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Susan Collins' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
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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.

Susan Collins 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.

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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 2020.

  • Voted in favor of S 311 - Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "I have consistently opposed eliminating federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides important family planning, cancer screening, and basic preventive health care services to millions of women across the country. For many women, Planned Parenthood clinics provide the only health care services they receive." (votesmart.org)
  • "Mr. President, I am opposed to late-term abortions and would support legislation to ban them except in unusual circumstances. A carefully drawn, short list of exceptions to apply in those rare cases should have been included in this bill. Regrettably, the bill before us provides no exception for when the physical health of the mother is at risk of serious harm, the most glaring deficiency in this legislation." (votesmart.org)
  • "I don't think there is a single American who thinks that our current tax code is fair, simple, or promotes economic growth. We need a tax system that will boost the economy, help the middle class, and encourage small businesses to grow and create jobs. If we stimulate the economy through tax reform, we can significantly increase federal revenues while boosting Americans' take-home pay." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "As an original cosponsor of the 2002 bipartisan Campaign Reform law, known as "McCain-Feingold," I was very disappointed that the Supreme Court struck down so many of its key provisions. Throughout my service in the Senate, I have worked for greater transparency in our campaign financing system, and I continue to believe that this system must and can be further reformed." (votesmart.org)
  • "Meaningful reform of our campaign finance laws is achievable in a manner consistent with the First Amendment. One approach is to strengthen transparency laws to ensure that voters have quick and easy access to information that can help them make informed decisions. That is why I am a cosponsor of a bill introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), the Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act, which would require all election-related designations, statements, and reports to be filed directly with the Federal Election Commission. I also support legislation proposed by Senator Angus King (I-ME) which would require campaigns to notify the FEC within 48 hours of receiving campaign contributions of $1,000 or more, and that would require Senate candidates to file reports directly with the FEC, instead of with the Secretary of the Senate." (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Rated 87% by Center for Security Policy. (votesmart.org)
  • "This legislation is vitally important, not only for strengthening the defense of our nation, but also for bolstering our support for the brave men and women in our armed forces and ensuring that they have the equipment they need to carry out their missions effectively. I am particularly pleased that the NDAA includes the largest pay increase for our troops in a decade as well as an amendment I authored to help servicemembers acquire the skills they need to obtain good-paying jobs upon returning to civilian life." (votesmart.org)
  • "Senator Collins has a strong record of supporting federal investment in Maine's infrastructure. This investment not only creates jobs, but also provides lasting benefits to our communities. Senator Collins has worked to secure federal funding for important transportation projects in Maine such as the replacement of Memorial Bridge between Kittery and Portsmouth, increased capital investments for the Amtrak Downeaster, and the replacing of the breakwater in the Port of Eastport. In addition to the transportation benefits, these infrastructure investments will provide significant economic benefits to the region, both in the short term and for years to come." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 22 - Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "I don't think there is a single American who thinks that our current tax code is fair, simple, or promotes economic growth. We need a tax system that will boost the economy, help the middle class, and encourage small businesses to grow and create jobs. If we stimulate the economy through tax reform, we can significantly increase federal revenues while boosting Americans' take-home pay." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "Along with Senator Olympia Snowe, Senator Collins commissioned the Maine No Child Left Behind task force to examine issues facing Maine under the NCLB law and Maine Learning Results. Based on the task force's recommendations, Senators Collins and Snowe co-authored the No Child Left Behind Flexibility and Improvements Act. The bill reforms NCLB by giving states, school districts, and schools greater control and flexibility in implementing and executing the law." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 75% by National Education Association. (votesmart.org)
  • "The Every Student Succeeds Act returns much needed flexibility to the State departments of education and to local school districts. The bill would remove the high-stakes accountability system that was simply proven to be unworkable under No Child Left Behind. Instead, the bill would empower States to set the goals for their schools and students and design ways to improve student achievement. The bill would also eliminate the burdensome, overly prescriptive parts of No Child Left Behind, such as the definition of a ``highly qualified teacher,'' which is a perfect example of something that sounds great but in fact proved unworkable in many of the small and rural schools in my State where teachers are called upon to teach a wide range of subjects." (votesmart.org)
  • "Senator Collins has worked to advance legislation that would promote clean energy initiatives, such as accelerating research of plug-in hybrid technologies for heavy duty trucks, providing incentives for producing alternative fuels from biomass, and improving the energy efficiency of motor vehicles and appliances, among others." (votesmart.org)
  • "Senator Collins voted against a significant attempt to roll back the Clean Air Act, which would have prohibited the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions forever, no matter what the health consequences are, no matter what future scientific research reveals, no matter the environmental impact." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S J Res 53 - 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 "Repeal of the Clean Power Plan; Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Electric Utility Generating Units; Revisions to Emission Guidelines Implementing Regulations". (votesmart.org)
  • "As a nation, we must examine the common thread that connects many acts of gun violence: untreated or under-treated serious mental illness," said Senator Collins. "Our legislation would help to provide a way for family members and law enforcement officers to temporarily prevent people who pose a danger to themselves and others from purchasing or possessing firearms. Several states already have "red flag' laws, which enhance gun safety while retaining important due process protections and preserving the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens." (votesmart.org)
  • "Gun violence is a problem that affects far too many communities across the country," said Senator Collins. "Family members and law enforcement officers are often in the best position to identify when someone poses an immediate threat to themselves or others, but in many cases they are unable to intervene before it is too late. Our bipartisan legislation would provide a way for them to temporarily prevent dangerous individuals from possessing firearms. Several states already have "red flag' laws, which enhance gun safety while retaining important due process protections and preserving the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 83% by American Public Health Association. (votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "We are writing to express our grave concern over the Department of Justice's recent decision to not only continue its refusal to defend protections for people with pre-existing conditions in the ongoing litigation challenging the Affordable Care Act (ACA) before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, but also to argue in favor of repealing the entire ACA." (votesmart.org)
  • "The Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land, and it is the Department of Justice's duty to defend it. "The Administration should work with Congress to fix the law's problems legislatively, while ensuring that the protections for the millions of Americans who are living with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease remain in place." (votesmart.org)
  • "While I do support the ongoing effort to repeal and replace Obamacare, the inclusion of these harmful Planned Parenthood provisions had no place in this legislation." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act. (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "I have consistently supported funding for the construction of physical barriers and strengthening security on our southern border." (votesmart.org)
  • "It's imperative that Congress act so that young people who were brought to the United States as children, through no decision of their own, can stop living in fear of deportation. I have talked with "Dreamers" living in Maine who have grown up in our State and have known no other country as their home," said Senator Collins. "This issue transcends political divisions, with members of both parties expressing sympathy for the "Dreamers" and support for a legislative solution. I am proud to join this growing bipartisan group of leaders in advancing this important effort that will fairly address the needs of the DACA population, strengthen border security, and help improve our immigration system." (votesmart.org)
  • "Our legislation underscores the broad, bipartisan commitment to creating a path to citizenship for Dreamers, who were brought to this country illegally through no decision of their own, while strengthening border security to help stop the flow of illegal immigrants as well as drugs like heroin that are ruining lives." (votesmart.org)
  • "Given the credible and serious threat North Korea poses to our country, and in particular to U.S. forces and our allies in the region, I welcome the Administration's success in securing new economic sanctions against North Korea at the UN. The unanimous passage of these strict sanctions, the economic pressure they will exert on North Korea, and the fact that the Chinese government voted for the sanctions are significant developments that I hope will lead Kim Jong Un to curtail his extremely dangerous and destabilizing pursuit of nuclear weapons." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 87% by Center for Security Policy. (votesmart.org)
  • "In reviewing the text of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the replacement for the deeply flawed NAFTA, my paramount concern was ensuring that Maine workers will be protected. After careful assessment of the benefits USMCA will have for those employed in Maine's manufacturing industry, agriculture sector, and small businesses, I will vote in support of the USMCA. " (votesmart.org)
  • "I remain very skeptical about granting the President TPA as it paves the way for TPP, which could in turn threaten many American jobs." (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.
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 which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
b) Abortions should always be legal.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester.
d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Dilation and extraction or "partial-birth" abortion procedures should be legal.
g) Medicare, Medicaid, and federal subsidies should be prohibited from being used on abortion procedures.
I am pro-choice. I believe late-term abortions should be banned, except in those rare cases when it is necessary to save the life of a woman or to protect her physical health from grievous harm.

Indicate 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.1) Budget Priorities2) Defense Spending3) 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.Family Income TaxesOther TaxesDeductions/Credits

Greatly Decrease a) Agriculture
Slightly Increase b) Arts
Slightly Increase c) Defense
Greatly Increase d) Education
Slightly Increase e) Environment
Slightly Increase f) FEMA
Slightly Increase g) Homeland security
Maintain Status h) International aid
Slightly Increase i) Law enforcement (Federal)
Slightly Increase j) Law enforcement (State)
Greatly Increase k) Medical research
Greatly Increase l) National parks
Slightly Increase m) Public health services
Greatly Increase n) Scientific research
Maintain Status o) Space exploration programs
Greatly Increase p) Transportation and highway infrastructure
Slightly Decrease q) United Nations
Maintain Status r) Welfare
Slightly Increase a) Armed forces personnel training
Slightly Increase b) Intelligence operations
Slightly Increase c) Military hardware
Slightly Increase d) Modernization of weaponry and equipment
Maintain Status e) National missile defense
Slightly Increase f) Pay for active duty personnel
Greatly Increase g) Programs to improve troop retention rates
Slightly Increase h) Research and development of new weapons
Greatly Increase i) Troop and equipment readiness
Eliminate a) Less than $12,000
Slightly Decrease b) $12,001-$40,000
Slightly Decrease c) $40,001-$100,000
Maintain Status d) $100,001-$180,000
Maintain Status e) $180,001-$350,000
f) $350,001 and above
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increase c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Slightly Decrease f) Inheritance taxes
Slightly Increase a) Charitable contribution deduction
Slightly Increase b) Child tax credit
Slightly Increase c) Earned income tax credit
Slightly Increase d) Medical expense deduction
Maintain Status e) Mortgage deduction
Slightly Increase f) Student loan credit
4) Do you support the permanent repeal of the federal estate tax?
5) Do you support requiring the federal budget to be balanced each year?
Welfare spending should rise or fall in accordance with need. United Nations funding should be tied to reform. Farm policy needs reform. Massive, wasteful subsidies for wealthy agribusinesses should be eliminated.
We need to achieve the Chief of Naval Operations' goal of a 313-ship Navy to meet military requirements. We need to improve educational benefits and medical care for our toops and our veterans.
There should be higher marginal income tax rates for taxpayers earning more than $1 million.
I have supported increases in the federal tobacco excise tax to fund expanded health care for children.
I support greater refundability for the child tax credit.
The estate tax is scheduled to be phased-out entirely by 2010, but reverts to previous rates as high as 55 percent in 2011. To avoid this, I support a proposal by Senator Kyl that would tie the estate tax to the capital gains rate (with a higher rate for large estates) and provide an exemption level of $5 million with full stepped-up basis. I support paygo rules that would help lead to a balanced budget.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.

a) Support increasing the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns.
b) Prohibit Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to candidates for federal office.
c) Allow unregulated soft money campaign contributions to political parties or committees.
d) Remove all contribution limits on federal campaigns and parties.
X e) Support prohibiting ads containing candidates' name that are paid for by third parties from airing 60 days before a primary and 30 days before a general federal election.
f) Support instant run-off voting (IRV).
g) Support designating Election Day as a national holiday.
X h) Support giving the President the power of the line item veto for items concerning appropriations.
X i) Support limiting the President's use of signing statements in order to prevent an alternative interpretation of the bill.
X j) Support a federal shield law to protect reporter-source privilege.
I support reform of the dysfunctional Presidential public financing system. I am a cosponsor of the Presidential Funding Act (S. 2412), which would update the public financing system for presidential candidates by creating new incentives for these candidates to opt in to the system and remain competitive even against candidates who forgo it.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding crime.

a) Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
b) Eliminate the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
X c) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X d) Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
e) Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
f) Support mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
X g) Support strict penalties for internet crime (e.g. hacking, identity theft, worms/viruses).
X h) Require that crimes based on sexual orientation be prosecuted as federal hate crimes.
i) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

a) Support the federal government funding universal pre-K programs.
b) Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any public school.
c) Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school.
X d) Allow teachers and professionals to receive federal funding to establish charter or magnet schools.
X e) Increase funding for the Pell Grant program.
X f) Decrease interest rates of Stafford Loans.
X g) Support federal tax incentives to help families save for college.
X h) Ban university financial aid officers from owning stock in or accepting gifts from student loan lenders.
X i) Require universities to disclose financial relationships with lenders.
j) Support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind).
k) Eliminate all federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind).
While I support the worthy goals of No Child Left Behind, issues related to the current statute's burdensome requirements must be addressed. I believe that common sense reforms are need in order to provide greater local control to Maine and other states. For example, we must provide greater flexibility in the ways that schools can demonstrate student progress in meeting state education standards.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding employment.

X a) Increase funding for national job-training programs that retrain displaced workers or teach skills needed in today’s job market.
X b) Reduce government regulation of the private sector.
X c) Encourage employers to offer child care services, flex-time scheduling, comp-time, and unpaid leave for family emergencies.
X d) Increase the federal minimum wage.
X e) Support the right of workers to unionize.
f) Eliminate all federal programs designed to reduce unemployment.
X g) Include sexual orientation in federal anti-discrimination laws.
X h) Include gender identity in federal anti-discrimination laws.
i) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
X b) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
X c) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil).
X d) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
X e) Strengthen fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
f) Support domestic oil exploration in areas that are currently restricted.
X g) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels.
h) Support the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel.
i) Support research and development of nuclear reactors as an alternative energy source.
X j) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits under "cap and trade" laws.
X k) Support international mandatory emission targets to limit global warming.
X l) Support international voluntary emission targets to limit global warming.
I support the development of traditional energy sources and nuclear reactors as an energy source if the local community supports it and the proper environmental protections are put into place to deal with safety and waste issues. I support the use of celluosic ethanol, but not corn-based ethanol.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns.On (c) and (d), indicate what levels (#1-6) you support for the following categories.

X a) Allow individuals to carry concealed guns.
b) Ban the sale, ownership or possession of handguns except by law enforcement and other government officials.
Maintain Status c) Enforcement of existing restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
Maintain Status d) Restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
I have consistently defended the Second Amendment and oppose legislation that would restrict the right of law-abiding citizens to own guns. I grew up in northern Maine where responsible gun ownership is a part of the heritage of most families. Denying the rights of law-abiding citizens will not change the behavior of those intent on using firearms for criminal purposes. Our laws should be directed toward those who misuse firearms, not at law-abiding citizens, and I will continue to support the rights of responsible gun owners.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health.

X a) Implement a universal healthcare program to guarantee coverage to all Americans, regardless of income.
X b) Expand eligibility for tax-free medical savings accounts.
X c) Allow the importation of prescription drugs into the United States.
X d) Support expanding prescription drug coverage under Medicare.
X e) Offer tax credits to individuals and small businesses to offset the cost of insurance coverage.
X f) Support expanding child healthcare programs.
g) Providing healthcare is not a responsibility of the federal government.
I believe that we must build on our current public programs and private health care system to achieve the goal of affordable, quality health coverage for every American.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding immigration.

a) Decrease the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country.
X b) Establish English as the official national language.
X c) Support a temporary worker program.
X d) Support harsher financial punishments for those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.
e) Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working in the United States.
X f) Illegal immigrants should have to return to their countries of origin before being considered for citizenship.
g) Illegal immigrants should be given a pathway to citizenship.
X h) Support merit-based visas over family-based visas.
Re: h) Reunification of the immediate family should, however, be a priority.

International AidIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international aid.International PolicyIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international policy.International TradeIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international trade.

X a) Support the United States granting aid to countries when extraordinary circumstances cause disaster and threaten civilian lives.
X b) Support the United States granting aid to countries when it is in the security interests of the United States.
c) Eliminate United States aid for any nation with documented human rights abuses.
d) Aid granted by the United States should be scaled back and eventually eliminated.
Yes a) Should the United States continue to provide leadership in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
Yes b) Should the United States support the creation of a Palestinian state?
Yes c) Should the United States impose greater international sanctions on Iran if it continues to defy United Nations mandates?
Yes d) Should the United States support the Lebanese government against insurgent forces?
No e) Should the United States maintain its troop levels in Iraq?
f) Should the United States withdraw its troops from Iraq?
Yes h) Should the United States apply greater economic and diplomatic sanctions against North Korea if it fails to abide by its agreement to suspend its nuclear program?
Yes i) Should the United States increase financial support for Afghanistan?
j) Should the United States increase military support for Afghanistan?
Undecided k) Should the United States trade nuclear fuel to India for civilian purposes?
No l) Should the United States decrease financial support for Pakistan?
No m) Should the United States decrease military support for Pakistan?
Yes n) Should the United States be involved in bringing an end to the violence in Darfur, Sudan?
Yes o) Should the United States be involved in bringing an end to the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Yes p) Should the United States provide economic and military support to the Transitional Government of Somalia?
Yes q) Should the United States use sanctions to encourage the government of Zimbabwe to end its human rights abuses?
r) Should the United States support the creation of an independent nation of Kosovo?
a) Do you support the United States imposing economic sanctions on China?
b) Do you support the United States imposing trade sanctions on Venezuela?
c) Do you support the United States involvement in free trade agreements?
d) Do you support the United States involvement in intergovernmental organizations dedicated to trade?
e) Other or expanded principles
Limiting U.S. foreign assistance for direct aid to citizens of nations whose governments commit human rights abuses could serve to hurt those who are oppressed and victimized.
I have authored a bipartisan proposal that would require the President to immediately transition the mission of our troops away from combat operations and instead focus on counter-terrorism operations, border security, and the training of Iraqi forces. I have also authored legislation included in the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization Act that prohibits American tax dollars from being spent on major reconstruction projects in Iraq; requires the Iraqis to assume the responsibility of paying for the salaries, training and equipping of Iraqi security forces; and initiates a process to have Iraqis reimburse the U.S. for fuel costs.
In the cases of questions j), n), o); p), and q) other nations should be taking a greater role in providing military support in these international situations.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding national security.

Yes a) Do you support using military tribunals to try suspected terrorists when ordinary civilian courts are deemed inappropriate or impractical?
b) Should law enforcement agencies have greater discretion to monitor domestic communications, to prevent future terrorist attacks?
c) Should the United States hold foreign states accountable for terrorists who operate in their country?
Yes d) Should the federal government increase funding to states and cities for homeland security?
e) Do you support pre-emptive military strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to United States national security?
No f) Do you support the creation of a federal identification card system?
No g) Do you support long-term use of National Guard troops to supplement the armed forces in assignments overseas?
Yes h) Should the United States expand its missile defense shield?
Whether or not to use a pre-emptive military strike against another country would have to depend on the circumstances of the threat being posed against the United States and whether that threat is imminent. The National Guard is a vital part of the total force, but they should not be used for long deployments.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding social issues.

a) Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?
No b) Do you support a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman?
Yes c) Do you support federal funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines?
Yes d) Do you support federal funding to create lines of stem cells from new embryos?
Yes e) Should the federal government consider race and gender in government contracting decisions?
Yes f) Should the federal government continue affirmative action programs?
Undecided g) Should the federal government regulate internet gambling?
It is my belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. Principles of federalism dictate, however, that the responsibility to define marriage belongs to the states. I support affirmative action prgrams to provide greater opportunities, but do not support numerical quotas.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Social Security.

a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts that they manage themselves.
b) Ensure the viability of Social Security by increasing the payroll tax.
c) Decrease benefits paid to retirees.
d) Support proportional increases of Social Security benefits based on the cost of living index.
e) Raise the retirement age for individual eligibility to receive full Social Security benefits.
I am a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill to create a task force to study solutions to the Medicare and Social Security problems facing our country.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare and poverty.

X a) Require welfare recipients to spend at least 40 hours a week in a combination of work and training programs.
X b) Continue to give states and local governments flexibility in and responsibility for welfare programs through federal block grants.
X c) Support housing assistance for welfare recipients.
d) Abolish all federal welfare programs.
e) Other or expanded principles
There is far too much partisan gridlock in Congress. We need to put parisanship aside and get back to governing. My legislative priorities include: energy independence and cost; access to affordable healthcare; improving education; strengthening homeland and national security; reforming government; and protecting the environment.

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