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Ron Wyden's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

U.S. Senate (OR) - Sr, Democratic

Key

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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.

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

Is Wyden voting like he said he would?

Ron Wyden 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.

What is the Political Courage Test?

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.

Pro-choice

Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?

Pro-choice

Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"Thanks to Roe v. Wade, access to safe and legal abortion has been a constitutional right for nearly half a century. Despite this essential advancement for reproductive health, rights and justice, Republican lawmakers will stop at nothing to gut access to safe and legal abortion nationwide. Now more than ever, as the Supreme Court considers a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, it's time for Congress to codify this constitutional right into law, and ensure access to abortion regardless of income or zip code." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Voted in favor of HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)

Yes

Budget: Do you support expanding federal funding to support social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare?

Yes

Campaign Finance: Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations,unions, and individuals?

Yes

Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
"By ensuring every voter would have the choice to vote at home, and adopting other commonsense reforms, the For the People Act would represent the greatest advance in voting rights in a generation and a strike back against the growing tide of voter suppression in Republican-controlled states. I applaud Sens. Merkley and Klobuchar for incorporating important election security provisions from the SAFE Act in their legislation. As the co-author of these provisions, I'm confident this bill would make elections more secure, more accessible and give voters even more confidence in the integrity of American democracy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Rated 80% by Common Cause. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
""Citizens United opened the door to unlimited political spending by powerful influencers," the senators write. "Rampant violation of that decision's transparency predicate has allowed such influencers to wield that power anonymously, through dark-money expenditures. The next goal . . . is for dark-money contributors to secure broad constitutional protection of their anonymous influence, so they can attack any and all disclosure requirements in other contexts -- a "moon shot' to lock in dark money's hold on our politics and policy-making, possibly forever."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"Citizens United opened the door to unlimited political spending by powerful influencers," the senators write. "Rampant violation of that decision's transparency predicate has allowed such influencers to wield that power anonymously, through dark-money expenditures. The next goal . . . is for dark-money contributors to secure broad constitutional protection of their anonymous influence, so they can attack any and all disclosure requirements in other contexts -- a "moon shot' to lock in dark money's hold on our politics and policy-making, possibly forever." (justfacts.votesmart.org)

Crime: Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?

Defense: Do you support increasing defense spending?

"Even before the federal occupation of Portland, this bill was already fatally flawed. It greenlights a whopping $740 billion in military spending at a time when Senate Republicans are proposing mere crumbs for aid to schools and unemployed workers in the midst of a global pandemic and economic crisis. And then there are the omissions. The Senate rejected an important amendment from my colleague Senator Brian Schatz that would've restricted the militarization of America's law enforcement. And it is inexcusable that the bill would do nothing to end Trump's phony emergency at the border, prevent an unconstitutional war against Iran or take the prosecution of military sexual assault out of the chain of command. This last omission is particularly troubling in light of the recent, tragic murder of Vanessa GuillÃ©n." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Rated 7% by Center for Security Policy. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Voted against HR 6395 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021." (votesmart.org)
Voted against S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
"Even before the federal occupation of Portland, this bill was already fatally flawed. It greenlights a whopping $740 billion in military spending at a time when Senate Republicans are proposing mere crumbs for aid to schools and unemployed workers in the midst of a global pandemic and economic crisis. And then there are the omissions. The Senate rejected an important amendment from my colleague Senator Brian Schatz that would've restricted the militarization of America's law enforcement. And it is inexcusable that the bill would do nothing to end Trump's phony emergency at the border, prevent an unconstitutional war against Iran or take the prosecution of military sexual assault out of the chain of command. This last omission is particularly troubling in light of the recent, tragic murder of Vanessa Guillén." (justfacts.votesmart.org)

Yes

Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?

Yes

Economy: Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?

Yes

Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
Voted in favor of HR 748 "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act." (votesmart.org)
""While the coronavirus pandemic has impacted families across the country, we cannot forget the families and people who were teetering on the edge of the financial cliff even before the pandemic hit. These vulnerable families, scared for their health and safety like the rest of us, are struggling to pay rent, buy groceries and keep their lights on so they can weather this crisis," Wyden said. "The next COVID-19 relief package must include cash assistance and other supports to keep the most vulnerable American families fed, housed and together."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"While the coronavirus pandemic has impacted families across the country, we cannot forget the families and people who were teetering on the edge of the financial cliff even before the pandemic hit. These vulnerable families, scared for their health and safety like the rest of us, are struggling to pay rent, buy groceries and keep their lights on so they can weather this crisis," Wyden said. "The next COVID-19 relief package must include cash assistance and other supports to keep the most vulnerable American families fed, housed and together." (justfacts.votesmart.org)

Yes

Economy: Do you support the federal government taking action, beyond those of the Federal Reserve, to alleviate inflation?

Yes

"Our incentives to produce chips here at home are a big win for American companies, consumers, and workers. Shortages and supply chain problems have shown the importance of chips to our economy and contributed to inflation. We need to bring chip manufacturing back home. Foreign governments in countries like China provide tremendous subsidies to their manufacturers, undercutting American companies at every turn. Our package provides a significant investment tax credit to companies that build chips in the United States." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"This takes a big step forward to cement Oregons leadership in the domestic chip industry by letting our states job-generating and innovative companies invest in both R&D and manufacturing here in America." (twitter.com)
Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)

Yes

Education: Do you support the forgiveness of federal student loan debt?

Yes

"Pursuing an education shouldnt land you in financial handcuffs. This is great news for every American being forced to make hard decisions between paying off their student loans and putting food on the table. Ill continue pushing for student debt relief at every turn." (twitter.com)
Signed Letter to President Biden: "Canceling student debt is one of the most powerful ways to address racial and economic equity issues. The student loan system mirrors many of the inequalities that plague American society and widens the racial wealth gap.10 Black students in particular borrow more to attend college, borrow more often while they are in school, and have a harder time paying their debt off than their white peers.11 They are more than three times as likely to go into default within four years on their federal loans as white borrowers12 and face wage garnishment, tax refund withholding, and federal benefit offsets. 13 While Latino borrowers often have lower loan balances than their white peers, they are more likely to struggle in repaying their loans, and have some of the lowest post-education earnings among all racial or ethnic groups." (justfacts.votesmart.org)

Unknown Position

Elections: Do you support requiring a government-issued identification in order to vote at the polls?

Unknown Position

"Promote Integrity -- Fights the assault on voting rights by prohibiting voter roll purges like those seen in Ohio, Georgia and elsewhere and ensuring that discriminatory voter ID laws do not prevent Americans citizens from exercising their rights." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Voted in favor of S 2747 "Freedom to Vote Act" (votesmart.org)

Yes

Energy and Environment: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?

Yes

Energy and Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

Yes

Guns: Do you generally support gun-control legislation?

Yes

""Firearm buyers should be able to clear a background check that flags purchasers whose serious criminal records disqualify them," said Wyden, who also is co-sponsoring legislation that would expand federal background checks to all gun sales. "It's long past time Congress closes this glaring loophole to save lives and protect communities from dangerous criminals."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"Keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers shouldn't be controversial, it's commonsense. No more lives should be taken because of inexcusable inaction against these abusers. It's past time to end the cycle of gun violence and prevent future tragedy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
""Our country needs airtight background checks without any loopholes," Wyden said. ""Thoughts and prayers' won't stop unlicensed sellers from selling firearms online or at gun shows to people whose actions demonstrate they should not own a gun. Congress must take common-sense action to reduce the chances for these tragedies to strike."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"Firearm buyers should be able to clear a background check that flags purchasers whose serious criminal records disqualify them," said Wyden, who also is co-sponsoring legislation that would expand federal background checks to all gun sales. "It's long past time Congress closes this glaring loophole to save lives and protect communities from dangerous criminals." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"Our country needs airtight background checks without any loopholes," Wyden said. "Thoughts and prayers' won't stop unlicensed sellers from selling firearms online or at gun shows to people whose actions demonstrate they should not own a gun. Congress must take common-sense action to reduce the chances for these tragedies to strike." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Voted in favor of S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" (votesmart.org)

Unknown Position

Health Care: Do you support a government-run (single-payer) healthcare program, such as Medicare-for-All?

Unknown Position

Voted against S Amdt 271 "Obamacare Repeal Reconciliation Act of 2017" (votesmart.org)

Yes

Health Care: Do you support expanding paid family AND/OR medical leave opportunities?

Yes

"The COVID-19 pandemic has both magnified and spotlighted the long-standing need to fix a broken paid sick leave policy that forces far too many hard-working people into the brutal choice between their health and their paycheck," said Wyden, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. "This inequity lands especially hard on women and communities of color, and this must be the Congress that builds a fair sick days policy for safe workplaces in Oregon and nationwide during this public health crisis and beyond." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)

Yes

Health Care: Do you support lowering the cost of prescription drugs?

Yes

"Capping the cost of insulin for Americans is literally life or death. Im proud to be working on bipartisan solutions to take on pharma middlemen and deliver relief to consumers wallets." (twitter.com)
"Critically, the bill will protect seniors from high out-of-pocket costs in less than a year and a half with a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on drug costs, which will spare more than a million seniors from financial peril. Taken together, these policies represent a seismic shift in how Medicare pays for medicine, and it does so in a way that will greatly lower costs for seniors and taxpayers." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Ron led the charge to for the first time ever give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors in Medicare. He also secured a $2000 monthly out-of-pocket cap for seniors in Medicare. Rons legislation will also hold Big Pharma accountable for their price-gouging at the pharmacy counter if they raise the cost of drugs faster than the rate of inflation." (www.standtallforamerica.com)
"We've been working on a bipartisan basis for more than six months to craft legislation that begins to address the broken prescription drug supply chain. Pharmaceutical companies play a vital role in creating new and innovative medicines that save and improve the quality of millions of American lives, but that doesn't help Americans who can't afford them. Similarly, pharmacy benefit managers and insurance companies have the opportunity to negotiate lower prices, but the American people don't know how much these middlemen pocket for themselves. This legislation shows that no industry is above accountability." (justfacts.votesmart.org)

Unknown Position

Immigration: Do you support increasing security along the southern US border?

Unknown Position

Voted against S Amdt 1959 "Secure and Succeed Act (Grassley Amendment)" (votesmart.org)

Immigration: Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

Rated 10% by NumbersUSA. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"The fact is, the President is demanding an approach that goes way beyond DACA and border security, which are two natural bookends for bipartisanship, and it is where this debate begins. Unfortunately, what the President is really pushing breaks up families and severely cuts back legal immigration, and I just noted that I have seen why legal immigration makes our country better and stronger. What the President is talking about would, on top of this, do enormous economic harm to this country and is certainly not going to get the votes here in the Senate to proceed with 60 votes. The bipartisan solution on which both sides have worked hard together is the best opportunity that the Chamber has to end the DACA crisis." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"The United States must reject the previous Administration's cruel legacy of anti-refugee policies and return to our longstanding bipartisan tradition of providing safety to the world's most vulnerable refugees. Prior to the previous Administration, the refugee admissions ceiling had averaged 95,000 per year and had never been set below 67,000. The U.S. had resettled an average of over 80,000 refugees per year since 1980 until the Trump Administration. The U.S. admitted more than 100,000 refugees during each year of President George H.W. Bush's presidency. Even after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush set the refugee admissions target at 70,000, and the U.S. admitted more than 27,000 refugees in FY 2002." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Voted against S amdt 1948 "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (Toomey Amendment)" (votesmart.org)
Voted against S amdt 1948 "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (Toomey Amendment)" (votesmart.org)

Yes

National Security: Do you support economic intervention as a means of resolving international conflicts?

Yes

"The Biden administration has taken strong steps to swiftly implement sanctions against Russia, but we must do more to impose a severe economic cost on Vladimir Putin and those providing him with resources to continue this unprovoked and increasingly brutal assault on Ukraine. We need a comprehensive response that turns up the financial pressure from every angle." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"Vladimir Putin doesn't get to tear down the international order, brutalize the Ukrainian people with his unjust war and then benefit from normal trade relations," Wyden said. "President Biden is right to take every possible economic measure, in concert with our allies, to punish Putin's regime and ensure he pays a high price for his barbaric actions. I look forward to working with the administration to pass legislation revoking Russia's Permanent Normal Trade Relations status." (justfacts.votesmart.org)

Unknown Position

National Security: Do you support the U.S. providing increased offensive military aid to Ukraine?

Unknown Position

Voted in favor of HR 7691 "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (justfacts.votesmart.org)

Yes

Taxes: Do you support raising taxes, on any income or on any entity, to promote economic growth?

Yes

"In 2019, 100 of Americas largest corporations paid an average tax rate of 1.1%. Companies are paying rock-bottom rates while reporting record profits to their shareholders. This is exactly why Im fighting to get a minimum corporate tax rate across the finish line." (twitter.com)
"President Biden has put forward a solid proposal that would ensure billionaires pay taxes every year, just like my Billionaires Income Tax. There's no way to fix our broken tax code without getting at the problem of billionaires avoiding taxes for decades, if not indefinitely. While there are differences between the president's proposal and the Billionaires Income Tax, we're rowing in the same direction. I look forward to working with President Biden and my colleagues to move these reforms forward." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
"While working folks pay tax with every paycheck, wealthy investors exploit gaping holes in the tax code to avoid paying tax on profits from their bets on financial markets. It's a double standard, and we're going to put an end to it," Wyden said. "Under my bill, wealthy investors would pay tax on their gains every year--just like working people do." (justfacts.votesmart.org)

Yes

Trade: Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?

Yes

Rated 16% by Public Citizen. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"I just want to give an example of what the Brown-Wyden trade enforcement package does. In the past, it would take almost to eternity to bring trade enforcement action. I spelled out yesterday how the Brown-Wyden enforcement package speeds up the timeline for tough trade enforcement by more than 300 percent. That, in my view, throws a real lifeline--an actual lifeline to communities that are worried about whether they are going to have an economic heartbeat in the days ahead." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
"The second point--just very quickly--what this proposal does is bring technology and trade policy into the 21st century. When the last North American Free Trade Agreement was considered, nobody had a smartphone. So what we did is protect intellectual property; we prohibited shakedowns of data belonging to innovative companies; and on something I care deeply about, we drew on established U.S. law to defend small tech entrepreneurs working to build successful companies in a field dominated by Goliaths." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
Voted in favor of HR 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.

Oregon Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test

Abortion Issues

Pro-choice		a) Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?
No		b) Should abortion be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy?
Yes		c) Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
Yes		d) Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
Yes		e) Should federal subsidies be prohibited from being used for abortion procedures?
		f) Other or expanded principles

Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues

1) SpendingIndicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once.2) 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
Maintain Status		1) Intelligence operations
Greatly Decrease		2) Military hardware
Greatly Decrease		3) National missile defense
Slightly Increase		4) Salary and benefits for active duty personnel
Slightly Increase		5) Programs to improve troop retention rates
Slightly Decrease		6) Research and development of new weapons
Slightly Increase		d) Education
Maintain Status		e) Environment
Slightly Increase		f) Homeland security
Maintain Status		g) International aid
Slightly Increase		h) Medical research
Slightly Increase		i) Scientific research
Slightly Decrease		j) Space exploration
Maintain Status		k) United Nations
Maintain Status		l) Welfare
Greatly Decrease		m) Other or expanded categories
Slightly Decrease		a) Alcohol taxes
Slightly Increase		b) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increase		c) Cigarette taxes
Slightly Decrease		d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status		e) Gasoline taxes
Slightly Decrease		f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Slightly Decrease		g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Slightly Increase		h) Income taxes (high-income families)
		i) Other or expanded categories
No		3) Do you support the elimination of the federal estate tax?
No		4) Do you support requiring the federal budget to be balanced each year?
		6) Other or expanded principles
Yes		5) Do you support using government funds in an effort to stimulate and improve the economy?
Ron Wyden. HR 1. 111th Congress. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Ron Wyden voted YES on 13 February 2009. (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. Issue Position: Standing Up For All of Oregon. "...When Wall Street came looking for a hand out after greedily gambling away billions, I fought every Wall Street bailout - regardless of which party advocated it." (www.sos.state.or.us) Club for Growth. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "Ron Wyden supported the interests of the Club for Growth 14 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. 2010. The League of Women Voters of Oregon: 2010 Oregon Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded: "I also voted against the $700 billion Wall Street bailout. But we need to do more to reduce our national deficit. We should restore the "pay as you go" principle where any new federal spending must be paid for in the budget," to the question: "What can be done in the next few years to reduce our national budget deficit?" (www.lwvor.org) Ron Wyden. 2010. The Oregonian (Portland, OR): 2010 Oregon Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded: "We need to get people back to work. Families are suffering and we must reinvigorate that entrepreneurial spirit that drives our country. To do that, we need to get back to an economy where we reward those who play fair and there is real opportunity for the middle class. It means ending the wasteful government bailouts of Wall Street (which I consistently opposed), enacting financial reforms of Wall Street and the big banks and ensuring Oregon businesses have the credit they need to expand. It means creating construction jobs with smart investments in needed improvements in our infrastructure and better mortgage policies to restore confidence in our housing market. And it means reforming taxes to provide middle-class families a badly needed tax cut and end the tax shelters that encourage large corporations to ship jobs overseas. I am fighting for all of these priorities, to get our economy back on track and create jobs for Oregon's working families," to the question: "What specific actions should Congress take to spur economic recovery?" (thevoterguide.oregonlive.com) Ron Wyden. Wyden Fights for Oregon in Economic Recovery Package. 10 February 2009. "Calling the legislation 'a step in the right direction,' U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today cast his vote in favor of the 'American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.' The bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 61 to 37 will create and save thousands of good-paying Oregon jobs, upgrade the state's roads and bridges, expand access to broadband technology, especially into rural communities, and provide essential relief to families facing rising health care costs and the specter of unemployment. 'This bill will give the economy a desperately-needed jump-start so we can finally help Americans begin to re-claim their financial security,' said Wyden. 'I will be spending the next days working with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to restore the much needed funding for our states and schools, but the important message for today is that Congress is taking decisive action to get the economy back on track.'" (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. Wyden Statement on Financial Bailout Package. 1 October 2008. "If even one of these issues had been addressed in this package, I might have been inclined to vote for it, despite its imperfections. I continue to think that Congress should act and help restore confidence - domestically and abroad - in U.S. markets. For that reason, I am voting against this bill tonight with great reluctance, and hope that the Senate is given a second opportunity, as the House will receive, to put forward a more thoughtful response that will deserve and garner the trust of the American public. This vote is made slightly more difficult by the late inclusion of my legislation to reauthorize county payments for four years. This was legislation that I authored over a year ago with the Majority Leader, as well as Chairman Baucus and Chairman Bingaman. Passing the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act is vital to the economic survival of Oregon's rural counties, and I asked Senator Reid to include it in this bill, because I promised my constituents that I would attempt to attach it to every conceivable piece of legislation until the President signs it into law. But I also told Senator Reid that including funding for county payments in this package would not guarantee my vote on the bailout. The nation's future is simply too important for us to trade on even the most important constituent concerns." (votesmart.org)
WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE

Business and Employment Issues

		b) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
		c) Do you support increasing the federal minimum wage?
		d) Do you support the ability of workers to unionize?
		e) Do you support federal funding for job-training programs that retrain displaced workers?
		f) Other or expanded principles
No		a) Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security?
Ron Wyden. Issue Position: Standing Up For All of Oregon. "?I never back down when powerful interests threaten our state. I? have been a leader in blocking the privatization of Social Security." (www.sos.state.or.us) Ron Wyden. Issue Position: Preserving Social Security. "Senator Wyden believes that the Social Security safety net ought to be preserved. President Bush's proposal to privatize Social Security would threaten long-term solvency and would result in cuts in benefits." (votesmart.org)

Campaign Finance and Government Reform Issues

		a) Do you support increasing the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns?
		b) Should Congress regulate indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
		c) Do you support removing all contribution limits on federal campaigns?
		d) Should candidates for federal office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
		e) Do you support giving the President the power of the line item veto for items concerning appropriations?
		f) Do you support limiting the President's ability to define how legislation is applied through the use of signing statements?
		g) Other or expanded principles

Crime Issues

		b) Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related training and job-placement assistance when released?
		c) Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with substance abuse treatment?
		d) Do you support reduced prison sentences for non-violent offenders?
		e) Do you support mandatory prison sentences for selling illegal drugs?
		f) Other or expanded principles
Yes		a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Ron Wyden. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Oregon Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes." Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants. 2005-2006. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "Ron Wyden supported the interests of the Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants 100 percent in 2005-2006." (votesmart.org)

Education Issues

		b) Do you support federal funding for universal pre-K programs?
		c) Do you support federal funding for charter schools?
		d) Do you support federal funding for K-12 school vouchers?
		e) Do you support the federal government providing college students with financial aid?
		f) Other or expanded principles
Yes		a) Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students?
Ron Wyden. HR 1. 107th Congress. To close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice, so that no child is left behind. Project Vote Smart Summary: Ron Wyden voted YES on 18 December 2001. (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Oregon Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards for and testing of public school students." Home School Legal Defense Association. 1999-2000. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "Ron Wyden supported the interests of the Home School Legal Defense Association 60 percent in 1999-2000." (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. Issue Position: Education. "Although standards and assessments are critical to ensuring that students succeed, they must be fair and supported by federal funding." (votesmart.org)

Environment and Energy Issues

		b) Do you support international emissions targets aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
		c) Do you support allowing energy producers to trade carbon credits under a "cap and trade" system?
		d) Do you support strengthening fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles?
		e) Do you support domestic oil exploration in federally-protected areas?
		f) Do you support federal funding for the development of alternative energy?
		g) Do you support the development of nuclear reactors?
		h) Other or expanded principles
Yes		a) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
Ron Wyden. S Amdt 4825 to S 3036. 110th Congress. In the nature of a substitute. Project Vote Smart Summary: Ron Wyden voted YES for cloture on 6 June 2008. (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Oregon Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act;" "b) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act;" "g) Strengthen emission controls and fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles;" "i) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution;" "l) Support the U.S. re-entering the Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming." Ron Wyden. 2010. The Oregonian (Portland, OR): 2010 Oregon Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded: "It is time for Congress to put us on a path to a clean energy future that creates green energy jobs, ends our dependence on foreign oil and cuts our global warming pollution. Senators Kerry and Graham are indicating that an economy-wide cap and trade scheme will likely not be part of the reform package. I support a number of the priorities currently on the table including investing in new energy sources, using energy more efficiently and a sector-by-sector plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions. New energy sources like wind, wave and solar will create good, local jobs and keep our energy dollars here at home. Energy efficiency measures will create construction jobs and cut businesses' and consumers' power bills. And working with each sector individually to cut global warming pollution will protect our economy and jobs," to the question: "Should Congress pass "cap and trade" legislation to combat global warming? Why or why not?" (thevoterguide.oregonlive.com) Environment America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "Ron Wyden supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)

Gun Issues

Yes		b) Do you believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individual citizens to own guns?
Yes		c) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?
Yes		d) Do you support a ban on assault rifles?
Yes		a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Ron Wyden. HR 1025. 103rd Congress. To provide for a waiting period before the purchase of a handgun, and for the establishment of a national instant criminal background check system to be contacted by firearms dealers before the transfer of any firearm. Project Vote Smart Summary: Ron Wyden voted YES on 10 November 1993. (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. HR 4296. 103rd Congress. To make unlawful the transfer or possession of assault weapons. Project Vote Smart Summary: Ron Wyden voted YES on 5 May 1994. (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. S Amdt 1067 to S Amdt 1058 to HR 627. 111th Congress. To protect innocent Americans from violent crime in national parks and refuges. Project Vote Smart Summary: Ron Wyden voted YES on 12 May 2009. (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. S Amdt 362 to S 254. 106th Congress. To regulate the sale of firearms at guns shows. Project Vote Smart Summary: Ron Wyden voted YES on 20 May 1999. (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Oregon Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Renew the ban on the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting;" "b) Maintain and strengthen the current level of enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns;" "f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns;" "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows." Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 2003. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "Ron Wyden supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 100 percent from 1988 to 2003." (votesmart.org) Gun Owners of America. 2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Ron Wyden a grade of F." (votesmart.org)
I SUPPORT THE LEAST INTRUSIVE REGULATIONS ON THE PURCHASE AND POSSESSION OF GUNS PRACTICABLE TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY AND PRESERVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT.

Health Issues

Yes		a) Do you support a publicly-administered health insurance option?
Yes		b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
No		c) Should the federal government expand eligibility for tax-free medical savings accounts?
		d) Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
Yes		e) Do you support relaxing regulations on the importation of prescription drugs?
		f) Other or expanded principles

Immigration Issues

Yes		a) Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants?
No		b) Do you support decreasing the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country?
		c) Do you support establishing English as the official national language?
		d) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
		e) Other or expanded principles

International Policy Issues

		b) Do you support increasing military assistance for Afghanistan?
		c) Do you support increasing economic development assistance for Afghanistan?
		d) Should the United States continue to strike suspected terrorist targets in Pakistan?
		e) Do you support granting aid to countries when it is in the security interests of the United States?
Yes		f) Should the United States support the creation of a Palestinian state?
Yes		g) Do you support increasing sanctions on Iran if it continues to defy United Nations mandates?
Yes		h) Do you support the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq?
Yes		i) Do you support the United States' involvement in free trade agreements?
No		a) Do you support United States military action in Afghanistan?
Peace Action West. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "Ron Wyden supported the interests of Peace Action West 70 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org) Ron Wyden. Wyden Statement on President's Afghanistan Speech. 2 December 2009. "I am skeptical that committing tens of thousands of additional men and women -- and billions of additional tax dollars -- to Afghanistan will help meet the President's stated goals. To the contrary, I remain concerned that this proposed surge will take away desperately-needed resources to restore our economy and put people back to work. I agree that America must continue its efforts to eliminate and disrupt safe havens for terrorism, and it is essential as we do so to determine if there are better, less-costly ways to go about that mission. The question is whether an 18-month troop surge in Afghanistan will have an enduring impact on the ability of terrorists and other bad actors to operate in that region. I will reserve final judgment on the troop surge until after the Senate Intelligence Committee receives its classified briefing from the Obama Administration. As of tonight, my strong preference is to keep those troops and billions of dollars right here at home to help re-build America." (votesmart.org)
SEVERAL QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION ARE FAR TOO COMPLEX TO DISTILL A YES/NO ANSWER.

Social Issues

No		a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?
Yes		b) Do you support allowing openly-gay men and women to serve in the United States military?
Yes		c) Do you support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research?
No		d) Should the federal government end affirmative action programs?
		e) Other or expanded principles

Legislative Priorities

Three of my top priorities will be tax reform, forest policy and health reform. My bipartisan tax reform plan will cut taxes for the middle class and small businesses and end the incentives for shipping jobs overseas. We also need to adopt the Oregon Eastside Forest Plan that has brought together conservationists and timber companies to devise a balanced approach that will create healthier forests and jobs. Finally, I will help Oregon move forward on it's own model of health reform.

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Is Wyden voting like he said he would?

Ron Wyden's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Key

Issue Positions

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.

Abortion Issues

Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues

Business and Employment Issues

Campaign Finance and Government Reform Issues

Crime Issues

Education Issues

Environment and Energy Issues

Gun Issues

Health Issues

Immigration Issues

International Policy Issues

Social Issues

Legislative Priorities

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