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Henry Cuellar's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (TX) - District 28

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

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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 2024.

  • Rated 80% by Planned Parenthood (None)
  • Voted against HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 80% by Planned Parenthood (None)
  • "In honor of Social Security’s anniversary pls RT if u agree that Congress should strengthen #SocialSecurity, not cut it" (x.com)
  • Signed on to a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy: "The current Medicare payment system does not adequately incentivize high-quality care, and reimbursement has failed to keep up with inflation. We believe broad systemic reforms to the payment system are critical to speed the transition to value-based care. However, as Congress begins the complex process of identifying and considering potential long-term reforms, we must also create stability by addressing the immediate payment cuts facing health care professionals." (None)
  • "Congressman Cuellar has been a champion for the expansion of health care coverage throughout his district, especially in underserved colonia areas along the border. Additionally, thousands of elderly Texans rely on Medicare to safeguard their physical health during their retirement years. Congressman Cuellar is committed to strengthening Medicare for our seniors and seeing that the federal government honors that obligation." (cuellar.house.gov)
  • Rated 25% by FreedomWorks (None)
  • "I voted for the Child Tax Credit because it helps lift children out of poverty and keeps more money in the pockets of American families. I will continue working diligently to ensure the Child Tax Credit becomes PERMANENT." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 25% by FreedomWorks (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 78% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "We must make necessary reforms to our policing system, not defund or disassemble it, to prevent further tragedies from happening again," Congressman Cuellar continued. "I voted for the Justice in Policing Act, legislation that is a first step in helping save lives and making sure officers who abuse their power are held accountable. We must come together to strengthen our public safety and rebuild trust between our law enforcement and our communities." (None)
  • "I unequivocally support our country’s law enforcement, who work every day to protect our communities. However, supporting law enforcement doesn’t mean we can’t have transparency & accountability. We must do better to provide liberty & justice for all, including #GeorgeFloyd." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "For far too long, the economy has left the middle class and small businesses behind. That is why I was proud to vote for the @HouseDemocrats funding bill today, which makes transformative investments to create good-paying American jobs." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Texans deserve affordable, stable places to live but finding housing can be challenging for people with disabilities. The funding each of these housing authorities received, will ensure people with disabilities have access to affordable housing during this pandemic." (x.com)
  • "Supporting our men & women in uniform means investing in reliable & safe military family housing for the loved ones of our armed forces. As we celebrate #MilitaryFamilyMonth, @AppropsDems and I have worked hard to fund critical improvements to military family housing." (x.com)
  • "The American Jobs Plan has made an historic investment in housing infrastructure, which is what this country needs after decades of disinvestment. @HouseDemocrats & @POTUS are working to tackle the national housing crisis & #EndHomelessness." (x.com)
  • "My vote for the Inflation Reduction Act is going to help South Texas families, businesses, and communities in the long-term. South Texas will see lower energy costs, more job growth, help for small businesses, and support for rural communities." (x.com)
  • "In South Texas, we care about our seniors. That’s why I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps the price of insulin at $35 per month for those on Medicare. It’s past time we stand up for our seniors in their most vulnerable years" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "American students and graduates are facing a trillion-dollar student loan debt crisis and the #TrumpBudget makes the problem even worse. It will make it harder for new students to attend college and harder for borrowers to repay loans. This is not an agenda our nation needs." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (None)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. That’s why I voted for the Voting Rights Advancement Act, which will restore the promises of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, uphold the integrity of our democracy, and increase transparency in our elections." (x.com)
  • "56 years ago, heroes like John Lewis shed blood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the right of all Americans to vote. Today, as that right comes under attack once again, we honor their legacy by passing #HR4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. #RestoreTheVote" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Our country’s economy is supported by Texas’ booming oil and gas industry. It is critical that we continue to support an industry that creates jobs, puts us on a path to energy independence, and advances our country’s economy." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "We must combat climate change together— working as a community. I support @POTUS goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50%. The #BuildBackBetter Act will help advance this goal by investing in renewable energy and reducing emissions." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "For years, I have been the leading Democrat in the House, advocating for the export of U.S. crude oil. Now, the U.S. is on track to pump more crude than Saudi Arabia by the middle of next year, assuming #OPEC’s biggest producer keeps output at its current level. #Bloomberg" (x.com)
  • "Our country’s economy is supported by Texas’ booming oil and gas industry. It is critical that we continue to support an industry that creates jobs, puts us on a path to energy independence, and advances our country’s economy." (x.com)
  • Rated 14% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • "Uvalde will be in my heart and on my mind, next week, as I head back to Washington, DC. Violent crime and gun violence are unacceptable. Too many families and communities have been torn apart. We need change." (x.com)
  • "I'm co-sponsoring the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, a red flag measure that allows courts & law enforcement officials to prohibit certain individuals who pose an increased risk to themselves or to others from possessing or acquiring a gun. The American people deserve action." (x.com)
  • "My colleagues in the House and I passed HR 8 & HR 1112, both commonsense gun violence prevention legislation. Now we urge @senatemajldr to take action and vote on these bipartisan bills. We can no longer stand back and let gun violence occur." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "The number of physicians per population in RGV is almost half of the physician-per-patient ratio for the U.S. I worked hard to extend the cap-building window so hospitals can hire more doctors in medically underserved areas. Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare." (x.com)
  • "During these uncertain times, one thing you can count on is affordable, reliable health care coverage. Through the healthcare expansion in the American Rescue Plan, 80% of families will pay less than $10 a month." (x.com)
  • "I helped secure health insurance coverage for 770,000 Texans who do not currently qualify for subsidized healthcare. The #BuildBackBetter Act ensures that everyone has access to quality and affordable healthcare." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Paid family leave allows parents to bond with their newborn without worrying about paying their bills. The Build Back Better Act includes FOUR WEEKS of paid family leave for all parents welcoming a new member to their family." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "In South Texas, we care about our seniors. That’s why I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps the price of insulin at $35 per month for those on Medicare. It’s past time we stand up for our seniors in their most vulnerable years" (x.com)
  • "Prescription drug prices are surging. This week, I voted for the Lower Drugs Costs Now Act to fight back! I am committed to helping Americans afford their prescription drugs and get the healthcare they need and deserve." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Last night, the barbed wire in #Laredo finally came down. This is a welcomed change, and I am encouraged to see that a resolution to this matter has been agreed upon. #border #bordersecurity" (x.com)
  • "I represent the border and actually live there. I speak with constituents, landowners, law enforcement professionals, & border security experts regularly to find solutions that work. I’ve also led multiple CODELS w/ approps members to discuss sensible #BorderSecurity measures." (x.com)
  • "It was great to be back in Starr County last week to announce the federal dollars I secured for border security and school safety! I’m a strong supporter of law enforcement and will keep working in Congress to keep our South Texas communities safe." (x.com)
  • Rated 24% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "The Dream Act allows Dreamers —essential workers, teachers, and medical personnel—to fully contribute to our country and make America stronger. I will vote for the bipartisan Dream Act. #HomeIsHere" (x.com)
  • "After conferring with Democratic leadership and receiving their commitment to help me fight the border wall, I just went on the House floor and signed the discharge petition to protect #Dreamers and #DACA. As one of the first supporters of DACA I'm proud to add my signature" (x.com)
  • "I met with @DHSMcAleenan to discuss housing and processing migrants at our southern border. We need to take care of the families that are being detained and give them the due process and humane treatment every individual deserves." (x.com)
  • Rated 24% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108: "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522: "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.

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