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Chuck Grassley's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
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Chuck Grassley 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.

  • "I am proud of my strong record of standing up for the most vulnerable among us: the unborn. The fundamental right to life is afforded to all people, both born and unborn. In fact, the right to life is so significant that our Founding Fathers wrote it in the Declaration of Independence -- all human beings are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, including the right to life. I'll continue fighting to uphold the sanctity of all human life." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Many Americans believe in pro-life policies and embrace the sanctity of life. Using taxpayer dollars to fund and support abortions is wrong," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by the National Right to Life Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Many Americans believe in pro-life policies and embrace the sanctity of life. Using taxpayer dollars to fund and support abortions is wrong." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Every step of the way, the Iowa process was fueled by input from the grassroots, including those who demonstrated peacefully. The Republican-led statehouse and senate partnered with the Democrats to unanimously pass reforms in our State--some of them historic reforms. Governor Reynolds signed House File 2647 to bring additional accountability to Iowa's law enforcement officers. These are some of the things that they did: created stronger restrictions on the use of choke holds by law enforcement officers; improved the law enforcement decertification process to ensure that those who have been fired or who resign after serious misconduct do not work in our State; strengthened the authority of the Iowa attorney general to prosecute officers whose actions result in the death of another; established annual anti-bias and deescalation training requirements for officers." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Proud Iowans worked 2gether in wake of George Floyd's murder Republican-led State House&Senate/Gov Reynolds partnered w Dems 2unanimously pass historic reforms strengthening law enforcement acctability/de-escalation/restricting chokeholds etc Congress shld follow Iowa's example" (twitter.com)
  • The Gazette: "Grassley, however, said he does not support repealing qualified immunity." (www.thegazette.com)
  • "We are taking a very important vote tomorrow on a bill called the JUSTICE Act. I am proud to cosponsor this police reform bill, and I also applaud Senator Tim Scott for his leadership in improving police accountability while at the same time preserving the essential service that law enforcement provides. These are the people who maintain the peace in the respective communities around the United States." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Congress and the Pentagon need to reach an understanding. Fiscal accountability and military readiness are not mutually exclusive. It is not an either/or scenario. Earning a clean bill of fiscal health would strengthen military readiness and boost support for necessary increases to defense spending in Congress and among the American people. Money somehow seems to simply get lost at the Defense Department. It is unreasonable to concede that it is OK for military inventory to vanish into thin air. It boils down to sloppy bookkeeping and antiquated accounting systems that can't generate reliable transaction data." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Mr. President, now to my second and last issue of the day, I want to report on the Pentagon's most recent audit. Unfortunately, I don't come with tidings of comfort and joy. Instead, I come with tidings of bad news. The Department of Defense has flunked another test of fiscal fitness yet again. Last year, Congress authorized more than $700 billion for the Department of Defense. That is a heck of a lot of money. That is why it is a big deal that the Pentagon is unable to account for the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars it spends from one year to the next year." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Council for a Liveable World (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6395 "National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 90% by Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "That means the Democratic Majority doesn't need a single Republican vote to put our kids and grandkids on the hook for massive new taxes and massive new spending. With all that new debt, the debt ceiling needs to be raised not just because of previous spending, but to accommodate their reckless tax and spending spree." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "White House needs to focus on kitchen table issues Iowans can’t afford the extra 13.7% it’s costing them to fill their fridge w meat, poultry, eggs & fish or the extra 48% to fuel their engines Past time 2 cut our federal spending & save the nation’s pocketbook" (twitter.com)
  • "White House needs to focus on kitchen table issues Iowans can’t afford the extra 13.7% it’s costing them to fill their fridge w meat, poultry, eggs & fish or the extra 48% to fuel their engines Past time 2 cut our federal spending & save the nation’s pocketbook" (twitter.com)
  • "I applaud Gov Reynolds using $100 MILLION Congress provided in bipartisan CARES Act to help those in the ag industry negatively affected by COVID-19 This fed assistance will help Iowa farmers continue 2 feed & fuel the world" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 748 "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It's a shame that right after completing work on our bipartisan infrastructure bill, Senate Democrats opted to revert back to a partisan agenda, setting the table for massive new taxes and massive new spending. Their budget, passed in the dark of night, will lead to growing deficits and growing dependence on Washington. At a time when Iowans are already coping with rising inflation, this reckless budget proposal is the last thing we need," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter stating: "Runaway inflation, fueled by the Democrats' $1.9 trillion spending spree from last year, continues to strain Americans' paychecks. In June, the consumer price index accelerated to 9.1 percent and wholesale price inflation--which has been in double digits for seven consecutive months--surged to 11.3 percent. Americans are reeling from pain at the pump, shock in the grocery aisles and continued rapid erosion of their paychecks. Buying a house is becoming increasingly out of reach for many families as the Federal Reserve has been saddled with the need to raise interest rates to choke off demand because of the overheating that followed last year's massive stimulus." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The relentless 40-year high inflation we're seeing today has made it increasingly difficult for Americans to afford their trips to the gas station and grocery store. Coupled with my Middle-Class Savings and Investment Act, indexing useful tax credits to inflation -- like the Child Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit -- will help parents and students keep up with rising costs. While President Biden has failed to produce any meaningful solutions to the economic crisis he created, I'll continue working on commonsense policies that will help Americans weather this soaring inflation," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Dems accusing Repubs of supporting tax cuts for wealthy is rich They ALL voted against my amendment to pay for middle-class tax relief by extending cap on SALT tax subsidy for wealthy Now Pres Biden's student loan debt giveaway will mean higher inflation on lower-income Americans" (twitter.com)
  • "Independent economists say Biden plan 2 transfer student debt 2taxpayers mostly benefits top 60% of earners Clinton/Obama economist Larry Summers: student debt plan will increase inflation+ tuition costs Plan forces taxpayers w/o college degrees 2 cover debt of lawyers, drs etc" (twitter.com)
  • "Over the next few weeks, young people in Iowa and throughout the nation will head off to college for the first time. For these students, their years in college will prove to be some of the most formative of their lives. Earning a college degree is an accomplishment, and a diploma can open doors that were previously closed. Unfortunately, many of these students will also graduate with overwhelming debt. The student debt problem in America is serious. In total, Americans owe nearly $1.6 trillion dollars in student loans, with the average borrower owing close to $29,000 upon graduation. In my home state of Iowa, the average debt at graduation is approximately $30,000. This kind of debt puts young people at a significant disadvantage as they begin their lives. They are often forced to delay important milestones, such as purchasing a home and starting a family." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Democrats want 2violate senate rules to change the rules so they can pass so-called "voting rights" bill That partisan bill wld register ppl 2vote w/out their permission +mandate use of unmonitored ballot drop boxes +requires felon voting + undermines state VOTER ID laws etc" (twitter.com)
  • "Many states, including Iowa, have enacted new laws aimed at boosting turnout and confidence in our elections. Democrats' partisan election takeover would trump this progress by fundamentally overriding our election process. It would erode election integrity by banning state voter ID laws, preventing election officials from verifying voter eligibility, politicizing the federal election commission and legalizing ballot trafficking by political operatives, among other provisions." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This bill would register illegal aliens. It would do away with State voter ID laws. It would have taxpayer-funded elections." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 2747 "Freedom to Vote Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "As "father" of the wind energy tax credit I'm blown away that wind is now Iowa's number 1 source of electricity passing coal I had no idea in 1992 that my law would turn out to be such a success Renewable energy is good good good" (twitter.com)
  • "I have worked hard to open up new markets for growth in the biofuels industry, and I actively speak up for farmers in Iowa who feed and fuel America's citizens. Through my years representing Iowans, I've fought to increase the value of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and pave the way for a cleaner environment. I've pushed administrations from both sides of the aisle to embrace renewable fuels to improve American energy independence and reduce climate change. I'll continue to champion Iowa farmers and biofuel producers and ensure their voices are heard in Washington," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 18% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Welcome 2 Pres Biden’s America where gas prices are at a 7 yr high We need energy policy back on track Drill baby drill frack baby frack Biofuels/wind/solar/oil we need it ALL to get gas prices down All right here at home. We don’t need help fr OPEC" (twitter.com)
  • "As father" of the wind energy tax credit I'm blown away that wind is now Iowa's number 1 source of electricity passing coal I had no idea in 1992 that my law would turn out to be such a success Renewable energy is good good good" (twitter.com)
  • "I have worked hard to open up new markets for growth in the biofuels industry, and I actively speak up for farmers in Iowa who feed and fuel America's citizens. Through my years representing Iowans, I've fought to increase the value of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and pave the way for a cleaner environment. I've pushed administrations from both sides of the aisle to embrace renewable fuels to improve American energy independence and reduce climate change. I'll continue to champion Iowa farmers and biofuel producers and ensure their voices are heard in Washington." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Welcome 2 Pres Biden’s America where gas prices are at a 7 yr high We need energy policy back on track Drill baby drill frack baby frack Biofuels/wind/solar/oil we need it ALL to get gas prices down All right here at home. We don’t need help fr OPEC" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by Environment America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Advanced biofuels, including biodiesel, have a critical role to play in addressing some of the economic and energy challenges we're facing today. In addition to supporting 65,000 jobs in rural communities across the country, homegrown biodiesel and renewable diesel can help lower prices at the pump and bring us one step closer to being energy independent once again. The time is right for EPA to send a clear signal to farmers and biofuel producers that more of these fuels are needed well into the future," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "By requiring the new high-octane fuel to utilize low-carbon sources, the Next Generation Fuels Act will increase the amount of ethanol blended into the nation’s fuel supply while significantly lowering vehicle emissions" (twitter.com)
  • "Unstable gas prices have left many families -- especially rural families -- with a lot of budget uncertainty. The Next Generation Fuels Act would gradually ramp up the use of homegrown ethanol at gas stations across the country, making Americans less reliant on foreign oil and less vulnerable to the anti-competitive tactics of OPEC. As we look to the future of liquid fuels, this legislation can play a critical role in restoring energy independence, saving consumers money, lowering carbon emissions and expanding the market for farmers and ethanol producers," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by the National Rifle Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 83% by Gun Owners of America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""The failure to fully employ the national background checks system has come at the cost of lives. Over the last several years, a number of mass shootings and deaths could have been prevented had our current background check systems worked properly. Our bill will improve that system to ensure the NICS system receives the information it needs to keep firearms out of the hands of people who pose a danger to themselves or others. It does that without burdening the Second Amendment rights of Americans," Grassley said. "When we first introduced this legislation in 2013, after the tragedy at Sandy Hook, it received a bipartisan majority vote in the Senate. There's no reason that can't happen again."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S. Amdt 4750 "Fix Gun Checks Act of 2016" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The failure to fully employ the national background checks system has come at the cost of lives. Over the last several years, a number of mass shootings and deaths could have been prevented had our current background check systems worked properly. Our bill will improve that system to ensure the NICS system receives the information it needs to keep firearms out of the hands of people who pose a danger to themselves or others. It does that without burdening the Second Amendment rights of Americans," Grassley said. "When we first introduced this legislation in 2013, after the tragedy at Sandy Hook, it received a bipartisan majority vote in the Senate. There's no reason that can't happen again." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 2938 "Bipartian Safer Communities Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Americans don't support a government-run health care system when they're told about the countless downsides. Democrats' plan would eliminate private health insurance companies and would require middle-class Americans to pay much more in taxes. It also threatens the benefits that current Medicare beneficiaries -- seniors who have paid into the system their entire working lives -- receive," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "at my #99countymeetings Iowans tell me they want Congress to do something about the high $$$ of prescription drugs. Sen Finance Cmte just passed Grassley-Wyden bipartisan bill out of cmte to lower Rx drug prices/save taxpayer $100B/ caps out of pocket/ increases transparency etc" (twitter.com)
  • "Lowering the cost of prescription drugs is 1 of my top priorities. Iowans are fed up w the sky-high cost of Rx drugs. I won’t stop working to root out unfair competition & end sticker shock at pharmacy counter for Iowans. I’m working to get my Rx bipartisan bills enacted into law" (twitter.com)
  • "My bipartisan drug pricing bill is going to lower what seniors and American families pay for prescription drugs, and finally bring accountability to an industry with a long record of price gouging. Americans are crying out for action to lower prescription drug prices, and insulin is Exhibit A for why Congress must take action," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I look forward to continue working with my colleagues on measures to secure the border and improve our immigration system, but those measures need to be pursued in a way that complies with the rules of the Senate, not the subterfuge of what we call reconciliation." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "However, a grave, unprecedented crisis exists at our southern border. Our television reminds us of that fact daily. Foreign nationals are illegally crossing into our country from Mexico by the thousands every day. I heard recently that last month was the biggest number coming in for over 20 years. But illegal immigration isn't the only crime cascading over our borders. Mexican cartels are importing deadly drugs and trafficking humans. These horrific, unabated events make very clear that the cartels effectively control our southern border. They actually manage who and what enters our country from Mexico. But the danger is preventable. The trouble exists because the current administration deliberately refuses to secure the border." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S Amdt 1959 "Secure and Succeed (Grassley Amendment)" (votesmart.org)
  • "If state and local public officials jeopardize the safety and security of the American people by refusing to comply with federal immigration law, they should be held to account by our citizens when such reckless endangerment leads to more violent crime. We are a nation of laws. Whether you are a citizen, immigrant or even a local government, disregarding those laws should carry consequences," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Federation for American Immigration Reform (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Sanctuary policies and practices have allowed thousands of dangerous criminals to be released back into the community, and the effects have been disastrous." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "If state and local public officials jeopardize the safety and security of the American people by refusing to comply with federal immigration law, they should be held to account by our citizens when such reckless endangerment leads to more violent crime. We are a nation of laws. Whether you are a citizen, immigrant or even a local government, disregarding those laws should carry consequences." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "A Russian invasion of Ukraine would result in unnecessary bloodshed for both Ukraine and Russia, which is why we must take steps now to hold the Putin Regime accountable for its brazen aggression and support Ukrainians' ability to defend themselves while bolstering deterrence in our European allies. We need to send a clear message to Putin: A completely unprovoked, violent invasion will come with enormous costs for Russia," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As Putin continues indiscriminately bombing Ukraine and murdering innocent civilians, the U.S. must take every possible step to ensure Russia is completely cut off from American capital. Russia's state-owned oil and gas companies fund Putin's war machine. Our bill will make sure American companies play no part in that," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3364 "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The three Baltic countries have been model NATO allies, contributing above two percent of GDP on defense, fighting alongside American soldiers in various missions and providing invaluable expertise in cyber defense, strategic communications and energy security. The Baltics have been warning about the nature of the Putin regime for years and were among the first to provide critical lethal military aid to Ukraine. It is past time to close strategic gaps in NATO's most exposed flank. Ukraine's experience shows that Vladimir Putin does not respond to warnings or signals, so deterrence requires a robust defensive military capability in place," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7691 "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "When it comes to a murdering thug like Putin, history shows us that waiting too long to act can have devastating consequences. That's why we must continue sending humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine while also fortifying our military. A Ukrainian victory will put Russia in its place and make other countries, namely China, think twice before taking aggressive military actions of their own. In these moments, it's our responsibility to support peace and preserve a stable world for future generations," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Democrats always want you to believe they're always worried about the middle class. Well, in this particular time, "Build Back Better' really stands for "blue state billionaire bailout.' . . . It's giving tax cuts to the millionaires and billionaires mostly in the coastal and blue states of our country. Democrats are worried about those people. But they want you to believe they're only worried about the middle class or the lower-income classes." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Government should work for the people it serves, not the other way around. Since its passage, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has proven it's working for the people of Iowa and the entire country. It contributed to the creation of more than 200,000 jobs last month alone. The national unemployment rate is at record lows and increased wages continue to benefit American families. During my 99 Iowa county meetings, I meet a lot of hard-working Iowans. Many of them make a point of telling me their businesses and families have benefitted from the commonsense tax reforms passed in December. Higher wages are helping Iowans build their savings and retirement accounts, buy homes and invest in their futures. A better job market has made it possible for Iowans to take advantage of new opportunities and advance their careers. Lower utility costs have helped Iowans get a leg up on their monthly bills. Tax reform is making a real difference for Iowans and people throughout the country." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Modernizing the tax code is a once-in-generation opportunity that hasn't been accomplished since Ronald Reagan was President. Tax reform will provide middle class Americans with financial relief, make U.S. industry and workers more competitive, create jobs across the country, and get the economy growing again after years of stagnation. There's still work to be done. The legislation now goes to the full Senate and will have to be reconciled with legislation passed by the House of Representatives. This is a historic opportunity to help Americans from every walk of life. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers to deliver on our promise for middle class tax relief." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "In addition to tens of millions of acres of damaged crops, grain bins across the state were destroyed. Grassley and Ernst requested the U.S. Department of Commerce lift Section 232 tariffs on steel that will be used in Iowa's derecho recovery, especially on steel used for rebuilding grain bins and machine sheds." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Now is NOT time to undermine unity w our Canadian friends by putting tariffs on aluminum @realDonaldTrump #CommonSense Use of national defense tariffs is ridiculous Beer cans are not defense weapons" (twitter.com)
  • "Our nation's farmers and ranchers stand to gain from tariff eliminations and reductions on more than $7 billion of U.S. food and agriculture products, including beef, pork, ethanol, poultry and egg products. This pivotal agreement with Japan and its 127 million consumers will boost confidence and profits for Iowa farmers who are struggling with low commodity prices, poor weather and retaliatory tariffs." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This is a very positive development. Easing tensions and lowering tariffs is welcome news. This paves the way for a broader agreement that must address non-tariff barriers and intellectual property issues, President Trump should be commended for working toward a strong, enforceable trade deal that will require China to abide by international trade norms and the rule of law. Iowa in particular will benefit from China's purchasing of agricultural products, especially hog, corn and soybean farmers. But China must know that this gesture of goodwill does not mean the United States will accept anything less than a full and enforceable trade deal. I applaud President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer and Secretary Mnuchin for their hard work and urge them to remain committed to securing a deal that does away with China's unfair trade practices." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

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

a) Abortions should always be legally available.
b) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
X 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.
X f) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and notification requirements as decided by each state government.
X g) Prohibit the late-term abortion procedure known as "partial-birth" abortion.
X h) Prohibit public funding of abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
i) Other

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.

Maintain Status a) AIDS programs
Slightly Decrease b) Arts funding
Slightly Increase c) Education (K-12)
Maintain Status d) Environmental programs
Slightly Decrease e) Foreign aid
Slightly Increase f) Housing projects
Slightly Increase g) Job training programs
Slightly Increase h) Law enforcement
Maintain Status i) Medicaid
Maintain Status j) Medicare
Maintain Status k) NASA
Maintain Status l) Student loan programs
Maintain Status m) Welfare
o) Other
p) Other
Maintain Status a) Armed Forces personnel training
Maintain Status b) CIA appropriations
Maintain Status c) Defense plant conversion
Slightly Decrease d) Development of new weapons
Slightly Decrease e) Military hardware
Maintain Status f) Military space shuttle missions
Maintain Status g) National Missile Defense Program
Maintain Status h) Pay for active duty personnel
i) Other
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
I evaluate each program annually based on need and merit. For example, I support greatly increasing NIH funding, which could include AIDS research program.

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.
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.
g) Provide free or low-cost television advertising to candidates who agree to voluntary campaign spending limits.
h) Ban the unregulated campaign contributions known as soft money.
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.
X k) Other
Campaign finance reform is an important priority. Let there be no mistake: I support reform of the campaign finance sustem. Rather than respond with my views on each of the several pieces within the pending lefislation, I would like to state my reform philosophy. My goals for campaign finance reform include: improved citizen participation, enhanced public discourse, full public disclosure and safeguarding the right of Americans to organize and peririon their government. To accomplish these objectives, I want reform to give individuals a bigger role in the political process, increase up-front participation of political parties, protect union members from being forced to bankroll candidates they oppose, discourage misconduct by political campaigns with swift and sure punishment, and require full public sidclosure of all contribution sources. Let the sun shine in on contributors. THe publis and the process will benefit. I would like to see a campaign finance system that encourages this kind of grassroots support. Small dollat, individual donors should be the predominate force throughout America's campaign finance system. This would give individuals more of a stake in the integrity of the process. Overall, to get campaign finance reform passed, we need to see broad support from each political party. That is the only way to achieve credible regorm. It is the only way to ensure reform does not simply protect incumbents. Simply put, broad bipartisan support equals credible reform.

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

X a) Broaden use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
X b) Increase spending to build more federal prisons.
X c) Impose "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole.
d) Fund programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
e) Expand funding for community policing programs.
f) Increase penalties for the possession of any illegal firearms.
X g) Prosecute youths accused of a felony as adults.
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.

X a) Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
X b) Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
X 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.
X c) Reduce government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
d) Establish empowerment zones in areas with large numbers of unemployed people.
e) Eliminate any federal programs designed to reduce unemployment.
f) Increase the minimum wage.
X 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.
h) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide on-site child care.
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.
X g) Other
The federal government should consider disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

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.
X 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.
X 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.
X g) Give all federal education funding to states in the form of block grants and allow them to spend it as they see fit.
h) Support voluntary teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
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.

X a) Require the state to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land.
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.
X 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.
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.
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
Local c) Education
Federal d) Environmental cleanup
Local e) Job training
State f) Law enforcement
Local g) Low-income housing
State h) Medicaid
State i) Medicare
Federal j) Transportation infrastructure (highways, roads, bridges)
State 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.

X 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.
X 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.
X 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.
f) The U.S. should pay its debt to the United Nations.
g) Other
4) Should the U.S. have diplomatic and trade relations with Cuba?
5) Should the U.S. recognize and extend full diplomatic relations to Taiwan?
I support our tropps and a certain deadline for withdrawal.
I support diplomatic methods and would support military action oly when necessary.

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.
X f) Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.
g) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
X h) Other
Increase prosecution of felons caught with firearms; ease burdensome and unworkable restrictions on guns purchased by law abiding citizens.

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.
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.
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.
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.
d) Provide extra federal aid to states with higher numbers of immigrants for necessary medical and social services.
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.
X 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.
X i) Other
Increase both border and interior enforcement against illegal immigrants.
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:

Greatly Decrease a) Retiree income over $40,000
Eliminate b) Family income less than $25,000
Greatly Decrease c) Family income $25-75,000
Greatly Decrease d) Family income $75-150,000
Eliminate e) Family income over $150,000
Maintain Status f) Alcohol taxes
Eliminate g) Capital gains taxes
Greatly Increase h) Charitable deductions
Greatly Increase i) Child tax credit
Slightly Increase j) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status k) Corporate income taxes
Slightly Increase l) Earned Income Tax Credit
Eliminate m) Estate taxes
Slightly Increase n) Medical expense deductions
Slightly Increase o) Mortgage deductions
q) Other
Undecided 2) Do you support replacing the U.S. income tax structure with a flat income tax?
No 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?
Yes 6) Do you support requiring a super-majority vote in both houses of Congress to raise taxes?
7) Other
I support a more simple, fairer tax system.

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

Yes 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)?
Yes 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?
Yes 6) Should a nation's human rights record affect its "most favored nation" trading status with the United States?
Yes 7) Do you support granting the President "fast-track" authority?

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

a) Provide tax incentives for companies to hire and train homeless people who want to work.
b) Increase funding of homeless shelters and low income housing projects.
c) Increase funds for housing assistance for welfare recipients who need housing to get or keep a job.
d) Provide homeless families with apartment vouchers they can use to supplement the cost of an apartment.
e) Continue to give states and local governments responsibility for welfare programs through block grants.
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
As chairman of the Internation Trade Subcommittee, I want to make a difference for rural America. Expanding markets around the world means new good-paying jobs, revitalized Main streets and vibrant Midwestern cities. New markets are key to the viability of the family farm and essential to the good life in Iowa. As chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, I'm at work to improve the quality of life for older Americans and to advance smart public policies for a nation that's growing older at an unprecedented rate.

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