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Lois Capps' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Lois Capps has refused to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2014 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests.

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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 2014.

  • Lois Capps. Capps Slams Republican Assault on Women's Reproductive Choice. 4 May 2011. "Today Rep. Lois Capps (CA-23) decried the assault on women's reproductive rights by House Republicans and voted against anti-choice legislation, the 'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act' (H.R. 3). The legislation passed the House along largely partisan lines. [¦] 'The passage of this extreme piece of legislation would make it so onerous for an insurance company to offer women abortion care that it would likely decline to, and so prohibitively expensive to provide or purchase abortion care coverage few employers or individuals could afford to. The message from the opponents of a woman's reproductive rights is clear: they want to stop women from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to control their own reproductive health. We should be using floor time in the House of Representatives debating important issues like jobs, not revisiting divisive social issues,' said Capps." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Congresswoman Capps' Press Conference Statement On Supreme Court's Decision Upholding Federal Abortion Procedure Ban. 19 April 2007. "Congresswoman Lois Capps's comments as prepared for delivery on the Supreme Court's decision upholding the federal ban on the so called 'partial birth' abortion ban. 'I'm deeply disappointed and very troubled by yesterday's historic Supreme Court decision. As a nurse I am horrified by the ramifications of this decision. Health professionals take oaths to protect the health of their patients. But the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the ban on late term procedures means that doctors and nurses can be sent to jail for acting in the best health interest of their patient. And, in fact, it may even force them to perform an even riskier procedure if it is clear that a woman's health is in danger. [¦] Medical decisions should be made by the patient and the health care provider based on what's in the best interest of the patient's health. There's no role for a politician to play in these already complicated decisions." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Lois Capps voted Nay on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • National Women's Political Caucus. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Women's Political Caucus endorsed Lois Capps in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H Amdt 722. 106th Congress. Oversea Military Abortions Amendment. Lois Capps voted Yea on 05/18/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Lois Capps voted Nay on 04/27/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Planned Parenthood endorsed Lois Capps in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H Amdt 643. 106th Congress. Abortion Private Funding Restoration Amendment. Lois Capps voted Yea on 05/20/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. NARAL Pro-Choice America endorsed Lois Capps in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. NARAL Pro-Choice America endorsed Lois Capps in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Lois Capps voted Nay on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • National Women's Political Caucus. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Women's Political Caucus endorsed Lois Capps in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Planned Parenthood endorsed Lois Capps in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 3682. 106th Congress. Child Custody Protection Act. Lois Capps voted Nay on 07/15/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • National Women's Political Caucus. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Women's Political Caucus endorsed Lois Capps in the 2002 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Lois Capps voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Lois Capps voted Nay on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Lois Capps voted Yea on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Lois Capps voted Nay on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H Amdt 1017. 106th Congress. Abortion Funding Amendment. Lois Capps voted Yea on 07/20/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • National Women's Political Caucus. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Women's Political Caucus endorsed Lois Capps in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H Amdt 156. 106th Congress. Overseas Military Abortion Amendment. Lois Capps voted Yea on 06/09/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H Amdt 882. 106th Congress. Prison Abortion Funding Amendment. Lois Capps voted Yea on 06/22/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • National Organization for Women. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the National Organization for Women attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2008, the National Organization for Women gave Lois Capps a rating of 100 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 3660. 106th Congress. Ban on Partial-Birth/Late Term Abortion. Lois Capps voted Nay on 04/05/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Applauds Senate's Rejection of Nelson/Hatch Amendment Restricting Women's Health Care Access. 9 December 2009. "Today Congresswoman Lois Capps applauded the U.S. Senate's vote to reject the anti-women's health and women's rights amendment introduced yesterday by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). The amendment was defeated by a vote of 54 to 45. Capps asserted that the amendment would have marked a significant step back for women's health by essentially barring coverage of abortion services in the new health insurance Exchange where millions of Americans will soon purchase their health insurance." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Statement On The Senate Abortion Compromise. 19 December 2009. "I am pleased the Senate appears to be moving forward on health reform, however, I am disappointed that women's access to full reproductive health care is again paying the price. The provisions regarding abortion services in the underlying Senate bill, based on my earlier proposal, ensured that federal funds would not be used to pay for this legal medical procedure yet still provide women in need with access to this procedure. This latest compromise is far from perfect but it will allow most middle and low income patients to purchase comprehensive health insurance plans, something the House bill language would prevent. As we move forward with this historic legislation, we must ensure all patients can purchase health care plans that best meet their needs." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Works To Defeat Stupak Amendment That Further Restricts Women's Access To Reproductive Healthcare. 7 November 2009. "Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) will take to the House floor to speak in strong opposition to the Stupak amendment which would restrict women's access to abortion services. The Stupak amendment also significantly departs from the status quo of federal policy related to abortion coverage and undermines efforts to maintain the principle of abortion neutrality in comprehensive health insurance reform legislation. [¦] 'My language, which was incorporated into the bill, is in line with current law prohibiting federal funding for abortion services except in the rare instances of rape, incest and to protect the life of the woman. The Stupak amendment rejects this common ground approach. Instead, the Stupak amendment places new restrictions on women's access to abortion coverage in the private health insurance market by preventing low and middle income women from purchasing private health plans that cover abortion services even if they pay for most of their premium with their own money. Currently, the majority of private health insurance plans offer abortion coverage. The Stupak amendment is illogical, discriminatory, unnecessary, and sets a terrible precedent. I hope the majority of my colleagues join me in opposing this misguided amendment.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. 4 May 2011. "H.R. 3 represents the most egregious attack on reproductive rights in over 35 years, rights that are protected by the Supreme Court decision. H.R. 3 uses the Tax Code to effectively deny access to insurance that includes abortion care coverage, no matter how it is paid for. What it doesn't do is trust our Nation's women, trust our Nation's families, their doctors, their clergy, and trust small businesses to make their own health care choices for their employees. This is unacceptable. Make no mistake, despite the rhetoric coming from the other side of the aisle, the bill is not about funding. It is about using our laws and our Tax Code to infringe upon the rights of women, the protected rights of women and families across this Nation." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Letter to Democratic Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. 13 September 2011. "By failing to permit the District of Columbia to spend local government funds on abortion, we are sending the message that low-income women should not have access to the same medical services that middle- and upper-income women can access. Ultimately, this prohibition may threaten the health of medically vulnerable women and deny patients the right to access constitutionally protected medical services. We must strive to expand health care services for Americans throughout the nation -- not place barriers in the road of a woman seeking medical care simply because of the state, city, or district that she lives in. The District does not have a vote in the House or Senate. But other Democrats do. We urge you to stand strong and to protect the democratic self-government of the District of Columbia." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps was rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (Positions (June 27, 2014))
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 5 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 5 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 1836. 107th Congress. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, 2001. Lois Capps voted Nay on 05/16/2001. (votesmart.org)
  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 100 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Votes for Middle Class Tax Relief. 2 December 2010. "Today, Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-Calif) voted to permanently extend income tax relief for the middle class, individuals making up to $200,000 a year and families making up to $250,000 a year. Extending current income tax rates will save the average middle class family on the Central Coast $1,000 a year. The wealthiest three percent of Americans will continue to be taxed at a reduced rate on either the first $200,000 or $250,000 of income. Income in excess of $250,000 will be taxed at 1990s income tax levels. Not extending the Bush tax cuts to income earned in excess of either $200,000 or $250,000, will reduce the deficit by $700 billion. The legislation passed by a vote of 234-188. Only three Republicans voted in favor of middle class tax relief." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. 18 December 2010. "I support the permanent extension of current tax rates on income up to $250,000 and, in fact, representing an area with such a high cost of living, I would probably support extending that limit up to $500,000. But, Mr. Chair, I do not see why we should extend the reduced tax rates for incomes in excess of that. This proposal to extend the reduced tax rates that only go to millionaires and billionaires will cost taxpayers over $80 billion, simply adding to our deficit." (votesmart.org)
  • The Club for Growth. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, The Club for Growth attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2010, The Club for Growth gave Lois Capps a rating of 0 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Lois Capps voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Lois Capps voted Yea on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Statement Responding to President-Elect Obama's Speech on the Economy. 8 January 2009. "I was very pleased to hear President-elect Obama's speech today on the need for immediate and bold intervention to address our growing economic crisis. I agree that the Federal Government must move quickly and decisively to get our deeply troubled economy back on track. We are in a deep and growing hole because of the greed of too many on Wall Street, the economic policies of the last 8 years and the hands-off attitude of federal regulators. Too many people on the South and Central Coasts and across America have lost their jobs in the last year and too many more will lose theirs in the coming year if we don't move quickly to enact the type of economic stimulus package laid out by the President-elect." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Statement on February Jobs Numbers. 9 March 2012. "Today's jobs report brings more good news that our economy is steadily recovering and continuing to move in the right direction. While I am pleased the job growth is continuing to pick up, too many people are still looking for work and millions more continue to struggle to make ends meet. That's why we need to do more to jumpstart economic growth by passing a new transportation bill now. Investing in our roads, bridges, and mass transit creates much needed jobs in the construction sector, helps small businesses, and makes getting to and from home and work safer for Central Coast families." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Votes To Extend Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Stimulate Local Economy. 23 September 2009. "Madame Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. [¦] These new benefits will help the millions of Californians who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own feed their families, heat their homes and pay their mortgages. Extending these benefits is also one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy because the money is spent quickly. According to Moody's Economy.com, every $1 spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.63 in new economic demand." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps' Statement on the Economy and a Possible Economic Stimulus Package. 23 January 2008. "It is clear to me from my conversations with constituents throughout the Central and South Coasts that we are facing challenging economic times as more people are struggling to make ends meet while the cost of essentials like groceries, gas and health care continue to rapidly rise. [¦] I am encouraged that President Bush agrees with Members of Congress from both parties that an economic stimulus package is necessary, and that he appears willing to work with Congress to quickly provide relief to the American people. There is a broad bipartisan support for quickly enacting an economic stimulus package plan that is timely, targeted and temporary. I believe that legislation putting money in the hands of low and middle-income Americans and encouraging businesses to invest would be the most effective steps to help our fragile economy." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Issue Position: Economic Recovery. 20 April 2012. "Thanks to swift, bold actions by the Obama Administration and Congress, we have stepped back from the brink and our economy has begun to recover. I voted for multiple measures to create jobs, support small businesses and promote economic growth. I voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which cut the taxes of 95% of Americans and invested in critical Central and South Coast projects to create jobs immediately and invest in our future. For example, Recovery Act funding is responsible for repairing the Santa Maria Levy, improving multiple sections of Highway 101, dredging Morro Bay Harbor, funding cutting edge R&D at UCSB and Cal Poly, and increasing energy efficiency of public buildings in our towns." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Latest GDP Report Another Sign Of Progress In Economic Recovery. 29 January 2010. "Today's report that our economy grew by 5.7% in the last quarter of 2009 is another sign that we are making progress in our economic recovery efforts. This is encouraging and further evidence that the economic policies pursued by President Obama and by the Democratic-led Congress are making a positive impact on our economy. The Recovery Act has played a significant role in this economic recovery, saving or creating as many as 2.4 million jobs to date and helping to support six months of economic expansion." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Votes for Economic Stimulus and Renewable Energy Investment Packages. 26 September 2008. "Congresswoman Lois Capps today voted to boost the struggling economy, create jobs, and help provide additional relief to families hard hit by the economic slowdown. The House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation, the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act of 2008 (H.R. 7110) by a vote of 264 to158, and the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act of 2008 (HR 7060) by a vote of 257 to 166. [¦] 'These bills would have an immediate positive effect on the economy by putting people to work through infrastructure improvements and supporting the development of cutting-edge renewable energy technologies. They would also help ensure families don't go hungry or lose their health coverage as a result of the state budget crisis.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Applauds Additional Recovery Act Funding To California. 18 August 2010. "This Recovery Act funding is essential to keeping teachers in California classrooms. It is critically important to continuing our economic recovery that we preserve the jobs of the teachers who educate our children. This funding, along with $1 billion for California teachers jobs in a jobs bill signed by the President last week, will go a long way towards ensuring that children on the Central and South start the school year off right." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 2300. 106th Congress. Academic Achievement for All Act. Lois Capps voted Nay on 10/21/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Applauds Additional Recovery Act Funding To California. 18 August 2010. "Today, Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif) announced that California will be receiving $487 million in additional Recovery Act State Stabilization Funding to preserve education jobs throughout the state in the upcoming fiscal year. Thus far, the Recovery Act has saved 47,000 education jobs in California. Over $53 billion in Recovery Act funding was set aside for the Department of Education to manage a State Fiscal Stabilization Fund and save education jobs threatened by state budget cuts. California has already received over $10 billion from a number of Department of Education Recovery Act funding programs to preserve education jobs, implement education reforms, improve school technology, fund school construction, and provide financial assistance to college students. 'This Recovery Act funding is essential to keeping teachers in California classrooms. It is critically important to continuing our economic recovery that we preserve the jobs of the teachers who educate our children. This funding, along with $1 billion for California teachers jobs in a jobs bill signed by the President last week, will go a long way towards ensuring that children on the Central and South start the school year off right,' said Capps. Also, last week Capps voted in favor of a state aid package containing $10 billion for teacher funding of critical importance to California." (votesmart.org)
  • "I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3. The Keystone proposal itself is a bad idea. This bill simply makes it worse.It's no secret that we are dependent on oil and other fossil fuels for our energy needs. But it's also no secret that this dependence is polluting our planet, harming public health, and threatening our national security. But rather than reduce this dependence, H.R. 3 and the Keystone pipeline just make this problem worse." (votesmart.org)
  • vote: (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Praises Proposed Obama Administration Change to New Vehicle Emission Standards. 18 May 2009. "'The Obama Administration's announcement that it's setting tough new standards for tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide from new automobiles is great news,' said Capps. 'The historic agreement between the Federal government, the State of California, and the automakers confronts our nation's addiction to oil head on, marking the first time the U.S. will adopted a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement also comes as the Energy and Commerce Committee is poised to approve comprehensive energy and climate change legislation that sets a firm cap on carbon pollution and promotes growth in clean energy that will get our economy moving again.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps' Statement On Supreme Court Decision Requiring EPA To Regulate Green House Gases. 2 April 2007. "Today, Congresswoman Lois Capps released the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision ordering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider regulating green house gases. In a five to four ruling, the Supreme Court sided with 11 states, including California, which sued the U.S. EPA in an attempt to force the agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and trucks. 'This is an extremely important ruling,' said Capps a Member of the Natural Resources Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. 'Global warming is the environmental challenge of our generation and the Environmental Protection Agency should use all tools at its disposal to address it, including regulating carbon dioxide emissions from autos.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Regarding American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. 20 May 2009. "We must transition to a clean energy economy so that we can create jobs here in America, achieve energy independence, and protect our planet for future generations. We have before us a powerful, thorough and effective bill. It includes a nationwide renewable electricity standard to ensure consumers get more of their electricity from wind, solar and biomass energy. It contains critical investments in energy efficiency, and it requires immediate significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that are harming our planet. We must enact comprehensive climate legislation, and we must enact it now. We can't sit idly by and allow other nations to lead the way to a clean energy future." (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Lois Capps in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Lois Capps in the 2004 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Lois Capps voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Lois Capps in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. League of Conservation Voters endorsed Lois Capps in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Lois Capps voted Yea on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Lois Capps in the 2002 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Lois Capps in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. A Historic Step Towards Energy Independence. 1 July 2009. "Last Friday, June 26th, my House colleagues and I took an important and long overdue step to promote energy independence and curb greenhouse gas emissions by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2998). [¦] For the first time, the legislation establishes a national renewable energy standard and requires immediate and significant reductions in harmful greenhouse gas emissions." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Applauds Energy And Commerce Committee Passage Of Historic Energy And Climate Change Legislation. 21 May 2009. "Passed by a vote of 33 to 25, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) would create jobs, lower consumer energy costs, and address the serous health and environmental threats posed by climate change. The legislation establishes a national renewable energy standard, makes critical investments in energy efficiency, and requires immediate and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that are harming the planet. 'Today's committee vote in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act is nothing short of historic,' said Capps, a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. [¦] 'With this legislation we are taking strong and effective action to pursue a clean energy economy and it comes not a moment too soon.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Lois Capps voted Nay on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Lois Capps voted Nay on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Lois Capps a grade of 9." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 2122. 106th Congress. Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act. Lois Capps voted Nay on 06/18/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Lois Capps in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Lois Capps voted Nay on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Lois Capps in the 2008 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 88 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House)." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Applauds Passage of Gun Safety Law. 13 June 2007. "Congresswoman Lois Capps applauded today's passage in the House of the McCarthy - Dingell National Instant Criminal Background Check Improvement Act, H.R. 2640. [¦] The bill would ensure that the provisions of the 1968 Gun Control Act are enforced by the states and authorizes $375 million a year for three years to provide grants to states and their courts to import the records of those bared from purchasing a firearm under the 1968 Gun Control Act into the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). [¦] 'This bill is a good step toward preventing future tragedies involving people who simply should not have guns,' said Capps. 'It is long past time to enact some smart gun safety legislation to keep our communities safer.'" (votesmart.org)
  • "But remembering those lost is not enough. That is why last week I voted in favor of increased funding for our background checks system. And I signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Promoting Healthier Minds for Safer Communities Act, which will address mental health issues and its relation to gun violence." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Statement on Two Year Anniversary of the Health Insurance Reform Law. 23 March 2012. "The health insurance reform law is already benefitting families, seniors, young people, and small businesses up and down the Central Coast and across the country. We passed the Affordable Care Act only two years ago, but already we're seeing how it is making improvements in people's lives. For example, the law means nearly 10,000 Central Coast young adults now have health insurance, over 40,000 women now have access preventive services like cancer screenings without burdensome co-pays, and thousands of seniors have saved hundreds of dollars on their prescription medications." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Votes Against Repeal of Health Insurance Reform. 19 January 2011. "Today Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) voted against legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which was enacted into law last March. [¦] 'The health insurance reform law is already benefitting families, seniors and small businesses up and down the Central Coast and across the country,' said Capps. 'This effort to repeal the whole law, even as it's still being implemented, is shortsighted and a political distraction. We should keep our focus on getting our economy back on track, addressing the housing crisis and creating jobs.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Issue Position: Health Care. 16 April 2012. "Our nation's health care system is broken, but through health care reform we are now taking critical steps to repair it. The new law, the Affordable Care Act, makes significant investments into improving the health of our nation and controlling health care costs. Moreover, the new law shifts our system from a sick-care system focused on the number of services you receive, to one that promotes prevention, wellness and improved quality of care. The reforms in this law will benefit the health of our communities and our economy by reducing the long term deficit." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Lois Capps voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Benefits of the Affordable Care Act. 21 March 2012. "Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the ways that young people in my congressional district and around the country are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. Before health reform, young adults were the age group most likely to be uninsured, losing their coverage right after they left home and entered the workforce; but thanks to the health reform law, 2 1/2 million young people, including nearly 10,000 in my communities, now have health insurance. And some of them have reached out to tell us how the law is working for them and for their families." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Highlights Health Reform Benefits for Communities on the Central Coast. 23 March 2012. "The Affordable Care Act is working to transform our health care system from one that focuses on treating illness to one that focuses on health, wellness, and prevention. Expanding the reach of community clinics in underserved communities on the Central Coast, addressing the root causes of expensive and challenging chronic diseases, and strengthening the primary care workforce to ensure that all Central Coast residents can see a doctor or dentist when they need a check-up are just a couple of the ways in which the district will be healthier in the long run." (votesmart.org)
  • "Our nation's health care system is broken, but through health care reform we are now taking critical steps to repair it. The new law, the Affordable Care Act, makes significant investments into improving the health of our nation and controlling health care costs. Moreover, the new law shifts our system from a sick-care system focused on the number of services you receive, to one that promotes prevention, wellness and improved quality of care. The reforms in this law will benefit the health of our communities and our economy by reducing the long term deficit." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Issue Position: Immigration. 16 April 2012. "Our nation's immigration system is broken. We need a comprehensive immigration plan that will both secure our borders and strengthen our economy. I support proposals such as AgJOBS to create an orderly guest worker program that would meet in the needs of the Central Coast's businesses and protect American workers. I also believe we need legislation that creates a path to earned legalization that would allow those who played by the rules, learned to speak English, paid back taxes and fines, and maintained a clean criminal record to eventually become Americans, just as the millions who came before them did." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Lois Capps voted Yea on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Lois Capps voted Nay on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Commends Decision To Block Provisions of Arizona Immigration Law. 28 July 2010. "Today, Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif) applauded the decision by U.S. district judge Susan Bolton to block the implementation of provisions of SB 1070, the Arizona immigration law. The judge blocked implementation of a provision to require law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of suspected undocumented immigrants as well as a provision to require that immigrants carry their papers at all times. 'We all recognize that the federal immigration system is broken. As a long time supporter of comprehensive immigration reform, I hope we can come together and pass a bill that will secure our borders, bring people out of the shadows, protect workers and the economy, and honor our nation's history as a country of immigrants.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Votes for DREAM Act. 8 December 2010. "As a long time supporter of the DREAM Act, I am so pleased that the House has at long last passed the legislation. By providing a path to citizenship for undocumented young adults who attend college or serve in our military, we are recognizing the commitment they are making to this country. It simply does not make sense to deny young adults, brought to this country as minors by their parents, the opportunity to further their education or protect our country. In fact, the resulting increase in tax revenue generated by providing a path to citizenship for young adults will reduce the deficit over the next ten years." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010. 9 December 2010. "Each year, thousands and thousands of exemplary students graduate from high school and find their dreams of securing a job or attending college deferred because of their immigration status. These kids worked diligently through high school just like their peers, often taking Advanced Placement classes to give themselves a leg-up in the college application process. But through no fault of their own, these students face an unsurpassable obstacle: their status as an 'undocumented' American. In honor of each of these ambitious young people, I am proud to support the DREAM Act tonight. This bipartisan legislation provides undocumented young people in the United States with conditional residency and a pathway to citizenship if they came here before the age of 16 and maintained a continuous residency for 5 years. These young people must also graduate from high school or obtain a GED, have no criminal records and either serve their country in the military or attend college for at least two years." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Immigration Reform Must Be Comprehensive And Compassionate. 2 May 2006. "We must deal with the status of the millions of undocumented workers currently in our country. Mass deportation, as some have called for, would be unrealistic, inhumane, and outrageously costly. I support proposals requiring undocumented workers currently here and who wish to remain in the United States to register for a temporary visa, pay a substantial fine and any back taxes, and show a work history and a clean record. Permanent status would only be considered after workers meet future work requirements, clear additional security and background checks, pay an application fee, and meet English and civic requirements." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Issue Position: Immigration. 16 April 2012. "Our current immigration system is broken and we must fix it.I support comprehensive immigration reform that will secure our borders, protect our local businesses, and fix our broken citizenship process.I also believe this reform effort must provide a path to citizenship for those who have worked hard, played by the rules and contributed to their communities. Comprehensive reform will acknowledge our rich heritage as a country of immigrants and celebrate the invaluable contributions immigrant communities make to our society. I am a proud supporter of the American Dream Act (H.R. 1751), which provides access to education benefits and a path to citizenship for dedicated young people who came to the United States as children, contributed to our communities and are either attending university or serving in our nation's Armed Forces. I am also a proud co-sponsor of the Reuniting American Families Act , which ensures that visas are allocated efficiently, alleviates lengthy wait times that keep legal immigrants and their overseas loved ones separated for years, and decreases measures that prevent family members from obtaining visas. Further, I am a strong supporter of the Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 1024), which eliminates discrimination in immigration laws against same-sex, permanent partners and their families who are seeking to reunite." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Letter to Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Homeland Security and Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General. 27 September 2011. "We applaud the August 18, 2011 announcement that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to close many low-priority immigration deportation proceedings. We especially commend DHS for stating that it will consider the family ties of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a factor in determining cases that merit relief from deportation, including for gay and lesbian foreign nationals who are the spouses and partners of U.S. citizens and permanent residents." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Praises California Supreme Court Decision Allowing Gay Marriage. 15 May 2008. "This is a momentous day for the State of California and for those who value family rights and civil rights for all. Once again, California has stepped up and been a leader in protecting equal rights for all of its citizens. This decision will strengthen families across the state and ensure that gays and lesbians in committed relationships will be able to enjoy the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples. Providing rights to gay and lesbian couples through a separate system of domestic partnerships, while a step forward, is not enough. Today's decision affirms the fundamental American principal of equality for all." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Statement On California Supreme Court Ruling On Proposition 8. 26 May 2009. "The California Supreme Court's decision today is deeply disappointing for those of us who believe in equal rights for all people. I strongly opposed Proposition 8 because I believe that it unfairly denies the rights and privileges of marriage to all Californians. While there is a small silver lining to this decision in that the Court did uphold the marriages of couples who married prior to the passage of Proposition 8, we must continue to look for ways in which we can correct this injustice and ensure that all Californians can enjoy the full benefits of marriage." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Lois Capps voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the American Family Association 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Lois Capps voted Nay on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Lois Capps voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 91 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 14 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Letter To The Honorable President Obama, Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schumer, And Chairwoman Lofgren. 9 February 2010. "Currently, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents may sponsor their spouses (and other immediate family members) for immigration purposes. But, same-sex partners committed to spending their lives together are not recognized as "families" under U.S. immigration law and thus do not have this same right. As a result, tens of thousands of binational families are either already living separately, face imminent separation, or have left the U.S. entirely in order to remain together. This is unacceptable, and we believe comprehensive immigration reform legislation must include a strong family reunification component inclusive of LGBT families." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Pelosi, Nadler, 130 House Members File Amicus Brief on Federal Case Against DOMA. 10 July 2012. "But a clearly stated purpose and effect of this law was to disapprove of and disadvantage lesbians and gay men; this distinguishes DOMA from a routine act of Congress. Where, as here, Congress classifies persons, denying an entire class of citizens the rights that are afforded others, the Supreme Court has applied rational basis review to invalidate those laws. None of the reasons provided by Congress in 1996 or created in response to litigation rationally serve a legitimate federal interest." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Notes Defeat Of Discriminatory Federal Marriage Amendment. 18 July 2006. "The Constitution exists to protect our rights, not take them away. Yet with this amendment we would be setting one group of Americans apart from their fellow citizens. We would be saying you are less than full citizens. And we would be stripping them of rights they currently enjoy in several states. I support the right of a state or local jurisdiction to give gay and lesbian couples equal marriage rights under the law. Gay and lesbian couples deserve to have their commitment honored - with the same rights to insurance, health care authority and visitation, adoption and other benefits granted to committed couples." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Marriage Protection Amendment. 30 September 2004. "Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this proposed constitutional amendment. As lawmakers, our responsibility is to preserve the rights and dignity of all Americans. That leaves me to oppose this constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage. I support the right of a State or local jurisdiction to give gay and lesbian couples equal marriage rights under the law. This proposal is an unnecessary and divisive attack on the gay and lesbian community. It would dictate that communities deny the equal provision of rights, benefits and responsibilities of partnership for gay and lesbian couples." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Applauds Repeal of ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell''. 20 September 2011. "Today is a historic milestone in the struggle to achieve full equality for LGB Americans. Ending the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is a tremendous civil rights victory for our country. [¦] 'Now that our nation's servicemen and women will be able to serve openly while protecting our freedom, it is a good time for us to pause and recognize the other ways that they -- and all LGB Americans -- are still second class citizens. From establishing full marriage equality to fairness in immigration policy, banning employment discrimination and ending DOMA by passing the Respect for Marriage Act, we still have a long way to go. We must not let this hard-fought victory distract us from the fight for equality on other fronts.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Issue Position: LGBT. 16 April 2012. "I'm a proud supporter of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. I firmly believe our LGBT friends and neighbors deserve the right to visit their partners in hospitals, the right to spousal benefits, the right to serve openly in our nation's Armed Forces, and the right to marry. As the Vice Chair of the House LGBT Equality Caucus, and through my own work in Congress, I have advocated extensively on behalf of the LGBT community. For example, in the 111th Congress, I helped repeal the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' which barred openly gay soldiers from serving our nation. I actively worked with the Palm Center, formerly part of UC Santa Barbara, to educate my colleagues in Congress that this policy did nothing to make our military stronger, or our nation safer. I am also continuing to work to secure necessary resources for community health centers to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our minority communities, secure domestic partnership benefits for federal employees, repeal the federal 'Defense of Marriage Act,' and extend health benefits to all those in legal partnerships." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Letter to Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Homeland Security and Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General. 27 September 2011. "We applaud the August 18, 2011 announcement that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to close many low-priority immigration deportation proceedings. We especially commend DHS for stating that it will consider the family ties of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a factor in determining cases that merit relief from deportation, including for gay and lesbian foreign nationals who are the spouses and partners of U.S. citizens and permanent residents." (votesmart.org)
  • "Today Rep. Lois Capps (CA-24) applauded the U.S Supreme Court's decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act. The court also dismissed Proposition 8 on standing grounds, allowing marriage equality to return to California...Together these decisions confirm what so many Americans already believe--that marriage is about making a public, lifetime commitment between two people. There is no reason why marriage should be denied to committed same-sex couples. Marriage equality is a vital step in helping to ensure that LGBT Americans are not second class citizens and have full participation in our society. These decisions send a loud and clear message to all LGBT Americans--you are valued and worthy, your rights are equal to others and not less, and one day you can marry your beloved. Today is a good day for California and for our nation. We have much to celebrate." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Capps Statement on Death of Osama Bin Laden. 2 May 2011. "The news of Osama Bin Laden's demise is certainly a positive development in the fight against violent extremism. I hope that it, along with the dramatic changes happening throughout the Arab world, can provide an opportunity for real change. But I believe that we must remain vigilant, especially in the coming days, weeks and months, as this news sinks in." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Justice is Served: The Death of Osama bin Laden. 4 May 2011. "When the President was running for office, he said that if he were presented with actionable intelligence on al Qaeda's leaders, that he would act, with or without the host country's permission or assistance. He got some heat on that commitment, if you'll remember, my colleague, but it's clear he was correct. The result is that the perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks has now been brought to justice and the organization he has led has been further weakened." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Issue Position: Social Security. 16 April 2012. "Central and South seniors have spent a lifetime contributing to our communities and our country -- and paying into Social Security. They are entitled to the benefits they have earned. Social Security is under no immediate financial threat and is not the source of our budgetary problems. Indeed, the program has been bringing in more revenues than it is spending out for years and that funding must be reserved for payments of Social Security benefits. And while the retirement of the baby-boom generation means we must address the long-term financial viability of the program, Social Security is a sacred promise to our seniors that must never be broken. That is why I strongly oppose proposals to privatize the program." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Letter To The Honorable Barack Obama, President, The United States of America. 15 October 2010. "We write today to express our strong support for Social Security and our view that it should be strengthened. We oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including raising the retirement age. We also oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part." (votesmart.org)
  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Lois Capps supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. An Update from Washington on Issues That Affect Seniors. 10 April 2012. "For over seven decades Social Security has been an essential and unwavering promise to America's seniors. It gives seniors the assurance that after a lifetime of hard work they can retire with a measure of security and dignity. Proposals to privatize Social Security still abound, but they would all leave seniors' retirement security subject to fluctuating markets and the whims of Wall Street. I have always opposed this misguided effort to end Social Security and will continue to do so." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Social Security not in crisis. 16 February 2005. "First, there is no immediate Social Security crisis. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the program as currently structured is solvent until 2052. [¦] In fact, establishing private accounts would actually make things worse. It would speed up the day when the Trust Fund runs out of money by a decade or two and add nearly $5 trillion to the national debt over the next 20 years. That is because diverting substantial portions of today's Social Security taxes into private accounts would leave less to pay today's benefits and less to put into the Trust Fund to pay tomorrow's benefits. The President's handpicked Social Security Commission, which recommended the plan he is pushing, recognized that private accounts would actually worsen the program's long term fiscal picture. The Commission's solution was to slash benefits by up to 50 percent over the next 40-50 years." (votesmart.org)
  • Lois Capps. Social Security. 2 March 2005. "I speak from a public health perspective as someone who is engaged with families in our communities on public health and the devastating effect that privatizing Social Security would have on the majority of its women, recipients who are women. (votesmart.org)

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