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Peter Meijer'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.
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.
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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 am 100% pro-life and will defend Life from conception to natural death. I vehemently oppose any federal funding to support abortion." (www.votemeijer.com)
  • "President Trump's tax cuts helped out families and small businesses with significant simplification. It also leveled the playing field between small businesses and larger firms, which has further helped to revitalize the economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I support expanding Health Savings Accounts. Allowing families to save money tax-free to pay the cost of healthcare is a strong market reform that reduces the cost of care." (www.votemeijer.com)
  • Nobody should ever have to make the choice between the medicine they need to stay healthy and feeding their family. We can make market based reforms that reduce the costs of life-saving medication while protecting innovation." (www.votemeijer.com)
  • Rated 0% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We must ensure that entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare are made sustainable while keeping the promises made to seniors and those close to retirement age who are counting on these programs." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Most well-intentioned efforts at campaign finance reform, such as McCain-Feingold (the BCRA), have resulted in unintended consequences that have only exacerbated the influence of money in politics. I am open to initiatives that seek to combat this influence without infringing on constitutional protections or creating adverse consequences." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Taxpayers simply do not want their tax dollars being used to pay for political campaigns and I voted against this bill to try and stop that from happening," said Moolenaar. "I also voted against the legislation because it is a federal takeover of elections that would eliminate state laws across the country requiring voter identification. Americans use ID to drive and make purchases, and states provide IDs to those who cannot afford them. Voter ID helps ensure election integrity and states should require it." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "I care more about what our defense spending is going towards and whether that spending is in alignment to strategic priorities than whether our current spending is insufficient or excessive. I reject the simplistic notion that more spending = greater defense, or that less spending = less security." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For sixty years, the NDAA has received strong bipartisan support, and I'm pleased that tradition continued this year. I was glad to vote in favor of this bill to fully equip our servicemembers and give them a pay increase, enhance military readiness, and generally provide for a strong national defense. This summer's botched withdrawal from Afghanistan demonstrated how critically important it is that we strengthen our military and give our men and women in uniform every tool and resource they need to defend our nation and keep us safe. After months of debate and compromise, I was happy to see the House and Senate come to a bipartisan agreement that prioritizes our military and does not include any poison pills, including any "red-flag' provisions. Last night's passage signals to our adversaries that the U.S. remains ready and equipped to respond to threats at home and abroad. I was proud to support this bill, I hope the Senate does their part to pass it quickly." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I'm excited to support this bipartisan, common sense proposal to make necessary & long-overdue investments in our nation’s infrastructure that align revenues w/ user fees, seek to invest as efficiently as possible, & align investments w/ economic priorities." (twitter.com)
  • "States have to bear their share of costs for improving our infrastructure but the federal government needs to drive the overall vision and strategy so that states stop delaying necessary maintenance and improvements out of misplaced hope that the federal government will bail them out." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "President Trump's tax cuts helped out families and small businesses with significant simplification. It also leveled the playing field between small businesses and larger firms, which has further helped to revitalize the economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "There is a strong risk of moral hazard that must be weighed when discussing financial relief. I do not believe in bailing out shareholders who were reaping the rewards of industries that carried higher risk or excessively-levered balance sheets poorly-positioned for hard economic times. I reject the 'heads I win, tails you lose' approach of 'too big to fail.' However, providing liquidity to sectors who faced specific impacts due to *government-mandated lockdowns* is an appropriate means of creating stability." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "If federal funds are supporting a school, we need to ensure that those schools are spending their funds wisely and providing parents with more control of their child’s education." (www.votemeijer.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The education of American children has always been and should continue to be primarily state and local responsibility. I support school choice, the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act, and other efforts by President Trump and Secretary DeVos to ensure access to a quality education for every American child." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I strongly support increasing U.S. renewable energy, but we have to be honest: solar/wind are part of the solution, not the whole solution. We will always need on-demand energy generation (nuclear/natural gas best) and oil is essential to many non-energy/transport needs." (twitter.com)
  • "Nuclear energy plays a critical role in our energy future and must be a component of any discussion surrounding how we respond to climate change," said Rep. Meijer. "It is imperative that we invest in and empower the best and brightest of the next generation to ensure we have a workforce that is equipped to lead the world in the nuclear industry. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We need to encourage the private sector innovation which is driving the transition to renewable energy sources. At the same time, we need to understand that our power needs will always require on-demand energy sources. I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and natural gas components." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I strongly support increasing U.S. renewable energy, but we have to be honest: solar/wind are part of the solution, not the whole solution. We will always need on-demand energy generation (nuclear/natural gas best) and oil is essential to many non-energy/transport needs." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2467 "PFAS Action Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "I saw the effect that stigmatizing access to mental health care had in the military, where service members avoided counseling for post-traumatic stress out of fear it would imperil their security clearance, and we cannot create that same stigma with Red Flag Laws." (www.votemeijer.com)
  • Rated 92% by National Rifle Association (NRA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "A critical component of our national defense is securing our borders, including building physical barriers, to regulate the flow of people and goods into our country." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Enough excuses. Our broken legal immigration system is no excuse to politicize border security + encourage illegal entry. Process reforms are urgent, but @POTUS needs to firmly discourage migrants from putting themselves + their families at risk by attempting illegal entry." (twitter.com)
  • "America will always be a beacon of hope and freedom for the world, but we must reform our broken immigration system so that it prioritizes merit-based immigration and is aligned to benefit our nation in the long-term." (www.votemeijer.com)
  • "Especially in the case of those who over-stayed visas or entered the country unlawfully. However, I am open to separate pathways for those with DACA status or for whom the United States is the only home they have known." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Yesterday @HouseForeignGOP passed my bill to repeal 1957 AUMF to defend Middle East nations from aggression by “any country controlled by internat’l communism.” This AUMF was enacted 64 yrs ago. Laws passed since have rendered it obsolete. The Soviet Union no longer exists." (twitter.com)
  • "I support tariffs as a tactical means of establishing a level playing field for American workers, but do not believe that tariffs should be a long-term strategy. American workers and companies are the best in the world, drive innovation, and can compete and win against any competitors in a fair system." (www.votemeijer.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 an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Unknown Position Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
We must ensure that entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare are made sustainable while keeping the promises made to seniors and those close to retirement age who are counting on these programs.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Most well-intentioned efforts at campaign finance reform, such as McCain-Feingold (the BCRA), have resulted in unintended consequences that have only exacerbated the influence of money in politics. I am open to initiatives that seek to combat this influence without infringing on constitutional protections or creating adverse consequences.
Unknown Position Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
I care more about what our defense spending is going towards and whether that spending is in alignment to strategic priorities than whether our current spending is insufficient or excessive. I reject the simplistic notion that more spending = greater defense, or that less spending = less security.
Yes Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
Unknown Position Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Unknown Position Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
There is a strong risk of moral hazard that must be weighed when discussing financial relief. I do not believe in bailing out shareholders who were reaping the rewards of industries that carried higher risk or excessively-levered balance sheets poorly-positioned for hard economic times. I reject the 'heads I win, tails you lose' approach of 'too big to fail.' However, providing liquidity to sectors who faced specific impacts due to *government-mandated lockdowns* is an appropriate means of creating stability.
No Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
Unknown Position Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
No Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Yes Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
Unknown Position Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
Yes Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
Yes Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Especially in the case of those who over-stayed visas or entered the country unlawfully. However, I am open to separate pathways for those with DACA status or for whom the United States is the only home they have known.
No Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
Yes Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
Yes Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
I support tariffs as a tactic to achieve a superior trade negotiating position, but not as a long-term strategy that risks promoting a protectionist status quo.
1- Congressional modernization and process reform to correct the mismatch between short-term electoral incentive (political) and long-term governing incentives. This also includes greater use of sunset clauses and mandatory evaluation of legislation after a defined period to ensure the stated purpose of federal action is being fulfilled and modifications are made as necessary for maximum positive impact. 2- Ending our long-term use of military ground forces in the Middle East and Central Asia and promoting foreign engagement that is driven by diplomatic and intelligence efforts rather than military force.

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