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Betty McCollum's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.
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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.

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

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

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

  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today and every day, I am fighting to protect reproductive rights and pass legislation to enshrine Roe v. Wade. That’s why I signed a letter with 100+ members of Congress to urge the Senate to #EndtheFilibuster so we can pass the Women’s Health Protection Act. #WHPA" (twitter.com)
  • "Today is the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark SCOTUS decision enshrining a woman’s constitutional right to a safe and legal abortion. Reproductive rights are in jeopardy now more than ever as the Trump admin continues its attack on women’s health. #FightForRoe" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8296 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "84 years ago today, Social Security was signed into law. Our seniors have earned the vital economic security Social Security offers. We need to protect & expand it – because no one who works their whole life should retire into poverty." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 99% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "My commitment is to work to expand health care access, improve the quality of care, and to ensure that all Americans who need health care coverage can have it. I will fight to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid. I will work to expand the ACA and strengthen its provisions such as protecting those with preexisting conditions. And, where I have direct responsibility as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will work to strengthen TRICARE for the roughly 9.6 million enlisted men, women, and their families defending our freedom worldwide; strengthen the Indian Health Service (IHS) which serves roughly 2.56 million Native Americans and Alaska Natives with unique, specialized health services; and, strengthen the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for the millions of men and women who have served our nation and deserve the quality care they've been promised." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Proud to co-sponsor this amendment to overturn Citizens United & get secret money out of politics! #DemocracyForAll" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 93% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The American people should decide our elections. Not big corporations. Not mega-wealthy donors. Not special interest groups. That's why I support a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. #PowerToThePeople" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "George Floyd is one of many – too many – lives lost to police brutality. We need a comprehensive approach to root out systemic racism, establish accountability, & build trust between law enforcement & our communities. I'm voting for the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act. #BLM" (twitter.com)
  • "The George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act has been reintroduced in the House. I'm a cosponsor of this bill – a bold, comprehensive approach to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement, & build trust between law enforcement & the communities they serve." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Dramatic increases in defense spending at the expense of our families and communities is the wrong direction for our country." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "President Biden's proposed Fiscal Year 2022 budget makes strong investments in critical domestic priorities and essential national security needs that reverse the irresponsible and dangerous priorities of the past four years. President Biden understands that the health, economic, equity, and climate crises facing our country must be addressed with bold government action. As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I view the proposed 1.6% increase for the Department of Defense as an investment in sustaining readiness and modernization efforts across the Services, and also as a mechanism to continue to sustain millions of American jobs vital to our economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "While Iron Dome saves innocent Israeli lives from Hamas rockets, innocent Palestinians who live under military occupation are regularly killed by Israeli security forces. These Palestinians have no "Iron Dome' to defend themselves against Israeli human rights abuses, and Congress ignores Israel's blatant violations of international humanitarian law, especially against Palestinian children. I voted to support today's bill because it is intended to save lives. I remain absolutely committed to continuing my work to advance peace, human rights, and security for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Economists are clear: the #BuildBackBetter Act will lower costs for families, help parents get back to work by investing in child care, and create good-paying jobs. If you want to boost the economy, you want the Build Back Better Act." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 2 "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 "Build Back Better Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today House Democrats have taken a key step to advance historic legislation to invest in both our physical and human infrastructure: in America's roads and bridges, and also in our health and caregiving systems, the weaknesses of which have become even more apparent during the pandemic. Today's vote starts the process for investing in building and sustaining a society with healthy families, strong communities, and a successful economy for all. Democrats are committed to improving people's lives. It is appalling that Republicans -- who have always been willing to cut taxes for the richest few -- refuse to join us in investing in the majority of Americans who will benefit from these bills." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Economic experts have been clear: The risk is not that we do too much – the real risk is that we do too little, too late. The #AmericanRescuePlan will deliver urgently needed COVID relief. @HouseDemocrats’ budget resolution ensures gridlock won’t stand in the way." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is big, bold, smart legislation that puts the American people first as we respond to this global pandemic," McCollum said. "I'm proud that the immediate financial and health needs of American workers and families as well as our hospitals and frontline health care workers were put front and center. Oversight measures secured by Democrats will ensure that big businesses benefiting from this package cannot use massive stock buybacks or outsourcing jobs to boost their bottom line, but instead are held accountable and put their employees first." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Excellent news: $4 million in federal funds will allow for the replacement of Barge Terminal 2 in St. Paul – part of a Biden admin grant program intended to strengthen supply chains to meet demand and help address inflation pressures. #BuildBackBetter" (twitter.com)
  • ".@HouseDemocrats will soon pass the historic #InflationReductionAct, taking bold action to bring down kitchen table costs & lessen the impact of inflation on American families. Democrats are delivering and putting #PeopleOverPolitics." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7688 "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Longstanding problems with the Income-Driven Repayment program were inexcusable, and fixing them will help millions of federal student loan borrowers. This action will cancel debt for thousands & is a critical step in tackling the student loan debt crisis." (twitter.com)
  • "People who go into public service & dedicate their lives to making a difference should not be saddled with a lifetime of paying off student debt. @SecCardona should extend the Public Service Loan Forgiveness waiver so they can access the loan forgiveness they were promised." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Wind and solar power are now cheaper than coal and natural gas! The #BuildBackBetter Act will unleash the potential of clean energy – bringing those savings to American families and protecting our planet for future generations. #CleanEnergyIsCheapEnergy" (twitter.com)
  • "Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates #ClimateChange and is about 84x more powerful than carbon dioxide. Trump gutted strong methane pollution standards – but today I voted to restore the robust standards from the Obama era that will #CutMethane." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The #CleanAirAct is vital for protecting American families from carbon pollution – but Republicans are shamelessly asking the Supreme Court to undermine this important law. I'm proud to stand with over 190 Congressional Democrats to support clean air for all Americans." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct reduces pollution, with: ~1 gigaton fewer greenhouse gas emissions, having 10x more climate impact than any other single piece of legislation ever Up to 3,900 fewer premature deaths & up to 100,000 fewer asthma attacks annually" (twitter.com)
  • "I'm proud of my 'F' rating from the #NRA bc I support banning assault weapons, requiring background checks for all gun purchases, banning sales of high capacity magazines, and a prohibition on the transfer of military weapons to police departments." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 8 "Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Despite dozens of mass shootings, Republicans continue to protect guns rather than the American people. The lack of legislative action to appropriately regulate firearms is an issue that demands immediate attention in the new Congress. I support banning assault weapons, requiring background checks for all gun purchases, banning the sale of high capacity magazines, and a prohibition on the federal transfer of military weapons to police departments. It is time for citizens concerned about gun safety and responsible gun owners to stand together to demand action that will keep our families and communities safe from senseless and lethal gun violence." (www.mccollumforcongress.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I believe that now is the time to start the arduous legislative process of working to provide universal coverage to all Americans and the best policy option to achieve this goal on the table today is the Medicare for All Act (H.R. 1976). This legislation will provide every American with health coverage, while also eliminating out-of-pocket costs for patients and cutting the cost of prescription drugs. Additionally, H.R. 1976 would include vision, dental, hearing, mental health, and substance abuse treatment to ensure comprehensive physical and mental health services for all Americans." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Receiving life-saving medical treatment should not drive a person into poverty. I am a proud co-sponsor of Medicare For All and I strongly believe healthcare as a fundamental right should be enshrined into the U.S. Constitution." (www.mccollumforcongress.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Child care, home care, and paid leave are essential for the American economy and for our families. The #BuildBackBetter Act is our opportunity to fill in the gaps in our human infrastructure. #CareCantWait" (twitter.com)
  • Signed Letter to President Biden: "These were also the workers who continue to carry our nation through this pandemic even while facing greater risks and having less protections; the frontline workers who keep us fed, keep us working, keep us safe, and keep us healthy. They should have already had paid leave. That emergency paid leave policy has since expired, and while you prioritized its reinstatement in the American Rescue Plan, at this point it appears that it will likely only carry on as voluntary tax credits for businesses who choose to provide it, while what workers need is real and meaningful access to paid leave. There are paths to passing these protections permanently and working families in America need it now. We cannot emerge from this pandemic and remain one of only two countries in the world with no form of national paid leave. We need a policy that is inclusive and that protects all workers regardless of where they work, where they live, or whom they love." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "This bill will help combat the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs while also expanding access to quality health care. It will finally address the unmet needs of millions of Americans who seek care for a loved one. The pandemic has made it clear: there is a gaping hole in our economic system without support for caregiving. Families should not have to decide between caring for loved ones and maintaining steady employment." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Democrats support smart, effective border security solutions like new technology to scan vehicles and improvements to personnel staffing/infrastructure at our ports of entry. But we will not waste billions of taxpayer dollars on an ineffective wall." (twitter.com)
  • "I am a strong supporter of smart border security that works. What the Department of Homeland Security needs is adequate funding for surveillance technology and personnel so that our borders, our ports, and our airports are properly staffed and our laws are enforced. President Trump and Republicans controlled Congress and the White House for two years and did absolutely nothing to prioritize building their wall. President Trump's demands were nothing more than a pretext to shut down the federal government, which I completely reject." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 1% by NumbersUSA. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This funding bill reflects our commitment to defending our national security while remaining true to our American values. I'm pleased the bill protects travelers, invests in border security measures that protect the rights of migrants, and boosts funding for tribal homeland security and emergency management." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Congress must pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship." (www.mccollumforcongress.com)
  • "I support the DREAM Act for DACA recipients and I want to see all individuals eligible for Temporary Protected Status to have TPS extended. I am outraged at Trump's reduction in refugee resettlement to the U.S. and policies like incarcerating asylum seekers and separating children from parents is something I completely reject. It should be federal policy for the U.S. to resettle no less than 75,000 refugees per year. The attacks on immigrants and refugees by the Trump administration and the Republican Party must stop." (www.mccollumforcongress.com)
  • "I will vote NO on the two @HouseGOP immigration bills. No attempt from @HouseGOP to work with Democrats was made. They leave our Dreamers behind, do not solve the separation crisis, waste taxpayer money on a wall Americans don’t want, and dismantle our legal immigration system." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Russia's invasion of a peaceful Ukraine is an act of unprovoked military aggression that must be condemned," Chair McCollum said. "The Biden administration, with the bipartisan support of Congress and our NATO and European allies, will respond in a united and decisive manner. The strongest possible sanctions must be imposed on Russian financial institutions, oligarchs, and political leaders by the U.S. and the international community. The world must make Vladimir Putin understand in explicit, unequivocal terms that his actions will have severe consequences. Having met with world leaders, allies, and parliamentarians many times during my service in Congress, never before have I witnessed such a unified stance like the one our democratic allies showed at the Munich Security Conference in response to Putin's aggression. He will not divide us. My prayers are with the Ukrainian people and their struggle for freedom." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Those behind these corrosive violations should no longer operate with impunity. In our stand for democracy, the United States cannot overlook the crisis in the Philippines, and we must take tangible action if we are to truly stand for human rights and the flourishing of freedom around the world," the lawmakers wrote. "To this end, we urge the imposition of sanctions on individuals who are behind these major human rights violations, particularly via the use of the Global Magnitsky Act." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "As Democrats continue to invest in diplomacy, development, and health, we also scrutinized this year's budget for inefficiencies and for cuts that could be made to save taxpayer money. As Vladimir Putin continues his brutal, illegal war in Ukraine, this legislation continues to support the Ukrainian people in their fight to defend their democracy. The Subcommittee held a total of 18 hearings, both public and classified, to gather input from the Biden administration as we wrote this legislation which makes strategic investments in our national security needs in order to keep America safe, secure, and strong." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I've worked in my capacity as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense directly with the Biden administration to continue to provide the needed security and humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. At the same time, we must continue to give the Ukrainian military and civilian freedom fighters the tools necessary to defend their country against Russia. I look forward to fully examining the president's request for supplemental security and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and working with my colleagues in Congress and the administration to meet this moment. I call on Republicans in Congress to join us in bipartisan unity and help President Biden protect the American people from COVID-19 and defend the innocent people in Ukraine from Russian aggression." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by FreedomWorks. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The 2017 Trump-Republican tax cuts did not receive one Democratic vote. Republicans passed this tax cut that will add at least $1.5 trillion to the national debt while giving millionaires and billionaires the overwhelming benefit. These unnecessary tax cuts have stimulated income inequality while adding $164 billion to the 2018 federal budget deficit. Their impact on job growth is limited since we are already in a full employment economy, with the unemployment rate in Minnesota below 3%. Now, with the uncertainty resulting from the trade war with China and the imposition of tariffs, it is clear that agriculture, manufacturing, and other economic sectors in Minnesota are at great risk of severe harm from Trump's economic policies." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Trump-GOP tax scam singles out Minnesotans for higher taxes by ending the state and local tax deduction, punishes people with high medical bills by eliminating the medical expense deduction, and even makes it harder for students and families to pay for college. This bill will explode the federal debt, guaranteeing that Republicans will move forward with cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and eventually Social Security." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Pres. Trump’s tariffs & insults are killing agriculture markets & hurting MN farmers. Now Pres. Trump wants a $12 billion agriculture bailout (borrowed from China) to fix the mess he created. End this losing trade war and let farmers export!" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "While @realDonaldTrump has been busy imposing tariffs on our friends and allies, Minnesota farmers have been suffering. Pork prices are projected to rise 20%, which will leave small farms at large risk of having to go out of business." (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 which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
X b) Abortions should always be legally available.
X c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
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) Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
g) Other or expanded principles

Budgetary PrioritiesUsing the key below, indicate what levels of federal funding you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category.

Slightly Decrease Funding a) Agricultural
Maintain Funding Status b) Arts
Maintain Funding Status c) Defense
Slightly Increase Funding d) Education
Maintain Funding Status e) Environmental
Maintain Funding Status f) International Aid
Maintain Funding Status g) Law Enforcement
Maintain Funding Status h) Medical Research
Slightly Decrease Funding i) National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA)
Maintain Funding Status j) National Parks
Slightly Increase Funding k) Public Health Services
Maintain Funding Status l) Scientific Research
Slightly Increase Funding m) Terrorism Prevention
Slightly Increase Funding n) Transportation and Highway Infrastructure
Maintain Funding Status o) Welfare
p) Other or expanded categories

Defense SpendingUsing the key below, indicate what levels of federal funding you support for the following categories. Select one number per category.

Maintain Funding Status a) Armed Forces personnel training
Maintain Funding Status b) Covert intelligence operations
Maintain Funding Status c) Military hardware
Slightly Increase Funding d) Pay for active duty personnel
Slightly Decrease Funding e) National Missile Defense Program
Maintain Funding Status f) Programs to improve military retention rates
Slightly Decrease Funding g) Research and development of new weapons
Slightly Increase Funding h) Troop and equipment readiness
i) Other or expanded categories

TaxesUsing the key below, indicate what levels you support concerning taxes, deductions, and tax credits in the following categories. Select one number per tax.Income Taxes - Family IncomeIncome Taxes - Retiree IncomeOther TaxesDeductions/Credits

Maintain Status a) Less than $25,000
Slightly Decrease b) $25,000 - $75,000
Slightly Decrease c) $75,000 - $150,000
Maintain Status d) Over $150,000
e) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status f) Over $40, 000
g) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Slightly Decrease b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Slightly Decrease f) Inheritance taxes
g) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Charitable deductions
Slightly Increase b) Medical expense deductions
Maintain Status c) Mortgage deductions
Slightly Increase d) Child tax credit
Maintain Status e) Earned income tax credit
Slightly Increase f) Student loan tax credit
g) Other or expanded categories

Taxes

No 2) Should a married couple filing jointly pay the same taxes as if they were an unmarried couple filing separately?
No 3) Would you use Social Security surpluses to balance the budget?
4) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Support public taxpayer funding for congressional candidates who comply with campaign spending limits.
b) Increase the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns.
c) Prohibit Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to candidates for federal office.
X d) Provide free or low-cost television advertising to candidates who agree to voluntary campaign spending limits.
X e) Ban unregulated soft money campaign contributions to political parties or committees.
X f) Prohibit non-U.S. citizens from making soft money contributions to national parties or party committees.
X g) Require full disclosure of funding sources of issue advocacy commercials which appear within 60 days of an election.
h) Remove all contribution limits to federal candidates and parties.
X i) Require congressional candidates to raise over half of their campaign money from their home state.
j) Require that unions give members the option of not having membership dues used for political purposes.
Yes k) Support the federal government mandate that creates national voting system standards.
No l) Do you support amending the Constitution to limit the number of terms that members of Congress can serve?
No m) Do you support voting on-line?
n) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.

X a) Eliminate the 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.
X d) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X e) Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
X f) Increase funding for community policing programs.
X g) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X h) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, and disability be prosecuted as federal hate crimes.
X i) Enforcement of civil rights should primarily be the responsibility of the federal government.
j) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
X k) Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.
X l) Other or expanded principles
Enforcement of civil rights should be left to the judge and should be looked at on a case by case basis.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning illegal drugs.

a) Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
b) Support mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
X c) Expand federally sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs.
X d) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
X e) Increase border security to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.
f) Eliminate federal funding for programs associated with the "war on drugs."
g) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
b) Allow parents to use vouchers (equal opportunity scholarships) to send their children to any publicly-funded school.
c) Allow parents to use vouchers (equal opportunity scholarships) to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
X d) Support charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
X e) Increase funding for block grants to states to help them hire additional teachers.
f) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
X g) Increase funding for computers and computer training in public schools.
X h) Increase funding for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
i) Eliminate restrictions on federal education funding, giving educators or local school districts more flexibility to design and implement their programs.
X j) Increase funding of programs such as Pell grants and Stafford loans to help students pay for college.
X k) Support federal tax incentives to help families save for college.
l) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Increase funding for national job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
b) Reduce government regulation of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Establish empowerment zones in areas with large numbers of unemployed people.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
X e) Encourage employers to offer flex-time scheduling, comp-time, and unpaid leave for family emergencies.
f) Eliminate any federal programs designed to reduce unemployment.
X g) Increase the federal minimum wage.
X h) Considering race and gender in government contracting decisions is appropriate for the federal government.
X i) Include sexual orientation in federal anti-discrimination laws.
X j) Continue federal affirmative action programs.
k) Discontinue federal affirmative action programs.
l) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding America's environment and natural resources.

X a) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
X b) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
c) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration.
X d) Support the U.S. re-entering the current Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming.
X e) Require states to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses of privately owned land.
X f) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
X g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
X h) Provide tax credits for state and local bonds to preserve open spaces, build parks, improve water quality and redevelop brownfields.
X i) Support the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act prohibiting commercial logging in our national forests.
X j) Provide states and local communities with more flexibility to address their respective environmental problems.
k) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

X a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
X b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
X f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
X g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
X h) Require a license for gun possession.
X i) Raise the minimum age for ownership of handguns from 18 to 21.
X j) Other or expanded principles
Requirement for a license for hand guns should be enforced as well.

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

a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government.
b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income.
X c) Support a Patient's Bill of Rights to define and enforce the rights of insured patients, including greater access to specialists and emergency rooms, wider choice of health care providers, and appeal mechanisms when claims are denied.
X d) Support a Patient's Bill of Rights which includes the right to sue when claims are denied.
X e) Support a Patient's Bill of Rights which includes the right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied.
X f) Support legislation to provide prescription drug coverage under Medicare.
X g) Increase research funding of the human genome to find cures for diseases such as cancer, AIDS/HIV, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.
X h) Increase federal funding for training health workers to recognize and respond to the release of biological agents.
X i) Prohibit the procedure of cloning human embryos.
X j) Other or expanded principles
I support stem cell research

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

a) Decrease the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country.
X b) Provide extra federal aid to states with higher numbers of immigrants for necessary medical and social services.
X c) Prohibit states from passing laws that deny human services (medical care, education) to illegal immigrants or their children.
d) Increase the immigration quota for computer scientists and other information technology workers.
e) Establish English as the official U.S. language.
X f) Collect fingerprint data from all U.S. visa applicants which would be accessible to all federal immigration-related agencies.
X g) Allow legalization for certain illegal immigrants working in the U.S.
h) Other or expanded principles

International AidIndicate which principles (if any) you support regarding U. S. economic assistance.

X a) Aid should be granted to countries when extraordinary circumstances cause disaster and threaten civilian lives.
X b) Aid should be granted to countries when it is in the security interests of the U. S.
X c) Aid should be granted to countries that are close allies of the U. S. and in need of financial/military assistance.
d) Aid should be eliminated for any nation with documented human rights abuses.
e) Aid programs should be scaled back and eventually eliminated except for extraordinary circumstances.
f) Other or expanded principles

International PolicyIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the Middle East.Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the United States-United Nations relationship.

X a) The U.S. should take military action against Iraq only as part of an international effort.
b) The U.S. should end the economic embargo against Iraq.
c) The U.S. should not continue to play a prominent leadership role in the peace process between Israel and the Palestine Authority.
X d) The U.S. should support the formation of a Palestinian state.
e) Other or expanded principles
a) The U.S. should participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions only when vital U.S. interests are involved.
b) The U.S. should not commit military troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
c) The U.S. should withdraw completely from the United Nations.
d) Other or expanded principles
Yes 3) Should the U.S. have full diplomatic relations with Cuba?
Yes 4) Should the U.S. recognize and extend full diplomatic relations to Taiwan?
No 5) Should the U.S. increase its financial support to Colombia for the "war on drugs?"
Yes 6) Do you support the cooperative threat reduction programs with Russia to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Undecided
No 7) Do you support the recent withdrawal of the U.S. from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty in order to deploy a national missile defense system?
Yes 8) Should the U.S. hold nations accountable for terrorists who operate from their country?
9) Other or expanded principles

International Trade

No 1) Do you support the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
Yes 2) Do you support the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?
Yes 3) Do you support continued U.S. membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
Yes 4) Do you support China becoming a member of the World Trade Organization?
Yes 5) Should a nation's human rights record affect its normal trade relations (most favored nation) trading status with the United States? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Undecided
No 6) Should the President have "fast-track" authority to negotiate trade agreements?
No 7) Do you support the trade embargo against Cuba?
8) Other or expanded principles

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

No 1. Do you support the President using military tribunals to try terrorist suspects when the President deems ordinary civil courts to be inappropriate or impractical?
Yes 2. Should the U.S. adopt higher qualification rules for student visa applications from nations known to sponsor terrorism?
No 3. Should law enforcement agencies be granted greater discretion to read mail and email, tap phones, and conduct random searches to prevent future terrorist attacks?
Yes 4. Should federal law enforcement agencies share intelligence data with local law enforcement agencies?
Yes 5. Should the federal government provide states with funding for homeland security?
6. Other or expanded principles

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

a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves.
b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government.
c) The federal government should invest a portion of Social Security's assets collectively in stocks and bonds instead of U.S. Treasury securities.
d) Increase the payroll tax to better finance Social Security in its current form.
e) Lower Social Security's annual cost-of-living increases.
X f) Support a "lock box" measure, limiting Congress's ability to spend Social Security and Medicare surpluses on any other federal programs except Social Security and Medicare, until each program's long-term solvency is guaranteed.
g) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Continue the moratorium on Internet sales taxes.
b) Implement regulation of Internet content by the federal government.
c) Regulation of the Internet should not be controlled by the federal government.
d) Support government mandates to curtail violent and sexual content on television.
e) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Support housing assistance for welfare recipients.
X b) Provide homeless families with apartment vouchers they can use to defray the cost of an apartment.
X c) Continue to give states and local governments responsibility for welfare programs through TANF block grants.
X d) Maintain current welfare-to-work requirements in order for states to qualify for block grants.
X e) Restore food stamp programs to legal immigrants.
f) Transfer homeless housing programs to states through block grants.
X g) Provide continued Medicaid benefits for those welfare recipients who have moved from welfare to work.
h) Require states to return any unused welfare block grant funding to the federal government.
i) Direct federal poverty aid through religious, community-based, or other non-profit organizations.
X j) Provide states with additional funding for Medicaid programs to alleviate increasing state budget deficits.
k) Other or expanded principles
In a total of seventy-five (75) words or less, please explain what your top two or three priorities will be if elected. Please explain how you would obtain any additional funding needed to implement these priorities.

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