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Brian Higgins' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Brian Higgins 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.

  • 100% rating from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? "Pro-Choice" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Eliminating reproductive rights is a matter of life or death for people across the country. The decision to overturn Roe v Wade is devastating, dangerous, and will take us backwards 50 years. It in no way reflects the views of the majority of Americans." (twitter.com)
  • "Today @POTUS will sign an Executive Order that protects safe & secure reproductive care for millions of people in our country. After SCOTUS dismantled the important precedent set by Roe v Wade, we must continue fighting to defend reproductive rights for all." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 99% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "#OTD in 1940, Ida May Fuller became the 1st person to receive a check after the Social Security Act became law. On the 82nd anniversary, we are working to pass Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to make sure SS is available to retirees for decades to come. #Secure2100" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Joined @HouseDemocrats in introducing the #ForThePeople Act - a plan addressing ethics and campaign finance reform, voter rights and election security." (mobile.twitter.com)
  • Rated 87% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of Voted in favor of H.R. 1 "For the People Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "One year ago, George Floyd was murdered. Today we remember his life as a father, son & brother, mourn his loss, & look ahead to the work still needed to be done in the fight against racial injustice. #JusticeInPolicing" (mobile.twitter.com)
  • "Today, we have justice for George Floyd. Thinking of his family today as they continue to grieve. Long overdue progress in the fight for equal justice under the law continues." (mobile.twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7120 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7120 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Proposes a 31% increase in the Department of Commerce budget to support economic investment and promote opportunity. Assistant Secretary Castillo recently visited WNY to meet with local business stakeholders and to highlight, with Congressman Higgins, how federal funding through the Economic Development Agency is helping to drive job creation and development on the former Bethlehem Steel site." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "APPROVED: #InflationReductionAct. This historic bill will reduce carbon emissions by about 40% by 2030, create 9M jobs, lower energy & prescription drug costs, & provide relief to American families. It's not just a good climate bill, it's a major investment in our future." (twitter.com)
  • "The #AmericaCOMPETES Act invests in technology of the future, improves supply chains, & strengthens our economy. In WNY, it will create good-paying, sustainable jobs in manufacturing & STEM, as well as opportunities for education & training. Proud to support this historic bill." (twitter.com)
  • "As Congress works to deliver COVID relief to restaurants, we are fighting to make sure that the smaller, neighborhood restaurants aren't left behind." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Restaurants are centers of community, around which our relationships, routines, and traditions revolve. Action is necessary to save these neighborhood fixtures. Our letter to @JoeBiden calls for the next COVID relief package to include assistance for struggling restaurants." (twitter.com)
  • "APPROVED: #InflationReductionAct. This historic bill will reduce carbon emissions by about 40% by 2030, create 9M jobs, lower energy & prescription drug costs, & provide relief to American families. It's not just a good climate bill, it's a major investment in our future." (twitter.com)
  • "Today @POTUS will sign the #InflationReductionAct in law. This bill is a major milestone for our country & an investment in WNY." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "@POTUS's #studentdebt plan will provide meaningful relief to thousands of hardworking Western New Yorkers & millions across the US." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden's student debt plan will provide relief for millions of borrowers, including many hardworking Western New Yorkers." (twitter.com)
  • "Proud to be a cosponsor of the newly introduced #ACTION4Service Act, which would establish a National and Community Service Administration and provide those who serve in programs like @AmeriCorps access to student loan relief or in-state tuition for each year of service." (twitter.com)
  • "Student debt burdens many families & young professionals. The Biden Admin will cancel $20K for Pell-grant recipients & $10K for other borrowers. Families making under $250K & individuals making under $125K may qualify, providing relief before payments resume on Dec. 31, 2023." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5746 “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "The #VotingRightsAct of 1965 outlawed discriminatory voting practices. Champions like John Lewis shed blood to deliver that right to all voters. Today the House will vote on #HR4 the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to protect that right." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4 “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 87% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 - Climate Action Now Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Electric vehicles are a critical pathway to a clean energy future in WNY. Electric cars & buses reduce pollution while meeting our mobility needs. Thanks to the #Infrastructure Law, NYS is receiving over $25M for electric vehicle charging infrastructure." (twitter.com)
  • "Next: @CommerceGov needs to award @EmpireStateDev funding for green & tech jobs in Buffalo and WNY." (twitter.com)
  • Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 - Climate Action Now Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "APPROVED: #InflationReductionAct. This historic bill will reduce carbon emissions by about 40% by 2030, create 9M jobs, lower energy & prescription drug costs, & provide relief to American families. It's not just a good climate bill, it's a major investment in our future." (twitter.com)
  • "On the first #EarthDay communities across the nation demanded change. WNYers are continuing to lead as environmental stewards. @UBuffalo students are helping companies reduce their carbon footprint, ReTree WNY planted their 30,000th tree & @WNYLC is enhancing our landscape" (twitter.com)
  • 100% rating from Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you generally support gun-control legislation? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "There have been 3,865 mass shootings since Sandy Hook. Let's end the filibuster & pass common sense gun legislation. It's long overdue." (twitter.com)
  • "It's time for those filibustering in the Senate to allow a vote on common sense gun safety legislation broadly supported by the American people." (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)
  • "Over 12 yrs ago the Affordable Care Act expanded access to quality, low-cost health coverage for Americans.Today @POTUS is building on ACA's progress, with an Executive Order making health care more affordable & accessible for families." (twitter.com)
  • "An investment in our children is an investment in America's future. Free Pre-K, paid family leave for workers, affordable child care & extension of the #ChildTaxCredit will improve life quality and help families get ahead. #BuildBackBetter" (twitter.com)
  • "The #burnoutepidemic costs our economy about $650B each year. We must keep fighting for #paidleave & affordable #childcare so mothers can maintain careers without the worry & struggle of providing care & basic needs for their kids." (twitter.com)
  • "The US is the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee paid leave.That's unacceptable. #Paidleave & affordable #childcare would ease the burden on working moms balancing the role of caregiver & financial provider, while managing a career." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "I took to the House floor to talk about this week's @WaysMeansCmte report highlighting the fact that Americans pay nearly four times as much as those in other developed countries for their prescription drugs. It's time to allow negotiated drug pricing in order to #LowerDrugCosts" (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)
  • "Family separation, a Muslim travel ban, and building a wall all appeal to the tribal instincts which run directly counter to the values that made this country great time and time again. #NoBanNoWall" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 18% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The President's declaration of a so-called "national emergency" was another in a long series of embarrassments for this administration. Border security is a challenge, not an emergency, and it requires serious bipartisan effort - not the rambling spectacle Americans saw today." (twitter.com)
  • "42,000 young NYers enrolled are in #DACA. Ending the program hurts people and the economy." (twitter.com)
  • Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We stand united to defend the story of our country, defined by the might of immigrants overcoming incredible odds to make a better life" (twitter.com)
  • "42,000 young NYers enrolled are in #DACA. Ending the program hurts people and the economy." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 18% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We stand united to defend the story of our country, defined by the might of immigrants overcoming incredible odds to make a better life" (twitter.com)
  • "In 2021 Myanmar's military staged a coup against the will of the people, alleging voter fraud following the country's democratic elections. Passed this week, the BURMA Act aims to restore a civilian-led government & imposes sanctions on those supporting the military." (twitter.com)
  • "Joined members of Ukrainian Parliament today for a round table discussion on Russia's unprovoked war. Members described horrific attacks on innocent people, asking for military aid, additional sanctions, & financial support. We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine." (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)
  • "Joined members of Ukrainian Parliament today for a round table discussion on Russia's unprovoked war. Members described horrific attacks on innocent people, asking for military aid, additional sanctions, & financial support. We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine." (twitter.com)
  • "Last night, the House passed measures providing aid to Ukraine & imposing sanctions on Russia. The Ukraine package includes humanitarian aid & defense funding. The sanctions include a ban on Russian oil imports & penalties for human rights violations." (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)
  • "Ensure the rich pay their fair share" (twitter.com)
  • "Firefighters & teachers pay more than double the tax rate that billionaires pay & it's not right. A 20% minimum tax on the top 100th of 1% of Americans would raise $360B. This could be used to invest in American families, especially those in WNY, and reduce the deficit." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 3% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Canada is our closest ally & a great trading partner. Last year's decision by the Administration to add tariffs to Canadian steel & aluminum was a bad one, costing the US economy and hurting communities like WNY. We are glad to see an agreement is in place to remove them." (mobile.twitter.com)
  • "The decision by @CommerceGov to proceed with doubling tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, which impacts other prices throughout numerous important US industries, is misguided and ill-timed." (mobile.twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act" (votesmart.org)
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-choice Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
I support simplifying the tax code for all Americans, while closing loopholes that allow some wealthy Americans to avoid paying their fair share.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
No Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders?
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Yes Do you generally support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
I support federal efforts to raise educational standards across the country because our global competitors are doing so and we need to keep pace. But these programs must allow for local decision making and recognize the important roles that both the family and the teacher play in educational outcomes.
No Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
Yes Do you support increased regulations on the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry?
Yes Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Yes Do you support same-sex marriage?
No Do you support increased American intervention in Iraq and Syria beyond air support?
Yes Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the United States from possessing a nuclear weapon?
No 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.

Slightly Decrease a) Agriculture
Maintain Status b) Arts
Slightly Decrease c) Defense
Greatly Increase d) Education
Slightly Increase e) Environment
Slightly Increase f) Homeland Security
Maintain Status g) International aid
Greatly Increase h) Medical Research
Greatly Increase i) Scientific Research
Maintain Status j) Space exploration
Maintain Status k) United Nations
Maintain Status l) Welfare
Slightly Increase a) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status b) Corporate taxes
Slightly Decrease c) Small business taxes
Maintain Status d) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Maintain Status e) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Maintain Status f) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Slightly Decrease g) Income taxes (low-income families)
Slightly Decrease h) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Slightly Increase i) Income taxes (high-income families)
Maintain Status j) Inheritance taxes
Maintain Status k) Payroll taxes
l) Other or expanded categories
I support and have proposed a robust investment in American transportation, energy, and water infrastructure.
I support an increased investment in American infrastructure and medical research, and a stronger federal commitment to solar energy and cross border commerce.

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