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Vicky Hartzler's Issue Positions (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 2022.

  • Voted in favor of HR 36 "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Believing that all life is valuable, and knowing that life begins at conception, I am leading efforts in Congress to defund Planned Parenthood - America’s number one killer of unborn children. They don’t deserve a dime of our tax dollars." (www.vickyhartzler.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Right to Life Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks the 47th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade. While some celebrate this decision, many more see it for what it truly is: a chapter of tragedy in the history of our nation and a deep betrayal of the right to life and liberty enshrined in our constitution. All lives have dignity and worth, regardless of color, creed, disability, sex, or stage of development. Over 61 million children have perished as a direct result of Roe. Generations of Americans simply don't exist. The loss of one life is one too many, and yet we've witnessed a holocaust against our children for nearly five decades. As we remember America's unborn, I am encouraged by a new generation of young people embracing life. An understanding of human biology, advanced technology, the reality of the lifelong regret experienced by many women who have an abortion, is not lost on our kids. Abortion ends the life of an unborn child, harming mothers and fathers, and jeopardizing the health of women. We must continue to fight for a day when abortion becomes unthinkable, when women are empowered to choose life, and when we learn to love them both, mother and child." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "After pushing a $2 trillion package with 91% for special interests, what is President Biden’s next move? The first major #TaxHike since 1993. As American families are just getting back on their feet from this pandemic, we should ?????? be raising taxes." (twitter.com)
  • "A supporter of President Trump's historic tax cuts, Vicky also worked with the Administration on policies that played a pivotal role in America’s economic resurgence." (www.vickyhartzler.com)
  • Rated 85% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Government programs our nation's seniors rely on need help. According to the annual reports of the Medicare and Social Security Trustees, both programs will run out of funds within the next 25 years. Medicare is projected to run out of money by 2026. While not as imminent of a threat, in 2033, the Social Security trust's funds will be insolvent, and payments to beneficiaries would immediately have to be cut by 23 percent. Reforms must be made now to ensure the long-term solvency of these programs so today's seniors and tomorrow's beneficiaries can rest assured these programs will be there when they are needed. Additionally, seniors shouldn't have to worry their children or grandchildren will have to sell the family farm or business when they inherit it due to the estate tax. It is an injustice the federal government would levy a tax making it impossible to continue a family business after a loved one passes. Uncle Sam shouldn't be collecting another round of taxes on something that has already been taxed for years simply because of a death. I am committed to undoing this injustice to preserve what seniors have worked so hard for to pass on their family. Since taking office, I have worked hard to preserve Medicare, rein in taxation for seniors, advocate for important medical research, and protect Social Security. There are many challenges facing senior citizens today. We need to take measures now to make sure the most vital programs are not one of those challenges down the road" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter to Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: "We write to express strong bipartisan support for the Medicare Advantage program, which 39.2 percent of eligible Medicare beneficiaries, more than 22 million people, choose to enroll in. We appreciate your ongoing commitment to preserving and strengthening the Medicare Advantage program for current and future Medicare beneficiaries." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "There is no doubt in my mind that the hatred and vitriol for law enforcement spread by the media and those in elected positions played a role in the uptick in attacks on our officers. This must stop. Police officers are the blue line between law-abiding citizens and a world of lawlessness. Police officers are the ones who run to danger when everyone else is running away. Police officers leave their families each morning to protect ours. Police officers are heroes! We owe them gratitude and respect. Nothing less." (hartzler.house.gov)
  • "The vast majority of law enforcement officials are unsung heroes - good, courageous, and selfless public servants who protect our way of life. However, right now some Americans have lost confidence in our communities’ institutions. That’s why we must come together to forge a new path of unity and purpose for our nation by addressing every injustice, while still supporting the positive and equitable actions carried out each day by law enforcement... This legislation ends ‘qualified immunity,’ diminishing law enforcement’s ability to make difficult decisions in dangerous and unanticipated situations and drastically increases the threat of unwarranted lawsuits against these crimefighters. This results in individual police officers having to spend time and personal resources defending themselves from unjust claims while the focus should be on keeping people safe even though law enforcement officers already can be and are often sued for enforcement actions outside legal parameters as there is no immunity for excessive police actions that violate civil rights." (hartzler.house.gov)
  • Voted against HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For years, under both Democrat and Republican control, Congress has consistently passed a bipartisan defense bill that meets the needs of our military. Since my time in Congress I have supported every NDAA, and as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee I take this vote very seriously. I believe providing for the national defense is the most important constitutional duty of Congress, which is why my vote against this year's NDAA is something I do not take lightly. The objective of this Congress is to provide our men and women in uniform with the support necessary to defend our country and protect our way of life. Unfortunately, I do not believe this bill accomplishes this task, as it falls short of the funding levels that former Defense Secretary Mattis and other experts say is needed to maintain the United States' competitive edge over Russia and China... It is my hope that a compromise can be reached in our Conference with the Senate that embraces the need for a more robust defense budget that is not diminished by the extreme wing of the Democrat Party. The defense of our nation is too important to be subjected to such partisanship." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I remain steadfast in fighting for a strong national defense while also seeking fiscal accountability in the vast array of programs run by the federal government. We are a nation at war with men and women fighting in harm's way on multiple fronts. We need to ensure that the soldiers of this nation are well equipped with every resource they need to protect the liberties we all enjoy... I have led multiple efforts to safeguard defense spending in order to send a clear message to the men and women fighting for our nation that any arbitrary decisions about defense cuts will not be accepted. I supported the House budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2012 to provide for a "robust defense." Additionally, I sent a letter that calls on President Obama to account for his recent statements supporting substantial defense cuts without any rationale analysis of what this will mean for our national security. I oppose potential cuts to defense spending believing one of Congress's primary roles is to provide for the common defense." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Center for Security Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As a strong fiscal conservative, Vicky cosponsored the Balanced Budget Amendment and the Line-Item Veto because she believes the federal government should have to live within its means like Missouri families." (www.vickyhartzler.com)
  • "Just as American families must manage and prioritize their budgets, the federal government must seriously change its spending patterns and many federal agencies and programs need to be streamlined or restructured to maximize productivity. I have supported legislation to combat this reckless spending spree. Congress needs a firm structure in place to restrict its ability to spend uncontrollably. In addition to co-sponsoring balanced budget amendments, I continue to support and vote for legislation that freezes or cuts funding for federal programs and agencies that have ballooned to unsustainable sizes. Getting our fiscal house in order is a priority of the Fourth District of Missouri and it is a priority of mine as your representative. In addition to cutting wasteful spending, we need to grow the economy in order to balance the budget. We need to get people back to work and encourage the growth of good-paying jobs." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 97% by Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5376 "Build Back Better Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Enlightening open letter from 100+ economists on #TaxReform: 'The question isn’t whether American workers are hurt by our country’s corporate tax rate — it’s how badly.'" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 78% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The centerpiece of President Biden's infrastructure plan mandates costly Green New Deal pipedreams along with the largest tax increase since 1968, raising the corporate rate from 21 percent to 28 percent — a level that exceeds even Communist China. These hikes could end up targeting nearly one million small businesses and their workers, who will see their paychecks dwindle after years of wage growth thanks to the previous administration." (www.facebook.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The reinforcements sent to the frontlines of this war must be as bold and extraordinary as the #coronavirus crisis itself. That’s why Congress has come together on this legislative package to put the American people first and provide the protections they need. #InItTogether" (twitter.com)
  • "Today's bill sends needed battle reinforcements to both fronts. It provides funds to purchase more medical supplies and to support our hospitals, while also sending much-needed help to businesses so that they can make payroll and keep the doors open. It sends money directly to almost every household and supports those who have lost their job due to the COVID-19 crisis. Most importantly, it gives this Nation hope: hope that we will get through this by supporting our healthcare workers, enabling businesses to stay open, and sending Americans funds needed to get them through. While this bill is far from perfect and the price tag is sobering, I believe we are in an unprecedented battle, and it is imperative we win this war. I will be voting "yes,'' and I invite all Americans to join us in this battle." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 "Paycheck Potection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As a former public schoolteacher, I believe federal mandates hurt our schools rather than help them. Read how I’ve been working to roll back federal mandates affecting school lunches: (conta.cc)
  • "Critical Race Theory has no place in Missouri schools. CRT wants to poison our classrooms by pushing an agenda which revolves around race, not character. They want to teach young minds that racism persists even if no individual or institution acts in a racist way or holds any racist beliefs. This is wrong. Since it has entered the national discussion, Missourians have expressed strong disdain for teaching our students that this country is inherently racist and that minority groups are unable to succeed within our country’s current systems and institutions. Today, I stand by those parents." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Education is best left to local schools and parents rather than the federal government. Parents know what learning experience is best for their children. While federal education initiatives often sound good, the numerous parents, school administrators, and teachers I know overwhelmingly confirm that federally directed initiatives often make it more difficult to teach. The cumbersome paperwork and regulations added by federal directives take time away from teacher/student learning time and harm the delivery of real content in the classroom. To that end, I support the overhaul of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). I am in close communication with the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about this bill. It is being strengthened and revamped by the committee. Any new legislation needs to provide local control and flexibility in efforts to promote accountability. We do not need to force states into a one size fits all mold." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Association of Manufacturers (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The energy sector is crucial to our economic growth and high-energy costs have a negative impact on every American. The administration's current top-down, "Washington-knows-best" policy continues to have detrimental effects on average Americans. While I believe we must continue to look for alternative sources of energy, I continue to support an all-of-the-above energy policy that utilizes all North American resources to provide safe, stable, and affordable energy to all my constituents" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I’m pleased with the progress that Republicans have made on the regulatory front. President Trump’s repeal of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan will keep costs affordable for consumers and farmers who depend on fossil fuels for low-cost and reliable energy." (twitter.com)
  • "In addition, we need to rein in the regulatory overreach of many federal agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to advance burdensome regulations that threaten our energy independence, stifle our economic recovery, and force employers to expend resources on unnecessary regulations. Many of these regulations are implemented without scientific justification or proper cost-benefit analysis and all too often arbitrarily pick winners and losers." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S J Res 14 "A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to 'Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review'" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1119 "SENSE Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As a constitutional conservative, Vicky has consistently defended our 2nd Amendment rights, and has protected innocent life." (www.vickyhartzler.com)
  • "I am an ardent supporter of our constitutional rights including the right to keep and bear arms guaranteed by the Second Amendment. This right is one of the fundamental principles of our Republic. The federal government should take no action to suppress this right or any right. Too many times, law-abiding citizens are punished and their rights threatened due to the actions of criminals. When a violent act is committed we should punish the offender and address the cause of the action rather than restricting innocent people's ability to defend themselves." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by National Rifle Association (NRA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 38 "Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It is imperative we repeal Obamacare and institute policies that will drive down costs and increase access to coverage for Missouri families. I’m so glad some Missouri Fourth District citizens got to come and share their stories." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Obamacare is hurting Americans. It is causing families to lose coverage they want and forcing them to buy coverage they don't want and can't afford. It has increased the costs of healthcare and caused people to lose jobs or have their hours cut. The President is not listening to these hurting families, and, sadly, he has again blocked our efforts to bring them relief. We can do better." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Obamacare worsened healthcare by forcing individuals to purchase insurance they didn’t want nor could afford. We can do better! II am committed to continuing to work towards these goals so everyone has healthcare they not only want, but can afford." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by American Public Health Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I voted YES on H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This package includes free testing for symptomatic patients, paid sick leave for small business employees, and funds to bolster unemployment insurance programs. I'm glad we finally got this done." (www.facebook.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For decades America has felt the repercussions of a failed, outdated immigration system that has rewarded those who enter this country illegally at the expense of those who have followed the law. These pieces of legislation address illegal immigration where it starts -- at the border -- by allocating funding for a border wall and enhancing security measures that would drastically scale back illegal immigration into the United States. At the same time, these bills would end the visa lottery program and instead increase legal immigration for skilled workers needed in the United States. We can all agree that the separation of families at the border is upsetting and this legislation would put into law solutions that the President has advocated for. Finally, these measures would provide renewable legal status for "dreamers' who were brought to this country as children, help stop further illegal immigration, and end the threat of amnesty, which I oppose." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am glad we were able to secure this important authorization to stop the drug drones from crossing our border, but this is just one of the steps needed to win this war on drugs. Mexican drug cartels are currently exploiting gaps in our border security and it is our responsibility to fill those gaps to keep their illicit activities out of the United States. This includes investing in three key capabilities for a strong border -- funding for a secure border wall, providing advanced technology such as sensors and cameras, and securing more customs officers and Border Patrol agents. There are many challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border, and these three investments will help to enhance U.S. border security. One of the ways to combat the flow of drugs into our local towns and communities is to stop them at the border, and this means supporting our customs officers and Border Patrol agents with the tools needed to win this battle" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "She passed a law to protect our borders by allowing Border Patrol agents to target drones used to smuggle drugs into American communities and backed President Trump’s reforms to secure our southern border." (www.vickyhartzler.com)
  • "A compassionate solution for the illegal immigrant population living and working in the United States can be accomplished without resorting to amnesty. I cannot support a policy which rewards the criminal behavior of violating America's immigration laws. Current illegal immigrants should not receive all the rights and privileges they would have been eligible for had they come legally. They should not be eligible for citizenship. To pardon lawbreakers and reward them with the objective of their offence is inappropriate and will accelerate the flow of illegal immigrants.The opportunity to work in the United States is a valuable one, and those who break our laws should not have the privilege of competing in the same labor market as law-abiding citizens of our great nation. Granting amnesty to those who cross our borders and enter our nation illegally is not the answer to solving the problem of illegal immigration, especially when there are so many people around the globe who wait their turn to apply for visas and pursue legal paths to immigrate to the United States." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3003 "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3004 "Kate's Law" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Administration's decision to withdraw from the current Iran nuclear agreement demonstrates the severe flaws within its framework. The current agreement does not stop Iran's aggressive ballistic missiles program, fails to require "anytime, anywhere' inspections, temporarily restricts Iran's nuclear program, and released $100 billion of revenue previously frozen in offshore accounts - money that Iran has used to support terrorism and inject instability in the Middle East. Withdrawal from this agreement provides an opportunity to establish a more stable, equitable solution that ensures Iran does not develop and possess nuclear weapons. The current agreement fails to accomplish this goal. A new agreement should address Iran's ballistic missiles program, include stronger inspections, and permanently restrict Iran's ability to develop a nuclear weapon. It is essential that moving forward an agreement is negotiated that ensures the safety and security of the American people and the world." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The United States must counter every effort by Iran and North Korea to develop advanced nuclear capabilities. These sanctions will punish those who do business with Iran and North Korea, making it more difficult for these regimes to access capital and resources. Cutting off the international pipelines that fund these nations' nuclear programs is an essential first step. America must leverage its economic power to rein in Iran and North Korea and prevent these regimes from further developing their weapons capabilities." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1698 "Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3898 "Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sacntions Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Based on the information we have, President Trump absolutely made the right decision in taking out Qasem Soleimani. The fact that Soleimani can no longer plot violent and barbaric acts of terror against Americans, our allies, and countless civilians throughout the Middle East is something that should be celebrated. Unfortunately, many of my colleagues disagree. Rather than uniting behind our President in our fight against terrorism, they are trying to curb the administration’s strategy towards Iran. Frankly, I believe we should be giving our military every tool they need to root out terrorists and keep Americans safe." (www.facebook.com)
  • Rated 100% by Center for Security Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The decision to abruptly pull troops out of Syria is a mistake. Leaving the region will mean abandoning the Kurds who have been fiercely loyal allies as we've moved to eliminate ISIS and stabilize the region. Withdrawing from Syria before establishing stability with Turkey will not only create uncertainty for the region, but will create a power vacuum that will jeopardize the gains we've made. We cannot allow those who have fought by our side to be left alone at a time when bad state actors like Russia and Iran are looking to increase their sphere of influence across the Middle East. I'm concerned about the precedent that would be set by caving to Turkey who has increasingly taken actions contrary to the best interests of the United States. I urge the White House to reconsider this decision" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against H J Res 37 "Directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Deeply concerned about broad tariffs on aluminum & steel imports. Today I joined letter w/ colleagues to President asking him to consider concerns in light of economy growing from tax & regulatory reform. If he intends to move forward, would be wise to narrow tariffs & review effect on American workers." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by Public Citizen (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This week the White House announced a limited tariff agreement with Japan that will drastically reduce tariffs of American-made goods. This agreement is a massive win for Missouri agriculture! I hope President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative continue these talks to score a monumental final deal with Japan." (www.facebook.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)

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