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Adam Smith's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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

Adam Smith did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "Abortion providers courageously provide sexual and reproductive healthcare in the face of threats, violence, and harassment by anti-abortion extremists. That's why I’m proud to support the #HealthcareProvidersSafetyAct to ensure abortion clinics have the security they deserve." (www.facebook.com)
  • Endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In an initial draft majority opinion obtained by the public, the United States Supreme Court has shown intent to overturn the precedent set by Roe v. Wade more than 50 years ago, which enshrined the constitutional right to an abortion. If this draft opinion becomes the final ruling of the Supreme Court, the Court will strip the rights of millions of Americans to make deeply personal and medical decisions about their own bodies and futures. As a staunch advocate for abortion and reproductive rights, this decision alarms me deeply. Americans must be aware of the threat that this potential ruling poses to all fundamental civil rights, not just access to abortions. To codify Roe at the federal level and safeguard abortion rights for everyone across the country, I voted for, and the House passed the Women's Health Protection Act, and I will continue to push the Senate to act on this critically important bill so it can be signed into law. In this moment of crisis, we must also call on our Senate colleagues to abolish the filibuster. If there is ever a time to do so, now is that time -- our civil liberties are on the line. I am proud to represent a state that has safeguarded the right to choose. Washington State is committed to protecting abortion rights for every person, and as Governor Inslee stated yesterday, our state will always be a beacon of choice for people seeking abortions from states where extremists have managed to ban abortion care. It's important to remember this opinion is a draft, not a final ruling. Abortion is still legal in many states across the country today. However, anti-abortion groups will continue to push for a federal abortion ban, which is their ultimate goal. This reality underscores the urgency of the moment --we must pass federal legislation so that no matter your zip-code or income, you have full access to abortion and reproductive care." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 36 "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am a fervent supporter of measures that support our seniors. Programs like Social Security and Medicare are critical to many seniors, both in our 9th Congressional District and throughout the country. With millions of American seniors living off of these benefits, Congress must support legislation that protects these programs. In Congress, I have a strong record of protecting the vitality of Social Security for the people who need it now, but also for our future generations. I have and will continue to consistently support measures to strengthen Social Security itself and the benefits it provides to its beneficiaries. Beneficiaries ultimately need increased benefits and more accurate cost of living adjustments. Medicare is another critical program that must be protected and preserved. I’m supportive of ensuring that Medicare is affordable for all seniors, particularly for those on fixed incomes. Congress must make certain that we increase our commitment to the program, including through measures such as ensuring access to rehabilitation services. I also have the privilege of meeting regularly with many great seniors groups in our district, where I have the opportunity to learn more about how to best support seniors. Our seniors deserve to live a dignified life, and I will continue fighting for that." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • "Opposes cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, all of which are vital to older Americans, persons with disabilities, and persons with limited means." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We must make it a goal that every American has access to affordable, quality healthcare coverage. Through the establishment of Medicare for All, a universal system, Americans will have access to affordable and quality healthcare. Currently the uninsured must often forego preventative care and frequently seek medical attention through costly emergency services, thus increasing premiums for all. However, with the establishment of a universal system, no American will have to go without healthcare or worry about a medical bankruptcy. Taking steps to cover all Americans with a universal system is our opportunity to drive down costs. Inefficiencies within the current Medicare system can also be reduced through improved payments for providers that reward quality rather than quantity. This will reward states like Washington for providing high-quality, low-cost care compared to other areas of the country that over-utilize unnecessary health services and drive up the cost of care nationally. Done the right way, we can incentivize these savings and healthy behaviors by implementing a public health insurance option." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Rated 87% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "10 years after Citizens United, #WA09 is still fed up with the broken system. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to participate in our democracy. #HR1 would undo the worst effects of Citizens United and make America more democratic and responsive #ForThePeople." (www.facebook.com)
  • Co-sponsored HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am a strong proponent of campaign finance reform. Corporations are not people, and should not be treated as such. We must overturn the disastrous Citizens United ruling. Particularly in the wake of the Citizens United ruling, I have been an advocate of working towards the public funding of our elections and have personally chosen to not accept any money for my campaign from fossil fuel companies. Public funding of campaigns would allow for a much more just and equitable system for not only candidates, but more importantly, for the American people. Not only do we need more accountability when it comes to finances and donors, but American elections would also benefit from requiring that all ads, including those aired online, are properly regulated and defined. We must stop major lobbies and corporations from having gross amounts of power in our election system. Through an equitable campaign finance reform plan, our nation will benefit." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • “America is experiencing a moment of profound pain and sadness as we grieve for George Floyd and countless others killed by police brutality and racial injustice. George Floyd was killed one month ago today and since then, Americans from every walk of life across the country have been protesting and demanding action and change. Systemic racism continues to permeate all corners of our country’s institutions, burdening so many Black Americans and other communities of color. Today we honor the lives of all killed by police brutality with real change. The Justice in Policing Act is a bold step to enact comprehensive reforms to curb police brutality and end racial profiling. It provides accountability and transparency to fundamentally change the culture of law enforcement. While this bill is an essential step, our work is far from finished. This is but one step in the much larger process of ensuring justice and equality for all. I will continue to work towards the dramatic changes required in all aspects of our society to end systemic racism and excessive police force in our country. This bill would ban police chokeholds and no-knock warrants and hold police accountable by ending qualified immunity for law enforcement. It would also establish a national standard for the operation of police departments, mandate data collection on police encounters, reprogram existing funds to invest in transformative community-based policing programs, and streamline federal law to prosecute excessive force and establish independent prosecutors for police investigations. We must reimagine public safety in an equitable way to empower our communities. This bill supports critical programs to change the culture of law enforcement and reinvests in our communities by establishing public safety innovation grants for community-based organizations, local commissions, and task forces. I stand proudly with my colleagues on the Congressional Black Caucus who introduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and will continue to work together to advance this transformative legislation. However, there is still much more work to be done. Hate and racism have no place in our country – I will continue to do everything in my power to fight for racial justice and end police brutality." (adamsmith.house.gov)
  • Co-sponsored HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Co-sponsored the End Racial Profiling Act, which would prohibit law enforcement from engaging in racial profiling, and would also allow people harmed by racial profiling to have the right to file a lawsuit." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • "The American criminal justice system is fundamentally broken, and I believe we must dramatically change the way we handle criminal justice in the United States. Time has shown that the well-meaning reforms of the past have failed, and are responsible for the disproportionately high levels of incarceration for non-violent offenses in communities of color. The effect has not been increased safety, but perpetuation of cycles of poverty and families being torn apart. I believe the justice system must balance the need to protect the innocent and ensure that only the guilty are held responsible, but that we must also move from a retributive justice system to a rehabilitative one that reintegrates those who have served their time back into our community. As a former prosecutor, I understand the immense and important job taken on by law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders and defense attorneys, judges, and corrections officers. Each plays a vital role in our justice system, and in keeping our communities safe. However, each also has the added responsibility of ensuring the they are enforcing and protecting the rule of law equally and fairly. We have an opportunity to make our justice system a model of fairness and justice, that is why I have supported legislation that would end racial profiling, eliminate over-prosecution of minor offenses, promote the effective use of Body Worn Cameras for law enforcement, limit federal mandatory minimum sentences for drug sentences, increase funding for civil legal aid, and help people re-enter society once they have served their time. Criminal justice reform will not only make our justice system more fair and end the cycle over over-incarceration in communities of color, but it would also save taxpayers money." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Co-sponsored HR 4350 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It is also important that the men and women of our Armed forces receive the support and training they need to perform their missions. In my nearly two decades of experience on the House Armed Services Committee, I have been working diligently to ensure that our military personnel have the best equipment and resources to confront the threats they face today, and in the future. In a time when the Pentagon is looking for ways to reduce costs, we must carefully evaluate our policies to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and effectively, so that we might maintain a qualitative military advantage." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Rated 5% by Center for Security Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We rely too much on the military in our national security and we must go after wasteful spending" (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • "Our country needs a robust infrastructure plan that benefits every American. Through responsible infrastructure investment, we can promote jobs, safety, and the efficient movement of goods and services. We must modernize our nation’s roadways and port infrastructure. These are critical for increased economic growth in our region, and that’s why I support legislation, including the BRACE and FAST Acts, that would support these goals. I’ve also authored the Freight Infrastructure Reinvestment Act, which would ultimately develop a National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Improvement Program. Additionally, our airport-impacted communities must also be supported. I am an advocate for reducing noise and emissions from airplanes, while also holding the Federal Aviation Association accountable to our communities impacted by this issue in the 9th District. Finally, we must rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, including roads and bridges. I’ll continue to advocate for legislation that all will benefit from." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Rated 0% by Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 133 "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Build Back Better Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Great to see 300+ small businesses receiving grants in Kent for economic relief amidst #COVID19 from the CARES Act, 72% of which are minority owned & 52% woman owned. We must help small businesses with support they need as so many are still struggling." (twitter.com)
  • "Many small businesses across the country are still struggling from the economic effects of the pandemic. In Congress I have been a strong advocate for replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), which provided much needed relief to restaurants & other small businesses." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act will help tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges – inflation, health care costs, and climate change – and deliver real results for Washington’s 9th District and the entire country." - (twitter.com)
  • "The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is a testament to the persistence of the Biden-Harris administration and Congressional Democrats. While Republicans in Congress reject proposal after proposal to address the many challenges we face, Democrats will continue our work to advance legislation that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the American people. I am thrilled to see this bill pass out of the House today, and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign it into law." (adamsmith.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 (votesmart.org)
  • "The actual point of asking students to pay their own freight is to stop students doing degrees that aren’t worth it. Killing the debt, the price system, thereby kills the entire point of the policy." - (www.adamsmith.org)
  • "...'While this will bring relief to millions of student loan borrowers, Congress must work together to reform our postsecondary education system and make investments that will lower the cost of colleges and universities throughout the U.S. so that students are not burdened by such significant debt in the future. This means bringing down the cost of four-year institutions, making community and technical colleges tuition free, and better enabling pathways to good-paying jobs such as Registered Apprenticeships. Regardless of income or wealth, individuals should have access to postsecondary educational opportunities and job training programs without being saddled with a mountain of debt for their degree or credential." - (adamsmith.house.gov)
  • "In Congress, we must do all we can to build on #VRA and make it easier for folks to vote rather than harder with Voter ID laws #VRA50" - (twitter.com)
  • "Offering Alternatives to Voter ID Laws: Cosponsor of the America Votes Act of 2017. Introduced by Congressman Larsen, this bill would allow voters to present a sworn written statement, signed under penalty of perjury, as valid identification to vote in federal elections." - (adamsmith.house.gov)
  • "These discriminatory policies have led to restrictive voter ID laws, polling place closures, and other measures restricting voting resulting in lower turnout. Voting is the most fundamental of rights in our democracy and we must ensure it is protected now more than ever." - (twitter.com)
  • "Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. In order to avoid the most disastrous effects of our rapidly changing climate, we must move forward both quickly and decisively with strong, progressive environmental policies. It is absolutely critical that we work to protect our air and water, our lush national parks, and to ensure environmental justice for all people. We must re-enter the Paris Climate Agreement, and firmly stand against dangerous environmental rollbacks, including fuel emission standards. In addition to opposing dangerous anti-environmental policies, we must also protect the viability of the Environmental Protection Agency. We must also encourage the continued development of green technologies. Not only does green technology offer significant benefits to the environment, but provides for an economy of the future. I will continue to actively encourage the creation of jobs in renewable energy fields. I will continue to work as an environmental advocate in the House, and to support policies that advance a progressive environmental agenda." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The United States must be committed to creating an energy policy that allows us to be independent from foreign sources, bring down costs for all Americans, and invest in new alternative energy technologies, all while fighting climate change. In order to protect consumers from skyrocketing energy prices that are crippling many businesses in the Puget Sound region, we must implement policies that will make our energy sources more reliable and diverse. Traditional fossil-fuel energy sources like natural gas, oil, and coal are in limited supply and must be used wisely. With that in mind, we must embrace the use of alternative, renewable energy sources and promote efficient use of our current sources. Wind and solar power, once thought to impractical on a mass-scale, have become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels. We need to encourage greater research and development so that we can use these clean and renewable energy sources, as well as fuel cells, geothermal energy, and bio-fuels, to create a more self-sustainable America. Not only will embracing new energy technology make our economy flourish and our environment cleaner, but it will also allow America to once again be a world leader in energy innovation. Instead of relying on oil imports from foreign sources we can develop and export the fuel cells, solar panels, smart grid infrastructure, and other innovative technologies that will continue to create good American jobs and help the rest of the world develop cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable sources of energy." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. In order to avoid the most disastrous effects of our rapidly changing climate, we must move forward both quickly and decisively with strong, progressive environmental policies. It is absolutely critical that we work to protect our air and water, our lush national parks, and to ensure environmental justice for all people. We must re-enter the Paris Climate Agreement, and firmly stand against dangerous environmental rollbacks, including fuel emission standards. In addition to opposing dangerous anti-environmental policies, we must also protect the viability of the Environmental Protection Agency. We must also encourage the continued development of green technologies. Not only does green technology offer significant benefits to the environment, but provides for an economy of the future. I will continue to actively encourage the creation of jobs in renewable energy fields. I will continue to work as an environmental advocate in the House, and to support policies that advance a progressive environmental agenda." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Rated 100% by Environment America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Supported multiple pieces of legislation that would ensure the protection of clean air and water" (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2467 "PFAS Action Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Co-sponsored HR 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Co-sponsored HR 8 "Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The United States government must protect its people from gun violence. In the past several years we have seen a steady increase in the amount of violent gun attacks that have left many Americans injured or killed. It is vividly clear that government must take action. There are too many guns in our country that are easily accessible. We must enact universal background checks for all firearms and ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. There is truly no place for military-style, high-capacity weapons in civilian life. Background checks are the first line of defense in keeping weapons out of the hands of individuals who should not have them. We must ensure that background checks are universal, in that they cover all forms of sales, and are fully completed before selling a weapon to an individual. Additionally, I support gun buy-back programs which have been successful in some cities in the United States and banning bump-stocks. Finally, we must improve mental health treatment and resources to ensure that those who may use a weapon to harm themselves or others, are prevented from doing so. We need to make certain that gun control policy is addressed quickly to prevent further tragedies." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • "Done the right way, we can incentivize these savings and healthy behaviors by implementing a public health insurance option." - (electadamsmith.com)
  • "I'm proud to be a founding member of the Congressional Medicare for All Caucus. We must work towards a healthcare system that works for everyone in this country. Together, our caucus will work to achieve guaranteed healthcare for every person living in the US. #M4ACaucus #HR676" - (twitter.com)
  • "Introduced the MediFair Act, which will make Washington state’s Medicare reimbursement rates more fair and expand coverage for Medicare patients" - (electadamsmith.com)
  • Voted in favor and co-sponsor of Medicare for all act 2021; H.R. 1976 - (electadamsmith.com)
  • "Workers should not be forced to make the impossible choice between their paycheck and taking care of themselves or a family member. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor on the #FamilyAct which creates a comprehensive and inclusive national paid family and medical leave program." (twitter.com)
  • "The costs of prescription drugs have been an increasing burden on individuals and families - no one should be forced to choose between their medications and basic needs such as paying rent or putting food on the table. It’s time for #LowerDrugCosts with #HR3." - (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of Inflation reduction act HR 5376 - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I strongly oppose the President's recent change in policy granting the military expanded authority regarding the use of lethal force, detention and search of civilians, and crowd control on our southern border. This guidance is unwise, unnecessary, and likely illegal. It is unwise because the President is creating a dangerous situation where thousands of armed troops are being asked to operate under vague and unclear rules of engagement. It is unnecessary because there is no evidence that the U.S. Border Patrol isn't capable of handling the situation on its own. The guidance is likely illegal because the military is prohibited from conducting law enforcement activities in the United States by the Posse Comitatus Act." (adamsmith.house.gov)
  • "It is not our top national security priority to build a wall at our southern border. Taking money from the Department of Defense for this purpose makes us less safe." - (twitter.com)
  • "Tonight I joined in solidarity with our community in opposition to the president’s declaration of a national emergency to build a wall at our southern border. Together we will fight this #FakeTrumpEmergency and manufactured crisis." - (twitter.com)
  • Rated 8% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Reforming our immigration system is long overdue. Our current laws, regulations, and enforcement do not recognize the importance of sound immigration policies to our economy and national security. We cannot afford to wait any longer to reform our immigration system in a comprehensive way. Immigration is one of the great strengths of our nation. People from all over the world have come to our country because they see opportunity in America and a chance to build a better life for themselves and their families. The hard work and talent of immigrants have helped grow our economy and have strengthened our country for all Americans. Legal immigration is not an obstacle to growth, but rather supplements our economic competitiveness and American jobs by attracting needed workers, high-skilled entrepreneurs, and investors. This can all be accomplished while keeping families together in a way that is consistent with American values. It is time to address our immigration laws to create a better system that allows families to stay together, businesses to thrive, and keeps our nation safe. I continue to be disturbed by President Trump’s actions on immigration. There is no place for separating families or bans on immigration from specific countries and religions. I stand with DACA recipients and strongly believe that we must honor our country’s commitment to them. I will always stand against policies rooted in racism and nativism." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • "Supports legislation such as the DREAM Act, which would give students who were brought to the United States as children the chance to become citizens, either through pursuing a college education or serving in our Armed Forces. Supports President Obama’s executive actions on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA), which would help keep families together and provide work permits to parents of American citizens who are seeking residence." (www.electadamsmith.com)
  • Voted against HR 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We must continue to bring immediate and effective support to the people of Ukraine. That's why Congress passed a federal funding bill that will equip the Ukrainian people with training, weapons, supplies, and intelligence support as they courageously defend their democracy." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S.3522 Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We must continue to bring immediate and effective support to the people of Ukraine. That's why Congress passed a federal funding bill that will equip the Ukrainian people with training, weapons, supplies, and intelligence support as they courageously defend their democracy." - (twitter.com)
  • "What we know right now, we need more missiles. We need more drones. We need more secure information. When I talk to Ukrainians right now, that’s what they’re asking for." (www.cfr.org)
  • "Smith argued that taxes should be proportional to how much a person benefits from living in society. There should be proportionality across levels of income and sources of income such as rent, profit, and wages. At one point Smith does mention how having some taxes fall disproportionately on the wealthy, such as taxes on luxuries, is not so bad. But he stresses proportionality as the general principle: “The subjects of every state ought to contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities; that is, in proportion to the revenue which they respectively enjoy under the protection of the state.” (www.libertarianism.org)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct combats inflation by reducing the deficit, lowering health care costs, and driving down energy costs. It's fully paid for - and then some - because it reforms our tax code to make sure that the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
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.
Pro-choice Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?
Yes Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?
I coauthored an amendment to the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act that would have required the President to complete the accelerated transition of U.S. combat operations to the Afghan government by the end of 2013 and require the redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. I have also cosigned several letters with my colleagues calling for an accelerated transition of security responsibility to the Afghan government and security forces and the expedited withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan as quickly as these can be safely and responsibly accomplished.

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing the federal budget.In order to balance the budget,

Yes do you support reducing defense spending?
Yes do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
No do you support reducing Medicaid spending?
No do you support reducing Medicare spending?
Yes Is balancing the budget a legislative priority?
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
I support maintaining in federal law provisions for capital punishment in extreme cases and also am strongly supportive of DNA testing and other means that enable the demonstration of innocence.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Yes Do you support spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
Yes Do you support the temporary extension of unemployment benefits?
No Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of tax relief?
Unknown Position Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
It depends greatly on what reforms are being required. For some reforms yes, for others, no.
No Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Yes Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
I support reasonable restrictions that keep firearms out of the hands of children, criminals, and those affected by mental illnesses.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
Yes Should individuals be required to purchase health insurance, as mandated in the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
The Affordable Care Act is an important step toward lowering the cost, improving the quality of and expanding access to health care in this country.
No Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Yes Do you support allowing illegal immigrants, who were brought to the United States as minors, to pursue citizenship without returning to their country of origin?
No Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?
Yes Do you support same-sex marriage?
No Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon?
Yes Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
Regarding the targeting of suspected terrorists, it depends greatly on what one means by "outside of official theaters of conflict." I support strikes in places like Yemen and Somalia where Al-Qaeda affiliates directly threaten us. But in almost all other places, no.
No Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
I oppose means to unnecessarily subject Social Security's benefits to market risks. Privatizing Social Security would result in large costs to the Federal Government and it would remove the guaranteed benefit on which most individuals depend.

SpendingIndicate what federal spending levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.TaxesIndicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

Maintain Status a) Agriculture
Maintain Status b) Arts
Slightly Decrease c) Defense
Slightly Increase d) Education
Slightly Increase e) Environment
Maintain Status f) Homeland Security
Slightly Increase g) International aid
Slightly Increase h) Medical Research
Slightly Increase i) Scientific Research
Maintain Status j) Space exploration
Slightly Increase k) United Nations
Maintain Status l) Welfare
Slightly Increase m) Other or expanded categories
Slightly Increase a) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increase b) Corporate taxes
Slightly Increase c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Slightly Increase d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Slightly Increase e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Maintain Status f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Maintain Status g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Slightly Increase h) Income taxes (high-income families)
Slightly Increase i) Inheritance taxes
Maintain Status j) Payroll taxes
k) Other or expanded categories
Infrastructure. Responsible investment in our infrastructure is an important and effective means of creating well paying jobs and supporting economic growth.
1: Broad based economic opportunity. 2: Keeping up with global competition in all sectors by providing workers with training, retraining, and access to continued education that promotes innovation and job growth in Washington State. 3: Fiscal responsibility where increased revenue plays an keystone role in bringing the deficit under control. I oppose balancing our budget by simply gutting government programs that are crucial to the middle class and poor.

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