ever-growing cost of care. Unfortunately, Obamacare did little to fix this problem. It raised taxes, added regulations, hindered job creation, and reduced patient choice." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "To address the roadblocks to access affordable healthcare that existed prior to the enactment of Obamacare, we need a competitive health insurance marketplace and a patient centered healthcare system. In Congress, my priority is to repeal the damaging components of Obamacare and work towards a patient—centered efficient and effective health care system. In addition, we need to ensure adequate care for our seniors." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "Ensuring that working parents have the ability to choose how they care for their children, particularly a newborn, is vital to the long-term stability of a family and the success of a child. I am proud to introduce legislation that provides the needed flexibility of child care dollars allowing low-wage workers the option to stay home with their newborn or utilize traditional child care programs." (lahood.house.gov)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "States that enforce lenient illegal immigration policies and restrict law enforcement from complying with Department of Homeland Security detainers need to have real consequences for disregarding federal law. Instead of punishing law enforcement officials in these communities, bureaucrats that refuse to comply with federal immigration laws should be held accountable for failing to cooperate. I’m proud to join Senator Toomey and Rep. McClintock in this effort, which will ensure our law enforcement officials are legally protected when complying with DHS and hold politicians implementing these sanctuary policies accountable." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "However, the American rule of law must be respected, especially among those who hope to live here. We need to secure our southern border and enforce our immigration laws. As a state and federal prosecutor for over a decade, I have prosecuted immigration violations, and sent violators back to their country of origin." (lahood.house.gov)
  • "We have a crisis at our southern border and fentanyl is flowing into our country. It’s time for President Biden to get serious about border security." (twitter.com)
  • "An integral part of America is our commitment to the safety of our citizens and opportunities for our country to flourish. In a day and age where we fight enemies that transcend the borders of nation-states, America and our government must focus on how we welcome newcomers so that we protect our country from those who seek to destroy it. America has always been the shining "city on a hill." While preserving the ability of those hoping to thrive within its borders to come to America and seek refuge and opportunity should be a priority, we must always balance this interest with our national safety and security in mind." (lahood.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3941 "Schools Not Shelters Act" (None)
  • "However, the American rule of law must be respected, especially among those who hope to live here. We need to secure our southern border and enforce our immigration laws. As a state and federal prosecutor for over a decade, I have prosecuted immigration violations, and sent violators back to their country of origin." (lahood.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3004 "Kate's Law" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 461 "Condemning the use of elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for aliens who are not admitted to the United States" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 340 "Hamas International Financing Prevention Act" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108 "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (None)
  • Co-Sponsored HR 3774 "Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (None)
  • "I condemn Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified attacks against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The world is witness again to the true evil of Putin, who alone has chosen a path of bloodshed in Ukraine. America and the free world must stand with Ukraine by enacting the strongest possible economic sanctions, crippling Russia's ability to make war, and punishing Putin's regime and his oligarchs on the international stage. My prayers will remain with the Ukrainian people." (lahood.house.gov)
  • NPR "We need to know what the objective is in Ukraine and we can’t be giving them a blank check. If those things are satisfied, I’m happy to consider it." (www.wglt.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.

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