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Tom Emmer's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Tom Emmer 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 National Right to Life Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Great news! Taxpayer money should never be used to fund abortion." (twitter.com)
  • "Today, Americans from all over the country are in D.C. to #MarchforLife & give a voice to the voiceless. I stand with them in defense of the unborn which is why I voted for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to ensure care for babies who survive abortion procedures." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 36 "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Honored to receive the #GuardianAward from the @60PlusAssoc - I remain committed to ensuring Social Security & Medicare remain stable for America's seniors!" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 9% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today's passage of the 2018 Farm Bill is a considerable step to provide relief and certainty for our farmers and ranchers in Minnesota and across the nation. I am proud to see the House pass this critical package, which contains major improvements for farmers and ranchers in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District such as better dairy risk management tools for smaller operations, a strong crop insurance program, improved farm safety net programs like Agricultural Risk Coverage, and efforts to better respond to emerging diseases that devastate livestock producers throughout Minnesota," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Last night, I voted to scrap a measure from @HouseDemocrats federal elections bill #HR1 that would require a federal match of $1200 for every $200 campaign contribution. Yes, you read that right." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Over the past year, our law enforcement officers have faced mass hostility, budget cuts and increasing crime. This Law Enforcement Appreciation Day I thank all the brave men and women who stand in harms way to keep us safe." (twitter.com)
  • "Over the past year, our state’s law enforcement has navigated unprecedented challenges—all while battling rising crime to keep our communities safe." (twitter.com)
  • "Violent crime is raging across the country. Radical ‘defund-the-police’ rhetoric is only stoking the flames. We must stand behind our law enforcement officers." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "As a strong supporter of our military, Tom has also consistently voted to give our troops the resources they need to protect our country at home and abroad." (emmerforcongress.com)
  • "I supported the FY17 Defense Appropriations bill, b/c our troops must have the resources they need to keep our nation safe." (twitter.com)
  • "I was proud to support the National Defense Authorization Act, which gives our troops the largest pay raise in 6 years!" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Americans know how to spend their money better than Washington bureaucrats, and Tom has taken action to decrease our growing debt and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent as responsibly as possible. He will continue looking for ways to cut waste, find more reforms, and advocate for sticking to the “regular order” process of appropriations rather than resort to bloated omnibus bills." (emmerforcongress.com)
  • "Many liberal economists agree: President Biden’s out-of-control spending has drastically increased U.S. inflation. Reckless government spending and money printing led us here, and we cannot afford to spend our way out." (twitter.com)
  • "Tom is, and always has been, dedicated to reducing Washington’s runaway spending." (emmerforcongress.com)
  • Voted against HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Families & small businesses need strategic, targeted COVID relief! We cannot simply spend our way out of this crisis. The American people deserve better." (twitter.com)
  • "Right now we could be funding the government, reopening the economy, or passing COVID relief. Instead the Senate’s priority is…impeaching a President who isn’t even in office." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The Congressional Budget Office made clear that this multi-trillion-dollar spending bill adds hundreds of billions of dollars to our debt, adding to the inflationary pressures hurting every American household. This is not the time to be imposing new taxes and new mandates on our job creators, yet President Biden and Speaker Pelosi continue to push an out-of-touch agenda that will lead to higher prices and more government involvement in the lives of the American people." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Many liberal economists agree: President Biden’s out-of-control spending has drastically increased U.S. inflation. Reckless government spending and money printing led us here, and we cannot afford to spend our way out." (twitter.com)
  • "We cannot spend our way out of this inflation crisis." (twitter.com)
  • "Debt cannot be cancelled; it can only be transferred. President Biden’s socialist proposal to “cancel” student loan debt will fuel inflation and do nothing to fix our broken higher education system." (twitter.com)
  • "Education is the cornerstone of building and protecting a strong, competitive workforce. Congress must also work to protect students from the looming student debt crisis. As graduates flood the labor market, they must also have gainful employment waiting for them. Schools at every level should prepare students for success, our future depends on it." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Extending the student loan moratorium will only raise skyrocketing tuition prices. We must make education and opportunities accessible to all, not force Americans to take on debt to access opportunity." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Voter identification and verification laws protect the integrity of our elections and the foundation of our representative form of government. In addition to supporting a photo ID requirement, I will also work to eliminate vouching and reform absentee voting to not only guarantee integrity but to also ensure our men and women serving overseas -- those protecting our electoral freedom in the first place -- are able to participate." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "National gas prices have officially DOUBLED since President Biden took office. Enough is enough. We must encourage domestic energy production and prioritize an all-of-the-above energy strategy." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 10% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Forget summer vacations, many Americans are struggling to afford enough gas to get to work. We must incentivize domestic energy production and restore American energy independence." (twitter.com)
  • "Gas prices are surpassing record highs almost every day. This isn’t a “transitional phase,” Mr. President. We need to unleash domestic energy production now!" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by American Energy Alliance. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "@HouseDemocrats so-called ‘America Competes Act’ authorizes $8 billion for a UN climate slush fund. This is not a bill to compete with China. It’s a thinly veiled attempt to pass radical Green New Deal policies." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 10% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H Con Res 119 "Expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 96% by Independent Petroleum Association of America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "While other nations like China and India are increasing emissions, the United States has shouldered the burden of increased energy costs and the loss of American jobs by their participation in this agreement. America, and especially my home state of Minnesota has been leading the way to reduce emissions. Prior to this agreement, Minnesota cut emissions by 15 percent, and that number continues to rise, despite this flawed deal, because we are committed to finding innovative solutions. I applaud President Trump and his Administration for officially withdrawing, and for responsibly advancing America's interests," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1628 "American Health Care Act of 2017" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Border security is national security. The Biden Administration’s negligence at our southern border begs the question: how many other suspected terrorists haven’t been caught?" (twitter.com)
  • "I cosponsored my colleague @RepJohnKatko’s Border Security for America Act to require the completion of the border wall and reinvest in our law enforcement at the US-Mexico border." (twitter.com)
  • "There continues to be a crisis on our southern border that the Biden Administration has created. Our communities all around the country are less safe due to these policies." (twitter.com)
  • "Illegal immigrants are surging across our southern border and the Biden Administration is urging ICE officers to ‘use more discretion before making arrests’. We must secure our borders." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 92% by Federation for American Immigration Reform (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3004 "Kate's Law" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3004 "Kate's Law" (votesmart.org)
  • "I co-sponsored @RepPfluger Midland over Moscow Act, to immediately reimpose sanctions on the Russian Nord Stream II pipeline." (twitter.com)
  • "Since its announcement during my first year in Congress, I have been vocal in my strong opposition to the Iran Deal as it failed to establish permanent safeguards to prevent the rise of a nuclear-armed Iran. The United States' goal remains the same which is to achieve peace and stability here at home, in the Middle East, and around the world. As our nation begins to implement economic sanctions on Iran, I look forward to a deal that accomplishes what the Iran Deal does not: keeping the United States safe and secure." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4695 "Protect Against Conflict by Turkey (PACT) Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 85% by National Tax Limitation Committee. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This is a major victory for Minnesotans and Americans across the country. Today the House put the American people first, delivering major tax relief and letting middle-class families keep more of what they earn. By lowering individual taxes, expanding the child tax credit, doubling the standard deduction, providing relief from the Death Tax, and letting businesses create opportunities for millions across the country, we are delivering on our promise to get the American economy back to its full strength, with the American people, not the government, in the driver's seat." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "We have the data to show that this legislation fulfilled its promise to put more money in the pockets of lower and middle-income families," Emmer continued. "Now, we must ensure that these tax cuts can continue when Americans need them most." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Great news for Minnesota’s over 3,000 pork producers who have been weighed down by these tariffs! The Indian government has agreed to allow imports of U.S. pork and pork products!" (twitter.com)
  • "Great to see you all! It’s imperative that Congress pass #USMCA. Agriculture and manufacturing rely on strong agreements to export American made products. USMCA brings substantial benefits to our farmers, and I support this great deal for America." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Implementation Act" (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.

X a) Abortions should always be illegal.
b) Abortions should always be legal.
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) Abortions should be subject to a mandatory waiting period.
g) Require clinics to give parental notification before performing abortions on minors.
h) Other or expanded principles

State Budget: Indicate what state funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category, you can use a number more than once.State Taxes: Indicate what state tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category, you can use a number more than once.

Maintain Status a) Education (Higher)
Maintain Status b) Education (K-12)
Slightly Increase c) Emergency preparedness
Maintain Status d) Environment
Slightly Increase e) Health care
Slightly Increase f) Law enforcement
Maintain Status g) Transportation and highway infrastructure
Greatly Decrease h) Welfare
i) Other or expanded categories
Slightly Increase a) Alcohol taxes
Greatly Increase b) Cigarette taxes
Slightly Decrease c) Corporate taxes
Slightly Decrease d) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status e) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Maintain Status f) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Greatly Decrease g) Property taxes
Maintain Status h) Sales taxes
Slightly Increase i) Vehicle taxes
j) Other or expanded categories
No 1) Should state sales taxes be extended to Internet sales?
No 2) Should accounts such as a "rainy day" fund be used to balance the state budget?
Undecided 3) Should fee increases be used to balance the state budget?
4) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

No a) Do you support limiting the number of terms for Minnesota governors?
No b) Do you support limiting the number of terms for Minnesota state senators and representatives?
No 1) Individual
Yes 2) PAC
No 3) Corporate
No 4) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes e) Do you support imposing spending limits on state-level political campaigns?
Yes f) Should Minnesota participate in the federal REAL ID program?
No g) Should Minnesota allow homeowners whose mortgage is in foreclosure a one-year deferment on their primary residence?
h) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and hiring of additional prison staff.
X b) Establish the death penalty in Minnesota.
X c) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
d) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
e) Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
X f) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
X g) Support state and local law enforcement officials enforcing federal immigration laws.
X h) Support hate crime legislation.
i) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Support state funding of universal pre-K programs.
b) Support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind).
X c) Support state education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students.
X d) Support requiring public schools to administer high school exit exams.
e) Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any public school.
X f) Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school.
g) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
X h) Support using a merit pay system for teachers.
X i) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
j) Support allowing illegal immigrant high school graduates of Minnesota to pay in-state tuition at public universities.
k) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers and teach skills needed in today's job market.
b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector.
X c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for children in low-income working families.
e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
f) Increase the state minimum wage.
g) Support laws that prevent employers from dismissing employees at will.
X h) Support financial punishments for those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.
X i) Support increased work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients.
j) Increase funding for employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
k) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
X b) Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil, etc).
c) Support providing financial incentives to farms that produce biofuel crops.
d) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
e) Support funding for improvements to Minnesota's power generating and transmission facilities.
f) Support funding for open space preservation.
g) Limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases linked to global warming.
h) Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.
i) Other or expanded principles

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

Yes a) Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
Yes b) Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?
Yes c) Should a license be required for gun possession?
Yes d) Do you support current levels of enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Yes e) Do you support current state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
f) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary.
X b) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
X c) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
d) Allow patients to sue their HMOs.
X e) Require hospitals and labs to release reports on infections that are a risk to public health, while not compromising patient confidentiality.
f) Legalize physician assisted suicide in Minnesota.
g) Support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes.
h) Other or expanded principles

['Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding social issues.', 'Legislative Priorities']

No a) Should Minnesota recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
No b) Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?
No c) Should Minnesota provide state-level spousal rights to same-sex couples?
Yes d) Do you support a moment of silence in public schools?
Yes e) Do you support voluntary prayer in public schools?
Undecided f) Do you support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods?
Yes g) Do you support abstinence-only sexual education programs?
No h) Should the state government consider race and gender in state government contracting and hiring decisions?
Yes i) Do you support affirmative action in public college admissions?
Yes j) Should Minnesota continue affirmative action programs?
Yes k) Do you support state funding of stem cell research?
Yes l) Do you support state funding of embryonic stem cell research?
Yes m) Do you support allowing pharmacists who conscientiously object to emergency contraception to refuse to dispense it?
n) Other or expanded principles
Please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.

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