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Mike Bost's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Republican for U.S. House (IL) - District 12

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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.
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.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Mike Bost is currently being tested through the 2024 Political Courage Test.

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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.

  • "Since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health draft opinion was leaked, threats to U.S. Supreme Court justices have increased – including an abandoned assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh. Numerous pro-life crisis & pregnancy centers have been vandalized & set on fire." (twitter.com)
  • "I just voted NO on 2 of the Dems’ abortion-on-demand bills. Last month SCOTUS restored power to the American people to determine how abortion services are regulated in their state. This has not stopped Speaker Pelosi & House Dems from pushing forward w/their radical agenda." (twitter.com)
  • "More than three quarters of voters believe that if a baby is born alive, their lives should be protected. This isn't some niche, wedge issue. The American people are on the side of LIFE." (twitter.com)
  • "This week I cosponsored a resolution to recognize Jan. 22, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, as National Sanctity of Life Day. We mourn the 62 million innocent lives lost to abortion since Roe was decided 49 yrs ago & must continue our efforts to defend life at all stages. #ProLife" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSM) (None)
  • "Those counting on Social Security and Medicare should not have to worry about the promises that were made to them are kept. Mike opposes efforts to privatize, raise the retirement age or increase the payroll tax. Congress must work together to prevent the financial collapse of these programs by promoting bipartisan efforts to address systemic problems and ensure its longevity for current and future generations." (None)
  • Rated 17% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (None)
  • "Mike has fought for policies that allow working families to keep more of their hard-earned money and promote economic growth." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "Mike voted for Tax Reform legislation, which gives an average tax cut of over $2,200 to Southern Illinois families. He’s also voted to roll back job-killing regulations left over by the Obama Administration and and is a staunch opponent of the Biden-Pelosi socialist tax and spending plan." (bostforcongress.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6760 "Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2018" (None)
  • "Mike has fought for policies that allow working families to keep more of their hard-earned money and promote economic growth." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "Mike voted for Tax Reform legislation, which gives an average tax cut of over $2,200 to Southern Illinois families. He’s also voted to roll back job-killing regulations left over by the Obama Administration and and is a staunch opponent of the Biden-Pelosi socialist tax and spending plan." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "Speaker Pelosi says she wants to get money out of politics, but actions speak louder than words. Not only would this sham of a reform bill put more money into politics, it would do so at the taxpayer's expense. Taxpayers would be forced to match every $1 in "small dollar' donations raised by a candidate 6 times over. That's $6 of your money for every $1 raised by the candidate, whether you support their positions or not. There's a big difference between free speech and forced speech." (None)
  • "H.R. 1 would create a taxpayer-funded slush fund for politicians and political consultants that could also bankroll extremist candidates on both sides of the aisle. The bill would strip critical enforcements that could make it possible for illegal immigrants to vote in federal elections. Additionally, the bill would trample states' rights and codify ballot harvesting -- the practice of political operatives gathering voters' mail-in ballots and dumping them at the polls." (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (None)
  • "Every day, our brave law enforcement officers around the country risk their lives. They protect us from harm, keep the peace, and carry out justice." (twitter.com)
  • "Every day, law enforcement officers around the country protect our families from harm, keep the peace, and promote the cause of justice. #NationalPoliceWeek is a good reminder that we need to show support and appreciation for those that serve and protect us." (twitter.com)
  • "In honor of #NationalPoliceWeek, my Republican colleagues & I held a press conference to pay tribute to our nation’s men & women in blue. Our police officers deserve our gratitude this week & every week of the year. Thank you to our Southern IL police officers for all you do!" (twitter.com)
  • "Mike is a strong supporter of a robust defense budget and a proud advocate for Scott Air Force Base – a vital economic engine to Southern Illinois." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "As a U.S. Marine, Mike is committed to a strong national defense. With growing threats to U.S. interests around the world, he knows we must ensure our military is the best-trained and most advanced in the world so we meet the challenges of today and prepare for threats of tomorrow." (bostforcongress.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4365 "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024" (None)
  • "Mike voted for Tax Reform legislation, which gives an average tax cut of over $2,200 to Southern Illinois families. He’s also voted to roll back job-killing regulations left over by the Obama Administration and and is a staunch opponent of the Biden-Pelosi socialist tax and spending plan." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "For months, President Biden & Speaker Pelosi have lied, saying their spending spree wouldn’t cost taxpayers a dime. Last night, the CBO confirmed that the bill digs us nearly $400 billion deeper in debt. I voted NO on this attempt to bankrupt future generations for socialism." (twitter.com)
  • "Just as Americans must balance their own household budgets, Congress should be held to the same standards. Congress must make decisions that balance our federal budget in a reasonable, responsible way that leaves a country to our children and grandchildren better than the one we inherited." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "Money doesn’t grow on trees, but those in Washington often think it does. For too long, legislators went to Washington with a focus of "how much to spend" instead of "what to cut." Because of that mindset, federal spending is out-of-control with growing deficits that place the burden on future generations." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "As a former firefighter, I know how hard it can be for small, rural fire departments to recruit and retain qualified volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel," said Bost. "Our first responders run selflessly toward danger every day to protect their neighbors and their homes. They shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they can get assistance of their own." (bost.house.gov)
  • "Many of our rural communities depend on their local volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to run toward danger during times of emergency. As a former firefighter, I’ve seen how difficult it can be for these departments to recruit and retain qualified personnel. Our legislation will improve access to affordable housing for these dedicated first responders." (www.kfvs12.com)
  • "Mr. President, Southern Illinoisans are struggling under the highest inflation in 40 years. The idea that inflation is up "just an inch" is a bunch of malarkey." (twitter.com)
  • "Speaker Pelosi is at it again, trying to ram her party’s spending spree through the House today. While we still don’t know the final price tag, we know just how devasting these socialist policies will be for our country and its future." (twitter.com)
  • "Southern Illinoisans have already had to endure sky-high prices for food, gas, and other necessities as a result of Biden’s inflation causing policies. Now, families can expect to pay an additional 20% on their Thanksgiving meals." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden and Speaker Pelosi’s socialist spending spree will break the bank for future generations. It’s so massive that the independent Congressional Budget Office has determined they are already $280 billion in the hole." (twitter.com)
  • "Joe Biden vetoed last night a House Republican bill that blocks his student loan giveaway. Presidential vetoes are rare, but Biden is ready and willing if it means he can force the 87% of Americans who have no student loans to pay for those who do." (twitter.com)
  • "I’ll say it again: if you’re a farmer in Effingham, work in the building trades in Marion, are a stay-at-home mom in Waterloo or a teacher in Harrisburg who worked hard to pay off your loans, it is wrong to force you to foot the bill for someone else’s decision to go to college." (twitter.com)
  • "Over 80% have no student loans – they paid them back, attended a trade school, went into the workforce, or chose to stay home and raise a family. It’s flat out wrong to force them to pay off the debts of those who made a personal decision to take out a loan." (twitter.com)
  • "When Biden pushed his scheme to cancel student loan debt earlier this year, SCOTUS blocked it. Apparently that wasn’t good enough for him. He tweaked his plan and is giving it another go. That’s why I voted today for a motion of disapproval to derail this $559 billion giveaway." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "President Biden tapped into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in November. Then again in January. Gas prices went up. Apparently he thinks 3rd time’s the charm. If he really wants to fix the problem, he must end the anti-American energy policies that began the day he took office." (twitter.com)
  • "Mike has consistently supported an all-of-the above energy policy that makes use of all our nation’s resources. As Southern Illinois families struggle with higher energy bills, Mike believes it’s common sense to use the resources that are proven and affordable." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "Southern Illinois has a proud heritage of coal mining and contains significant coal deposits. Recently, new technologies have developed to more efficiently produce energy from this coal with less pollution. Unfortunately, there remain those opposed to any use of fossil fuels." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "Southern Illinois has a proud heritage of coal mining and contains significant coal deposits. Recently, new technologies have developed to more efficiently produce energy from this coal with less pollution. Unfortunately, there remain those opposed to any use of fossil fuels." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "Mike has consistently supported an all-of-the above energy policy that makes use of all our nation’s resources. As Southern Illinois families struggle with higher energy bills, Mike believes it’s common sense to use the resources that are proven and affordable." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "President Biden tapped into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in November. Then again in January. Gas prices went up. Apparently he thinks 3rd time’s the charm. If he really wants to fix the problem, he must end the anti-American energy policies that began the day he took office." (twitter.com)
  • "Well, a curious thing happened after the United States began to drill more oil and natural gas wells: the price of oil, gasoline and natural gas fell. While domestic oil and gas production was once in decline, there now exist significant quantities of these resources produced year-over-year. The outcome has been lower energy prices for consumers and many thousands of new jobs." (bost.house.gov)
  • "This morning, Speaker Pelosi pushed two gun control bills through the House that will make it harder for law abiding citizens to purchase guns." (twitter.com)
  • "As crime rates skyrocket across the country, President Biden and his Administration continue to double down on their attacks on the Second Amendment instead of actually addressing the problem." (twitter.com)
  • "We have a constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms and it must be preserved and defended at all levels of government. Period." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "He wants to encourage more, not less competition, in the Medicare system by expanding, not shrinking, the popular Medicare Advantage program. We need to support measures that reduce costs, which will ultimately affect the price of premiums and the number of people who can afford insurance." (bostforcongress.com)
  • "Mike believes that Southern Illinoisans should have the right to make their own health care choices. That’s why he supports allowing businesses and associations to pull together their health plans to obtain larger health care premium discounts from major health insurers." (bostforcongress.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Joe Biden’s failed border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis. Now, in the face a record number of encounters at the southern border, it appears he’s taking VA resources away from our veterans to facilitate healthcare for illegal migrants." (twitter.com)
  • "By ending Title 42, Biden is turning his border crisis into a catastrophe. During my visit to Laredo TX I spoke with Border Patrol agents who are desperate to know we will back them up w/ the tools they need to do their jobs. That’s why I voted for the Secure the Border Act." (twitter.com)
  • "I voted today against a "CR" to fund the government for the next 45 days because it was stripped of any spending reforms or border security measures. If we don’t fix these problems now, what shape is this country going to be in when we leave it to our children and grandchildren?" (twitter.com)
  • "Mike supports building a wall along our southern border and supports enforcing President Trump’s Remain in Mexico Policy." (bostforcongress.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3941 "Schools Not Shelters Act" (None)
  • "August was the second month in a row where we saw over 200,000 illegal border crossings. This is a national security and humanitarian crisis. The numbers speak for themselves." (twitter.com)
  • "Mike supports building a wall along our southern border and supports enforcing President Trump’s Remain in Mexico Policy." (bostforcongress.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2019" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 340 "Hamas International Financing Prevention Act" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3774 "Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108 "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (None)
  • "At a time when we're fighting to restore fiscal sanity here at home, we can't continue sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Ukraine with little accountability for how the money's spent. The needs of the American people must come first. For that reason, I voted to cut security assistance to Ukraine in the Defense Appropriations bill." (bost.house.gov)
  • Voted against HR 5692 "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (None)
  • Voted against HR 6833 "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (None)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
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.

X a) Abortions should always be illegal.
b) Abortions should always be legally available.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
X d) Abortions should be legal when pregnancy results from incest, rape or the life of the woman is endangered.
X e) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and notification requirements as decided by each state government.
X f) Prohibit the dilation and extraction procedure, also known as "partial-birth" abortion.
g) Support "buffer zones" at abortion clinics by requiring demonstrators to remain a certain distance from doorways and driveways.
X h) Prohibit public funding for abortions and organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
i) Other

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels you will support.

Greatly Increase Funding a) Education (Higher)
Greatly Increase Funding b) Education (K-12)
Maintain Funding Status c) Environment
Greatly Increase Funding d) Health care
Greatly Increase Funding e) Law enforcement
Slightly Increase Funding f) Transportation and Highway infrastructure
Maintain Funding Status g) Welfare
h) Other
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Slightly Decrease b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Slightly Decrease d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status f) Riverboat gambling taxes
Slightly Decrease g) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Slightly Decrease h) Income taxes (incomes over $75,000)
Eliminate i) Inheritance taxes
Greatly Decrease j) Property taxes
Maintain Status k) Sales taxes
Maintain Status l) Vehicle taxes
m) Other
No n) Should Internet sales be taxed?
Yes o) Do you support a flat tax structure for state income taxes?
Yes p) Would you support returning any operating surplus to Illinois taxpayers?
Yes q) Would you support placing any operating surplus into a "rainy day" fund?
Yes r) Do you support removing the sales tax on motor fuels?
s) Other

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

X a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
b) Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
X c) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
X d) Support the use of the death penalty in Illinois.
e) Support the moratorium on the death penalty.
X f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X g) Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
X h) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
i) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
X j) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
X k) Support .08 blood-alcohol-content limit defining drunk driving.
X l) Prosecute as adults, youths accused of a felony.
X m) Increase penalties for crimes committed on school grounds.
n) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X o) Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.
p) Ban the use of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.
X q) Increase funding for DNA evidence testing.
r) Require videotaping of any interrogations or confessions that occur after an arrest for murder, rape, or juvenile felony charges.
s) Require that illegal possession of guns be prosecuted as a felony.
t) Other

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

X a) Increase state funds for professional development of public school teachers and administrators.
X b) Encourage private or corporate investment in public school programs.
c) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious).
X d) Support charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
X e) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
X f) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
g) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
h) Support posting the Ten Commandments in public schools.
X i) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
j) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
X k) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
X l) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
m) Other

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning employment.Affirmative Action: Which of the following state agencies should take race and sex into account when making employment decisions?

X a) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Support limits on cash damages in lawsuits against businesses and professionals for product liability or malpractice.
X d) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
X e) Support an early retirement plan for state government employees.
X f) Reduce the unemployment insurance surplus by lowering employer payments to the unemployment insurance fund.
g) Use the unemployment insurance surplus to provide paid parental leave.
h) Other
Yes a) College and university admissions
Yes b) Public employment
Yes c) State contracting
d) Other

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

X a) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
X b) Support "self-audit" legislation which creates incentives for industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution.
X c) Require a cost/benefit analysis to determine the economic impact of proposed environmental regulations before they are implemented.
X d) Require states to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land.
X e) Support funding for recycling programs in Illinois.
X f) Request added flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
g) Suspend participation in un-funded, federally-mandated environmental protection legislation.
h) Support legalization of industrial hemp.
i) Other
Undecided j) Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

Undecided a) Do you support the current limit on terms for Illinois Governors?
Undecided b) Do you support limiting the number of terms for Illinois State Senators and Representatives?
Undecided a) Individual
Undecided b) PAC
Undecided c) Corporate
Undecided d) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Undecided e) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
Undecided f) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
Undecided g) Do you support voting on-line?
Undecided h) Do you support on-line voter registration?
Yes i) Do you support banning political contributions from the gambling industry?
j) Other

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

a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
X b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
g) Require background checks of gun buyers at gun shows.
h) Require a license for gun possession.
i) Other

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

X a) Provide tax incentives to small businesses that provide health care to their employees.
b) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state funded care where necessary.
X c) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
X d) Use state funds to continue some Medicaid coverage for legal immigrants.
X e) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
f) Support a patient's right to sue his or her HMO.
X g) Support a patient's right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied.
X h) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
X i) Expand the state's Circuit Breaker program which provides prescription drug coverage to low-income seniors.
j) Require drug manufacturers to provide prescription medications to senior citizens at the same discounted rate given to HMOs and corporations.
k) Support the Bernardin amendment to the Illinois Constitution which would require the state to ensure health care for every resident.
l) Require all hospitals to offer emergency contraception to rape victims.
m) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding social issues.

X a) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
X b) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
c) Deny or suspend state-issued permits and licenses to parents who are delinquent in paying court-ordered child support.
X d) Increase state funding for Head Start in order to serve additional children and/or increase services from a half to a full day.
X e) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X f) Support state funding of programs for at-risk youth such as guaranteed college loans, and job training and placement.
g) Other
h) Should physician assisted suicide be legally available in Illinois?
i) Should Illinois include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws?
j) Should Illinois recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
k) Should Illinois restrict marriage to a relationship only between a man and a woman?

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

X a) Maintain current time limits on welfare benefits.
X b) Maintain the requirement that able-bodied recipients work in order to receive benefits.
X c) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X d) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
X e) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
X f) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
X g) Allow welfare recipients to remain eligible for benefits while saving money for education, starting a business, or buying a home.
X h) Limit benefits given to recipients if they have additional children while on welfare.
X i) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
X j) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
X k) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to expand state services to include the working poor.
l) Other
Please explain what your two main legislative priorities will be if elected. Please explain how you would obtain any additional government funding needed to implement these priorities.

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