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John Garamendi's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (CA) - District 8

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (CA-03) and Mark Pocan (WI-02) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin requesting him to scrutinize mergers in the defense industry. This comes after a Department of Defense report in February 2022 that identifies consolidation in the defense industry as a threat that can “reduce the availability of key supplies and equipment, diminish vendors’ incentives for innovation and performance in government contracts, and lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.” “We write to express concern with defense industry consolidation and urge the Department to assist the Federal Trade Commission in assessing past merger impacts on defense programs; namely […] the 2018 Northrop Grumman - Orbital ATK merger,” the lawmakers wrote. “In January 2022, the Federal Trade Commission blocked the proposed merger of Lockheed Martin and Aerojet Rocketdyne over concerns that Lockheed would use its control of Aerojet to increase prices, and the increased industry consolidation would result in lower quality goods and services to the Department of Defense.” The lawmakers continued, “We remain concerned that the 2018 merger between Northrop Grumman and Orbital ATK poses the same threats […] Post-merger, Northrop enjoys virtually unilateral power to set prices on some of the most expensive military weapons on the planet, nuclear weapons […] It is critical that this merger, and all defense industry mergers, are subject to adequate scrutiny, both to keep defense contractor profiteering at bay and to advance national security priorities.”

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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 2024.

  • Voted in favor of HR 8296: "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "A majority of Americans support the protections provided by Roe v. Wade, and in a democracy, it is incumbent upon elected officials to carry out the will of the voters. That's why I voted to pass the "Women's Health Protection Act' in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year. This bill would--at last--protect abortion rights across the country by making the protections in Roe v. Wade federal law." (None)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297: "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (None)
  • "Seniors and disabled citizens rely on Social Security benefits for a large portion of their income, and it's about time for Social Security benefits to reflect their lifestyles," said Garamendi. "Using a COLA that actually reflects how retirees spend their money -- especially in health care -- is a no-brainer that will increase benefits and make Social Security work better for the people it serves." (None)
  • Rated 97% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • Rated 5% National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "The 2017 Republican tax bill's cap on SALT is terrible public policy that forces my constituents to pay additional federal taxes on previously taxed income. This law has cost Californians over $12 billion, it puts a financial strain on middle-class families, and disincentivizes home ownership. This policy is particularly devastating for seniors who own homes and live on fixed incomes. I vowed to do everything in my power to restore the SALT deduction after the Republican tax plan was signed into law, and I'm pleased to vote for the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act today. I commend Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) for introducing this legislation, and I will work to ensure it becomes law," (None)
  • "Under this bill, fat cats win and you lose. Half of the money from this $1.5 trillion tax scam go to America's richest one percent. Meanwhile, taxes on the middle class will go up. Over 18,000 people in my district will no longer be able to deduct their medical costs. 128,000 of my constituents will be barred from deducting their state and local taxes. Graduates will be barred from deducting the interest on their student loans. And all of it is being done to allow multimillionaires, major corporations, and the Trump family to get a massive tax break." (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 5% National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "Under this bill, fat cats win and you lose. Half of the money from this $1.5 trillion tax scam go to America's richest one percent. Meanwhile, taxes on the middle class will go up. Over 18,000 people in my district will no longer be able to deduct their medical costs. 128,000 of my constituents will be barred from deducting their state and local taxes. Graduates will be barred from deducting the interest on their student loans. And all of it is being done to allow multimillionaires, major corporations, and the Trump family to get a massive tax break." (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 95% by End Citizens United (None)
  • "The right to vote is sacred. One person, one vote. Sadly, voting rights are under an all-out assault in America. That's why we need #HR1 - the #ForThePeopleAct - which will ensure fair and secure elections by protecting access to the ballot box and cleaning up corruption." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "House Dems passed the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act. It's time for the Senate to take it up. Join us in sending a message to Trump and Senate Republicans that we need comprehensive police reform NOW." (www.facebook.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4350: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Every year, the House Armed Services Committee goes through an exhaustive, bipartisan process to set policy for our Armed Forces. This bill authorizes $716 billion in defense spending, by far the largest defense bill authored by the Committee. As a member of the Committee, I'm satisfied that we have produced legislation that provides our men and women in uniform the support they need to successfully prosecute our nation's armed conflicts and defend us against all the threats our country faces. Our Committee works the way the public expects Congress to work: A truly bipartisan bill, amended over long hours of debate and negotiations, in pursuit of shared goals. I'm pleased with many aspects of this bill. It provides our men and women in uniform with their highest pay raise in a decade. It requires certain ship components to be manufactured within the National Technology and Industrial Base, which further enhances our national security and creates domestic jobs. It makes needed reforms to laws that define the roles and responsibilities of the Coast Guard, and creates an independent commission to study military aviation safety in light of a series of recent incidents." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2: "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The Infrastructure and Jobs Act is a historic law that will rebuild California's crumbling infrastructure and invest in the American middle class," Garamendi said. "The legislation includes much-needed support for America's roads and bridges, climate, water infrastructure, rural broadband, and more. It will also create new middle-class jobs by rebuilding our nation's crumbling infrastructure using American materials and workers." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "It’s no secret — California needs more housing. That’s why I’m working to increase our housing stock. As of today my district will receive almost $16 million to provide homes to the homeless and to develop new housing. This will help keep our communities vibrant for years to come" (x.com)
  • "California was built by a strong middle-class, we can’t allow that to fade away. Nurses, teachers, mechanics and welders should all be able to afford to purchase homes in our state. That’s why I voted for over $150 billion in federal affordable housing investments." (x.com)
  • "This week I voted for an appropriations bill to provide $225 million to strengthen investments in housing. This includes $25.8 million for California--the most of any state. Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable housing." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Thrilled to be joining @POTUS today at the Port of Los Angeles to discuss how my Ocean Shipping Reform Act will help end inflation, save consumers money, and protect American jobs!" (twitter.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act will not only crush inflation, it’s going to create American jobs, help us transition to clean energy, and save American families hundreds of dollars on energy costs. I look forward to casting my vote in favor of this crucial legislation." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "40% of Americans with student debt didn’t receive a degree. Trapped in a cycle of debt but lacking the increased pay from a college degree, they struggle to make ends meet working blue-collar jobs. Ordinary hardworking Americans. That’s who benefits from student debt forgiveness" (twitter.com)
  • "@POTUS is helping millions of Americans find relief from the unnecessary burden of student loan debt. Middle class families will be able to put food on the table and make ends meet thanks to this." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The right to vote is sacred. One person, one vote. Sadly, voting rights are under an all-out assault in America. That's why we need #HR1 - the #ForThePeopleAct - which will ensure fair and secure elections by protecting access to the ballot box and cleaning up corruption." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447: "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "Similarly, we must address the increasing costs Americans are bearing at the hands of climate change. This bill's $369 billion investment in climate action will unleash a renaissance in clean energy technology, creating millions of new, high-paying manufacturing jobs, and build the next generation of American energy and transportation." (None)
  • Rated 91% by League of Conservation Voters (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1146: "Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1941: "Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1446: "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "I'm a rancher and gun owner, and I value the Second Amendment, but there is no place for the sound of automatic weapons fire on our streets. I do not believe that massacres such as what happened last night should be the price we pay for our constitutional freedoms. I believe that Congress can and should take actions to make Americans safer, and this debate is long past due." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808: "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "This critical legislation establishes a paid sick leave program to ensure no one is forced to choose between paying the bills and protecting themselves from the virus, and strengthens unemployment insurance to ensure laid off and furloughed workers don't suffer during these trying times. I urge the Senate and President to act quickly and support this legislation to provide American families with the support and resources they deserve," (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "For too long, the price of lifesaving prescription drugs has bankrupted American families. No more. This bill caps out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 and allows Medicare finally to directly negotiate the price of drugs." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2: "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 8% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • Voted against HR 5525: "Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 8% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "President Trump's administration has taken DACA recipients hostage and separated families in an attempt to force Congress to submit to damaging changes to our nation's legal immigration system," said Garamendi. "Fresh off the failure of the Goodlatte bill last week, Republican leadership attempted to pass a bill that's even worse--and they got the result they deserved. The bill explicitly takes DACA recipients hostage in exchange for President Trump's border wall. Even worse, the bill allows indefinite detention of migrant families, including children, without a guarantee of due process. I saw visited and investigated those facilities firsthand last Saturday: they are a moral outrage, and any immigration legislation must address this issue. This bill does not." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6: "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968: "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108: "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (votesmart.org)
  • 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." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S3522: "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.

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