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Joe Courtney's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Joe Courtney did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "At a time when more than 60% of Americans of all backgrounds still back the Court's decision in Roe vs. Wade, this decision, if it holds, would do exactly that." Courtney added, "The House has acted to pass legislation to protect a woman's right to reproductive freedom. It is time for the Senate to do the same." Courtney is an original cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755) to codify the precedent of Roe into law. The bill passed the House with Courtney's support on September 24, 2021." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In 1990, we passed legislation in the Connecticut General Assembly to codify abortion rights in our state law. That still stands today. Last year, we passed the Women’s Health Protection Act in the House to do the same nationwide. The Senate needs to pass that bill immediately." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 99% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "#SocialSecurity needs to keep up with our changing economy. I’m a staunch supporter of the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act, which would enhance benefits and ensure we’re taking the necessary steps so that Social Security is here for Americans through the next century." (twitter.com)
  • "Honest ads -- standardizes disclosure requirements for political contributions made by corporations, unions, and other groups and requires online political advertisements to include certain disclosures." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 93% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Now is not the time to be timid in our response to racial injustice. This week, the House voted and passed the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act, marking an important step towards a more just and equitable police presence across the country." (twitter.com)
  • "The eyes of the world were on Houston, TX today to watch George Floyd’s funeral. His family’s description of his love for his mother who he called out to with his final breath should stir the hearts of every American." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7120 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • “This deal is great news for both Connecticut’s defense industry and our overall economy. The bill contains strong support for all of Connecticut’s defense manufacturing priorities, including my amendment to authorize the Navy to sign an agreement with Electric Boat and its partners to build up to 13 Virginia-class submarines under the next block contract. This will help meet urgent national security needs and further expand on the growing impact that submarine construction is having in our state." (courtney.house.gov)
  • "U.S. Rep Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, on Thursday joined in a bipartisan vote of the House Armed Services Committee to approve a boost in federal defense spending that he says contains historic support for shipbuilding and submarine construction and procurement." (courtney.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "This bill marks the end of a year-long process to secure a bipartisan deal to fund the federal government, and end the persistent threat of looming government shutdowns,” said Courtney. “This deal is great news for both Connecticut’s defense industry and our overall economy. The bill contains strong support for all of Connecticut’s defense manufacturing priorities, including my amendment to authorize the Navy to sign an agreement with Electric Boat and its partners to build up to 13 Virginia-class submarines under the next block contract. This will help meet urgent national security needs and further expand on the growing impact that submarine construction is having in our state." (courtney.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "Back in Washington to keep working towards new COVID relief, great to catch up with @richcoppola8 on @WTNH to talk more about our bipartisan work to support the surge in eastern CT manufacturing. Thanks for the chance to catch up, interview coming out soon." (twitter.com)
  • "The American Rescue Plan Act originated in the House of Representatives, and provides a new round of loan forgiveness and emergency disaster grants for small businesses and non-profits through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), establishes a nationwide Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and extends new support to farmers and agricultural producers." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The CFAP direct purchasing program is back on the table, and in addition to rolling out $6 billion in recently authorized COVID-19 relief that's going to give a boost to our dairy farmers and crop growers, President Biden's USDA made sure that our shellfish and hemp farmers are going to remain eligible for this direct assistance--a huge boost for them that we fought to secure throughout some of the toughest months of 2020. I've stayed in close touch with our fishermen and farmers throughout this pandemic, and there's no doubt that folks are still working hard to battle back. The new support Congress authorized is more fuel in their tanks, and my office is ready to help every single one of our farmers go out and apply for it." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) voted to pass the Relief for Restaurants and Other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act (H.R. 3807), a bill that would provide desperately needed relief to tens of thousands of restaurants and small businesses across the U.S. that are still working to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic—including many in eastern Connecticut." (courtney.house.gov)
  • "Last week, we took action to cut costs for families by passing the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act – a bill to increase competition among producers and choice among consumers. These are some of the most immediate ways we can stem the effects of global inflation here at home." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7688 “Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "We’ve gotten some big things done in Congress recently, and lots of it in bipartisan fashion. I provided an update to @ChamberECT on the PACT Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, and the benefits they’re going to bring for our region and economy." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 2547 “Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "For millions of Americans burdened by #studentdebt, the chance to refinance their interest rates to 0% would give them the breathing room to open a business, buy a home, or start a family. My bill, the Zero-Percent Student Loan Refinancing Act, gives borrowers that chance." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 93% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks the 55th anniversary of the #VotingRights. Our friend John Lewis dedicated his life to the fight to protect voting rights for every American, and we should work to honor his life’s work by protecting the fundamental right to vote #ForThePeople." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4 “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5746 “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 - Climate Action Now Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "President Biden’s #EarthDay pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. half by 2030 helps us protect our planet and grow our economy. Renewable energy like offshore wind is the way of the future, and eastern Connecticut is already in the game." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in Favor of S J Res 14 - A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Background checks save lives, and #HR8 would ensure ALL gun sales require one. Congress has a responsibility to address gun violence, and background checks are a universally supported way to do it. These are preventable tragedies. Change is well past due." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by The National Rifle Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Voilence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, we passed the #ProtectingOurKidsAct – a package of commonsense gun laws that will help curb senseless mass shootings and keep our communities safe. It’s been 10 years since our state experienced the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary. We can’t wait any longer to act." (twitter.com)
  • "Following last week’s attempt by the Trump Admin to dismantle the #ACA in its entirety, from which millions of Americans receive coverage, today the House passed the H.R. 1425, to further strengthen the ACA to benefit more individuals & families." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1425 “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 987 “MORE Health Education Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "That is why I am a cosponsor of the #FAMILYAct that would guarantee #paidleave for moms, dads, and other carryovers to finally make workplaces more equitable and family friendly. #FMLA25" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Thanks to the @CTMirror for sharing my op-ed on our work to give Americans from all walks of life a better, fairer deal on prescription drug prices through bills like the #LowerDrugCostsNow Act." (twitter.com)
  • "The rising cost of #prescriptiondrugs effects everyone & curbing it is a top priority of this Congress. Proud to take the issue head-on last week & vote to pass #HR987, the Strengthening #HealthCare & Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act. #ProtectOurCare" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3 “Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6833 “The Affordable Insulin Now Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This bill clearly demonstrates the consensus of support for both #DREAMers and reasonable border security, and a testament to the hard work of @RepPeteAguilar. #USAact" (twitter.com)
  • "#USAact is a reasonable, bipartisan approach to both a #DACA fix and common sense border security. The 690K #DACA recipients who started losing their status in October deserve immediate action. Time to bring this bill to the house floor." (twitter.com)
  • "President Trump's move to rescind DACA is a misguided attempt at punishing children for the actions of their parents," said Courtney. "The president's decision to remove temporary protection for DREAMers will lead to the indiscriminate deportation of some of the brightest and most talented students in our country. " (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Admin's plan to deport international students over public health decisions made by colleges—not by students—was totally irrational. Glad to see they've walked back this half-baked plan thanks to opposition from students, faculty,& university presidents." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Admin's plan to deport international students over public health decisions made by colleges—not by students—was totally irrational. Glad to see they've walked back this half-baked plan thanks to opposition from students, faculty,& university presidents." (twitter.com)
  • "Putin’s pathetically scripted decision to seize the Donbass and Luhansk regions of #Ukraine is a brazen violation of international law. The civilized world can't look the other way, and I support the swift decision of US & EU allies to impose sanctions." (twitter.com)
  • "The US and our allies are in sync—Putin moved troops into east #Ukraine and wants to go further. I support these initial US/EU sanctions, which cut him & his oligarchs off from Western financial systems while they're shredding the international rule of law." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 “Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • "Max Boot’s grim account of Russian war crimes in Bucha is stark proof of why US/NATO assistance needs to be redoubled. Military aid can increase Ukraine’s forward momentum while Putin struggles to regroup." (twitter.com)
  • "Ukraine is bravely fighting back Putin’s invasion, and Congress is unified to provide them with the support they need. The new #Ukraine aid package redoubles our military assistance, provides resources to address the humanitarian crisis, and helps the Ukrainian economy." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S. 3522 “Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, I was joined by 418 of my colleagues in the House in voting on the passage of my #bipartisan bill to repeal the 40% excise tax on employer-sponsored healthcare plans, the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act #HR748" (twitter.com)
  • "Child tax credit payments authorized under the #AmericanRescuePlan will save eastern CT families an average of $2,400. That’s cash back into the pockets of working families who need it most." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 5% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The U.S. is taking serious steps to hold Putin accountable for his horrific attacks on the Ukrainian people. So far, we’ve: ?Suspended normal trade relations with Russia ?Banned Russian oil imports ?Cut off Russian banks from the global economy" (twitter.com)
  • "The USMCA takes an existing flawed agreement, and overhauls it by establishing an enforcement regime with real teeth. It's the first trade agreement that I've supported since coming to Congress, and it's the strong changes from the original version of the bill that convinced me to vote yes," said Courtney. "This deal allows our Departments of Labor and State to conduct on-site inspections to guarantee compliance with labor and environmental standards, and removes the exclusivity provisions for pharmaceuticals that would have stripped Congress of its ability to modify patent law. It also helps open up new markets to our dairy farmers, correcting a longstanding unfairness that will provide relief for a sector that has really taken it on the chin with lowered prices caused by the tariff wars." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)

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