Card image cap

Matt Cartwright's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (PA) - District 8

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.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Matt Cartwright is currently being tested through the 2024 Political Courage Test.

Urge Matt Cartwright to fill out the Political Courage Test.
What is the Political Courage Test?

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.

  • Voted in favor of "HR 8296- Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (None)
  • "The Court must not adopt this opinion overturning past precedent, and Congress, in the meantime, must keep working to expand women's access to health care and family planning services and reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies." (None)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro- Choice America (None)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 8297- Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022- National Key Vote" (None)
  • "On this day in 1940, Ida May Fuller received the very first #SocialSecurity check. 82 years later, Social Security needs some improvements. I’m fighting to boost benefits and protect Social Security for years to come. #Secure2100" (twitter.com)
  • "For more than ten years, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has been the key to health coverage for millions of working families, seniors and people with pre-existing conditions," said Rep. Cartwright. "With the Supreme Court's rejection of the GOP's latest assault on this critical health care law, everyone who relies on it can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Now, it is time for us to get back to work to improve upon the ACA and make health care better and more accessible for all Americans." (None)
  • "Observed the 87th anniversary of #SocialSecurity with a great group of seniors today. A lot has changed in 87 years, but Social Security's reliability has not. I'm also a proud cosponsor of Social Security2100: A #SacredTrust because I want to expand benefits now!" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSM) (None)
  • Rated 3% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "#BuildBackBetter will deliver more jobs, tax cuts for the middle class, and lower costs for major expenses Americans face -- like child care, education and health care. How would we pay for it? By finally ensuring the wealthiest few & big corporations pay their fair share." (x.com)
  • "@HouseDemocrats will keep fighting to create more jobs, cut taxes & lower costs for working families!" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1: "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "We all saw this coming when Republicans rammed through a huge tax cut for millionaires and billionaires. Now they target your Medicare and Social Security benefits as the way to pay for their ill-advised tax cuts for the rich." (x.com)
  • "#BuildBackBetter will deliver more jobs, tax cuts for the middle class, and lower costs for major expenses Americans face -- like child care, education and health care. How would we pay for it? By finally ensuring the wealthiest few & big corporations pay their fair share." (x.com)
  • "The #BuildBackBetter plan will restore tax fairness by making those at the top pay their fair share. No one making under $400K/year will pay a penny more. In fact, our plan will cut costs for things that keep working Americans up at night – like child care, medicine, & more." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1: "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "H.R. 1, the For the People Act, ought to be a bipartisan American goal. It ought to be a bipartisan American goal that we get big secret money out of politics. It ought to be a bipartisan American goal that we protect people's right to vote throughout this land." (None)
  • "Voters should set the terms of political debate in this country, not large corporations or dark money special interest groups," said Rep. Cartwright. "That's why I believe it's time to shine a light on corporate political spending. Americans deserve to know who is paying to influence our elections." (None)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 4617 - Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act - National Key Vote" (None)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 5314- Protecting our Democracy Act - National Key Vote" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280: "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Americans across the US are calling out for police reform. The #JusticeInPolicing Act answers by improving police training & practices, and increasing transparency & accountability around misconduct. I’m proud to be an original co-sponsor." (x.com)
  • "The House is voting today on the #JusticeInPolicing Act to improve public safety through better police training and accountability." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "This year’s #NDAA honors our commitment to the men & women who make our armed forces the best in the world, and I’m proud that it includes my bill to ensure all employees at US military installations like the Tobyhanna Army Depot in NEPA are paid fairly for their work." (x.com)
  • "Yesterday, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY23, which includes a 4.6% pay raise. I’m proud to see language from my bills, the Military Spouse Job Continuity Act and the Ukraine Asset Forfeiture Transfer Authority Act, included." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2: "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Independent experts found that the infrastructure bill and #BuildBackBetter Act will create millions of jobs and grow our economy in a major way -- all while lowering costs that burden everyday Americans and reducing the deficit. Today is a great day for us to pass them." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "This type of funding is a lifeline for some families, ensuring that our most vulnerable are provided the resources they need to feel safe and be able to stay in their homes," (None)
  • "A decent place to call home is critical in every stage of life, from raising happy and healthy children to ensuring a secure retirement," said Rep. Cartwright. "This important federal assistance program offers a helping hand to families and seniors who struggle to keep a roof over their heads." (None)
  • "During this health emergency, public housing is critical for our communities and many people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, including the elderly and those with disabilities," (None)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 7301- Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020- National Key Vote" (None)
  • "Today, the U.S. House passed the Inflation Reduction Act, paving the way for it to be signed into law. This is the action the American people have been waiting for, and I’m proud to be delivering for families and communities across NEPA." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 7688- Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act- National Key Vote" (None)
  • "Get on the Bus: The Inflation Reduction Act caps the price of insulin at $35/month for 7,700 Medicare beneficiaries right here in #NEPA." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against "HR 347- Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation Act- National Key Vote" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547: "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "#HR4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, has passed the House! Today's House action is an important step to ensuring that all Americans can freely participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard." (x.com)
  • "We need to pass H.R. 4 to restore the Voting Rights Act and strengthen the freedom to vote for all Americans." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 1- For the People Act of 2021- National Key Vote" (None)
  • Voted against "HR 1- Lower Energy Costs Act- National Key Vote" (None)
  • "It is a real risk, but also an opportunity to create jobs and plan for the future. As we gear up for one of the largest investments in our infrastructure in a generation, we can put people to work by rebuilding infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and promoting clean manufacturing." (None)
  • "Programs like REAP can help our agricultural producers and small businesses cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint," said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Too often, small businesses do not have access to the resources necessary for investing in energy efficiency, and the loans and grants provided through the USDA can help make these changes possible." (None)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 4447- Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019- National Key Vote" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1146: "Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • Voted against "HR 1- Lower Energy Costs Act- National Key Vote" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1941: "Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 1808- Assault Weapons Ban of 2022- National Key Vote" (None)
  • "Democrats and Republicans need to stand together and come up with a commonsense approach to gun legislation to keep our communities safe and prevent the senseless and heartbreaking tragedies that are becoming the norm." (None)
  • Rated 0% by the National Rifle Association (None)
  • Voted in favor of "S 2938- Bipartisan Safer Communities Act- National Key Vote" (None)
  • "Health care is a right, and no one should go bankrupt paying for the care they need—especially amid the #COVID19 pandemic. The #AmericanRescuePlan strengthens the #ACA and enhances its affordability for thousands of Northeastern Pennsylvanians" (x.com)
  • "After tonight, this fact still remains: Democrats have been working to expand access to health care, while national Republicans are trying to take it away. As long as the lawsuit against the #ACA continues, protections for people with pre-existing conditions are at risk." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Paid leave means being able to care for your newborn child or an ailing family member without worrying about affording your bills or retaliation from your employer. That's why I support the #FAMILYAct and I'm proud to be one of its cosponsors." (x.com)
  • "Early this morning, the House passed the #FamiliesFirst #Coronavirus Response Act to: provide paid sick leave" (x.com)
  • "No one should have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their loved ones. But that's the unfair choice millions of Americans face when hard times hit. I joined @rosadelauro in introducing the #FamilyAct today because it's time for a national #PaidLeave policy." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct is an historic victory for #NEPA families – advancing your interests over special interests." (twitter.com)
  • "Access to affordable health care is essential now more than ever as millions of Americans have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," Cartwright said. "This bill would lower insurance premiums and drug costs, all while saving taxpayer money. I will continue to fight for quality, affordable health care, especially for seniors and those living with pre-existing conditions." (None)
  • "Get on the Bus: The Inflation Reduction Act caps the price of insulin at $35/month for 7,700 Medicare beneficiaries right here in #NEPA." (twitter.com)
  • "Last week, I held a press conference to advocate for lowering prescription drug costs and celebrate the 12-year anniversary of the ACA. I will continue working to get prescription drug provisions passed in Congress because they are too important to ignore." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against "H Res 957- Denouncing the Biden Administration's open-border policies, condemning the national security and public safety crisis along the southwest border, and urging President Biden to end his administration's open-border policies. - National Key Vote" (None)
  • "Democrats and Republicans worked hard to reach a bipartisan deal to keep our government open, one that would strengthen and invest in border security in effective ways." (None)
  • Rated 0% by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) (None)
  • Voted against "HR 5525- Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024- National Key Vote" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1603: "Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333: "NO BAN Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6: "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968: "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "It is heartbreaking to see the ongoing tragedy happening in Ukraine. In May, I voted yes to pass a $40 billion aid package for military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and today, my commitment to help the Ukrainian people remains strong." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108: "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of "H Res 956- Supporting the people of Ukraine - National Key Vote" (None)
  • "It is heartbreaking to see the ongoing tragedy happening in Ukraine. In May, I voted yes to pass a $40 billion aid package for military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and today, my commitment to help the Ukrainian people remains strong." (twitter.com)
  • "Last night, I helped pass the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act on a bipartisan basis. This bill sends a message around the world that we #SupportUkraine, with nearly $40 billion in emergency funding for security, economic and humanitarian aid." (twitter.com)
  • "Putin’s attack on Ukraine is unjustified and will bring catastrophic loss and suffering. I stand with the people of Ukraine in condemning this act and will join my colleagues in responding in a swift and strong manner. We will hold Russia accountable." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-life Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I believe in exceptions for the life and health of the mother, and in the case of rape and incest.
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support lowering taxes as a way of promoting growth in the economy?
Yes Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Yes Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
No Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?
No Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Yes Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
No Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Yes Do you support same-sex marriage?
Yes Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
Yes Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the United States from possessing a nuclear weapon?
No Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?

SpendingIndicate what federal spending levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.TaxesIndicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

Maintain Status a) Agriculture
Slightly Increase b) Arts
Maintain Status c) Defense
Greatly Increase d) Education
Greatly Increase e) Environment
Slightly Increase f) Homeland Security
Slightly Increase g) International aid
Slightly Increase h) Medical Research
Slightly Increase i) Scientific Research
Maintain Status j) Space exploration
Maintain Status k) United Nations
Maintain Status l) Welfare
m) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Decrease b) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Slightly Increase d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Slightly Increase e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Slightly Decrease f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Maintain Status g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Slightly Increase h) Income taxes (high-income families)
Maintain Status i) Inheritance taxes
Maintain Status j) Payroll taxes
k) Other or expanded categories
I believe we need to focus on protecting our environment and ensuring no industries play by their own rules and pollute the country endangering our health and the health of our children and generations to come. I also believe we need to promote economic development and job creation and level the playing field so every American has a chance to succeed and provide for their family. We finally need to invest in our future. We need to invest in education and scientific research and make sure everyone pays their fair share so we can afford it.

Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

arrow_upward