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Derek Kilmer's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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

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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.

  • Co-sponsored HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Derek Kilmer is committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and will always stand up for women’s access to basic health care services. He opposes overturning Roe v Wade, supports the Women’s Health Protection Act in order to protect the right to abortion at the federal level and will fight any attempt to criminalize the actions of a woman or her doctor. Derek is the only candidate endorsed by Planned Parenthood with a 100% lifetime rating." (derekkilmer.com)
  • Endorsed by Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is outrageous – and tragically, a threat to reproductive rights and abortion rights everywhere. We know that at least 25 states are expected to severely limit or ban abortion in the wake of this ruling – and Republicans in even more states, including Washington, will now undoubtedly make efforts to limit access to reproductive health care. In addition, Republicans in Congress have made clear that they intend to pass a federal abortion ban, putting health and safety at risk. Let me be clear: decisions about reproductive health care, including abortions, are best made by people in consultation with their doctors. These deeply personal decisions should not be interfered with or replaced by the judgment of politicians. That’s why I’ve strongly opposed efforts to roll back reproductive rights. It’s why I voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act to enshrine the rights granted under Roe v. Wade into federal law. I’ll keep pushing for federal action to protect reproductive rights. I am deeply concerned about the threat that this decision presents for reproductive freedom and about the potential that this decision could lead to the erosion of further rights that we hold dear. We cannot – and should not – accept a future in which the next generation of Americans have fewer rights than their parents." (kilmer.house.gov)
  • "Derek Kilmer knows firsthand that our nation has an obligation to take care of our older Americans. He recently lost his 108-year-old grandmother who had been able to live with dignity for years because of the existence of two of the most successful public policy programs in American history – Medicare and Social Security. He believes America must uphold its promises to our seniors, and because of his hard work on this issue, the National Committee for the Preservation of Medicare & Social Security has endorsed him. Derek is a sponsor of the Seniors Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act to enhance the coverage provided under Medicare to cover vision, hearing and dental needs. He has also sponsored the Social Security 2100 Act to extend the solvency of our Social Security system, enhance cost of living increases within the system, and ensure that retirees don’t end up in poverty." (derekkilmer.com)
  • "On this day 85 years ago, Social Security was signed into law! I’m committed to protecting and growing Social Security benefits, that's why I'm a proud co-sponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act, which would take a comprehensive approach to protecting Social Security benefits for years to come. #SocSec85" (www.facebook.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Yesterday was the 52nd birthday of Medicare. Here is a shot of the first Medicare card– received by Harry Truman. I support expanding and strengthening Medicare so more Americans -- now and in the future -- can have affordable health care." (www.facebook.com)
  • "?A big thank you to Toni and Chelsea from Move to Amend for coming all the way from the better Washington to talk about an amendment to overturn Citizens United - which I wholeheartedly support! Plain and simple: money is not speech and corporations are not people.?" (www.facebook.com)
  • Co-sponsored HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Derek Kilmer has been one of our country’s leaders on campaign finance reform. That’s why he has been endorsed by End Citizens United for his work to fix our broken political system. He has sponsored a number of bills to reduce the role of money in politics, including: A constitutional amendment to repeal the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. Derek understands that money is not speech and that corporations are not people. The DISCLOSE Act, to ensure that the American people know who is trying to influence their elections. The Government by the People Act, to ensure small-dollar, citizen-financed campaigns and reduce the role of political action committees. The Honest Ads Act, to expand disclosure requirements and ensure transparency of online political spending, because Derek believes that people have a right to know who is influencing their elections. The Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act, to reform the Federal Elections Commission and ensure that campaign finance laws are enforced. Derek thinks that our government should be responsive to “We the People.” That’s why he’s present throughout the district – meeting with local employers, visiting service clubs, and holding town hall meetings." (derekkilmer.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Co-sponsored HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Following the killing of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, Derek joined peaceful protests across our region and called for action action to end violence against Black Americans. He’s done this because he knows too many Black Americans are being killed in communities all around our country. Derek was proud to join the Congressional Black Caucus in introducing the Justice in Policing Act, a comprehensive bill focused on bold changes to combat police brutality, raise standards, and address racial injustice. He knows there is much more work to be done, which is why he has met with community leaders all across our region to continue listening and learning." (derekkilmer.com)
  • "I respect the folks in law enforcement who work to keep us safe. At the same time, we need to acknowledge that the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans are not isolated incidents - and suggest the need for real reforms in America. These deaths shouldn’t happen anywhere in our country. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act takes steps consistent with the concerns raised by Americans across the country to prevent these tragedies. Among other things, it works to enhance training to end racial profiling, to prevent the unnecessary loss of life by banning certain practices, to encourage the use of body cameras, to ensure independent investigations following allegations of police misconduct, and to establish a nationwide misconduct registry to prevent officers who have been fired from one jurisdiction for misconduct from moving to another jurisdiction without accountability. I support common sense steps like these and was pleased to support this bill yesterday. More action is needed to address racial injustice. Indeed, I’ve supported reforms in education, health care, and other areas to promote equity. Simply put, law enforcement reforms cannot be the end of the conversation. Police officers have been tasked with responding to societal problems that they simply were never meant, or equipped, to handle. For example, the largest provider of mental health services in nearly every county I represent is the county jail. I haven’t talked to anybody who thinks that’s the best way to deal with mental health challenges. We should be making smart investments to prevent these systems from failing in the first place. I’ll keep working toward those ends." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Today’s verdict means some accountability for the murder of George Floyd. But the pain felt by his loved ones remains - as does the recognition that, for too long, far too many of our fellow Americans have dealt with injustice and bigotry and violence. My sincere hope is that this can be a turning point - to address inequity where it exists, to create accountability where it doesn’t, and to provide the impetus for the reforms needed to ensure liberty and justice for all." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Each year Congress works w/ DoD to fund military projects that are imperative to our nat’l security. It is disturbing to see the admin raid funds from vital projects to fund an ineffective, unnecessary border wall. Our men & women in uniform deserve better" (twitter.com)
  • "In vetoing the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, President Trump is blocking a much needed pay increase for our troops, upgrades to housing for military families, improvements to military child care, and new benefits to Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Closer to home, his veto would block funding for improvements at Naval Base Kitsap, support for federal workers who maintain the Navy’s readiness, and investments in defense community infrastructure projects (more on the NDAA's support for servicemembers and military families in our region ?? ) With that in mind, I'll vote to override his veto." (www.kitsapsun.com)
  • Rated 5% by Center for Security Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Thrilled to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure bill & send it to @POTUS. This infrastructure bill is about jobs. It’s about putting people to work now and laying the foundation for economic growth. Congress also needs to pass the #BuildBackBetter Act in the coming days." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2 "Moving Forward Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Build Back Better Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Derek has worked hard to rush support to our region and ensure everyone has access to the medical care they need. Having worked in economic development for a decade, he is committed to helping our region’s economic recovery, supporting small businesses, and getting folks back to work. That’s why he helped write legislation that included rent and mortgage relief, direct payments for individuals, help for students, and a lifeline for the small businesses that are the backbone of our communities. It’s why he has continually fought to make coronavirus testing and treatment free. And it’s why he was proud to vote for the HEROES Act, which includes much needed assistance to families, frontline workers, hospitals, businesses, and vulnerable populations in the midst of this pandemic." (derekkilmer.com)
  • "It’s been 8 months since a comprehensive COVID-19 relief bill was last passed by Congress. It is shameful that more relief has not been provided to folks – and this Thanksgiving weekend, I’m thinking about the people who need Congress to act. I’m working hard in these final weeks of the year to get a comprehensive COVID-19 relief bill passed that will crush this virus, provide assistance to folks who are unemployed or experiencing housing insecurity, and help small businesses on Main Street. In the House, we’ve already passed two different bills in recent months aimed at these goals." (www.facebook.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "So grateful for @RepDerekKilmer's work with @RESULTS_Tweets volunteers, & his leadership! Honor to join #Voices4RESULTS as they thanked him/others in @NewDemCoalition for including the #ChildTaxCredit as part of their plan to reduce costs from inflation " - (cnbc.com)
  • Voted yes on Inflation Reduction Act HR 5376
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Derek understands that climate change is here, that it’s real, and that it’s time to do something about it. He is fighting to get us to a 100% clean economy and is proud to be a defender of our clean air and water, an advocate for our National Parks, and a champion of restoring Puget Sound. That’s why he’s been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club... Derek is part of the Climate Solutions Caucus and sponsored the Climate Action Now Act to prevent America’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. As a member of the Energy & Water Subcommittee of Appropriations, Derek is on the frontline advocating for increased funding for clean energy and for progress on climate change. He’s sponsored legislation called the 100% Clean Economy Act to get to economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest and to put a price on carbon." (derekkilmer.com)
  • "Did you know that solar energy prices have fallen by almost 90% since 2009?! I had a great conversation with the team from Vivint Solar about the important role that distributed solar technology can play in our transition to a clean energy economy. I'll continue to fight to extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit to help encourage investments in this powerful clean energy resource." (www.facebook.com)
  • Rated 95% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Derek understands that climate change is here, that it’s real, and that it’s time to do something about it. He is fighting to get us to a 100% clean economy and is proud to be a defender of our clean air and water, an advocate for our National Parks, and a champion of restoring Puget Sound. That’s why he’s been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club... Derek is part of the Climate Solutions Caucus and sponsored the Climate Action Now Act to prevent America’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. As a member of the Energy & Water Subcommittee of Appropriations, Derek is on the frontline advocating for increased funding for clean energy and for progress on climate change. He’s sponsored legislation called the 100% Clean Economy Act to get to economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest and to put a price on carbon." (derekkilmer.com)
  • Rated 100% by Environment America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2467 "PFAS Action Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Co-sponsored HR 8 "Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As a father of two kids, Derek Kilmer wants to keep all kids safe. When he drops his kids off at school, he wants them to be excited about the day ahead – not fearful for their safety. That’s why he’s been recognized as a Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action and has received the endorsement of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. Derek believes that our laws can both protect the rights of responsible gun owners and reduce the incidences of gun violence that have affected far too many families. Toward that end, Derek was a lead sponsor of the bipartisan STOP School Violence Act. This new law, which was supported by Sandy Hook Promise, gives schools and communities resources to prevent acts of violence before they occur. Derek is a sponsor of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, a bill to establish universal background checks and reduce the likelihood that a felon or someone with a serious mental illness can cause harm." (derekkilmer.com)
  • Co-sponsored HR 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Camapign to Prevent Gun Violence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As our representative, Derek has fought against attacks on the Affordable Care Act and has worked to build on that law’s successes." - (derekkilmer.com)
  • "? Expand Medicare by lowering the eligibility age. ? Improve Medicare benefits to include dental, vision, hearing, and an out-of-pocket cap. ? Empower Medicare to negotiate drug prices for all Americans." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I'm a proud #dadvocate - and I'm proud to be from a state that's implementing paid family & medical leave early next year - but Congress should move to ensure that paid family leave applies to EVERYONE. It's important for families, for moms & dads, for children, and for employers" (twitter.com)
  • Voted Yes on H.R. 6201 Families Corona Virus Response Act - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "... we’ve made with 21st Century Cures to help bring more generic drugs to market faster, make insulin more affordable for our loved ones, lower out-of-pocket spending for seniors, boost access to new medicines and cures, and bring much-needed transparency to drug pricing. " (mcmorris.house.gov)
  • "? Empower Medicare to negotiate drug prices for all Americans." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "To pay for Medicare expansion, we believe Medicare and the federal government must finally be able to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to lower the high price of prescription drugs. The United States spends, by far, more on prescription drugs than any other country, despite Medicare Part D being the largest purchaser in the world. The Congressional Budget Office estimated Medicare could save over $450 billion and increase revenue by $45 billion over the next decade by requiring Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, we request that the savings achieved by robust Medicare drug-price negotiations be used to make critical expansions and improvements to Medicare, alongside other bold investments in health coverage and affordability." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted no on HR 4760: Securing America's future act of 2018 "Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to transfer the task of strengthening the southern border from the Department of Justice to the Department of Homeland Security (Title I, Sec. 1111)." - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted no on HR 6136: "Border security and immigration reform act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Co-sponsored HR 1333 "NO BAN Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Derek supports comprehensive immigration reform legislation. For example, Derek sponsored the USA Act, a bipartisan bill to make smarter, more strategic investments in border security, to provide a pathway to citizenship for DREAMERS, and to address some of the root causes of migration to America’s southern border...Derek is a sponsor of the DREAM and Promise Act, legislation to ensure that young people who were brought to America through no choice of their own and who are Americans in every way except on paper don’t face the persistent threat of deportation." (derekkilmer.com)
  • "Even before the United States declared its independence, it welcomed folks fleeing their homelands. For centuries, we have been a beacon of freedom for people in need of security and opportunity. It is our responsibility to continue that American tradition. That's why I'm glad that President Biden took action on Day 1 to do just that - preserving and strengthening protections for Dreamers, reversing the Muslim Ban, and stopping border wall construction. I'm hopeful that in the days ahead, Democrats and Republicans in Congress will come together and take concrete steps to provide a permanent solution for Dreamers." (www.facebook.com)
  • Rated 100% by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Co-sponsored HR 1333 "NO BAN Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "He continued, "In addition, the United States will now be providing additional critical humanitarian, economic, and defense assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the wake of Putin's reckless invasion." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, President Joe Biden signed into law a twelve-bill spending package to fund the federal government. U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the legislation last week, which passed the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support. The legislation also included the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support the Ukrainian people and defend global democracy in the wake of Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine." - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "He continued, "In addition, the United States will now be providing additional critical humanitarian, economic, and defense assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the wake of Putin's reckless invasion." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The announcement from President Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined new details of the AUKUS alliance, including a commitment between the three nations to jointly develop hypersonic weapons and capabilities to protect against them, undersea drones, advanced cyber capabilities, and other technologies in addition to the "crown jewel" of the agreement: nuclear submarine propulsion technology." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Derek opposed President Trump’s tax law that gave big breaks to the wealthiest Americans while raising taxes on middle-class families. Derek believes that the tax code needs to work better for working families. " - (derekkilmer.com)
  • "Today’s vote is an enormous missed opportunity. Done right, tax reform could help grow our economy, give small businesses a boost, and make it easier for middle class families to get ahead,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “Instead, this bill raises taxes on 86 million middle-class families while giving 83 percent of the tax cuts to the wealthiest one percent and adding more than $1.5 trillion to the debt that our kids will have to pay off." (kilmer.house.gov)
  • Rated 0% by Public Citizen (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Washington's economy and thousands of jobs in our region depend on trade. I look forward to considering the merits of #USMCA in the coming days. Thanks to Representative Terri Sewell, Speaker Pelosi, and the USMCA Working Group for negotiating serious improvements for workers and the environment." (www.facebook.com)

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