Card image cap

Gregory Meeks' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

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.

Gregory Meeks 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.

  • "Access to abortion is essential. This draft decision is a devastating attack on women’s rights. Overturning Roe and Casey will be detrimental and we must fight to ensure that all have the right to reproductive freedom." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Reproductive rights and access are still under attack across the country disproportionately harming communities already facing systemic discrimination. The Senate must pass the Women’s Health Protection Act #WHPA" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3755 “Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 75% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Before social security, half of all seniors lived and died in poverty. The GOP's platform is to gut our social safety nets like social security and privatize it. I am proud to join my fellow Democrats in the newly created #ExpandSocialSecurity Caucus to fight for what works." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For generations, Social Security has been a sacred promise to people who have earned their retirement through decades of hard work. We must #ProtectSocialSecurity from extreme MAGA Republicans trying to end it." (twitter.com)
  • "Exactly one year ago, the world witnessed the murder of George Floyd as a police officer knelt on his neck. We have lost too many Black lives to police brutality and we must continue the fight for the #JusticeinPolicing Act to make significant reforms to how we enforce the law." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "We know that there is no justice without true reform. Today, in consultation with @theBlackCaucus, @POTUS signed an executive order that promotes accountability, increases transparency, and reforms the criminal justice system. This is just the beginning. There is still much more work to do to ensure that people of color feel safe and protected living and working in their communities." (twitter.com)
  • "This is a turning point in American history, as our nation takes a hard and imaginative look at reforming law enforcement. The #JusticeInPolicing Act we unveiled yesterday says no to chokeholds, no to qualified immunity, and yes to accountability and transparency." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Thanks to @POTUS we’re done talking about infrastructure weeks, we’re talking about an infrastructure decade with meaningful investments in communities that need them the most." (twitter.com)
  • "The fact of the matter is the Dem. Party is the most forward-thinking. Policies we’ve championed, though oft-mischaracterized by others, save lives and grow in demand. Let’s cut the noise, build on our accomplishments and #BuildBackBetter" (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)
  • "It’s past time for Congress to pass a COVID relief bill that provides enhanced UI, stimulus checks and funding for states & localities. American families can’t afford to wait." (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)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 266 “Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.” (votesmart.org)
  • "Families have been feeling the weight of inflation and the House has responded by passing the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act. This great bipartisan legislation will lower prices in grocery stores, reduce gas prices, and empower families across America." (twitter.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act puts #PeopleOverPolitics. It reduces healthcare costs, creates millions of good paying jobs, and addresses the climate crisis. I look forward to its consideration in the House and sending to @POTUS’ desk." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7688 “Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "I will continue the fight to beat back the crushing weight of student debt and make college affordable for all." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This historic action in forgiving up to $20,000 in student loan debt will be transformative for millions of Americans who've had to make choices around investing in their families and livelihoods based on their student debt burden." (twitter.com)
  • "The real problem lies in bogus Voter ID laws, which disenfranchise millions of Americans. A commission should be established ASAP to look into that!" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4 “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5746 “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Voter ID laws disenfranchise voters, primarily minorities. I hope other courts recognize this & follow suit." (twitter.com)
  • "HR 9's passage is a signal to the world that the House is committed to the US's word on fighting climate change. We must recommit to the Paris Agreement, become leaders in green energy to build the jobs of tomorrow and stop rising carbon from ravaging our one and only planet." (twitter.com)
  • "I’ve seen how bottom-up pressure can yield significant progress for a clean energy transition. Creating a global climate revolution takes public pressure & involvement, starting from community-based, climate-friendly practices - at schools, businesses, and places of work." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "HR 9's passage is a signal to the world that the House is committed to the US's word on fighting climate change. We must recommit to the Paris Agreement, become leaders in green energy to build the jobs of tomorrow and stop rising carbon from ravaging our one and only planet." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We have lost too much time under the Trump administration in the fight against climate change. This five year anniversary of the the #ParisAgreement marks a moment of opportunity to re-honor that commitment and once again lead as a global climate champion" (twitter.com)
  • "Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and numbers are rapidly trending upward across the country. In 2020, 4,357 children were shot and killed. Enough is enough. This country is long overdue for gun violence prevention legislation." (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)
  • "Repealing the ACA would deprive nearly 1 million New Yorkers of healthcare. I support my Democratic colleagues in the Senate!" (twitter.com)
  • "Should the @HouseGOP & Trump have their way, 8.4 million New Yorkers stand to have their health coverage compromised, simply because they have pre-existing conditions like these. We must #ProtectOurCare from the relentless GOP sabotage of the ACA" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1425 “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "The US is the only developed nation in the world that doesn’t offer paid maternity leave. I urge Congress to #LeadOnLeave" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "From the forty hour work day to paid sick leave, all were hard earned victories secured by unions and organizers who demanded the dignity of workers' rights. We must continue that momentum forward and fight for fair wages and preserve the right to organize. Happy #laborday!" (twitter.com)
  • "Lots of Democratic victories in the NDAA, including a major victory giving millions of workers paid family leave for the first time." (twitter.com)
  • "@HouseDemocrats have been fighting nonstop to lower costs for American families. Tomorrow, we are passing the #InflationReductionAct — a historic bill to lower health care costs, cut prescription drug prices, and lower the cost of energy." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3 “Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6833 “The Affordable Insulin Now Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Donald Trump's con is up. Today's announcement was a walk back to what Democrats have been calling for all along: sensible border security. What is unfortunate is that it took Trump this long to end his obstruction, causing so many people financial stress for no reason at all." (twitter.com)
  • "If you want border security that will make a difference, you listen to the experts on the border. That is what Democrats have done and what we are offering, but Trump continues to hold Americans hostage over an ineffective campaign promise." (twitter.com)
  • "I just toured an ICE detention facility in NJ where the vast majority of detainees I spoke to presented themselves at the border or ports with compelling asylum claims. These are not the criminals Trump portrays. Some are business owners, have families, escaped persecution..." (twitter.com)
  • "The national emergency in our nation is not on our border but in the proliferation of guns falling in the wrong hands, used not in self defense but out of malice. I’m proud to cast my vote for #HR8 to close the gun show loophole and ensure background checks are no longer dodged." (twitter.com)
  • "DREAMers, America is your home and Donald Trump is not entitled to rip you from it on a whim." (twitter.com)
  • "For 10 years, Dreamers have shaped and enriched our communities & economy. DACA works and is a shining example of how we can offer protection, education, and a better life for those who seek it. We embrace you and aim to create better ways to citizenship for all." (twitter.com)
  • "On DACA's 9th anniversary today, let’s recommit to granting a path to citizenship for the dreamers who’ve only ever known the U.S. as home, as well as TPS holders who I will continue to advocate for as Chair of @HouseForeign." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 1% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "DREAMers, America is your home and Donald Trump is not entitled to rip you from it on a whim." (twitter.com)
  • "For 10 years, Dreamers have shaped and enriched our communities & economy. DACA works and is a shining example of how we can offer protection, education, and a better life for those who seek it. We embrace you and aim to create better ways to citizenship for all." (twitter.com)
  • "On DACA's 9th anniversary today, let’s recommit to granting a path to citizenship for the dreamers who’ve only ever known the U.S. as home, as well as TPS holders who I will continue to advocate for as Chair of @HouseForeign." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 “Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • "We need to look at strengthening our sanctions depending on the extent of Russian interference in our elections." (twitter.com)
  • "Why is the @POTUS failing to enforce #Russia sanctions, after they interfered in our election and are propping up unfriendly regimes?" (twitter.com)
  • "Russia’s war of choice on #Ukraine is a threat to democracies everywhere. The U.S. must continue to support the people of Ukraine, & impose significant costs on Russia. As @houseforeign chair, I proudly voted yesterday for @FSCDems' bills to isolate Russia through economic means." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S. 3522 “Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "I have said all along that Pres. Trump is a con-man. He pretended to care about the middle-class and then he gave 80% of tax cuts to corporations and the wealthiest in our country. Permanently." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 8% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The #GOPTaxScam will be voted on in an hour! It will trigger a $25 billion cut to Medicare next year alone to give massive tax cuts to the wealthy." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5377 “Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "One of the few things Republicans and Democrats agree on is that Trump's tariffs are ill-conceived and very likely to backfire. Our trade deficit has grown under this President and it could continue to do so!" (twitter.com)
  • "President Trump’s erratic, approach to trade/policy creates real risks for American industry and American households. If his tariff war escalates to a currency war, the economy could tilt to recession. Americans deserve competent economic leadership." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, I joined a #NewDems letter to @SecRaimondo & @AmbassadorTai urging them to expeditiously end Trump’s tariffs on alum./steel. This policy challenges our trade partnerships when cooperation is key towards promoting our shared interests, easing inflation, & promoting growth" (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 legally available.
X b) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
c) Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered.
d) Abortions should be legal only when the life of the woman is endangered.
e) Abortions should always be illegal.
f) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and notification requirements as decided by each state government.
g) Prohibit the late-term abortion procedure known as "partial-birth" abortion.
h) Prohibit public funding of abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
X i) Other
Partial Birth Abortions should be available if the mother's health is in danger.

1) Indicate what levels of federal funding you support for the following categories. Select one number (level) only.2) Indicate what levels of federal funding you support for the following defense-related categories. Select one number (level) only.4) Indicate how you would apply the expected federal budget surplus.

Slightly Increase a) AIDS programs
Maintain Status b) Arts funding
Greatly Increase c) Education (K-12)
Slightly Increase d) Environmental programs
Slightly Increase e) Foreign aid
Greatly Increase f) Housing projects
Greatly Increase g) Job training programs
Maintain Status h) Law enforcement
Maintain Status i) Medicaid
Slightly Increase j) Medicare
Maintain Status k) NASA
Greatly Increase l) Student loan programs
Slightly Decrease m) Welfare
p) Other
Maintain Status a) Armed Forces personnel training
Slightly Decrease b) CIA appropriations
Slightly Increase c) Defense plant conversion
Slightly Decrease d) Development of new weapons
Slightly Decrease e) Military hardware
f) Military space shuttle missions
Maintain Status g) National Missile Defense Program
Slightly Increase h) Pay for active duty personnel
i) Other
Undecided 3) Do you support amending the U.S. Constitution to require an annual balanced federal budget?
X a) Social Security
b) Medicare
c) Tax cuts
d) Federal debt reduction
e) Other
Small Bus. Dev. -- Greatly Increase
Defense -- Slightly Decrease

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

a) Remove all legislative limits on campaign financing.
b) Establish spending limits on congressional campaigns.
X c) Provide public funding for federal candidates who comply with campaign spending limits.
d) Support legislation that would increase the federal limits on individual contributions.
X e) Strengthen and enforce legislation that encourages full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information.
f) Prohibit Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to candidates for federal office.
X g) Provide free or low-cost television advertising to candidates who agree to voluntary campaign spending limits.
X h) Ban the unregulated campaign contributions known as soft money.
X i) Pass legislation banning issue advocacy commercials by outside groups within 60 days of an election.
j) Prohibit non-U.S. citizens from making contributions to federal campaigns.
k) Other

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

a) Broaden use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
b) Increase spending to build more federal prisons.
c) Impose "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole.
X d) Fund programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X e) Expand funding for community policing programs.
f) Increase penalties for the possession of any illegal firearms.
g) Prosecute youths accused of a felony as adults.
X h) Increase funding for local Boys & Girls Clubs and other independent organizations in communities with at-risk youth.
i) Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
j) Deport all permanent resident aliens convicted of a felony.
k) Other

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

a) Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
b) Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
c) Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers.
X d) Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances, including inhalants and commercially available pills.
X e) Increase funding of federally-sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs.
f) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
X g) Increase funding for border security to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.
h) Other

1) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the economy and employment.2) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding affirmative action and discrimination.

X a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment.
X b) Increase funding for national job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
c) Reduce government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X d) Establish empowerment zones in areas with large numbers of unemployed people.
e) Eliminate any federal programs designed to reduce unemployment.
X f) Increase the minimum wage.
g) Pass legislation that encourages employers to offer their employees the options of flex-time scheduling, comp-time and unpaid leave to attend to their family responsibilities.
X h) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide on-site child care.
X a) The federal government should consider race and sex in making government contracting decisions.
b) The federal government should continue affirmative action programs only if such programs do not include quotas.
c) The federal government should discontinue affirmative action programs.
X d) The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public sector.
X e) The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the private sector.
f) The federal government should include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws.
g) Other

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

X a) Support national standards and testing in reading and math.
b) Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any publicly funded school.
c) Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
d) Allow parents to use tax-free savings accounts to send their children to any publicly funded school.
e) Allow parents to use tax-free savings accounts to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
f) Support creation of more charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
g) Give all federal education funding to states in the form of block grants and allow them to spend it as they see fit.
X h) Support voluntary teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
X i) Increase funding for block grants to states to help them hire additional teachers.
j) Other
Yes 2) Do you support amending the U.S. Constitution to guarantee the right to religious expression and voluntary prayer in public places, including schools?

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

a) Require the state to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land.
X b) Strengthen the Clean Water Act.
c) Change the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to limit the number of habitats eligible to be designated as endangered.
d) Increase fees charged to ranchers who graze cattle on federal lands.
e) Revise the 1872 mining law to increase the fees charged to mining companies using federal lands.
X f) Encourage development of alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
X g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks.
h) Increase federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels to promote conservation and alternative fuel development.
i) Promote the selling of pollution credits between nations to encourage industries to decrease pollution levels.
X j) Impose stricter national air quality standards.
k) Adhere to the United Nations treaty regarding global climate change.
l) Strengthen the restrictions on clear-cutting on federal lands.
m) Other

Indicate which level of government that should have primary responsibility for the following services. Select one level only.

Federal a) Border security
Federal b) Civil rights enforcement
State c) Education
State d) Environmental cleanup
Local e) Job training
Local f) Law enforcement
Local g) Low-income housing
State h) Medicaid
Federal i) Medicare
Federal j) Transportation infrastructure (highways, roads, bridges)
Federal k) Welfare
l) Other

1) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Bosnia/former Yugoslavia.2) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the Middle East.3) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the United States-United Nations relationship.

a) The U.S. should lift the arms embargo against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
b) The U.S. should maintain a military presence in Bosnia-Herzegovina with a certain deadline for withdrawal.
c) The U.S. should maintain a military presence in Bosnia-Herzegovina without a certain deadline for withdrawal.
d) Other
a) The U.S. should resolve future disputes with Iraq through diplomatic means.
b) The U.S. should take unilateral military action if Iraq does not comply with all accepted UN resolutions.
c) The U.S. should take military action against Iraq only as part of an international effort.
d) The U.S. should not continue to play a prominent leadership role in the peace process between Israel and Palestine.
e) Other
a) The U.S. should contribute more funding and troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
b) The U.S. should contribute less funding and troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
c) The U.S. should participate in UN peacekeeping missions only when vital U.S. interests are involved.
d) The U.S. should not commit military troops to UN peacekeeping missions.
e) The U.S. should withdraw from the UN completely.
X f) The U.S. should pay its debt to the United Nations.
g) Other
Yes 4) Should the U.S. have diplomatic and trade relations with Cuba?
Undecided 5) Should the U.S. recognize and extend full diplomatic relations to Taiwan?

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

a) Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
b) Increase federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
c) Maintain federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
d) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
e) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens.
f) Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.
X g) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
h) Other

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

a) The federal government has no responsibility in providing health care.
b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income.
c) Implement a government-financed, single-payer national health care system similar to that of Canada.
d) Support health care strategies focused on prevention, including health education and natural medicines and remedies.
X e) Support legislation 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 f) Allow small business owners, the self-employed and workers whose employers do not provide health insurance to have the same deductibility for health costs as corporations and large employers.
g) Expand eligibility for tax-free medical savings accounts, which would be taxed if used for any purpose other than medical costs.
h) Establish limits on the amount of damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
i) Allow states and local communities to use federal funds for needle-exchange programs to combat the spread of HIV.
j) Classify nicotine as a drug and cigarettes as drug delivery devices, which should be regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration.
k) Provide citizens age 55-65 the option of purchasing Medicare health coverage.
Other

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

a) Decrease the number of immigrants allowed into the country.
X b) Increase the eligibility of legal immigrants for certain social programs (i.e. HUD housing, food stamps).
c) Require the Immigration and Naturalization Service to reduce to six months the time between applying for citizenship and taking the oath of allegiance.
X d) Provide extra federal aid to states with higher numbers of immigrants for necessary medical and social services.
X e) Prohibit states from passing laws that deny human services (medical care, education) to illegal immigrants or their children.
f) Children of illegal immigrants, born in the United States, should not automatically receive U.S. citizenship.
g) Increase the immigration quota for computer scientists and other information technology workers.
h) Establish English as the official and recognized language of the United States government.
i) Other
The American people have consistently mentioned the decline of morals and ethics in America as a major problem facing the country. On an attached page, in fifty words or less, explain what you will do as a member of Congress to address this concern.

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.
b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which are managed by the government.
c) Invest Social Security's assets collectively in stocks and bonds instead of U.S. Treasury securities.
d) Increase the payroll tax to finance the program in its current form.
X e) Invest a portion of the budget surplus into the Social Security trust fund.
f) Increase the minimum age that determines when retirees are able to receive full Social Security benefits.
g) Lower Social Security's annual cost-of-living increases.
h) Limit Social Security benefits based on recipients' other income and assets.
i) Require individuals to pay the Social Security tax on income above $68,400, which is currently exempt.
j) Other

1) Indicate the levels you support concerning taxes in the following categories. Select one number (level) only.Income Taxes:Other Tax Issues:

Maintain Status a) Retiree income over $40,000
Slightly Decrease b) Family income less than $25,000
Slightly Decrease c) Family income $25-75,000
Slightly Decrease d) Family income $75-150,000
e) Family income over $150,000
f) Alcohol taxes
g) Capital gains taxes
h) Charitable deductions
Slightly Increase i) Child tax credit
j) Cigarette taxes
k) Corporate income taxes
l) Earned Income Tax Credit
m) Estate taxes
Greatly Increase n) Medical expense deductions
o) Mortgage deductions
p) Other
q) Other
Undecided 2) Do you support replacing the U.S. income tax structure with a flat income tax?
Undecided 3) Do you support eliminating the Internal Revenue Service?
Undecided 4) Do you support instituting a national sales tax?
Yes 5) Should a married couple filing jointly pay the same taxes as if they were an unmarried couple filing separately?
Undecided 6) Do you support requiring a super-majority vote in both houses of Congress to raise taxes?
7) Other

If you support term limits, how many terms should each serve?

No 1) Do you support amending the Constitution to limit the number of terms which members of Congress can serve?
Senator (# of 6 yr. terms)
Representatives (# of 2 yr. terms)
Yes 1) Do you support the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
Yes 2) Do you support broadening NAFTA to include other countries in the western hemisphere?
Yes 3) Do you support the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?
4) Do you support the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
Yes 5) Do you support imposing tariffs on products imported from nations that maintain restrictive trade barriers on American products?
No 6) Should a nation's human rights record affect its "most favored nation" trading status with the United States?
Undecided 7) Do you support granting the President "fast-track" authority?

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

X a) Provide tax incentives for companies to hire and train homeless people who want to work.
X b) Increase funding of homeless shelters and low income housing projects.
X c) Increase funds for housing assistance for welfare recipients who need housing to get or keep a job.
X d) Provide homeless families with apartment vouchers they can use to supplement the cost of an apartment.
X e) Continue to give states and local governments responsibility for welfare programs through block grants.
X f) Eliminate federal funds for welfare programs at the federal, state or local levels.
g) Maintain current welfare-to-work requirements in order for states to qualify for block grants.
h) Convert government-funded low-income housing projects into private housing, managed and owned by the residents.
i) Require that unwed teenage mothers live with a parent or guardian (if possible) and attend school to receive benefits.
j) Other
Please explain what your two main legislative priorities will be if elected. Please explain how you would obtain any additional government funding needed to implement these priorities.

Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

arrow_upward