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Jack Reed's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.

Jack Reed has failed to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2020 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 2020.

  • Endorsed and rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund. (votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "Reproductive health care is essential for all Americans and in particular for women's health, economic security, and equality." (votesmart.org)
  • "Congress should work together to responsibly cut taxes for working families, restore our infrastructure, invest in the middle-class, and help small businesses grow. Instead, Republicans are using a closed process to benefit multi-national corporations and mega-donors at the expense of hardworking Americans." (votesmart.org)
  • "This trickle-down tax plan is a disaster for the middle-class and threatens America's long-term economic security." (votesmart.org)
  • "Reed supports the Paying a Fair Share Act of 2013, which would repeal unfair and unnecessary tax loopholes and expenditures, simplify the tax system, and make sure that the wealthiest Americans pay a fairer share of taxes." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Senator Reed believes that a reformed tax code that helps balance the budget, strengthens the middle class, and provides smart incentives for job creation is the path forward. A responsible combination of spending reductions, reforming the tax code, and economic growth through a growing middle class will accomplish exactly that." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Rated 99% by Alliance for Retired Americans (2019 Lifetime). (votesmart.org)
  • "Senator Reed strongly believes we must encourage more personal savings and investment for retirement, but it should not be at the expense of Social Security, the one program that offers stable, guaranteed income security to the elderly, disabled, and widows." (votesmart.org)
  • "Throughout his career, Reed has repeatedly voted to keep Social Security on sound financial footing and strongly opposes efforts to privatize the program or use it to pay for new tax breaks." (votesmart.org)
  • "Reed has worked to protect the retirement security of all Americans by strengthening and safeguarding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Endorsed by End Citizens United. (votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "As you work to prepare any fiscal year 2017 appropriations bills or continuing resolutions, we respectfully request that you reject any language that would limit the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) ability to develop, propose, issue, finalize, or implement a rule requiring public companies to disclose political spending to shareholders." (votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "In light of these developments, it is imperative that your administration use the remaining avenues available to promote greater disclosure and transparency in political spending." (votesmart.org)
  • "A decade ago, SCOTUS voted 5-4 to strike down campaign-spending rules, open the door to super PACS, & held that corporations have the same free speech rights as individuals. Congress must overturn #CitizensUnited & restore transparency to campaign finance laws." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Rated 7% by Center for Security Policy. (votesmart.org)
  • "We must end sequestration and provide additional resources so we can have a strong defense and a strong economy that works for all Americans." (votesmart.org)
  • "Reed has also secured billions of dollars in federal funding to modernize our military and bolster Rhode Island’s defense industry to create more high-paying jobs and expand opportunities for local businesses. Rhode Island’s 16,000 defense workers make a valuable contribution to our national security and generate more than $1.75 billion in local economic activity each year. Reed has worked hard to maintain and expand the U.S. Navy’s presence in Rhode Island by bringing additional commands, institutions, and projects to Naval Station Newport and Quonset Point." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Through his work on the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees, he works tirelessly to ensure that America’s fighting men and women have the equipment they need and the benefits they deserve." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "This bill maintains our critical commitment to transportation and housing. By providing smart, targeted funding for our roads, bridges, and transit systems, we help connect more Americans to jobs, reduce congestion, and make it easier to bring goods to market. This means greater opportunity and economic growth." (votesmart.org)
  • "We can't solve our infrastructure problems on the cheap and ignoring them will only make things worse. We need better roads, bridges, and mass transit infrastructure, and we need to invest wisely, in a strategic, coordinated way that will strengthen our economy now and in the future." (votesmart.org)
  • "These federal resources enable Rhode Island to create and sustain jobs, expand and improve our infrastructure, protect the environment, and help strengthen our national defense." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "This bill maintains our critical commitment to transportation and housing. By providing smart, targeted funding for our roads, bridges, and transit systems, we help connect more Americans to jobs, reduce congestion, and make it easier to bring goods to market. This means greater opportunity and economic growth." (votesmart.org)
  • "We can't solve our infrastructure problems on the cheap and ignoring them will only make things worse. We need better roads, bridges, and mass transit infrastructure, and we need to invest wisely, in a strategic, coordinated way that will strengthen our economy now and in the future." (votesmart.org)
  • "These federal resources enable Rhode Island to create and sustain jobs, expand and improve our infrastructure, protect the environment, and help strengthen our national defense." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Congress should work together to responsibly cut taxes for working families, restore our infrastructure, invest in the middle-class, and help small businesses grow. Instead, Republicans are using a closed process to benefit multi-national corporations and mega-donors at the expense of hardworking Americans." (votesmart.org)
  • "Corporations shouldn't be able to get out of paying their fair share of taxes by lavishing senior executives with jumbo bonuses at the expense of taxpayers, workers, and shareholders. This bill would eliminate a major loophole in the tax code," (votesmart.org)
  • "I oppose the Trump tax bill because it is unfair and irresponsible. It is an historic transfer of wealth from students, seniors, and working families to multi-national corporations and wealthy estates. It weakens America's financial stability and undermines the integrity of our tax system, baking corporate tax avoidance into the system." (votesmart.org)
  • "Reed supports the Paying a Fair Share Act of 2013, which would repeal unfair and unnecessary tax loopholes and expenditures, simplify the tax system, and make sure that the wealthiest Americans pay a fairer share of taxes." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Congress should work together to responsibly cut taxes for working families, restore our infrastructure, invest in the middle-class, and help small businesses grow. Instead, Republicans are using a closed process to benefit multi-national corporations and mega-donors at the expense of hardworking Americans." (votesmart.org)
  • "Corporations shouldn't be able to get out of paying their fair share of taxes by lavishing senior executives with jumbo bonuses at the expense of taxpayers, workers, and shareholders. This bill would eliminate a major loophole in the tax code," (votesmart.org)
  • "I oppose the Trump tax bill because it is unfair and irresponsible. It is an historic transfer of wealth from students, seniors, and working families to multi-national corporations and wealthy estates. It weakens America's financial stability and undermines the integrity of our tax system, baking corporate tax avoidance into the system." (votesmart.org)
  • "Reed supports the Paying a Fair Share Act of 2013, which would repeal unfair and unnecessary tax loopholes and expenditures, simplify the tax system, and make sure that the wealthiest Americans pay a fairer share of taxes." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "We are surging $2.2 trillion in assistance to combat coronavirus and help struggling families, businesses, hospitals, and communities. This federal funding should be a major boost, but the Trump Administration needs to get the money out quickly. Folks need immediate assistance to stay afloat and small businesses need cash-flow to survive this unprecedented downturn, said Senator Reed, who served on the bipartisan taskforce that negotiated the bill. "The Trump Administration must quickly get money where it needs to go: into the hands of people, small businesses, and leaders like Governor Raimondo. The entire delegation is working non-stop to ensure the federal government does its part to support Rhode Islanders." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association. (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "We are surging $2.2 trillion in assistance to combat coronavirus and help struggling families, businesses, hospitals, and communities. This federal funding should be a major boost, but the Trump Administration needs to get the money out quickly. Folks need immediate assistance to stay afloat and small businesses need cash-flow to survive this unprecedented downturn, said Senator Reed, who served on the bipartisan taskforce that negotiated the bill. "The Trump Administration must quickly get money where it needs to go: into the hands of people, small businesses, and leaders like Governor Raimondo. The entire delegation is working non-stop to ensure the federal government does its part to support Rhode Islanders." (votesmart.org)
  • "Despite its good intentions, No Child Left Behind was underfunded and relied on a top-down approach too focused on standardized testing. Assessment plays a critical role in education, but a strong system of assessment and accountability includes measures beyond standardized test scores. Without these other measures, we risk cheating students of the well-rounded education they deserve. The ESSA should raise the bar and foster stronger federal-state partnerships that will help more students achieve at a high standard." (votesmart.org)
  • "This legislation will replace the badly flawed and increasingly unworkable No Child Left Behind Act with a new framework--one that stays true to the transparency and focus on closing achievement gaps that were the hallmarks of No Child Left Behind while eliminating the one-size-fits-all approach to school improvement and allowing States to develop more holistic and robust accountability systems that move beyond test scores as the sole measure of school success." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association. (votesmart.org)
  • "Investing in clean energy increases American competitiveness and helps cut down on pollution." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance. (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 97% by League of Conservation Voters (2019 Lifetime). (votesmart.org)
  • "Despite its good intentions, No Child Left Behind was underfunded and relied on a top-down approach too focused on standardized testing. Assessment plays a critical role in education, but a strong system of assessment and accountability includes measures beyond standardized test scores. Without these other measures, we risk cheating students of the well-rounded education they deserve. The ESSA should raise the bar and foster stronger federal-state partnerships that will help more students achieve at a high standard." (votesmart.org)
  • "This legislation will replace the badly flawed and increasingly unworkable No Child Left Behind Act with a new framework--one that stays true to the transparency and focus on closing achievement gaps that were the hallmarks of No Child Left Behind while eliminating the one-size-fits-all approach to school improvement and allowing States to develop more holistic and robust accountability systems that move beyond test scores as the sole measure of school success." (votesmart.org)
  • "Warming temperatures and weather volatility pose a threat to our environment, economy, and national security, and Senator Reed believes that part of our mitigation strategy must include a national energy policy that limits carbon pollution, focuses on the development of clean, renewable energy sources that create jobs, and holds big polluters accountable." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Investing in clean energy increases American competitiveness and helps cut down on pollution." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance. (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 97% by League of Conservation Voters (2019 Lifetime). (votesmart.org)
  • "We know that pollution has real and costly health impacts. This proposal is a good step toward a cleaner energy future and reducing pollution. It sets achievable goals and gives states the flexibility to pursue the most cost-effective means of compliance," (votesmart.org)
  • "Warming temperatures and weather volatility pose a threat to our environment, economy, and national security, and Senator Reed believes that part of our mitigation strategy must include a national energy policy that limits carbon pollution, focuses on the development of clean, renewable energy sources that create jobs, and holds big polluters accountable." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Rated 97% by League of Conservation Voters (2019 Lifetime). (votesmart.org)
  • "We know that pollution has real and costly health impacts. This proposal is a good step toward a cleaner energy future and reducing pollution. It sets achievable goals and gives states the flexibility to pursue the most cost-effective means of compliance," (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America. (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prvent Gun Violence. (votesmart.org)
  • "There should be a basic background check on every gun sale, no matter where it happens. We have the technology, we have the tools, we have the public support to implement this. The only question is: will special interest like the National Rifle Association be able to stop this commonsense proposal from becoming law and saving lives?" (votesmart.org)
  • "Warming temperatures and weather volatility pose a threat to our environment, economy, and national security, and Senator Reed believes that part of our mitigation strategy must include a national energy policy that limits carbon pollution, focuses on the development of clean, renewable energy sources that create jobs, and holds big polluters accountable." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Senator Reed is a cosponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban, which would prohibit the sale of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Over the years, he has also introduced or cosponsored legislation to close loopholes in our background check system; make it illegal for those on the FBI terror watch list to buy a gun; and end the ban on gun violence research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America. (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prvent Gun Violence. (votesmart.org)
  • "There should be a basic background check on every gun sale, no matter where it happens. We have the technology, we have the tools, we have the public support to implement this. The only question is: will special interest like the National Rifle Association be able to stop this commonsense proposal from becoming law and saving lives?" (votesmart.org)
  • "Senator Reed is a cosponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban, which would prohibit the sale of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Over the years, he has also introduced or cosponsored legislation to close loopholes in our background check system; make it illegal for those on the FBI terror watch list to buy a gun; and end the ban on gun violence research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Rated 100% by American Public Health Association. (votesmart.org)
  • "This is beyond irresponsible. The President seems to be carrying out a personal vendetta to destabilize health insurance markets, raise everyone's costs, and leave more Americans without health care. This President is so determined to implode Obamacare that he doesn't seem to care about collateral damage to working families." (votesmart.org)
  • "He helped author key provisions of the health insurance reform law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to give individuals and families more choice and more control over their health care. For the first time, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for a pre-existing condition, charge women higher insurance rates, or put an annual or lifetime cap on how much they will pay for care." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Rated 100% by American Public Health Association. (votesmart.org)
  • "This is beyond irresponsible. The President seems to be carrying out a personal vendetta to destabilize health insurance markets, raise everyone's costs, and leave more Americans without health care. This President is so determined to implode Obamacare that he doesn't seem to care about collateral damage to working families." (votesmart.org)
  • "He helped author key provisions of the health insurance reform law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to give individuals and families more choice and more control over their health care. For the first time, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for a pre-existing condition, charge women higher insurance rates, or put an annual or lifetime cap on how much they will pay for care." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Even if you're #LeslieKnope, nobody wants sick coworkers showing up to work. Paid #sickleave saves lives. We need businesses & gov’t to work together to enhance paid sick leave & #familyleave policies to protect employees, customers, & communities." (twitter.com)
  • "For the last 5 days, Congressional Republicans needlessly delayed crucial assistance to help with #coronavirus testing, paid sick leave, expanded unemployment insurance & more. We must speed additional aid to people in need!" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "Even if you're #LeslieKnope, nobody wants sick coworkers showing up to work. Paid #sickleave saves lives. We need businesses & gov’t to work together to enhance paid sick leave & #familyleave policies to protect employees, customers, & communities." (twitter.com)
  • "For the last 5 days, Congressional Republicans needlessly delayed crucial assistance to help with #coronavirus testing, paid sick leave, expanded unemployment insurance & more. We must speed additional aid to people in need!" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "It takes food, health care, and retirement security away from children, seniors, and people with disabilities while adding funds for an ineffective border wall and tax cuts for millionaires." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 2% by NumbersUSA. (votesmart.org)
  • "The idea that Pres Trump is considering declaring a phony national emergency as a pretext to take billions of dollars away from our troops & defense priorities in order to pay for his wall should alarm all Americans." (twitter.com)
  • "Throughout his time in the Senate, Senator Reed has voted to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform, including the 2013 Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This bipartisan bill, which passed the Senate, would reduce our budget deficit and institute broad measures to secure our borders, deter employers from hiring those who come here illegally, and offer a tough but fair pathway to earned citizenship." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "It takes food, health care, and retirement security away from children, seniors, and people with disabilities while adding funds for an ineffective border wall and tax cuts for millionaires." (votesmart.org)
  • "The idea that Pres Trump is considering declaring a phony national emergency as a pretext to take billions of dollars away from our troops & defense priorities in order to pay for his wall should alarm all Americans." (twitter.com)
  • "Throughout his time in the Senate, Senator Reed has voted to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform, including the 2013 Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This bipartisan bill, which passed the Senate, would reduce our budget deficit and institute broad measures to secure our borders, deter employers from hiring those who come here illegally, and offer a tough but fair pathway to earned citizenship." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Rated 2% by NumbersUSA. (votesmart.org)
  • "Reed is a staunch supporter of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would give bright, law-abiding, hardworking immigrant students who serve in the military or attend college an opportunity to earn legal status." (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, I join my colleagues in Congress, hundreds of American business executives, thousands of higher education officials and faith leaders, and a majority of the American people who have made their voices heard over the past few days to denounce President Trump's elimination of DACA, and call for legislative action to protect Dreamers and provide them a realistic and responsible pathway to citizenship." (votesmart.org)
  • "Pres Trump’s heartless decision to revoke #DACA is un-American. #DefendDACA & support #Dreamers." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 2% by NumbersUSA. (votesmart.org)
  • "Reed is a staunch supporter of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would give bright, law-abiding, hardworking immigrant students who serve in the military or attend college an opportunity to earn legal status." (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, I join my colleagues in Congress, hundreds of American business executives, thousands of higher education officials and faith leaders, and a majority of the American people who have made their voices heard over the past few days to denounce President Trump's elimination of DACA, and call for legislative action to protect Dreamers and provide them a realistic and responsible pathway to citizenship." (votesmart.org)
  • "Pres Trump’s heartless decision to revoke #DACA is un-American. #DefendDACA & support #Dreamers." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 7% by Center for Security Policy. (votesmart.org)
  • "When it comes to North Korea, the United States has many tools -- diplomatic, financial, and others -- to work with, not just military options." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 7% by Center for Security Policy. (votesmart.org)
  • "When it comes to North Korea, the United States has many tools -- diplomatic, financial, and others -- to work with, not just military options." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Council for a Livable World. (votesmart.org)
  • "He also believes that the United States should be engaged in diplomacy to support our allies and build stronger relationships with emerging nations. He has focused on arms control and non-proliferation efforts to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists, and continues to support expanding our international development programs, which greatly contribute to global security and stability." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Pres Trump’s claim that he achieved a "great outcome" in Syria is misleading and delusional. He has not saved thousands of Kurdish lives, but he has benefited our adversaries and put America’s security interests at risk." (twitter.com)
  • "Senator Reed firmly believes that the deployment of our men and women in uniform is a decision not to be taken lightly, and that military force represents only one tool in our nation’s international affairs arsenal. That is why he voted against the Iraq War." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "I hope eventually, after a more thoughtful and strategic approach, these talks can get back on track. It will require consistent messaging from the White House about our expectations with regard to denuclearization without the bellicose threats of military action. I am concerned that this President and his team are not quite up to the task." (votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "While we acknowledge Kim Jong Un's change in behavior since your first meeting, we remain concerned owing to testimony on January 29, 2019 before the Senate Intelligence Committee, when our community intelligence leaders reported that the U.S. Intelligence Community is observing North Korean "activity that is inconsistent with full denuclearization," a statement that runs counter to the multiple assertions you have made about progress in the past year, including your claim after the Singapore meeting that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat. While you may disagree, we also note the assessment of ODNI Director Coats that "we currently assess that North Korea will seek to retain its WMD (weapons of mass destruction) capabilities and is unlikely to completely give up its nuclear weapons and production capability because its leaders ultimately view nuclear weapons as critical to regime survival." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Council for a Livable World. (votesmart.org)
  • "He also believes that the United States should be engaged in diplomacy to support our allies and build stronger relationships with emerging nations. He has focused on arms control and non-proliferation efforts to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists, and continues to support expanding our international development programs, which greatly contribute to global security and stability." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • "Pres Trump’s claim that he achieved a "great outcome" in Syria is misleading and delusional. He has not saved thousands of Kurdish lives, but he has benefited our adversaries and put America’s security interests at risk." (twitter.com)
  • "Senator Reed firmly believes that the deployment of our men and women in uniform is a decision not to be taken lightly, and that military force represents only one tool in our nation’s international affairs arsenal. That is why he voted against the Iraq War." (www.reed.senate.gov)
  • Rated 79% by Public Citizen. (votesmart.org)
  • "The Trump Admin claimed the #TrumpTax law would reduce U.S. debt & pay for itself. They lied. Trump inherited a strong economy & has weakened it w/ tax giveaways to the wealthiest & terrible trade policies. Sad!" (twitter.com)
  • "Trump's escalating trade war w/ China has been a total disaster. Pres Trump's failed trade policies & twitter tantrums are hurting middle-class families, costing America jobs & slowing economic growth. Trump talked a lot about winning but he’s failing manufacturers & our farmers!" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 79% by Public Citizen. (votesmart.org)
  • "The Trump Admin claimed the #TrumpTax law would reduce U.S. debt & pay for itself. They lied. Trump inherited a strong economy & has weakened it w/ tax giveaways to the wealthiest & terrible trade policies. Sad!" (twitter.com)
  • "Trump's escalating trade war w/ China has been a total disaster. Pres Trump's failed trade policies & twitter tantrums are hurting middle-class families, costing America jobs & slowing economic growth. Trump talked a lot about winning but he’s failing manufacturers & our farmers!" (twitter.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.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate all principles you support concerning abortion.

a) Abortions should always be legally available.
b) Abortions should be legal in all circumstances as long as the procedure is completed within the first trimester of pregnancy.
c) Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape or when the life of the woman is endangered.
d) Abortions should be legal only when the life of the woman is endangered.
e) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and notification requirements as decided by each state government.
f) Abortions should always be illegal.
X g) Other
Abortion should be legally available and consistent with Roe v. Wade.

Indicate your position concerning affirmative action programs.

a) The federal government should consider preferences to minority-owned businesses in granting government contracts.
b) The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public sector.
c) The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the private sector.
X d) The federal government should provide affirmative actions programs as long as such programs do not include quotas.
e) The federal government should not provide any affirmative action programs.
X f) Other
Support equal enforcement of civil rights act
Yes Do you support amending the US Constitution to require an annual balanced federal budget?

1) Indicate what changes you support (if any) concerning levels of federal funding for the following categories. Select one number only.2) Do you support the use of block grants given to states, rather than federal spending, in the following areas?

Slightly Increase a) AIDS Programs
Maintain Status b) Arts funding
Greatly Increase c) Education (K-12)
Maintain Status d) Environmental programs
Maintain Status e) Housing projects
Maintain Status f) Job training programs
Slightly Increase g) Law enforcement
Maintain Status h) Medicaid
Maintain Status i) Medicare
Greatly Decrease j) NASA
Slightly Increase k) Student loan programs
Maintain Status l) Welfare (AFDC)
m) Other
n) Other
o) Other
No a) Agriculture
No b) Education
No c) Farm subsidies
No d) Food stamps
No e) Law enforcement
No f) Medicaid
No g) Medicare
No h) School lunches
Yes i) Welfare
Yes j) Other
Retain national standards for federally funded programs.

Indicate which principles you support regarding campaign finance reform.

a) Prohibit Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to candidates for federal office.
X b) Establish spending limits on congressional campaigns and provide public funding for complying candidates.
c) Support legislation that would increase the federal limits on individual contributions.
X d) Pass legislation that would encourage full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information.
e) Remove all legislative limits on campaign financing.
f) Other

Indicate which principles you support to address crime.

a) Broaden use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
b) Increase spending to build more federal prisons.
X c) Impose "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole.
d) Support the use of "boot camps" as alternative sentencing for adult first-time felons.
e) Limit the number of appeals allowed to inmates on death row.
f) Fund programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X g) Expand funding for community policing programs.
X h) Increase penalties for the possession of any illegal firearms.
i) Prosecute youths accused of murder as adults.
X j) Increase funding for local Boys & Girls Clubs and other independent organizations in communities with at-risk youth.
k) Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
l) Deport all permanent resident aliens convicted of a felony.
m) Other

Indicate what changes you support (if any) regarding funding for the following categories. Select one number only.

Maintain Status 1) CIA appropriations
Maintain Status 2) Defense plant conversion
Maintain Status 3) Military hardware
Slightly Decrease 4) Military space shuttle missions
Maintain Status 5) Pay for active duty personnel
Maintain Status 6) Development of new weapons
Greatly Decrease 7) Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
Maintain Status 8) Armed Forces personnel training
Greatly Increase 9) Other
Ally Burden Sharing

3) Indicate which principles you support concerning education.

No 1) Do you support amending the United States Constitution to allow voluntary prayer and/or moment of silence in public schools?
Yes 2) Do you support funding the National Service Program (Ameri-Corps) in which young people receive money from the federal government for college in return for performing community service?
X a) Maintain the national standards and goals set forth in "Goals 2000".
b) Provide parents with vouchers to send their children to any publicly funded school.
c) Provide parents with vouchers to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
X d) Implement charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
e) Eliminate the Department of Education, thereby giving state and local government greater control over educational issues.
f) Other

Indicate which principles or programs you support regarding America's environment and natural resources.

a) Transfer public lands, such as federal forests and range lands, to the jurisdiction of state and local governments.
b) Require the federal government to reimburse citizens when environmental regulations limit use of privately owned lands.
X c) Strengthen the Clean Water Act.
d) Change the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to limit the number of habitats eligible to be designated as endangered.
e) Utilize cost-benefit analysis to determine economic impacts of proposed environmental protection and cleanup legislation.
X f) Increase fees charged to ranchers who graze cattle on federal lands.
X g) Revise the 1872 mining law to increase the amounts charged to mining companies using federal lands.
h) Encourage development of alternative fuels and electric cars to reduce pollution.
i) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks.
j) Increase federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels to promote conservation and alternative fuel development.
k) Require that a percentage of purchases made by federal agencies include recycled components.
l) Promote the selling of pollution credits to encourage industries to decrease amount of pollution.
X m) Other
Increase penalties and strengthen enforcement for environmental crimes.

Indicate which level of government should have primary responsibility for the following services. Select one level only.

Federal 1) Border security
Federal 2) Civil rights enforcement
Local 3) Education
State 4) Environmental cleanup
State 5) Job training
Local 6) Law enforcement
Federal 7) Low-income housing
Federal 8) Medicaid
Federal 9) Medicare
State 10) Welfare (AFDC)
11) Other

8) Indicate your position concerning economic aid to Russia and the former Soviet republics.9) Indicate which principles you support regarding US economic aid to foreign countries.10) Indicate which principles you support regarding the United States - United Nations relationship.

No 1) Should the US have diplomatic relations with the government of Cuba?
Yes 2) Should the US have diplomatic relations with the government of Vietnam?
Undecided 3) Should the US recognize and extend full diplomatic relations to Taiwan?
Undecided 4) Should the US continue funding for Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty?
No 5) Should the US continue funding for Radio Marti and TV Marti?
Undecided 6) Should the US continue funding for Radio Free Asia?
Yes 7) Do you support the deployment of US troops to the former Yugoslavia?
a) Economic aid to Russia and the former republics should be increased to facilitate democracy and market reforms.
b) Economic aid to Russia and the former republics should be continued unless Russia exports nuclear weapons or related technology.
c) Economic aid to Russia and the former republics should be decreased and/or eliminated.
X d) Other
a) Foreign aid should only be given when extraordinary circumstances and disaster threaten the lives of civilian populations.
b) Foreign aid should be given to countries only when it is in the security interests of the United States.
c) Foreign aid should be eliminated from any nation with documented human rights abuses.
d) Foreign aid should be maintained at current levels.
e) Other
a) The US should contribute more funding and troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
b) The US should participate in UN peacekeeping missions only when vital US interests are directly threatened.
c) The US should use military force only when the US border or territories are attacked or American citizens are in danger.
d) The US should pay the money it owes to the United Nations.
e) The US should withdraw from the UN completely.
f) Other
Economic aid

Indicate which principles you support concerning gun issues.

a) Expand the nationwide ban on the sale or transfer of assault weapons to include all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
X b) Increase restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
X c) Maintain all federal registration procedures and restrictions on possessing firearms.
d) Ease procedures on the purchase and registration of firearms.
e) Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms.
f) Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered.
X g) Other
Sponsored legislation to ban Saturday Night Specials.

Indicate which principles you support regarding America's health care system.

X a) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income.
b) Provide vouchers to the working poor so they can buy into a private health care plan.
c) Implement a government-financed, single-payer national health care system similar to that of Canada.
d) Support a "managed competition" health care plan to contain costs and improve access that does not include mandated health alliances, government cost control powers, or employer/employee mandates.
X e) Provide tax incentives for small businesses to help provide health care to their employees.
f) Allow middle and low income families to deduct yearly health care costs from their taxable income.
g) Establish limits on the amount of damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
h) Encourage tax-free medical savings accounts, which would be taxed if used for any purpose other than medical costs.
i) The federal government has no responsibility in providing health care.
X j) Other
Develop ... Health Care plan

Indicate which principles you support concerning illegal drugs.

a) Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
b) Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
X c) Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers.
X d) Require drug testing for federal employees in sensitive positions (Air Traffic Control, National Park Police, Secret Service, etc.).
X e) Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances, including inhalants and commercially available pills.
f) Increase funding of federally-sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs.
g) Decriminalize the possession and private use of marijuana.
X h) Other
Oppose efforts to cut safe and drug free school resources.

Indicate which principles you support regarding issues relating to immigration.

a) Further limit the number of immigrants allowed into the country.
b) Prohibit states from passing laws that deny human services (medical care, education) to illegal immigrants or their children.
c) Ease citizenship requirements in order to make it easier for immigrants to become United States citizens.
d) Establish English as the official and recognized language of the United States.
e) Provide extra federal aid to states with higher numbers of immigrants for necessary medical and social services.
f) Restrict the eligibility of legal immigrants for certain social programs (i.e. AFDC, HUD housing, food stamps, etc.).
g) Children of illegal immigrants, born in the United States, should not automatically receive US citizenship.
X h) Other
Voted for 1996 Immigration Reform bill.
No Should the President be allowed to veto certain items of legislation while signing spending or tax bills into law?
Americans celebrate their rights, but sometimes forget their responsibilites which undermines and diminishes us as individuals. Restoring morality and ethics requires policies that make work rewarding enough to support a family. It also means holding politicians to the highest ethical standards and combating images of violence seen by our children.

Indicate which principles you support regarding the poor and homeless.

X a) Provide tax incentives for companies to hire and train homeless people who want to work.
b) Increase funding of homeless shelters and low income housing projects.
c) Increase funding of programs that help alcoholics and drug addicts recover and find steady work.
X d) Increase the minimum wage.
e) Provide homeless families with apartment vouchers they can use to supplement the cost of an apartment.
f) Provide government jobs for those who wish to work and cannot find a job in the private sector.
g) Increase the income tax deduction on individual contributions made to charities that help the poor and homeless.
X h) Implement enterprise zones in communities with high unemployment.
X i) Other
Oppose cuts in existing homelessness and anti-poverty initiatives.

1) Indicate the changes you support (if any) concerning the tax levels for the following categories. Select one number only.Income TaxesOther Tax Issues

a) Retiree income over $40,000
b) Family income less than $25,000
c) Family income $25-75,000
d) Family income $75-150,000
e) Family income over $150,000
f) Alcohol taxes
g) Capital gains taxes
h) Charitable deductions
i) Cigarette taxes
j) Corporate income taxes
k) Earned income tax credit
l) Estate taxes
m) Medical expense deductions
n) Mortgage deductions
o) Other
No 2) Do you support replacing the US income tax structure with a flat income tax?
No 3) Do you support replacing the US income tax structure with a broad-based consumption tax?

2) If you support term limits, how many years should each serve?

No 1) Do you support amending the Constitution to limit the number of terms which members of Congress can serve?
Senator (years)
Representatives (years)

Indicate which principles you support concerning terrorism.

a) Relax current guidelines that forbid the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from investigating terrorist groups when there is a "reasonable indication" of terrorist activities.
X b) Relax wiretapping restrictions to give the FBI broader authority to investigate terrorist suspects.
X c) Require that chemical tracing agents be added to commercially-sold products that can be used to produce explosives.
X d) Implement tighter restrictions on firearm sales in an effort to hinder terrorist groups from stockpiling weapon arsenals.
e) Grant broader authority to the US Immigration and Naturalization Service to deny entrance visas to terrorist suspects.
f) Maintain limits on the authority of federal agencies investigating suspected terrorists.
g) Restrict the investigative authority of the FBI and other governmental agencies.
h) Other
No 1) Do you support the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
2) Do you support broadening NAFTA to include other countries?
Yes 3) Do you support the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?
Undecided 4) Do you support the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
Yes 5) Do you support lifting the trade embargo imposed against Cuba?
Yes 6) Do you support imposing tariffs on products imported from nations that maintain restrictive trade barriers on American products?
Undecided 7) Should a nation's human rights record affect its "most favored nation" trading status with the United States?

Indicate which principles you support regarding unemployment.

X a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment.
b) Increase funding for national job-training programs.
X c) Increase funding for public works projects such as the repair of roads and bridges.
d) Eliminate government regulations of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X e) Establish enterprise zones in areas with large numbers of unemployed people.
f) Overhaul the current unemployment system by focusing on training and education in skills needed in certain industries.
g) Eliminate any governmental programs designed to reduce unemployment.
X h) Other
Reform retraining program

Indicate which principles you support regarding the US welfare system.

X a) Strengthen child support collection procedures and increase penalties for parents who do not pay child support.
b) Impose a two-year limit on welfare benefits for recipients who are able to work.
c) Require welfare recipients to accept some form of government-sponsored job after two years if unemployed in the private sector.
d) Require that unwed teenage mothers live with a parent or guardian (if possible) and attend school to receive benefits.
e) Limit the benefits given to single women if they have additional children while receiving welfare benefits.
X f) Provide child care services to welfare recipients who work or attend school.
g) Provide rent or housing supplement vouchers for low-income families.
h) Make no substantial changes at this time.
X i) Increase funding of programs that prevent teen pregnancy and family break-up.
X j) Support programs that give incentives for employers to hire and train welfare recipients.
X k) Other
Voted for 1996 Welfare REform bill which establishes term limits and work requirements.
2) Should your priorities require additional government funding, please explain how you intend to obtain the additional funding.
Regrettably, the past Congress has concentrated on tearing down programs that improve education, protect the environment, and care for older Americans, in the name of balancing the budget. We all agree that balancing the budget is necessary, but it must be done correctly and fairly. If elected, my two main legislative priorities are to preserve the basic social safety net while balancing the budget, as well as expanding educational and employment opportunities for every American.

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