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Harry Reid's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Harry Reid refused to tell citizens where he stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2010 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

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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 2010.

  • Harry Reid. Reid, Slaughter, Degette Introduce Prevention First Act. 13 January 2009. "The United States has among the highest rates of unintended pregnancies of all industrialized nations. Half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and nearly half of those end in abortion," Reid said. "It is time to come together and enact effective policies that will help to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the number of abortions, and improve access to health care for women. We can find not only common ground, but also common sense in our Prevention First Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 2321 to S 1692. 106th Congress. To express the sense of Congress in support of the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted NO on 21 October 1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. 1998. Project Vote Smart: Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked in support of: "c) Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered. f) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and notification requirements as decided by each state government. g) Prohibit the late-term abortion procedure known as "partial-birth" abortion. h) Prohibit public funding of abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions."
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 3330 to S Amdt 3325 to HR 3043. 110th Congress. To prohibit the provision of funds to grantees who perform abortions. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted NO on 18 October 2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 3896 to S Amdt 3899 to S 1200. 110th Congress. To modify a section relating to limitation on use of funds appropriated to the Service. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 26 February 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. S 3. 108th Congress. A bill to prohibit the procedure commonly known as partial-birth abortion. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 21 October 2003. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 57 percent in 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 6 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. 1998. Project Vote Smart: Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Slightly Decrease: "m) Estate taxes".
  • The Wall Street Journal. Death Blow: Even 35% isn't enough for the envy club. 9 April 2009. "We'll take pro-growth victories wherever we can find them these days, and last week saw a small one in the U.S. Senate, of all places. The Members voted 51-48 to cut permanently the death tax rate to 35% and exempt all estates of less than $10 million per couple ($5 million for a single taxpayer) from any tax. President Obama wants a 45% rate with only a $7 million exemption. Every Republican voted for the lower rate, and so did 10 Democrats. This is the closest thing to bipartisanship we've seen so far this year on Capitol Hill, but naturally the White House and most of the media are appalled. Their idea of bipartisanship is when three Republicans cross party lines to pass $780 billion in "stimulus" spending. Perhaps this explains why Majority Leader Harry Reid blew a gasket during the floor debate, calling the death-tax amendment by Jon Kyl (R., Ariz.) and Blanche Lincoln (D., Ark.) "outrageous," a "stunning act of hypocrisy," and a tax cut for those "at the very top of the food chain." (online.wsj.com)
  • Harry Reid. Reid Stimulus Funds To Help Housing, Energy, Transport In Nevada. 26 March 2009. "Nevada Senator Harry Reid today announced stimulus funding totaling more than $30 million to help a variety of important efforts in housing, clean energy, energy efficiency and transportation. A number of these projects will create jobs for Nevadans. [...] "The economic recovery package was designed to put people back to work, and that's exactly what this money does in Nevada," Reid said. "We'll accomplish this while improving our public facilities and moving closer toward our clean energy future." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. HR 1. 111th Congress. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 13 February 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Club for Growth. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the Club for Growth 16 percent in 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Financial Rescue Package. 1 October 2008. "I believe every part of this bill enjoys bipartisan support. Every part is aimed directly at the heart of our financial crisis. No one is happy about paying for this dramatic and expensive step with the bailout. No one is glad we have reached this critical point." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Jobs Agenda. 12 July 2010. "This work period, like every work period, will be about jobs--the work period here in the Senate--how to create them, how to save them, and how to prevent another crisis such as the one that killed them in the first place. We are going to build on momentum we have already seen from the economic recovery plan, also known as the stimulus. This jobs crisis was not created in a day, and it will not be solved overnight. But in a short time, we have come a long way. Three million Americans who are going to work today have the Recovery Act to thank for their jobs. In Nevada, the Recovery Act created or saved more than 4,000 jobs this spring, and as more projects get underway, it will create even more jobs this summer. And don't forget that the stimulus also cut taxes for families, small businesses, students, home buyers, and the unemployed." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. More Than $166 Million in Stimulus Funding Will Soon Help Get Nevadans Back to Work. 8 April 2009. "With our state facing unprecedented economic challenges, Reid brought home more than $1.5 billion in stimulus funding to get Nevada on the path to revitalization, including tax relief for the middle class. Just six weeks after President Barack Obama signed the economic recovery bill into law, funding for projects in health care, rural housing, clean energy, aviation safety and veterans' facilities will soon be on its way to the Silver State. [...] "This money can't get to Nevada soon enough," Reid said. "Our unemployment rate is at a 25-year high and the people of this state are struggling to stay in their homes and put food on the table for their families. I worked to get economic recovery money for Nevada so it could be put to work as soon as possible to put people to work. What we've received thus far is just the beginning - more help is on the way." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Playing and Working for America. 18 June 2010. "We have worked hard to create jobs. Today, Joe Biden is announcing the 10,000th highway project that has been funded from our stimulus or economic recovery bill. So we have created jobs, including full-time work for 3 million Americans who have the stimulus to thank for the job they are going to today. In Nevada, the Recovery Act has created or saved more than 4,000 jobs in just the past 4 months alone. The economy in Nevada is not in good shape. It is getting better, but it is not good. We are one of the leading States in the Union in unemployment. But think how much worse it would be if we hadn't been able to create these jobs in Nevada with the recovery bill." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid, Nevada Business Leaders Discuss Efforts To Create Jobs. 21 June 2010. "Legislation like the stimulus package and our recent jobs bill has prevented a bad situation from getting worse, and has delivered much-needed resources to small and minority-owned businesses in Nevada," said Reid. "We must continue to support Nevada businesses and extend the tax credits that free up capital for small businesses and renewable energy companies to grow and create jobs. We also need to extend unemployment insurance to help unemployed Nevadans get by as they look for their next job. I appreciate the work that these organizations do to strengthen Nevada's business community and will continue to work with them to improve our state's economy." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid Statement Recognizing 75th Anniversary Of Social Security. 13 August 2010. "Since its creation 75 years ago, Social Security has allowed tens of thousands of Nevadans to retire with grace and dignity. Throughout my career, I have fought to strengthen and preserve Social Security, and I will continue to fight to make sure that our parents, grandparents and loved ones can enjoy their golden years with well-deserved peace of mind. "We must always remember what is at stake for the millions of American seniors who depend on this earned benefit. If my Republican colleagues had their way, Social Security benefits would be eliminated, phased out or risked on the stock market, leaving millions of Americans' retirement security hostage to the up and down fluctuations of Wall Street. I believe that retirement security for Main Street should be guaranteed, not trusted to Wall Street. And that is why I will continue to fight to make sure we do not jeopardize the future of Social Security with risky schemes that leave our seniors vulnerable. "I understand how critical Social Security is for Nevada's seniors, and I will always fight to protect this program so that it continues to provide them with the retirement security they deserve." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Transcript of the Harry Reid-Sharron Angle debate. Las Vegas Sun. 14 October 2010. "Reid: Social Security is a promise we have to keep. It takes care of seniors in their golden years. That's why I worked so hard to protect Social Security. I feel so strongly about this that I took on the President of the United states when he tried to privatize it, and we won that battle. Social Security is an important program. The actuarials at Social Security and also the CBO has said within the past month that Social Security will pay out 100 percent of its benefits for the next 35 to 40 years. That's important. And also understand, that even after that, there would be a shortfall of 15 to 20 percent. We need to care, we, of that, and we can do that with some undertaking. Don't frighten people about Social Security. The deal that was made by President Reagan and Tip O'Neill is holding strong. The money is there and it's taking care of our folks, and will for the next 35 years as I've just indicated." (www.lasvegassun.com)
  • Harry Reid. Issue Position: Social Security. "Social Security reflects the best of America's values. It promises all Americans that if they work hard and play by the rules, they can retire and live in dignity. Social Security is not a handout. It is a benefit that Americans earn, by working and paying into the system....Social Security faces long term challenges but, contrary to some claims, it is not in crisis. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, it will be able to fully meet future obligations for almost 40 years, and then still will be able to pay higher benefits than are provided today, even after adjusting for inflation. Yet while the program is strong, it does face long term challenges that we need to address on a bipartisan basis. Unfortunately, instead of strengthening the program, President Bush's plan is to privatize the program. I strongly oppose his privatization plan, which would weaken Social Security, not strengthen it. The President's proposal would require very deep cuts in benefits. These cuts could exceed one-third for many Americans, and they would apply to all seniors in the future, even those who choose not to risk their benefits in privatized accounts." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid Statement on Social Security's 71st Anniversary. 14 August 2006. "With Republicans continuing their quest to privatize Social Security, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid released the following statement on the program's 71st anniversary: "As we mark Social Security's contribution to the retirement security of millions of hardworking Americans, Senate Democrats renew our commitment to strengthening the program and to rejecting any plan to dismantle it. Risky privatization schemes with their deep benefit cuts and trillions in new debt continue to be promoted by Republicans in Congress and they will continue to be rejected by the American people.Social Security faces a long term financial challenge, and Democrats stand ready to move America in a new direction to strengthen it." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid: Trustees Report Undermines Opponents of Social Security. 5 August 2010. "I know that many Nevadans are worried about Social Security's future, and the program does face long-term challenges. But as today's report proves, it is disingenuous for those who want to privatize or eliminate Social Security to falsely claim that the program is about to go bankrupt. The reality is that Social Security will be able to pay every penny of promised benefits for decades, and after that will still have enough income to pay larger benefits than seniors receive today. It is factually wrong to claim that we can afford more permanent handouts for multi-millionaires, but can't afford to protect Social Security benefits." (votesmart.org)
  • Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants. 2005-2006. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants 80 percent in 2005-2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. 1998. Project Vote Smart: Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked in support of: "a) Broaden use of the death penalty for federal crimes."
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 1204 to S 1607. 103rd Congress. To provide for imposition of the penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of release rather than imposition of the death penalty. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted NO on 17 November 1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid: No Child Left Behind Must Be Overhauled To Help Every Student Succeed. 7 January 2008. "Six years after the signing of the No Child Left Behind Act, it is clear that the law needs to be overhauled. When Congress joined President Bush in 2002 to usher in a dramatic reform of our nation's schools, we were hopeful that increased accountability and performance standards, together with a significant increase in the federal investment in education, would raise student achievement levels. "Accountability measures have proven far too punitive, with no recognition for schools that have made incremental progress. States have been given little flexibility in implementing the law's requirements. And NCLB has been vastly under funded since it was first enacted - the President recently vetoed the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill that would have provided an increase to Title I and other programs authorized by NCLB. "As Congress looks to reauthorize this law, we must do more than simply improve NCLB. It is essential that we work to ensure that a reauthorization builds on the positive aspects of the law, addresses the concerns about its implementation and provides new approaches that schools will need to ensure that every student succeeds." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Issue Position: Education. "No Child Left Behind has been underfunded, overly punitive, and increasingly inflexible. Teachers and students are too focused on standardized tests, letting science, history, music and art be pushed aside for repetitive test preparation. NCLB is up for reauthorization in 2010, and while working to strengthen the law, Reid is committed to providing solutions to Nevada's schools and ensuring Nevada school children succeed." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Issue Position: Education. "It is clear that significant changes need to be made to NCLB. It has been vastly underfunded by over $55 billion since it was first enacted, accountability measures have proven far too punitive, and states have been given little flexibility in implementing the law's requirements. It has caused good schools to be labeled as failing and puts undue pressure on students and teachers to focus on passing standardized tests instead of engaging in other subjects such as the sciences, history, art, or music." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. HR 1. 107th Congress. To close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice, so that no child is left behind. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 18 December 2001. (votesmart.org)
  • Home School Legal Defense Association. 1999-2000. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the Home School Legal Defense Association 60 percent in 1999-2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. 1998. Project Vote Smart: Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked in support of: "a) Support national standards and testing in reading and math."
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 4825 to S 3036. 110th Congress. In the nature of a substitute. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES for cloture on 6 June 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Issue Position: Energy. "Overhauling our Nation's Energy Policy: Our country is too dependent on oil and fossil fuels, which pollute our air, place our economy and national security at risk, and contribute to global warming.... Efficiency and conservation measures are the most practical and cost efficient ways to reduce energy costs, cut global warming emissions, and protect our environment." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Issue Position: Environment. "Global warming is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The United States accounts for approximately 4 percent of the world's population, yet it is responsible for approximately 25 percent of the world's global warming pollution. Our government must provide domestic and global leadership on this issue because we have a moral responsibility to leave future generations with a safe and habitable world. Climate change will have enormous consequences for Nevada, the Great Basin, and all of the southwest. Temperatures in the southwest are currently rising, and it is widely predicted that climate change will decrease precipitation. Drought will make farming and ranching tougher, increase the frequency and acres burned by wildfires, and could drive many plant and animal species to extinction. Some invasive plants, such as cheatgrass, are better suited to hotter climates, and are already replacing native vegetation. These impacts are already creating serious challenges and could become catastrophic in the future if we fail to take action. I am proud that developed and developing nations of the world came together in Bali in December to adopt the "Roadmap" to guide United Nations global warming negotiations. This consensus could open the door for a future agreement on mandatory global greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The United States Federal government must take a leading role in slowing global warming at home and abroad. I will continue working to ensure that our nation once again provides the world with the leadership it needs to address global warming." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Climate Security. 2 June 2008. "Hundreds, if not thousands, of American scientists tell us that the United States must begin making significant reductions by 2015 and reduce our emissions by 80 to 90 percent by 2050 if we hope to restore balance to the global climate system. That won't be easy. It could be the most significant challenge the world has ever faced." (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of Environment America 71 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 1152 to S Amdt 1151 to S 1607. 103rd Congress. To restrict the manufacture, transfer, and possession of certain semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted NO on 17 November 1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid Introduces Safe Skies Act. 29 June 2006. "Mr. President, I rise today to re-introduce legislation I originally introduced last Congress, a bill to make air travel safer by allowing local law enforcement to carry their firearms on aircrafts, the 'Safer Skies Act of 2006.' "This legislation is needed to increase the safety of our airplanes, as well as to make it easier for local law enforcement to travel across the county. Whether on official travel or personal travel, Federal law enforcement officers are allowed to carry firearms with them throughout their flights. The legislation I am introducing today would extend the same privilege--and responsibility--to local law enforcement officers." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 362 to S 254. 106th Congress. To regulate the sale of firearms at guns shows. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 20 May 1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Harry Reid a grade of F. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 2003. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 71 percent from 1988 and 2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. HR 1025. 103rd Congress. To provide for a waiting period before the purchase of a handgun, and for the establishment of a national instant criminal background check system to be contacted by firearms dealers before the transfer of any firearm. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 20 November 1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 1067 to S Amdt 1058 to HR 627. 111th Congress. To protect innocent Americans from violent crime in national parks and refuges. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 12 May 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Health Care. 23 June 2009. "First, let me state once again the facts. No matter what Republicans claim, the government has no intention of choosing any part of your medical plan. Remember, we are talking a public option, a public choice. The government has no intention of choosing for you any part of your medical plan or meddling in any of your medical relationships. If you like the coverage you have, you can keep it. In fact, it is the name of a whole section of the HELP Committee's bill. Section 131 is called ``No Changes to Existing Coverage.'' That is what the title of the bill section is. Every time you hear Republicans say otherwise, you know they are not interested in an honest debate. Second, let me reiterate once again the reality. The only thing being delayed is urgently needed reform that ensures all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. The only thing at risk of being denied is Americans' ability to stay healthy, get healthy, or care for a loved one. It is being delayed by a party that has made such stalling tactics their speciality, as evidenced last night." (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Condon, Stephanie. Harry Reid: Public Option "the Fairest Way to Go." 26 October 2009. "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced today he is including in the Senate's health care bill a government-run health insurance plan, or "public option," from which states could opt out. "I think it's the fairest way to go," Reid said in a press conference. "A public option can achieve the goal of bringing meaningful reform to our broken system." (www.cbsnews.com)
  • Harry Reid. Health Care Debate. 17 June 2009. "In this letter, I especially asked Republican colleagues to focus on the concrete and critical crisis that affects children, families, and small businesses every day--a parent cannot take a child to a doctor because insurance does not exist or is prohibitively expensive; a family lives one accident or illness away from financial ruin; small businesses lay off employees because they cannot afford skyrocketing health care premiums. We hear those stories every time we go home....We have different priorities. We are committed to lowering the high cost of health care, ensuring every American has access to that quality, affordable care and letting people choose their own doctors, hospitals, and health plans. We are committed to protecting existing coverage when it is good and improving it when it is not and guaranteeing health care for millions, including 9 million children who have none." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Issue Position: Health Care. "Health care costs increase for everyone as the number of Americans without health care coverage rises. The uninsured are more likely to forego cost-effective preventive treatments and to seek care in an emergency room where it is more expensive. More importantly, they do so at potentially great harm to their health. As the national debate on health care moves forward, I will continue to be committed to the principle that all Americans should have affordable, quality health care coverage, regardless of their income, age, employment, or health status." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Immigration. 6 March 2008. "Thirdly, our legislation said what are we going to do with the 11 or 12 million people who are here who are undocumented? Our legislation directed toward that, was it amnesty? Of course not. But what it did was set up a process that people who were in the country who were undocumented could come out of the shadows. Would they go to the front of the line? Of course not. They would go way to the back of the line. After having paid penalties and fines, learned English, stayed out of trouble, paid taxes, it seems quite fair, after some 13 years or 14 years, they would be able to have their status readjusted. It is important we do that. It is very clear we cannot deport 12 million people." (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 2007-2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 38 percent in 2007-2008. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso. 2007-2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of the National Latino Congreso 94 percent in 2007-2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Transcript of the Harry Reid-Sharron Angle debate. Las Vegas Sun. 14 October 2010. "Reid: Immigration is a problem. We have a system in America that's broken and needs to be fixed. That's why in August, of this year, I introduced legislation that was finally passed to do something about our borders. [?] I'm frustrated like everyone else is frustrated. But I believe we have to look at the issue and do comprehensive immigration reform. We cannot ignore it. That's the reason that we have to do something about the people that are here that are undocumented. Have them pay taxes, pay penalties, fines, and of course, by doing that, we will be able to not demagogue the issue but doing something about it. We have to work together on the issue." (www.lasvegassun.com)
  • Harry Reid. S Amdt 4087 to S 2611. 109th Congress. To modify the conditions under which aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States are granted legal status. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 23 May 2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Issue Position: Immigration. "I believe reform should include strong and effective enforcement of our borders, tough sanctions against employers who hire undocumented immigrants, a new worker program, and an opportunity for undocumented immigrants currently in this country to get right with the law and earn their way to U.S. citizenship if they work hard for several years, learn English, pay their taxes, pass a criminal background check, and pay fines and penalties for being here unlawfully." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid: President's Plan Will Deny Al Qaeda In Afghanistan And Protect Americans At Home. 1 December 2009. "With clarity and conviction, the President presented not only a sound strategy for sending our troops to Afghanistan, but also a clear plan to begin to bring them home. President Obama made a convincing case that sending additional troops to Afghanistan to fight al Qaeda and other terrorist groups is critical to our national security. After years of the previous administration's neglect, we will finally give this mission the attention and resources it demands. "We know that more troops alone will not be enough. Success requires a comprehensive, integrated military and civilian strategy, and after he carefully considered advice from both military and civilian leaders, I was pleased to hear the President outline exactly such an approach. It was also encouraging to hear the President acknowledge that we are not in this fight alone, that he is working to enhance our allies' contribution to this effort, and that he will demand accountability from the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan. "More than anything, I am pleased that he made clear that our resources are not unlimited and our commitment is not open-ended. By laying out a strategy that will begin to bring our mission to a close within the next 18 months, the President drew an essential distinction between his approach to the war and that of the previous administration. "The President's decision honors our troops, including many from my home state of Nevada, and the sacrifices they are making to protect us here at home. I am convinced that his decision demonstrates the decisive leadership they deserve." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Time Square Bombing Attempt. 7 May 2010. "At the same time, we're keeping Americans safer at home by taking the fight to terrorists abroad. In recent months we have helped kill or capture the most wanted terrorist leaders across Iraq, southeast Asia, Africa and the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. We have disrupted al-Qaida's operations, finances and safe havens, and killed or captured more than half of its top 20 leaders. It is widely agreed that al-Qaida is the weakest it has been since 9/11. We have also begun to reverse the Taliban's momentum in Afghanistan, in part by tripling the number of U.S. troops there. And we have strengthened our partnership with Pakistan, empowering it to mount major offensives against terrorists within its borders. I am praising the administration's vigilance not because the President is a Democrat. I am praising it because it is, by any objective measure, successful. America is as prepared as ever to defend against any threat, domestic or foreign." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Harry Reid supported the interests of Peace Action West 70 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid: President's Plan Will Deny Al Qaeda In Afghanistan And Protect Americans At Home. 1 December 2009. "'With clarity and conviction, the President presented not only a sound strategy for sending our troops to Afghanistan, but also a clear plan to begin to bring them home. President Obama made a convincing case that sending additional troops to Afghanistan to fight al Qaeda and other terrorist groups is critical to our national security. After years of the previous administration's neglect, we will finally give this mission the attention and resources it demands. 'We know that more troops alone will not be enough. Success requires a comprehensive, integrated military and civilian strategy, and after he carefully considered advice from both military and civilian leaders, I was pleased to hear the President outline exactly such an approach. It was also encouraging to hear the President acknowledge that we are not in this fight alone, that he is working to enhance our allies' contribution to this effort, and that he will demand accountability from the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan. 'More than anything, I am pleased that he made clear that our resources are not unlimited and our commitment is not open-ended. By laying out a strategy that will begin to bring our mission to a close within the next 18 months, the President drew an essential distinction between his approach to the war and that of the previous administration. 'The President's decision honors our troops, including many from my home state of Nevada, and the sacrifices they are making to protect us here at home. I am convinced that his decision demonstrates the decisive leadership they deserve.'" (reid.senate.gov)
  • Harry Reid. Reid Statement On Resignation Of General Stanley McChrystal. 23 June 2010. "I support the decision by President Obama to relieve General McChrystal of his command and to nominate General David Petraeus to lead our forces in Afghanistan. We cannot afford any distractions from achieving our objectives in Afghanistan, including defeating the Taliban. I appreciate General McChrystal's decision to offer his resignation and President Obama's decision to accept it, to ensure that General McChrystal's remarks will not jeopardize these efforts. "President Obama and his team have outlined a clear mission and strategy in Afghanistan, and our forces are now bravely taking the fight to the Taliban and working to transfer responsibility to Afghan forces. General Petraeus has demonstrated that he can effectively carry out a counterinsurgency strategy and prepare local forces to take over the U.S. combat mission. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that General Petraeus is swiftly confirmed, and that he has the resources and support he needs to effectively implement the Commander-in-Chief's strategy." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid Statement On The 8th Anniversary Of The War In Afghanistan. 7 October 2009. "As we mark eight years of involvement in Afghanistan, the first people I think of are the thousands of military families across the country, many of them in my home state of Nevada. I think about the heroism and bravery displayed by our troops on the battlefield and sacrifice of many young, dedicated Americans in service of our mission there. People like Army Pfc. Kevin C. Thomson of Reno, Nevada, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country this past weekend. In addition, as we mark eight years of our efforts in Afghanistan, we also remember the nearly 3,000 Americans killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that were planned and facilitated from Afghanistan. "To honor and support these service members, leaders in Congress should continue to work closely with the President and his national security team to continue progress in Afghanistan. The situation in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region is tenuous. It remains a hotbed for terrorist activity, and it is vital to our national security that we get this right. "I met with the President yesterday, and I am impressed with how he is drawing upon the expertise of the entire national security team, including our military commanders, Pentagon leaders, and civilian and intelligence officials to determine the best strategy going forward. I am confident in the counsel that the President is receiving and am optimistic that we can continue some good first steps that this administration has taken toward a positive outcome in Afghanistan." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid: Federal Marriage Amendment Was the Wrong Priority for the Senate. 7 June 2006. "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman, and the people of Nevada have passed a law to say just that. We don't need politicians in Washington writing family law into the Constitution for the first time in American history." (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Unanimous Consent Request - H.R. 4437. 5 June 2006. "I believe marriage should be between a man and woman. But I also believe in our Federal system of government described to me in college as a central whole divided among self-governing parts. Those self-governing parts, the 50 States, have already, in State after State after State, decided on their own and others are deciding it as we speak. For example, in Nevada, the constitution was amended to prevent same-sex marriage. Congress and President Clinton passed a law that gave the States the guarantee that their individual laws regarding marriage would be respected. The Defense of Marriage Act creates an exception to the full faith and credit clause of the Constitution so that no State can force its laws of marriage on another. So why are we being directed by the President and this Republican majority to debate an amendment to the Constitution, a document inspired more than two centuries ago? Why would we be asked to change this American masterpiece? Will it next be to constitutionally dictate the cause of divorce or military service or even what America's religion must be?" (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. HR 3396. 103rd Congress. To define and protect the institution of marriage. Project Vote Smart Summary: Harry Reid voted YES on 10 September 1996. (votesmart.org)
  • Harry Reid. Reid: Federal Marriage Amendment will not Address America's Pressing Needs. 5 June 2006. "But what we will spend most of the week on is a constitutional amendment that will fail by a large margin, a constitutional amendment on Same Sex Marriage, an effort that failed to pick up a simple majority, when we recently voted on it. Remember, an Amendment to our Constitution requires 67 votes. I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. I believe in our federal system of government, described to me in college as a central whole divided among self governing parts. Those self governing parts, the 50 states, have already decided this on their own in state after state. For example, in Nevada the constitution was amended to prevent same sex marriage. Congress and President Clinton passed a law that gave the states the guarantee that their individual laws regarding marriage would be respected. The Defense of Marriage Act creates an exception to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution so that no state can force its laws of marriage on another." (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.

Slightly Increase a) AIDS programs
Maintain Status b) Arts funding
Slightly Increase c) Education (K-12)
Slightly Increase d) Environmental programs
Maintain Status e) Foreign aid
Maintain Status 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
Slightly Increase l) Student loan programs
Maintain Status m) Welfare
n) Other
o) Other
p) Other
Maintain Status a) Armed Forces personnel training
Maintain Status b) CIA appropriations
Slightly Increase c) Defense plant conversion
Maintain Status d) Development of new weapons
Maintain Status e) Military hardware
Maintain Status f) Military space shuttle missions
Maintain Status g) National Missile Defense Program
Slightly Increase 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
X c) Tax cuts
d) Federal debt reduction
e) Other

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

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

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

X a) Broaden use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
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.
X e) Expand funding for community policing programs.
f) Increase penalties for the possession of any illegal firearms.
g) Prosecute youths accused of a felony as adults.
X h) Increase funding for local Boys & Girls Clubs and other independent organizations in communities with at-risk youth.
i) Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
j) Deport all permanent resident aliens convicted of a felony.
k) Other

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

X a) Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
b) Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
X c) Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers.
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.
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.
X d) Establish empowerment zones in areas with large numbers of unemployed people.
e) Eliminate any federal programs designed to reduce unemployment.
X f) Increase the minimum wage.
g) Pass legislation that encourages employers to offer their employees the options of flex-time scheduling, comp-time and unpaid leave to attend to their family responsibilities.
X h) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide on-site child care.
a) The federal government should consider race and sex in making government contracting decisions.
X 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.
X f) The federal government should include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws.
g) Other

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

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

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

a) Require the state to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land.
X b) Strengthen the Clean Water Act.
c) Change the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to limit the number of habitats eligible to be designated as endangered.
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.
X g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks.
h) Increase federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels to promote conservation and alternative fuel development.
i) Promote the selling of pollution credits between nations to encourage industries to decrease pollution levels.
X j) Impose stricter national air quality standards.
X 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
State d) Environmental cleanup
State e) Job training
Local f) Law enforcement
State g) Low-income housing
Federal h) Medicaid
Federal i) Medicare
State 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.

a) The U.S. should lift the arms embargo against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
X b) The U.S. should maintain a military presence in Bosnia-Herzegovina with a certain deadline for withdrawal.
c) The U.S. should maintain a military presence in Bosnia-Herzegovina without a certain deadline for withdrawal.
d) Other
X a) The U.S. should resolve future disputes with Iraq through diplomatic means.
X b) The U.S. should take unilateral military action if Iraq does not comply with all accepted UN resolutions.
c) The U.S. should take military action against Iraq only as part of an international effort.
d) The U.S. should not continue to play a prominent leadership role in the peace process between Israel and Palestine.
e) Other
a) The U.S. should contribute more funding and troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
b) The U.S. should contribute less funding and troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
X c) The U.S. should participate in UN peacekeeping missions only when vital U.S. interests are involved.
d) The U.S. should not commit military troops to UN peacekeeping missions.
e) The U.S. should withdraw from the UN completely.
X f) The U.S. should pay its debt to the United Nations.
g) Other
No 4) Should the U.S. have diplomatic and trade relations with Cuba?
No 5) Should the U.S. recognize and extend full diplomatic relations to Taiwan?

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

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

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

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

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

X 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.
i) Other
The most important thing I can do as a leader is set an example with my own behavior. I was named by Parade Magazine as one of 6 Senators possessing the integrity and guts of Harry Truman. I pride myself on my integrity and always try to do what is right.

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

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

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

Maintain Status a) Retiree income over $40,000
Slightly Decrease b) Family income less than $25,000
Slightly Decrease c) Family income $25-75,000
Slightly Decrease d) Family income $75-150,000
Maintain Status e) Family income over $150,000
Maintain Status f) Alcohol taxes
Slightly Decrease g) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status h) Charitable deductions
Slightly Increase i) Child tax credit
Slightly Increase j) Cigarette taxes
Slightly Increase k) Corporate income taxes
Slightly Increase l) Earned Income Tax Credit
Slightly Decrease m) Estate taxes
Slightly Increase n) Medical expense deductions
Maintain Status o) Mortgage deductions
p) Other
q) Other
Undecided 2) Do you support replacing the U.S. income tax structure with a flat income tax?
Undecided 3) Do you support eliminating the Internal Revenue Service?
Yes 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?
No 6) Do you support requiring a super-majority vote in both houses of Congress to raise taxes?
7) Other

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

No 1) Do you support amending the Constitution to limit the number of terms which members of Congress can serve?
Senator (# of 6 yr. terms)
Representatives (# of 2 yr. terms)
No 1) Do you support the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
No 2) Do you support broadening NAFTA to include other countries in the western hemisphere?
No 3) Do you support the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?
No 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?
No 7) Do you support granting the President "fast-track" authority?

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

X a) Provide tax incentives for companies to hire and train homeless people who want to work.
X b) Increase funding of homeless shelters and low income housing projects.
X c) Increase funds for housing assistance for welfare recipients who need housing to get or keep a job.
d) Provide homeless families with apartment vouchers they can use to supplement the cost of an apartment.
X e) Continue to give states and local governments responsibility for welfare programs through block grants.
f) Eliminate federal funds for welfare programs at the federal, state or local levels.
X 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.
X i) Require that unwed teenage mothers live with a parent or guardian (if possible) and attend school to receive benefits.
j) Other
Passing the Patient's Bill of Rights is my top legislative priority. Doctors should make decisions about care, not insurance companies. People in HMOs need this legislation. Improving the way health care is delivered has always been a priority of mine, and I will also be working to pass legislation I wrote with Senator Snowe, the Prescription Fairness Act, to make contraceptives more affordable for women. It's time to give women the equal care they deserve.

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