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Gary Palmer's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.
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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Gary Palmer 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 8% by Alliance for Retired Americans. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "And if that weren't enough, the top-down control that Medicare For All seeks to enact would lead to longer wait times for lower quality care. This plan is not healthcare." (www.facebook.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Common Cause. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In addition to allowing millions of improper voter registrations, the Democrats are also putting in place a provision to give millions of dollars to the reelection campaigns of incumbent members of Congress at a match rate of $6 for every dollar raised, for a match of up to $7.2 million per incumbent member." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "This #NationalPoliceWeek, we honor the brave men and women on the frontlines who work to protect our communities, as well as the memory of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Thank you, law enforcement, for your service and sacrifices! #BackTheBlue" (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats said they wanted to work with Republicans on police reform, but today they passed a bill that was introduced with no Republican input. It would also make police departments ineffective at best & outright abolish them at worst." (palmer.house.gov)
  • "I opposed this bill because it would result in more crime and fewer people willing to serve in law enforcement.," Palmer said. "The Democrat bill lowers the standard for mens rea and virtually eliminates qualified immunity for officers, meaning that an officer could potentially go to prison for breaking the law unintentionally. Few people want to serve in a job in which they are attacked, underpaid, and overworked, and even fewer want to serve in one in which they could be charged as a criminal besides. At the end of the day, more crime and fewer law enforcement officers to ensure our safety would be the results of this bill." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "It is critical that we continue to fund and strengthen our military, especially at this crucial time when China in particular is an ever-growing threat," Palmer said. "This legislation is substantially different from the bill that passed in the House earlier this year. It will aid instead of bring harm to our troops, and it provides needed stability for our military. There is obviously still room for some reforms, such as maintaining instead of eliminating the Chief Management Officer position and evading budget caps through OCO, but these aspects are insufficient to warrant opposition." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I supported the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 (NDAA), and look forward to working with President Trump to put a focus on a strong military, which is essential to the success of our nation. It is vital that we fund our military so that our national security is not at risk." (votesmart.org)
  • "The budget provides the Department of Defense robust funding to be used for troop training, equipment, and improved readiness in the wake of unprecedented national security threats. The Department of Homeland Security will also be fully funded allowing us to protect our borders and keep America safe from outside threats. While there are more steps and additions necessary to improve this budget and our country's fiscal health, we have taken the first step to building a better America and a better economy for future generations." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 133 "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This bill includes additional COVID-19 relief funding, which includes additional Payroll Protection Program (PPP) dollars, vaccine development and distribution funding, and deductibility for businesses that utilized the first rounds of PPP loans, Palmer said. "It also contains provisions based on legislation that I introduced, including allowing families with unused funds in Flexible Spending Accounts to carry over those funds to 2021 instead of losing them at the end of 2020, requiring states to set more stringent safeguards against fraudulent unemployment claims, and extending the length of time for states to utilize the funding they received in the CARES Act that was set to expire on December 30th." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 - Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "Inflation is bad now. Many Americans are working hard and struggling to make ends meet. This budget would ensure that it would only get worse." (twitter.com)
  • "Inflation is already causing skyrocketing energy prices. Americans are bracing for higher heating bills this winter. But Democrats have proposed another tax on energy as part of their tax-and-spending spree that would make it even more expensive to cool and heat your home." (twitter.com)
  • "Inflation is already crippling American families and small businesses, and the Democrats' spending bill and tax increase would only worsen the economic crisis." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden's budget is disastrous for our economy. It authorizes $58 trillion in taxes over the next 10 years, with half coming from inflation. This would be the highest sustained tax burden in all of US history." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by American Energy Alliance. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1119 - SENSE Act. (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019." (votesmart.org)
  • "Democrat legislation on renewable energy sources would force inordinate expenses on taxpayers & could allow the federal government to grant private stakeholders eminent domain authority to build transmission lines. Watch, from our @HouseCommerce hearing" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1119 - SENSE Act. (votesmart.org)
  • Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I have focused on reigning in the EPA. I introduced HR 3880, The Stopping EPA Overreach Act, which would prohibit the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases, an authority Congress never intended for the EPA to have. A coalition of organizations have written favor of the legislation." (palmerforalabama.com)
  • Rated 96% by Independent Petroleum Association of America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by National Rifle Association. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I do not support any additional federal restrictions, and I support the repeal of unconstitutional restrictions imposed by some states and municipalities." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It is unreasonable to think that eliminating the rights of law abiding citizens will do anything stop gun violence." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Healthcare costs have skyrocketed under #Obamacare. The American people deserve to have access to affordable patient-centered healthcare." (twitter.com)
  • "As the Democrats hold their first hearing on Medicare For All today, let's remember what this bill would really do. It's a government takeover of healthcare that would strip millions of their private insurance, cause our national debt to skyrocket, & limit access to quality care." (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats are embracing socialist policies that would undo progress made for American families in the last three years. Socialism promises "free" healthcare or a "guaranteed" income, but in reality, it takes away freedom and choice from citizens and gives government undue power." (twitter.com)
  • "Many hearings have been held on Pelosi's drug pricing bill and it will soon be considered by the full House. This bill is just one more step towards a socialist takeover of healthcare, and it will lead to #FewerCures and more limited access to life-saving medications." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against H.R. 3 “Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019” (votesmart.org)
  • "The lives of Americans along the border are being destroyed by illegal immigration and the deadly drugs peddled by cartels into our communities are killing our friends and neighbors. The era of weak border security from the Biden Administration must end immediately." (twitter.com)
  • "On Monday, I joined several of my colleagues to see the #BidenBorderCrisis firsthand in EaglePass, Texas. Our border is in shambles, and the brave Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed. I’m calling on the Biden Administration to do its job and protect our nation." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden's rhetoric has incentivized a surge of illegal crossings at our southern border. It is dangerous both for U.S. citizens and for migrants vulnerable to abuse and trafficking. Law and order must be restored. Lawlessness at the border helps no one. #BidenBorderCrisis" (twitter.com)
  • "The numbers of people flooding our southern border speak for themselves. But the Biden Admin refuses to acknowledge it as a crisis, even though it's instructed @fema to lend support to Border Patrol. Our national security depends on securing the border. #BidenBorderCrisis" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am opposed to amnesty for illegal immigrants. I signed the FAIR Congressional Task Force’s No-Amnesty pledge to “oppose legislation that would grant any form of work authorization to illegal aliens.” The first steps to any reform of America’s immigration system will have to be securing our borders and enforcing current immigration law." (palmerforalabama.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3004 "Kate's Law." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1698 “Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "President Biden has made it easier for Iran to build its nuclear weapon potential by not imposing sanctions and bending over backwards to bring back the disastrous nuclear deal. He keeps showing weakness on the world stage and our enemies are watching." (twitter.com)
  • "Putin has long harbored resentment over the breakup of the Soviet Union and has long aspired to restore it by subjugating former Soviet bloc nations. The US must start by imposing severe sanctions." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • "Giving my initial thoughts on President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress! President Biden’s weak leadership has already emboldened Putin. We must stand strongly with Ukraine and unleash American energy as our primary weapon against Putin and in support of Ukraine." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S. 3522 “Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "The #BidenBudget promises to dramatically raise taxes, increase inflation, and further push America into debt. It is reckless and would bring financial harm to American families." (twitter.com)
  • "In his joint address last week, President Biden highlighted his new American Families Plan. This bill would be the largest tax hike in a generation. This is another broken promise , as the President campaigned on reassurances that he would not raise taxes on the middle class." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden's budget is disastrous for our economy. It authorizes $58 trillion in taxes over the next 10 years, with half coming from inflation. This would be the highest sustained tax burden in all of US history." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "I was honored to be at the White House today as President Trump signed the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement into law! It is anticipated to provide thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in economic growth. #USMCA #USMCAWin" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Public Citizen. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "While I understand President Trump’s desire to protect U.S. businesses, I believe the new proposed broad-based tariffs could roll back much of the progress manufacturing has made and increase product costs. Tariffs, like taxes, are ultimately borne by American consumers." (twitter.com)
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 In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
No 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?
Given that individual contributions must be disclosed, I support full disclosure of the source of contributions.
Yes Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
No 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?
Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Not at the federal level, states can make their own decisions. At the federal level, I support cutting the corporate income tax rate, allowing businesses to expense capital purchases in the year they are made, cutting individual rates, cutting the capital gains tax, eliminating the double taxation of dividends, repealing the Death Tax and eventually adopting a Fair Tax.
No Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
Yes Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?
Yes Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
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?
I do not support any additional federal restrictions, and I support the repeal of unconstitutional restrictions imposed by some states and municipalities.
Yes Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
Yes Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
No Do you support same-sex marriage?
Yes Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the United States from possessing a nuclear weapon?
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.

a) Agriculture
b) Arts
c) Defense
d) Education
e) Environment
f) Homeland Security
g) International aid
h) Medical Research
i) Scientific Research
j) Space exploration
k) United Nations
l) Welfare
Greatly Decrease a) Capital gains taxes
Greatly Decrease b) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Maintain Status d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Maintain Status e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Greatly Decrease f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Greatly Decrease g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Greatly Decrease h) Income taxes (high-income families)
Eliminate i) Inheritance taxes
Maintain Status j) Payroll taxes
k) Other or expanded categories
In view of the chaotic situation in the Middle East and elsewhere, I believe we need to make sure Defense is adequately funded. In regard to the other categories, I am evaluating all spending and basing it on priorities which will lead to spending cuts across the board.
1) Economic Growth: open up federal lands to access our vast energy resources. 2) Repeal and Replace the Affordable Care Act 3) Rein in the EPA and initiate broad regulatory reform

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