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John Larson's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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John Larson 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.

  • "Abortion is still legal in our country, and we're fighting to keep it that way. Connecticut has already taken action to protect this right – it's time we ensure everyone in every state has access to reproductive freedom." (twitter.com)
  • "If the Supreme Court of the United States moves forward with this draft as written, it will be devastating for our country. It would mean women will be subjugated by the Court to relinquish any control they rightly have over their own bodies. While we are mindful this leaked opinion is not final, it shines a spotlight on the Congressional action that must be taken." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For more than 86 years, the Federal Government has kept the promise to all Americans: if they contribute to Social Security with each and every paycheck, they would be able to retire with dignity. President Biden has called this promise a "sacred trust." It is Congress' responsibility to keep that promise and to safeguard Social Security for all Americans. Congress must also ensure the benefits keep up with Americans' expenses – today, tomorrow, and forever. That's why, as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, Rep. Larson authored the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust." (larson.house.gov)
  • "Medicare is one of the most successful social programs in the United States. Rep. Larson supports proposals to strengthen and expand Medicare. We need to do all we can to make sure the seniors receiving Medicare get the benefits they need to thrive, which includes ensuring services meet the needs of beneficiaries. Rep. Larson supports adding hearing, dental, and vision benefits to Medicare." (larson.house.gov)
  • "Republicans are working on their plans to cut Social Security and Medicare, end the Affordable Care Act, and raise taxes on everyday Americans. Chip in here so we can defeat them in November!" (twitter.com)
  • "Republican "work until you die" proposals that cut Social Security benefits for seniors are cruel and unnecessary. My bill expands benefits & strengthens #SocialSecurity for years to come by asking the wealthy to pay their fair share just like everyone else." (twitter.com)
  • "My oath to the Constitution is sacred. So it’s infuriating to see Republicans, on #ConstitutionDay, attack Dems based on warped views of our founding document. The hypocrisy - when many of them tried to overturn a free & fair election - is stunning." (twitter.com)
  • "RT if you think trying to overturn a free & fair election should disqualify you from being an election official." (twitter.com)
  • "Throughout his career in Congress, Rep. Larson?has continually fought for free and fair elections for the American people.? He was an early proponent of publicly financed congressional campaigns to put the power of our elections in the hands of the people instead of wealthy individuals and big corporations. His work has been recognized by good government groups such as Common Cause and Demos." (larson.house.gov)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "My friend John Lewis always said it best. We will never forget George Floyd, and we won’t stop pushing for accountability and change. #BlackLivesMatter" (twitter.com)
  • "Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd: "The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now must become law. The verdict returned by the jury was unanimous, as is the concern of the American people that Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, and many other Black Americans who have been wrongly murdered deserve justice. Only nine days ago, Duante Wright, was also wrongfully killed. Today's unanimous decision provides hope, but Congress needs to take action. We need to enact the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7120 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 - National Key Vote (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Yesterday, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) cosponsored the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 that was introduced by the Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Karen Bass and the House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler today. Our nation is crying out for action to address police brutality and racial injustice in the United States. Thousands have peacefully taken to our streets calling for accountability. This bold, comprehensive reform package would prevent police brutality, make systemic reforms to empower our communities, and change the culture of law enforcement," said Larson. "This legislation is not a silver bullet and it will not solve 400+ years of systemic racism overnight, but it is the first ever comprehensive step to end racial profiling and systemic racial injustice. I am proud to support this effort." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Great idea...How about reducing the $700 billion a year in defense spending, and returning the 2.85 trillion dollars that Congress already stole from the Social Security Trust Fund, with interest, before increasing the tax" (twitter.com)
  • "The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, represents the future of our nation’s air supremacy and a key component to our foreign policy. Not only will the United States buy more than 2,400 F-35s for use by the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, but we’ll sell hundreds more to our allies across the globe." (larson.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • "The bipartisan infrastructure law allows for a major investment in communities like Hartford. With this funding, we can address the isolation, displacement, and the need for integrated intermodal transportation that reopens economic opportunity along our riverfront and in North Hartford." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) visited East Hartford High School to announce the Town of East Hartford received $45.5 million in federal aid from the American Rescue Plan, COVID relief legislation Larson helped author and pass in Congress. $21 million of the local aid for East Hartford was allocated for their school district to safely re-open and offer new enrichment opportunities throughout the school year and during the summer for students." (larson.house.gov)
  • "Middletown, CT – Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) hosted a roundtable at Middletown’s Russell Library to highlight new city programs funded by the American Rescue Plan, COVID-19 relief legislation Larson and DeLauro helped author and pass in Congress. The City of Middletown received more than $29 million in federal aid from the American Rescue Plan." (larson.house.gov)
  • "We fought hard to bring COVID relief to #CT01! Glad to see our towns using that funding to help the small businesses that make our community unique." (twitter.com)
  • "The prices of more than 1,200 prescription drugs rose faster than the rate of inflation in the last year. Price gouging on prescriptions is shameful! Democrats acted to lower these costs. If price increases exceed the rate of inflation, pharma will now have to pay back a rebate." (twitter.com)
  • "Today, House Democrats are tackling inflation and supply chain shortages by making a major investment in domestic manufacturing, research, and innovation. The money in the #AmericaCOMPETES Act will ensure CT’s and America’s workers remain the best in the world" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7688 “Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 2547 “Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "We can no longer burden Americans with thousands of dollars in debt for seeking higher education. I joined my Democratic colleagues from the House & Senate urging the President to forgive $50,000 in student loan debt per borrower. (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5746 “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Proud to vote the #FreedomToVoteAct out of the House today. Republicans have blocked crucial legislation to safeguard voting rights & strengthen democracy. In spite of the filibuster, the Senate must VOTE, pass voter protections & work on behalf of the people!" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4 “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
  • "It was great visiting Fuel Cell Energy in Torrington! Did you know CT is the fuel-cell capital of the world? As co-chair of the Fuel Cell Caucus I helped pass a tax credit extension for fuel-cells so they receive the same tax credits as other renewable energies like wind/solar!" (twitter.com)
  • “Since entering Congress, I have been a vocal supporter of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency via clean hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Finding renewable sources of energy and moving toward complete energy independence makes our nation more secure and protects our environment for our children and future generations” (larson.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor for HR 4447 - Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor for HR 9 - Climate Action Now Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor for HR 9 - Climate Action Now Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Climate change is happening right now. We can't afford to wait, this is literally a matter of life and death. Methane pollution is accelerating the pace of climate change, yet former President Trump attempted to make it easier for this greenhouse gas to be released into the atmosphere. By reinstating the 2016 Methane rule, the oil and gas industry will be required to reduce methane emissions from its operation. This a commonsense move to save our planet," said Larson. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Last week, I proudly voted to return to the robust standards the Obama Administration had on methane pollution. I will stay committed to supporting measures that will help protect our environment and combat climate change." (twitter.com)
  • "No one should go to school, church, or the grocery store afraid. Last week, I proudly voted for commonsense gun safety bills to make our nation safer." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "After the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016, I led a sit-in on the House Floor with my fellow Democrats, including the late Rep. John Lewis, to demand action. We continue this fight today. This week, we passed more gun safety legislation. The Senate must act NOW to save lives!" (twitter.com)
  • "Since the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, 900,000 Americans have been the victims of gun violence. Enough is enough. It has been 274 days since the House passed universal background checks legislation. It's time for the Senate to end the filibuster and take action. #EndGunViolence" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 987 “MORE Health Education Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1425 “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "#ACA repeal + drastic cuts to Medicaid = a disaster in the making for working families. I'm not going to stand for it." (twitter.com)
  • "Americans deserve a comprehensive & inclusive national #PaidLeave prgrm, not one that exacerbates racial pay gaps & disparities like the one proposed by some Rs. The #FAMILYAct ensures everyone can take leave w/o jeopardizing their future. Thanks @RosaDeLauro for your leadership!" (twitter.com)
  • "I’m immensely proud of CT's long history of leadership on Family and Medical Leave, and now Paid FMLA. Today’s hearing made the case for why we need to move forward and pass @rosadelauro’s #FAMILYAct to ensure paid leave for working families. #PaidLeave4All" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Democrats are putting #PeopleOverPolitics to lower costs for Americans. We've passed bills to: lower prescription drug prices" (twitter.com)
  • "Since I came to Congress, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors has been one of my top priorities." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3 “Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6833 “The Affordable Insulin Now Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Border security is imperative in our nation, however building a $5 billion wall is not the answer and not the security measures our country would need. This funding is a waste of American taxpayers’ hard-earned money." (twitter.com)
  • "It’s time for Congressional Republicans and the President to join us in reopening the government now. Let’s have a debate about border security and about comprehensive immigration reform, but let’s do it with the government open instead of taking the America people hostage." (twitter.com)
  • "This is about Congress reasserting its Constitutional authority. We need border security & comprehensive immigration reform, but it’s clear this is not a National Emergency. What is a National Emergency in our country is the gun violence epidemic, opioid epidemic & climate change" (twitter.com)
  • "I’m a proud supporter of the ALLIES Act, which speeds up and streamlines the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program. It’s our duty to take in and support the Afghans who risked their lives serving alongside our diplomatic and military personnel." (twitter.com)
  • "I recently had the pleasure of meeting Al. Thank you for taking action and standing up for DREAMers and immigrants! We stand with you!" (twitter.com)
  • "Rep. Larson has long supported providing DREAMers with protections and a pathway to permanent legal status and citizenship. As a nation of immigrants, we must find a way to address immigration in a compassionate manner. Congress must work on bipartisan and common-sense solutions to do so." (larson.house.gov)
  • "We are a nation of immigrants. It's what makes our country so strong. #Imwithher: America is a place ALL of us can call home #debate" (twitter.com)
  • "I’m a proud supporter of the ALLIES Act, which speeds up and streamlines the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program. It’s our duty to take in and support the Afghans who risked their lives serving alongside our diplomatic and military personnel." (twitter.com)
  • "I recently had the pleasure of meeting Al. Thank you for taking action and standing up for DREAMers and immigrants! We stand with you!" (twitter.com)
  • "We are a nation of immigrants. It's what makes our country so strong. #Imwithher: America is a place ALL of us can call home #debate" (twitter.com)
  • "I voted for $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support Ukraine in the face of Putin's unwarranted & atrocious attack. We also voted for legislation that I helped lead banning Russian oil & gas imports & working to suspend Russia's participation in the WTO #StandWithUkraine" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 “Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act” (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)
  • "I voted for $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support Ukraine in the face of Putin's unwarranted & atrocious attack. We also voted for legislation that I helped lead banning Russian oil & gas imports & working to suspend Russia's participation in the WTO #StandWithUkraine" (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 S. 3522 “Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 8% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Republican "work until you die" proposals that cut Social Security benefits for seniors are cruel and unnecessary. My bill expands benefits & strengthens #SocialSecurity for years to come by asking the wealthy to pay their fair share just like everyone else." (twitter.com)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct will dedicate the resources needed to go after wealthy tax cheats & large corporations that refuse to pay their fair share. No one making $400,000 a year or less will pay a penny more in taxes!" (twitter.com)
  • "This week our nation's wealthiest will stop paying into #SocialSecurity for the rest of the year. Let's pass Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust so this is the last year they go without paying their fair share!" (twitter.com)
  • "This is not a perfect agreement. More must be done -- particularly on climate -- but it is an improvement over the current NAFTA and over the original agreement negotiated by the Trump Administration. It makes substantial progress in leveling the playing field for American workers -- including the strongest labor enforcement mechanism we've had in any trade agreement. In the words of AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka, this is now "an agreement that working people can proudly support.' I voted for this agreement because on the whole, it is a positive outcome for U.S. workers, and it sets a new floor for labor standards in future trade agreements." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)

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