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Tom Cole's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Republican for U.S. House (OK) - District 4

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Issue Positions

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

  • Rated 100% by National Right to Life Committee. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Speaker Pelosi: "We write to express our unified opposition to Congressional Democrats' efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment and other current-law, pro-life appropriations provisions. As part of their pro-abortion crusade, Democrats have taken direct aim at these long-standing, bipartisan protections that generally prevent the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to support abortion procedures. Repealing these pro-life provisions would destroy nearly half a century of bipartisan consensus. Each year since 1976, Congress has included Hyde protections in annually enacted appropriations. No president in American history has ever vetoed an appropriations bill due to its inclusion of the Hyde Amendment." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""There is nothing more important a Member of Congress can do than defend life. Throughout my service in the House, I have made this one of my top priorities," said Cole. "I am very proud of my pro-life voting record, and I am honored to receive an A+ from the Susan B. Anthony National Pro-Life Scorecard. I remain committed to being a voice for the most vulnerable, including unborn children."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 36 "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "There is nothing more important a Member of Congress can do than defend life. Throughout my service in the House, I have made this one of my top priorities," said Cole. "I am very proud of my pro-life voting record, and I am honored to receive an A+ from the Susan B. Anthony National Pro-Life Scorecard. I remain committed to being a voice for the most vulnerable, including unborn children." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Leader McConnell: "As we near the end of the year and the 116th Congress, we urge you to include provisions in end of the year legislation to make permanent expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services. Specifically, immediate action to permanently waive geographic restrictions for originating sites, authorize health centers in rural and underserved areas to provide telehealth, and allow beneficiaries to use telehealth in their homes would be key steps to ensure much-needed certainty about Medicare telehealth coverage for health care providers and to improve access to care for patients." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""Throughout the entirety of every American's working life, they contribute to Social Security and trust in the promise of receiving future benefits from the program," said Cole. "Unfortunately, Social Security is in grave danger and without immediate changes that modernize the current system, it will not be able to pay the benefits that hardworking Americans have rightfully earned. Rather than risk breaking the promise made to generations who have paid or will pay into the system, I am pleased to reintroduce legislation that would result in commonsense solutions for saving Social Security for future generations of retirees."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Throughout the entirety of every American's working life, they contribute to Social Security and trust in the promise of receiving future benefits from the program," said Cole. "Unfortunately, Social Security is in grave danger and without immediate changes that modernize the current system, it will not be able to pay the benefits that hardworking Americans have rightfully earned. Rather than risk breaking the promise made to generations who have paid or will pay into the system, I am pleased to reintroduce legislation that would result in commonsense solutions for saving Social Security for future generations of retirees." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""Although titled by Democrats as the "For the People Act,' a better name for H.R. 1 would be the "For the Politicians Act' since its aim is to change campaign finance law and state election systems to preserve and boost their own majority," said Cole. "This is a blatant and shameful power grab, which would essentially create a welfare program for politicians and candidates on the taxpayer dime." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Tom led the successful fight to end taxpayer funding of political conventions and redirected the savings to fund research into pediatric diseases. He has also offered legislation to end taxpayer funding for presidential campaigns. Tom believes political candidates should not receive taxpayer funded political welfare for their campaigns." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Although titled by Democrats as the "For the People Act,' a better name for H.R. 1 would be the "For the Politicians Act' since its aim is to change campaign finance law and state election systems to preserve and boost their own majority," said Cole. "This is a blatant and shameful power grab, which would essentially create a welfare program for politicians and candidates on the taxpayer dime." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Clearly, there is an important national dialogue on the issue of police reform underway. The noble aim of that discussion is to produce a police reform package that will enhance the professionalism and transparency of community policing while increasing the confidence and security of every citizen, particularly those living in communities of color." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "We fully recognize the critical need for reform. My colleagues both in the House and in the Senate have put together our own reform package, the JUSTICE Act, filled with bipartisan reforms that could pass both the House and the Senate and be signed into law quickly. These reforms include critical measures like providing funding for body cameras for police officers, requiring de-escalation procedures and banning chokeholds." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""Passage of this NDAA is a remarkable accomplishment and a reflection on what can be accomplished when members of Congress work across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation for the American people," said Cole. "Among many other things, this NDAA authorizes adequate funding to support our national defense needs, including providing a much-deserved 2.7 percent pay raise for our service members and civilian workforce, funding additional ships for the Navy and ensuring the warfighters of tomorrow have the weapons and assets they need to succeed on the battlefield."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Center for Security Policy. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • "Passage of this NDAA is a remarkable accomplishment and a reflection on what can be accomplished when members of Congress work across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation for the American people," said Cole. "Among many other things, this NDAA authorizes adequate funding to support our national defense needs, including providing a much-deserved 2.7 percent pay raise for our service members and civilian workforce, funding additional ships for the Navy and ensuring the warfighters of tomorrow have the weapons and assets they need to succeed on the battlefield." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Tom also believes in keeping defense spending prioritized to meet the ever-increasing threats of near-peer adversaries in China and Russia. Tom will work every day to make sure we have a military that is the best equipped and best led in the world." (tomcoleforcongress.com)
  • "Included in this plan are extreme tax increases that would crush businesses and eliminate jobs, undermining the monumental Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 which ushered in vital economic growth and created jobs for hardworking Americans. The misguided policies contained in Biden's proposal would encourage more businesses to move overseas rather than setting up shop at home. Moreover, increasing taxes on Americans and our businesses while we are still recovering from a pandemic is simply wrong." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Since fiscal year 2016, investments in infrastructure and related safety enhancements for roads, bridges, airports, transit and ports have been increased dramatically. For example, annual funding for infrastructure projects through the Federal Highways Administration alone have increased by nearly $6 billion and at the Federal Transit Administration by more than $1.3 billion. Targeted grants for roads on tribal and other federally significant lands have also seen an increase of $100 million. In addition, entirely new programs to invest in our deep water ports and to repair bridges across the country have been created. Investments such as these have certainly contributed to getting projects in communities across the country critical funding they need -- without having to wait on a comprehensive infrastructure package to get to the president's desk. In fact, Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District has been the direct beneficiary in recent weeks of broader investments in funding for DOT infrastructure grants led by the Appropriations Committees." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Legislative activity in the House last week involved late nights, 2 of the longest votes in House history, passage of a fiscally irresponsible infrastructure bill & a procedural vote on @SpeakerPelosi's multi-trillion-dollar socialist spending bill." (twitter.com)
  • "Tom has voted every year for the lowest proposed budget, and will continue to stand strong against the insane spending programs from the Biden Administration such as the American Jobs Plan, the American Families Plan, and other trillion dollar spending programs that set America on course for ever increasing deficits and debt future generations of Americans will be hurt by." (tomcoleforcongress.com)
  • "Hardworking Americans, families, communities, small businesses and numerous industries have been hit hard and fast in a matter of days and weeks. Given the enormous scope of this disaster, its consequences and the damage already done, it is critically important to get help to those Americans facing difficult times. I am encouraged that the CARES Act extends a much needed helping hand." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am relieved that targeted coronavirus relief will finally be able to make its way to Americans struggling because of the pandemic. This includes finally extending the Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses keep their employees on the payroll, renewing unemployment insurance for unemployed workers and providing a second round of economic impact payments to most Americans. And rightly so, the coronavirus aid supports vaccine distribution as more start to become available." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Dealing yet another disappointing blow fueled by Democrats' damaging policies & trillions in proposed social spending, DOL announced today that our economy is experiencing the highest inflation rate in 40 years! Clearly, inflation is not "temporary" as Democrats promised." (twitter.com)
  • "As inflation rages, @HouseDemocrats remain deeply out of touch with the American people. Their latest stunt? Avoiding debate & an actual vote on a budget that was yet again cobbled together behind closed doors in the Speaker’s office." (twitter.com)
  • "Due to rising inflation exacerbated by @POTUS & Democrats' damaging policies & out-of-control spending, hardworking American families are being served a #ThanksgivingTax with high prices to continue into the holiday season." (twitter.com)
  • "This week instead of working with Republicans, Democrats in Congress attacked the 2nd Amendment & unveiled their next Build Back Better bill that would worsen inflation & impose more taxes on Americans as the nation enters a recession." (twitter.com)
  • "@POTUS' move to cancel college debt that individuals voluntarily chose to undertake is a monumentally bad policy that will benefit the few at the expense of the many. That is exactly the opposite of what the country should be doing." (twitter.com)
  • "@POTUS' plan to unilaterally erase a wide swath of federal student loan debts is unfair to millions of Americans who don't have loans or already paid them off, & it will also add hundreds of billions of dollars more to the national debt." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "If enacted, the Democrats' latest scheme to federalize elections would irrevocably alter how states oversee and operate their own elections, as they have done historically. The result would be an unprecedented power grab by Washington that would completely change the character of elections as we know it, including requiring states to provide automatic and same-day voter registration, requiring vote by mail and early voting, overriding state voter ID laws and establishing a new taxpayer-funded campaign ATM that would ensure certain candidates to receive millions of dollars in federal taxpayer dollars." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against H.R. 4 “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against H.R. 5746 “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act” (votesmart.org)
  • ""I am very proud to hear that the Department of Energy is equipping and empowering the University of Oklahoma to pursue a groundbreaking project to unleash safe and sustainable energy," said Congressman Cole. "Widely recognized as a center for scientific excellence and innovation, OU's contributions will indeed be critical in honing production and refining the use of geothermal energy."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 89% by American Energy Alliance. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Despite the ongoing global energy crisis, President Biden and Democrats are proposing more disastrous energy policies that would undeniably worsen supply shortages and price increases in their $5 trillion socialist-spending bill. Examples include a natural gas tax and more bans on oil and gas production on federal lands and waters. The result of these policies could lead to our energy bills increasing by $242 per year and raise the cost of nearly 6,000 common household products and technologies." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019." (votesmart.org)
  • "I am very proud to hear that the Department of Energy is equipping and empowering the University of Oklahoma to pursue a groundbreaking project to unleash safe and sustainable energy," said Congressman Cole. "Widely recognized as a center for scientific excellence and innovation, OU's contributions will indeed be critical in honing production and refining the use of geothermal energy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Hampering domestic energy production is not the path towards a robust economy and job growth. Unfortunately, in recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been busy formulating a national plan to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Such drastic changes in energy policy would have damaging consequences for our economy, including a dramatic increase in electricity prices. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, I have worked with my colleagues to cut EPA funding more than 20 percent, cut back staff to 1989 levels and stop regulatory overreach." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Independent Petroleum Association of America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Chairperson Neumayr: "We write in support of the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) efforts to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This rulemaking represents the first comprehensive overhaul since the NEPA regulations were originally promulgated more than 40 years ago. These critical reforms will bring needed clarity to our nation's environmental laws, preserve the competitive edge that powers our economy, and foster continued stewardship of our environment and natural resources. Congress wrote NEPA with the straightforward, significant goal of establishing a review framework "under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans." However, over the years, through misguided regulation, and presidential directive, the NEPA process has strayed from these objectives. Now, unending litigation and mountains of paperwork define a permitting process that stretches along an indefinite timeline." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today President Biden has made yet another unilateral decision in reducing the United States' carbon emissions by drastic numbers by the year 2030. Not only did President Biden have the opportunity to ask for and receive input from Congress before reentering the Paris Climate Agreement to ensure this agreement results in internationally equitable terms, but he is now doubling President Obama's previous commitments. While I believe climate change needs to be addressed, there are bipartisan and commonsense solutions that are realistic." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by National Rifle Association (NRA). (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • ""While promoted by House Democrats as legislation to reduce gun violence and prevent mass shootings, H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 would not actually pave the way to fulfill that important goal nor would the bills stop those who should not possess firearms from acquiring them," said Cole. "To be clear, federal law already forbids transfer of firearms to individuals barred from possession, just as it is already illegal to purchase a firearm for someone who cannot legally have one. Instead, these bills would unnecessarily restrain and potentially criminalize law abiding and responsible gun owners who safely use guns for hunting, sport and protection. Unfortunately, the effect of these misguided bills would ultimately deprive law-abiding citizens from exercising their Second Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Tom has an A rating with the NRA and has been proud to stand strong for our second amendment rights. Tom has been invaluable, fighting against the Far-Left’s agenda in the House of Representatives to weaken the God-given and constitutionally protected right of every American to be able to protect themselves and their families." (tomcoleforcongress.com)
  • "While promoted by House Democrats as legislation to reduce gun violence and prevent mass shootings, H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 would not actually pave the way to fulfill that important goal nor would the bills stop those who should not possess firearms from acquiring them," said Cole. "To be clear, federal law already forbids transfer of firearms to individuals barred from possession, just as it is already illegal to purchase a firearm for someone who cannot legally have one. Instead, these bills would unnecessarily restrain and potentially criminalize law abiding and responsible gun owners who safely use guns for hunting, sport and protection. Unfortunately, the effect of these misguided bills would ultimately deprive law-abiding citizens from exercising their Second Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "After last votes yesterday, I sat down in my DC office to reflect on the week, specifically the @RulesReps hearing on the Democrats' #MedicareForAll bill. It was an unusual forum for the first legislative hearing ever on this extreme bill with an astronomical price tag." (twitter.com)
  • "Socialism contradicts the principles on which America was founded. That's why the Democrats' trending embrace of socialist proposals - like #MedicareForAll and #GreenNewDeal - is real cause for alarm." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1628 “American Health Care Act of 2017” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 2192 “McSally Amendment” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "The good news: Bipartisan solutions already exist to lower prescription drug prices and find #MoreCures! The bad news: Today, Democrats advanced a radical bill that would lead to #FewerCures instead." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against H.R. 3 “Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against H.R. 6833 “The Affordable Insulin Now Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Due to @POTUS' open border policies, more vulnerable migrants are taking the dangerous journey to the southern border, risking violence & abuse from cartels & traffickers. To end this humanitarian crisis & prevent further loss of life, these policies must change. #SecuretheBorder" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 79% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "There IS a real humanitarian crisis at the southern border, but Democrats have so far blocked 15 separate efforts to fulfill @POTUS' funding request to cover the immediate and urgent needs." (twitter.com)
  • "Tom has always believed that border security is the most important component of our immigration policy. Tom voted in favor of the Secure Fence Act of 2006 and supported President Trump’s efforts to build the wall to help stem the tide of illegal immigration, drugs, and human trafficking. The Biden administration’s crisis on the border points clearly to Far-Left liberal policies exacerbating our issues on our southern border and Tom will stand strong every day for a safe, humane, and secure border." (tomcoleforcongress.com)
  • ""In deciding to allow the DACA program to expire, President Trump made the right call," said Cole. "President Obama exceeded his constitutional authority by implementing the policy through executive order. Major immigration policy changes must be done through Congressional action, and President Trump has given Congress ample time to craft a new policy regarding DACA recipients."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Tom has always believed that border security is the most important component of our immigration policy. Tom voted in favor of the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which authorized the building of 700 miles of fence along the southern border. In 2014, when thousands of illegal immigrants were crossing our border from Central America, Tom opposed the housing of these illegals at Fort Sill. Within weeks, the Obama Administration closed their detention facility at Fort Sill. Tom stood strong for sending these illegal immigrants back to their country of origin as quickly and humanely as possible. Tom also supported the federal lawsuit that has halted President Obama's attempt to circumvent the law and halt deportations of those living here illegally." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3004 "Kate's Law." (votesmart.org)
  • "In deciding to allow the DACA program to expire, President Trump made the right call," said Cole. "President Obama exceeded his constitutional authority by implementing the policy through executive order. Major immigration policy changes must be done through Congressional action, and President Trump has given Congress ample time to craft a new policy regarding DACA recipients." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3004 "Kate's Law." (votesmart.org)
  • 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)
  • "While I am encouraged @POTUS announced the U.S. will finally stop buying Russian oil & energy products, this key sanction should have happened much sooner – not because of pressure from Congress & public outrage, but because it is the right thing to do." (twitter.com)
  • "While @POTUS was right to announce U.S. sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, I fear this action may be too little too late." (twitter.com)
  • "By invading Ukraine, Putin has chosen to launch the largest military operation in Europe since WWII & to violate a peace that has lasted for 75 years. America should do all we can to assist Ukraine & punish Putin for this egregious act." (twitter.com)
  • "President Zelenskyy's address to Congress was clear & resolute: Ukraine needs our support. As an ardent defender of freedom, the U.S. must support them in their most dire hour & send a clear message to Putin that we won't stand for his lawless behavior." (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)
  • "Full of reckless spending, massive tax hikes on hardworking Americans & big government policies, the reconciliation bill passed solely by Democrats ignores the real crises facing our nation & would ultimately make them worse." (twitter.com)
  • "It has been six months since the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act has been enacted. Since then, it has benefited millions of Americans and made a credible impact on Oklahoma. From generous tax cuts to lowered utility bills, the proof is here – the new tax system is working." (twitter.com)
  • "Taken in its entirety, President Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan is really just a progressive climate policy wish list filled with tax hikes that'll crush businesses & eliminate American jobs." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1 “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "However, USMCA goes beyond reinforcing the relationship we have with our North American neighbors. This trade agreement is a tremendous win for the American people -- for millions of manufacturers, entrepreneurs, farmers and ranchers. I applaud President Trump for his dogged commitment to improving economic policies and delivering real benefits to American job creators, workers and consumers." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Ambassador Lighthizer: "As members of the Congressional Wine Caucus, we write to express our strong concern about U.S. retaliatory tariffs on European wine. These retaliatory tariffs cause economic harm to the thousands of U.S. wineries, exporters, importers, retailers, and restaurants who depend on a vibrant, healthy wine market for their livelihood. Any expansion of these tariffs would further exacerbate the harm already caused." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Exciting day as #USMCA officially goes into force! Thanks to @POTUS for negotiating this modern & fair trade deal with our North American neighbors & closest trading partners on behalf of U.S. workers manufacturers, farmers & ranchers." (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) regarding abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
b) Abortions should always be legal.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
X d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
X e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
X f) Prohibit the dilation and extraction procedure, also known as "partial-birth" abortion.
X g) Prohibit public funding of abortions and of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
h) Other or expanded principles

Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category.Budget Priorities

Maintain Status a) Agriculture
Slightly Decrease b) Arts
Greatly Increase c) Defense
Slightly Increase d) Education
Slightly Decrease e) Environment
Greatly Increase f) Homeland security
Maintain Status g) International aid
Greatly Increase h) Law enforcement
Slightly Increase i) Medical research
Maintain Status j) National parks
Maintain Status k) Public health services
Maintain Status l) Scientific research
Maintain Status m) Space exploration programs
Maintain Status n) Transportation and highway infrastructure
Maintain Status o) Welfare
p) Other or expanded categories

Defense Spending

Greatly Increase a) Armed Forces personnel training
Greatly Increase b) Intelligence operations
Greatly Increase c) Military hardware
Greatly Increase d) Modernization of weaponry and equipment
Greatly Increase e) National missile defense
Greatly Increase f) Pay for active duty personnel
Greatly Increase g) Programs to improve troop retention rates
Greatly Increase h) Research and development of new weapons
Greatly Increase i) Troop and equipment readiness
j) Other or expanded categories

Using the key above, indicate what federal tax levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category.TaxesIncome Taxes:Family IncomeRetiree IncomeOther Taxes:Deductions/Credits:

Greatly Decrease a) Less than $25,000
Greatly Decrease b) $25,000-$75,000
Greatly Decrease c) $75,000-$150,000
Greatly Decrease d) Over $150,000
e) Other or expanded categories
Greatly Decrease f) Over $40,000
g) Other or expanded categories
Slightly Decrease a) Alcohol taxes
Eliminate b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Greatly Decrease d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Eliminate f) Inheritance taxes
g) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Charitable contributions
Greatly Increase b) Child tax credit
Maintain Status c) Earned income tax credit
Maintain Status d) Medical expense deduction
Maintain Status e) Mortgage deduction
Maintain Status f) Student loan credit
g) Other or expanded categories
Yes 4) Do you support permanent repeal of the federal estate tax?
Yes 5) Do you support eliminating taxes on dividends paid to individual investors?
Yes 6) Should a married couple filing jointly pay the same taxes as if they were an unmarried couple filing separately?
AMERICANS NEED TO BE ABLE TO KEEP MORE OF THEIR OWN MONEY. ALSO, OUR TAX CODE MUST BE SIMPLIFIED.

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

a) Support public taxpayer funding for federal candidates who comply with campaign spending limits.
X b) Increase the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns.
c) Prohibit Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to candidates for federal office.
d) Allow unregulated soft money campaign contributions to political parties or committees.
e) Allow ads paid for by soft money that support or attack a candidate for federal office.
X f) Allow issue advocacy commercials by corporations, labor unions, and non-profit groups which appear within 60 days of a general election and within 30 days of a primary election.
X g) Remove all contribution limits on federal campaigns and parties.
Undecided h) Do you support instant run-off voting (IRV)?
Undecided i) Should Election Day be a national holiday?
No j) Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?
Yes k) Should marriage be restricted to a union only between a man and a woman?
l) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
b) Eliminate the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
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.
f) Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
X g) Support additional criminal penalties if a fetus is killed in the commission of a federal crime against a pregnant woman.
h) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, and disability be prosecuted as federal hate crimes.
X i) Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.
X j) Impose stricter penalties for those convicted of white-collar crimes.
k) Enforcement of civil rights should primarily be the responsibility of the federal government.
l) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
m) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Support mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
X b) Expand federally sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs.
c) Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
d) Allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes.
X e) Increase border security to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
f) Eliminate federal funding for programs associated with the "war on drugs."
g) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Support national standards for and testing of public school students.
b) Allow parents to use vouchers (equal opportunity scholarships) to send their children to any public school.
X c) Allow parents to use vouchers (equal opportunity scholarships) to send their children to any private or religious school.
X d) Allow teachers and professionals to receive authorization and funding to establish charter schools.
X e) Increase funding for block grants to states to aid in the hiring of additional teachers.
X f) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
X g) Increase funding for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings, infrastructure, technology).
X h) Support granting states limited control over Head Start programs.
X i) Support changing the mission of Head Start to emphasize improving the math and reading skills of disadvantaged children.
j) Providing education is not a responsibility of the federal government.
k) Support affirmative action in public college admissions.
X l) Increase funding of programs such as Pell grants and Stafford loans to help students pay for college.
X m) Support federal tax incentives to help families save for college.
X n) Other or expanded principles
ON QUESTION (B), I SUPPORT VOUCHERS WITHIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS ONLY WHEN CHILDREN ARE TRAPPED IN A FAILING SCHOOL.

1) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding employment.2) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding 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.
X b) Reduce government regulation of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Provide tax credits or grants to businesses that offer child care services to employees.
X d) Encourage employers to offer flex-time scheduling, comp-time, and unpaid leave for family emergencies.
e) Eliminate all federal programs designed to reduce unemployment.
f) Increase the federal minimum wage.
g) Support the right of workers to strike without fear of being permanently replaced.
X h) Allow workers to sell company stock and to diversify their company retirement funds into other investment options.
i) Other or expanded principles
a) The federal government should consider race and gender in government contracting decisions.
b) The federal government should discontinue affirmative action programs.
c) The federal government should continue affirmative action programs.
d) Include sexual orientation in federal anti-discrimination laws.
e) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
b) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
X c) Require states to compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses of privately-owned land.
X d) Relax logging restrictions on federal lands.
X e) Relax standards on federal lands to allow increased recreational usage.
X f) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil).
g) Strengthen emission controls and fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
X h) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration.
X i) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
X j) Support the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel.
X k) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits.
l) Support the U.S. re-entering the Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming.
m) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Renew the ban on the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
b) Maintain and strengthen the current level of enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
X c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
X e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
h) Require a license for gun possession.
i) Establish a national database of ballistic "fingerprints" to track guns used in criminal activities.
X j) Support legislation that would protect manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and importers of firearms from civil lawsuits by crime victims.
k) Other or expanded principles

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

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 which includes appeal mechanisms when claims are denied.
d) Support a Patient's Bill of Rights which includes the right to sue when claims are denied.
X e) Expand eligibility for tax-free medical savings accounts.
X f) Establish limits on the amount of punitive damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X g) Support expanding prescription drug coverage under Medicare.
h) Support expanding prescription drug coverage under private managed care plans.
X i) Offer tax credits to individuals and small businesses to offset the cost of insurance coverage.
j) Support automatic enrollment of children in federal health care programs such as CHIP and Medicaid.
k) Allow 55-65 year-olds to buy into Medicare.
l) Support stem cell research on existing lines of stem cells.
m) Allow laboratories to create new lines of stem cells for additional research.
n) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Decrease the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country.
b) Establish English as the official national language.
c) Increase the number of visas issued for agricultural workers.
d) Relax restrictions barring legal immigrants from using social programs (e.g. public housing, food stamps).
e) Support amnesty for certain illegal immigrants who already reside in the United States.
f) Support the detention of asylum seekers from countries known to sponsor terrorism.
X g) Other or expanded principles
THIS IS A COMPLICATED ISSUE WITH TOO MANY FACETS TO EXPAND ON IN THESE LIMITED QUESTIONS.

International AidIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding United States 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 United States.
c) Aid should be eliminated for any nation with documented human rights abuses.
d) Aid programs should be scaled back and eventually eliminated.
e) Other or expanded principles

International Policy1) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the Middle East.2) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Central and East Asia.3) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the United Nations.

Yes a) Should the United States continue to provide leadership in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
Yes b) Should the United States support the creation of a Palestinian state?
No c) Should the United States withdraw its troops from Iraq?
e) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) Should the United States use diplomatic and economic pressure to encourage North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program?
No b) Should the United States use military force to destroy the North Korean nuclear weapons program?
No c) Should the United States remove the North Korean government from power?
Yes d) Should the United States increase financial support to Afghanistan?
Yes e) Should the United States increase military support to Afghanistan?
f) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) Should the United States maintain its financial support of the United Nations?
No b) Should the United States decrease its financial support of the United Nations?
Undecided c) Should the United States commit troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions?
No 4) Should the United States lift the travel ban to Cuba?
Yes 5) Should the United States increase its financial support to Colombia to combat "the war on drugs"?
Yes 6) Should aid to African nations for AIDS prevention programs fund distribution of contraceptives?
Yes 7) Should aid to African nations for AIDS prevention fund abstinence education?
8) Other or expanded principles
THE U.S. MUST BE VICTORIOUS IN IRAQ. OUR LONG-TERM INTERESTS WILL BE STRENGTHENED BY A FREE AND DEMOCRATICALLY GOVERNED IRAQ. I SUPPORT PRESIDENT BUSH'S EFFORTS TO ADVANCE LIBERTY AND THE WAR ON TERROR.
FOR QUESTION 3(c), U.S. FORCES SHOULD BE COMMITTED TO UN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS ONLY WHEN SUCH A DEPLOYMENT IS IN OUR NATIONAL INTEREST.

International TradeIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international trade.

Yes 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)?
4) Should a nation's human rights record affect its normal trade relations (most favored nation) status with the United States?
Yes 5) Do you support the trade embargo against Cuba?
Undecided 6) Should trade agreements include provisions to address environmental concerns and to protect workers' rights?
FOR QUESTION 6, THE CONTEXT OF THE AGREEMENT MUST BE CONSIDERED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

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

Yes a) Do you support using military tribunals to try suspected terrorists when ordinary civilian courts are deemed inappropriate or impractical?
Yes b) Should the United States adopt stricter rules for student visa applications from nations known to sponsor terrorism?
Undecided c) Should the United States grant law enforcement agencies greater discretion to read mail and email, tap phones, and conduct random searches to prevent future terrorist attacks?
Yes d) Should the United States hold foreign states accountable for terrorists who operate in their country?
Yes e) Should the federal government increase funding to states and cities for homeland security?
Yes f) Do you support a policy of pre-emptive strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to national security?
g) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves.
X b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government.
c) Invest a portion of Social Security assets collectively in stocks and bonds instead of United States Treasury securities.
d) Increase the payroll tax to better finance Social Security in its current form.
e) Lower the annual cost-of-living increases.
f) Raise the retirement age for when individuals are eligible to receive full Social Security benefits.
g) Other of expanded principles

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

a) Collect taxes on commercial Internet transactions.
b) Continue the moratorium on Internet taxation.
c) Implement regulation of Internet content.
X d) Support government mandates to curtail violent and sexual content on television.
X e) Support strict penalties for Internet crimes (e.g. hacking, identity theft, worms/viruses).
X f) Support legislation to detail how personal information can be collected and used on the Internet.
g) Regulating the Internet is not a responsibility of the federal government.
X h) Impose regulations on "spam" emails.
i) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Require welfare recipients to spend at least 40 hours a week in a combination of work and training programs.
X b) Increase funding for child care programs.
X c) Continue to give states and local governments flexibility in and responsibility for welfare programs through federal block grants.
X d) Direct federal poverty aid through religious, community-based, or other non-profit organizations.
e) Abolish all federal welfare programs.
X f) Support housing assistance for low-income families.
g) Other or expanded principles
On an attached page, disk, or via email, please explain in a total of 75 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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