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Byron Donalds' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.

Byron Donalds 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.

  • "I believe, as stated in our Declaration of Independence, that each person is endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. The first among those is the right to life. Every life is valuable, from conception to natural death, and I will fight to protect the life of every unborn child without exception. I understand an abortion has countless victims. I have voted for and strongly support laws requiring parental consent for abortions, funding for pregnancy resource centers, and increased medical restrictions on abortion clinics -- but these are simply not enough. We must turn the culture in our country against the killing of innocent unborn children and I pledge to always be a strong voice and advocate for life." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Right to Life Committee. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "HR-1 is trash and the worst election law ever crafted. It's a federal takeover of all elections and would allow for voter ID laws to be completely removed from 33 states and would finance federal campaigns with public financing. We must fight back and ensure it never becomes law." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Donalds describes eliminating qualified immunity as a “non-starter,”. Doing away with it would deter people from joining police departments & prompt existing officers to leave, leaving less officers in communities." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • "At the federal level, we need to utilize a Cut, Cap, and Balance approach in order to achieve financial stability for future generations. Every line item in the federal budget must be reviewed, evaluated, and approved based on level of need. Through hiring freezes, the attrition of federal employees, consolidating federal agencies to reduce the bureaucratic tendencies, we can greatly reduce federal government spending and overreach." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The federal government is on a spending spree, but aren’t giving a penny to fix what they broke. They must stop playing politics & fund the EAA Reservoir project for Everglades Restoration. This project is critical to reducing harmful discharges that are hurting our communities." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Through hiring freezes, the attrition of federal employees, consolidating federal agencies to reduce the bureaucratic tendencies, we can greatly reduce federal government spending and overreach." (www.byrondonalds.com)
  • "In Florida, we have found the cure to the national economic catastrophe brought on by the pandemic----giving the American people the freedom to operate their lives and livelihoods safely and responsibly. As part of previous rescue relief efforts, there are still billions of taxpayer money unspent for reopening schools, state and local governments, and our economy, yet Democrats are going back to well to fund their progressive grab bag. The hardworking people of Southwest Florida should not have to bail out the mismanaged and disastrous policies of Cuomo and Newsom, and the politicians in Washington willing to throw them a bone." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Friendly reminder—just because a bill sounds good, doesn't make it good. American Rescue Plan - gave us INFLATION. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - gave us INFLATION. Inflation Reduction Act - will give us more INFLATION. CHIPS Act - will give us more INFLATION. #BidenRecession" (twitter.com)
  • "This bill is a catastrophe. This bill spends far more money than we possibly have. It will create more--and I stress ``more''--inflation in our society, which is already crippling poor people. It is already crippling working families. It is not going to help our country." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Speaker Pelosi: "We write to you concerned with the massive executive overreach by President Joseph R. Biden to illegally cancel federal student loan debt. On Wednesday, August 24, President Biden announced that he would cancel $10,000 in federal student debt for individual Americans earning $125,000 or less per year or married couples making less than $250,000 a year. In addition, those who receive federal Pell Grants and make less than $125,000 a year would be eligible for total forgiveness of $20,000. Unfortunately, this policy will cost us over $300 billion and establishes a terrible precedent that will drive up the cost of higher education, exacerbating the very problem President Biden pretends to address." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "So the Democrats create record inflation, land us into a recession, and then turn around and bribe the American people with checks and "debt forgiveness" so they can still vote for them? Buying off votes is a threat to America." (twitter.com)
  • "HR-1 is trash and the worst election law ever crafted. It's a federal takeover of all elections and would allow for voter ID laws to be completely removed from 33 states and would finance federal campaigns with public financing. We must fight back and ensure it never becomes law" (twitter.com)
  • "Madam Speaker, the point is clear: 33 States have voter ID laws. Many States have already taken care of these problems themselves. State legislatures should be changing their laws. This Capitol should not. And the people of the State of Florida definitely do not want the things that are in this bill. Our system is the best. Frankly, leave Florida alone." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Voting rights in America are not under attack in 2022, regardless of what Democrats are deceitfully promoting. The United States Constitution clearly states that laws surrounding the time, place, and manner of elections belong in the hands of state legislatures----not politicians on Capitol Hill. Democrats are using this bill to enact their radical plans to abolish voter identification laws, force taxpayer funding of elections, expand preclearance laws across the nation, and allow ballots to be counted seven days after Election Day." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Breaking News: Joe Biden will destroy the oil industry. You cannot run an economy of renewable energy alone. We need all options on the the table! #Debates2020" (twitter.com)
  • "It's without question that the EPA overstepped the authority given to them by Congress. Great ruling by the Court. If we are serious about carbon emissions and a growing economy, it is time we re-embrace nuclear power in the United States." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by American Energy Alliance. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Why are we not allowing more oil exploration in the US and importing oil from Canada? We have all the energy we need in the ground but the radical Left and their Green New Deal agenda is harming our nation causing gas prices to skyrocket. Families are hurting, enough is enough." (twitter.com)
  • "It's without question that the EPA overstepped the authority given to them by Congress. Great ruling by the Court. If we are serious about carbon emissions and a growing economy, it is time we re-embrace nuclear power in the United States." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Independent Petroleum Association of America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Still talking? Floridians don't want to drill off the coast, but we have drilling in our state. Oh, and those 9,000 leases, how long will it take to pump oil out with the crazy Biden regs??? Do you want to drill in the USA or use solar panels built in China?" (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 2467 "PFAS Action Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "I proudly stood against Republican leadership in the Florida Legislature when they infringed upon our rights as Americans and passed gun control into state law. That vote, and others, have earned me the NRA's endorsement. When you elect me to represent you in Congress, you can expect me to defend your Constitutional rights, no matter the cost. Shall not be infringed, means Shall not be infringed!" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Rifle Association (NRA). (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 7910 "Protecting Our Kids Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "In Congress, I will work to pass affordable and constitutional healthcare that the American people deserve. Obamacare is a thinly veiled attempt at a government takeover of the health insurance delivery system, ultimately leading to a single-payer socialist system. In order to lower costs in the healthcare market, we must provide healthcare tax benefits and incentives to individuals, all while removing the current tax treatments from businesses." (www.byrondonalds.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Voted against HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "We need to secure our southern border and reform our entry/exit visa system, so we eliminate visa overstays. That is why I supported President Trump and will continue working on building a wall on our southern border and enforce our immigration laws." (www.byrondonalds.com)
  • "Immigration reform that protects American citizenship is extremely vital to the strength of our nation. We need to secure our southern border and reform our entry/exit visa system, so we eliminate visa overstays. That is why I support President Trump and his efforts to build a wall on our southern border and enforce our immigration laws. I will always stand firm on conservative principles, stand up for the United States Constitution, and support immigration reform that encourages the American Dream be accessible to all law-abiding immigrants, and people from other countries who seek to come to America legally." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of SB 168 "Prohibits State Sanctuary City Laws." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of SB 168 "Prohibits State Sanctuary City Laws." (votesmart.org)
  • "The sanctions announced by @JoeBiden today will not stop Putin. He said so himself. Biden unilaterally removed U.S. opposition to Nord Stream 2 and blocked energy independence in the U.S., all without getting anything from Putin. Weakness invites aggression." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "This starts w/ increasing our defense assistance to Ukraine, including Stinger missiles & MiG-29 fighter jets. Lastly, Biden & NATO must do everything they can to ensure the safe escape of civilians & the transfer of food, medical assistance, & other lifesaving necessities." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Implementing the Fair Tax will restore sovereignty to the individual once again. Implementing the Fair Tax returns the federal government to its true and proper role as a subject to the will of the people. We would see a robust economy as a byproduct of the Fair Tax, as well as sustainable high GDP growth. In route to the long-term vision of the Fair Tax, reducing all tax rates and eliminating loopholes are short-term solutions that will greatly reform our current tax structure. I am proposing a much needed simplified and flatter tax code that will stimulate private sector investment, promote job creation, sustainable growth in our economy, and individual wealth creation." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • 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?
No Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?
No Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?
I do not support current combat operations in Afghanistan, because there are no clear objectives for what victory means. If there are no clear objectives we should but our troops in harms way. A public timetable for withdrawal makes no sense. We are advertising to our enemies when we will withdraw so they can simply wait us out.

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing the federal budget.In order to balance the budget,

Yes do you support reducing defense spending?
No do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes do you support reducing Medicaid spending?
Yes do you support reducing Medicare spending?
Yes Is balancing the budget a legislative priority?
Defense, Medicaid, and Medicare need to be on the table to help balance the budget, but raising taxes does not raise tax revenue. That is a political game that will do nothing to increase the size of our economy. Economic growth leads to increased government revenue. Balancing the budget will require spending cuts and economic policy to grow the economy. I support lowering the corporate tax rate to 20%, and going to two individual tax rates of 25% and 10%. Then we need real tax reform which is embodied by the Fair Tax.
No Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
No Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
No Do you support spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
No Do you support the temporary extension of unemployment benefits?
No Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of tax relief?
Temporary extension of tax relief does not provide the certainty and stability an economy needs to flourish. We need stable tax and economic policy if we ever expect to have job creation take off gaining in America. It is clear that federal spending does not promote viable economic growth. We just have to look at Cash for Clunkers to see a case study in government spending. Government can make markets jump, it can't make markets fly.
No Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
Education standards in America have decreased with more federal involvement in education. The best course of action today is returning education control to local school boards so they can design and implement education standards to fit their community. National and statewide policy has no appreciation for the unique abilities for our kids.
Yes Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Offshore drilling is a decision that should be made by coastal communities and the State legislature.
No Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
No Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
No Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Yes Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
No Should individuals be required to purchase health insurance, as mandated in the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
The only way you can lower the cost of care and increase accessibility is to have a dynamic market place for health insurance where everyone buys insurance with their own money. When people spend their own money, they always look for the best product at the lowest possible price. When you spend other people's money (which is how 95% of the healthcare market operates), there is less care and concern for how money is spent and what it is spent on. There has not been a robust health insurance marketplace since before WWII.
Yes Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
No Do you support allowing illegal immigrants, who were brought to the United States as minors, to pursue citizenship without returning to their country of origin?
Yes Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?
No Do you support same-sex marriage?
Yes Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
No Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon?
With respect to Iran's nuclear program, currently I do not think that the US should engage militarily. However, this is a subject that requires much analysis and study. Military action may have to be taken, but only after a thorough review of the issue.
Yes 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.

Greatly Decrease a) Agriculture
Eliminate b) Arts
Slightly Decrease c) Defense
Eliminate d) Education
Greatly Decrease e) Environment
Slightly Decrease f) Homeland Security
Greatly Decrease g) International aid
Slightly Decrease h) Medical Research
Slightly Decrease i) Scientific Research
Maintain Status j) Space exploration
Greatly Decrease k) United Nations
Slightly Decrease l) Welfare
m) Other or expanded categories
Eliminate a) Capital gains taxes
Eliminate b) Corporate taxes
Eliminate c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Eliminate d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Eliminate e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Eliminate f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Eliminate g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Eliminate h) Income taxes (high-income families)
Eliminate i) Inheritance taxes
Eliminate j) Payroll taxes
The withholding of taxes and the taxing of income does not respect the value of a person's labor and the reward for production. To permanently unleash our economy, we must change the very nature of taxation, and implement the Fair Tax. We must make the individual the sovereign once again. In route to that goal, we need major tax reform, and that we can begin immediately. We must reduce all tax rates while eliminating loopholes. We need a simplified and much flatter tax code to stimulate private sector investment, job creation, sustainable growth, opportunity, and individual wealth creation.
1. Repeal Obamacare, and replace it with patient centered reforms, where people would purchase their own insurance in a dynamic marketplace. 2. Stabilize tax policy, so our citizens know what tax rates are going forward. This political game about tax policy is great for politicians, but it is unsettling for the American people. Once rates are stabilized begin the hard work to implement the Fair Tax. 3. End baseline budgeting and go to zero-based budgeting. This will cut $9 trillion dollars in future spending. Then we must implement a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, that ties spending to GDP.

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