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Lou Correa's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (CA) - District 46

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
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.

Lou Correa has failed to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 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 2024.

  • Voted in favor of HR 8296: "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Roe v Wade: the basic issue is who makes the decision: the government, or the woman in consultation with her doctor and her God. Roe v Wade stands for the woman making that decision.. If this leaked draft opinion is true, then it is disappointing and will overturn 49 years of legal precedent. I don't want to see women return to clandestine medical procedures. If we really want to reduce the incidences of abortion, then we should provide additional healthcare and resources such as childcare to women facing that decision so that they can make the decision to keep the child. The House has already passed the law to codify Roe v Wade. It now sits on the Senate floor. It is my hope that the Senate pass this legislation and present it to President Biden for his signature." (None)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297: "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (None)
  • "Social security and Medicare no longer on the negotiating table. Good!! Support our seniors. We’ve worked hard all our lives…" (x.com)
  • "Today I voted to raise the debt limit to secure social security for our seniors, disability payments for our veterans, and keep our economy stable." (x.com)
  • Rated 92% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • Rated 8% by National Taxpayers Union (None)
  • "President Trump increased our national debt by more than $3 trillion BEFORE the COVID-19 pandemic by giving billionaires a tax cut. Now that millions of Americans are on the brink of eviction and economic collapse, deficits suddenly matter." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 8% by National Taxpayers Union (None)
  • "President Trump increased our national debt by more than $3 trillion BEFORE the COVID-19 pandemic by giving billionaires a tax cut. Now that millions of Americans are on the brink of eviction and economic collapse, deficits suddenly matter." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 83% by Common Cause (None)
  • "Get big money out of politics & eliminate dark money" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today we took a big step in protecting our streets by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This bill is a comprehensive answer to police reform that will rebuild trust in our communities. The tragic death of George Floyd will not be in vain." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Funding our #military is imperative, but so is taking care of our #veterans. #SOTU" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4350: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2: "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The climate crisis is one of the most serious threats our world confronts. I'm proud of the climate priorities that Democrats passed in the infrastructure law, but we must continue to create green jobs, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and expand green energy." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "It is truly a privilege to be recognized as a United Way Champion Award recipient, and I thank you for the opportunity. I want to express my gratitude to the United Way of Orange County for all the good work you do, including improving health standards and securing housing. #CA46" (x.com)
  • "Housing for Health OC is a new umbrella non-profit that will provide critical supportive housing services and are poised to assist hundreds of Orange County's homeless. I am happy to have helped them secure their 501(c)(3) status with the IRS." (x.com)
  • "I'm proud of my work to expand federal housing vouchers for veterans, but too many of our bravest are sleeping on our streets. Tonight we went a step further & passed the Veteran HOUSE Act which will help keep veterans at risk of becoming homeless from ending up on the streets." (x.com)
  • "So proud to announce that I'm bringing home nearly $30 million of our federal tax dollars for 15 community projects here in Orange County! From treating children with cancer to building low income housing, we’re making direct investments in our community—one project at a time." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today’s inflation data shows the U.S. consumer price rose by 7% over the past year. We must work to bring inflation down. My constituents cannot afford to pay for necessities as food and gas with increased prices." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7688: "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I’m urging @POTUS to cancel up to $50,000 in student loan debt for every American. It’s time to ensure that student debt isn’t an obstacle to the next gen achieving the American Dream." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (None)
  • "I am proud to cosponsor H.Res.100, which calls on @POTUS to cancel federal student loan debt.Student loan repayments are set to resume in February, but Americans are continuing to feel the economic burden of Covid.We must act to #CancelStudentDebt & extend student loan repayment." (x.com)
  • "As a cosponsor of the H.R.4 The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, I am proud of the passage of such critical legislation. In Congress I will continue to ensure all Americans have a say in our democracy and their vote is always counted." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 83% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The climate crisis is one of the most serious threats our world confronts. I'm proud of the climate priorities that Democrats passed in the infrastructure law, but we must continue to create green jobs, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and expand green energy." (x.com)
  • Rated 94% by League of Conservation Voters (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447: "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • "5 years ago I signed onto the West Coast Ocean Protection Act to permanently prohibit offshore drilling off the coast of California. Today as I was fact-finding the oil spills with the coast guard, I saw the devastating damage made." (x.com)
  • "We can't cut a blank check to big oil and turn our backs on American-made clean energy. It's fiscally irresponsible and environmentally reckless." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1941: "Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1446: "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Congress is about to pass critical gun safety laws, the first to be passed in over 30 years. Public safety is a shared responsibility. I’m asking our local cities to implement voluntary, no questions asked, gun buyback programs. These programs have worked well in the past." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808: "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 60 will expand coverage to an additional 23 million Americans. As a co-sponsor of the Improving Medicare Coverage Act, I am working to ensure more Americans have access to early diagnostics, affordable and quality health care." (x.com)
  • "ACA made healthcare a reality for millions. To my colleagues trying to repeal it, I urge you work with us! We can make ACA work for everyone" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today I am proud to have voted YES to the historic Build Back Better Act that delivers for Americans by: Providing paid family leave " (x.com)
  • "Paid family medical leave…have seniors stay home…home health care services for our loved ones…make education affordable and keep education as ladder to the middle class" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "Last week Democrats passed the #InflationReductionAct & today President Biden is signing it into law. Millions of seniors will have lower healthcare costs. This will limit monthly Medicare spending on insulin to $35, & allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices." (x.com)
  • "Today I Voted in favor of the passage of the #AffordableInsulinNowAct, capping monthly insulin cost at $35. In California, we currently have the highest rate of new diabetes cases, and this bill will save lives. Let’s do this for all Californians and Americans." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2: "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Bad news out of #SCOTUS. A wall does nothing to keep us safe or address the humanitarian crisis along our border. Real border security requires investing in our southern neighbors & building better global partnerships. We need a Marshall Plan for Central America not a wall." (x.com)
  • Rated 7% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • Voted against HR 5525: "Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 7% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "I am proud to support H.R. 6 - The Dream and Promise Act which finally creates a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers! DREAMers are our friends and neighbors. They follow the law, contribute to our economy and pay taxes. They have earned the right to the American Dream!" (x.com)
  • "In #California, #DREAMers pay $534 million in state taxes & $12 billion to our economy. That’s why I sent a letter to @DHSgov Sec. Nielsen urging her to protect DREAMers and allow them to continue contributing to #USA economy" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6: "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968: "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Congress is taking action against China’s continued assault on the Uyghur people. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act places strong economic sanctions on companies profiting from forced Chinese labor. We must stand up to China’s deplorable treatment of its citizens." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108: "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S3522: "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • "California is home to the world’s leading tech firms & those tax dollars are what pay for the many state programs that help working families. While it is clear something must be done about #BigTech, these bills will do grave harm to CA in their current form." (x.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.
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.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion in California.

a) Abortions should always be legally available.
b) Abortions should be legally available when the procedure is completed within the first trimester of pregnancy.
c) Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered.
d) Abortions should always be illegal.
e) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and parental notification requirements.
f) California government funding should not be provided to clinics and medical facilities that provide abortion services.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding affirmative action in California.

X a) California government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public and private sector.
b) California government should provide no affirmative action programs.
c) Support legislation to require that appointments to government agencies be balanced with respect to various minority groups.
d) California state university system should consider preferences to minority students applying for college admission.
Undecided e) Do you believe that California government should recognize same-sex marriages?
No f) Do you support the California Civil Rights Initiative to end most affirmative action in California?

Indicate what changes you support (if any) concerning levels of funding for the following categories. Select one number only.

Maintain Status a) Abortion
Maintain Status b) Affirmative Action
Slightly Increase c) Border Security
Greatly Increase d) Education
Slightly Increase e) Environment
Greatly Increase f) Health Care
Greatly Increase g) Law Enforcement
Maintain Status h) Welfare

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding child & family issues in California.

X a) Increase funding for family support programs to prevent teen pregnancy and family break-up.
X b) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
X c) Deny or suspend state-issued permits and licenses to parents who are delinquent in paying court-ordered child support.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime in California.

X a) Increase funds for more state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
X b) Expand and promote "community policing" programs.
X c) Support "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve their full sentences without parole.
X d) Expand the use of the death penalty for additional circumstances relating to murder.
e) Oppose the death penalty.
X f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenses.
X g) Require mandatory life sentences for third-time, violent felons.
X h) Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
X i) Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
j) Decriminalize the possession and private use of certain illegal drugs such as marijuana.
X k) Strengthen penalties and sentences associated with drug-related crimes.
X l) Implement a chain gang program for prisoners which requires inmates to perform labor wearing leg irons in chained work groups.
X m) Require affluent prisoners to pay the cost of their incarceration in state prison.
X n) Support laws requiring restitution to victims of violent crime at the personal expense of the criminal.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) to address juvenile crime in California.

X a) Prosecute juveniles who commit murder or other serious violent crimes as adults.
X b) Provide state funding for military-style "boot-camps" for juvenile first-time felons.
X c) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X d) Support state government funding of programs for at-risk youth such as guaranteed college loans and job training and placement.
X e) Support "zero-tolerance" policies requiring expulsion of students who bring weapons to school or sell drugs on school grounds.
X f) Allow cities to impose mandatory curfews for minors in high crime areas.
X g) Increase state funding for community programs that focus on preventing youths from joining gangs.
X h) Allow courts to hold parents accountable for a minor child who possesses a firearm.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning California's economic development.

X a) Increase state funds for improving the state's transportation system, including major roadways, railways, public transit, and airports.
X b) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for expanding, start-up or relocating businesses.
c) Expand legalized gambling (e.g. casino gambling, slot machines).
X d) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector.
e) Remove state government controls or caps from wages, prices, rents, profits, production, and interest rates.
f) Support limits on cash damages in lawsuits against businesses and professionals for product liability or malpractice.
X g) Increase state funding for programs to re-train unemployed workers.
X h) Increase state taxes on gasoline to pay for mass transit services and safety improvements to streets and highways.
i) Support the phasing out of rent control.
X j) Create tax incentives for first-time home buyers.
X k) Support legislation to increase the California minimum wage.
l) Grant employers the legal right to require employees to work more than eight hours per day.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding California's education system.

X a) Increase state funds for professional development and salaries of public school faculty.
X b) Endorse teacher-led voluntary school prayer in public schools.
X c) Encourage private or corporate investment in certain public school programs.
d) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious, technical).
e) Support charter schools where teachers and professionals receive state authorization and funding to establish new schools.
f) Require the use of state-wide achievement standards for all state public schools.
X g) Emphasize local control of education as long as the school district meets basic state standards.
X h) Support sex education programs which stress abstinence.
i) Support sex education programs which stress safe sexual practices.
X j) Increase state funds for school security (e.g. metal detectors, truancy officers).
X k) Provide state funding for programs which increase students' access to the Internet and other telecommunications networks.
l) Allow teachers to be fired for "unsatisfactory performance" rather than the stricter "incompetence" standard.
m) Advocate bilingual education programs in public schools.
n) Establish single-sex magnet schools as options for parents and students.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning California's environment and natural resources.

a) Enact tougher environmental standards to encourage the sale of cleaner burning fuels throughout California.
b) Support "self-audit" legislation which creates immunity incentives for polluting industries to clean up pollution.
c) Require a cost/benefit analysis be completed to determine the economic impact of any proposed environmental regulations before they are implemented.
d) Require the state to reimburse citizens limited in utilizing privately owned lands due to state-sponsored environmental regulations.
X e) Provide funding for recycling programs in California.
f) Request flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
g) Suspend California's participation in unfunded, federally mandated environmental protection legislation.
h) Maintain minimum environmental quality as mandated by current federal regulations.
i) Promote the sale of pollution credits to encourage industries to decrease the amount of pollution.
j) Support legislation which would give more control to states and localities in dealing with environmental issues in border areas.
X k) Provide state funds for incentive programs that reward farmers for conserving soil and using minimal fertilizers and pesticides.
Undecided l) Do you support the construction of facilities to house commercial low-level radioactive waste in California?

a) Do you support the current law which limits terms of the following California officials?

Yes 1) State Senators (8 years) and Representatives (6 years)
Yes 2) Governor (Two 4-year terms)
Undecided b) Do you support amending the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget?
Yes c) Do you support requiring limits on individual contributions to state legislative candidates?
Yes d) Do you support requiring limits on PAC contributions to state legislative candidates?
Yes e) Do you support requiring limits on corporate contributions to state legislative candidates?
Yes f) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes g) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
Yes h) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
No i) Do you support initiatives to privatize segments of California state government?
Yes j) Do you support limits or bans on campaign contributions from out-of-state contributors?

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

a) Support expanding the nationwide federal ban on the public sale of assault weapons to include all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
b) Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
c) Maintain all state registration procedures and state restrictions on possessing firearms.
d) Ease state registration procedures and restrictions on the purchase and registration of firearms.
e) Eliminate all state bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from obtaining firearms.
f) Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning California's health care system.

X a) Expand state funding for pre-natal and infant care programs available in the state, including immunizations.
X b) Provide tax incentives to assist small businesses in providing health care to their employees.
X c) Ensure that California citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state funded care where necessary.
d) Guaranteeing medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of government.
e) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X f) Allow otherwise uninsured families and the self-employed to deduct health insurance premium costs from their pre-tax income.
X g) Assist seniors and disabled persons in having access to home- and community-based health care to enable them to remain at home.
X h) Enact legislation which allows citizens and small employers to pool their health insurance purchasing power.
i) Request a waiver from the federal government to provide Medicaid services through managed care programs.
j) Support legislation requiring health insurance providers to cover certain medical services (as in new regulation requiring coverage to domestic violence victims).
X k) Support programs in schools and workplaces which will provide California residents with AIDS/HIV prevention information.
l) Require reporting of HIV infection by health care professionals in the same manner that other communicable diseases are reported.
m) Support increased government regulation of managed care facilities.

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding issues relating to immigration to California.

a) States with higher numbers of immigrants should receive extra federal aid to provide necessary medical and social services.
b) Support legislation to establish English as the official and recognized language of California.
X c) Provide state-funded health care and education for children of illegal immigrant parents.
d) Follow Proposition 187 requirement that all state benefits for illegal immigrants, except emergency medical assistance, be terminated.
e) Support legislation which would sanction employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Please indicate the changes you will support (if any) concerning California's tax levels for the following categories.

Maintain Status a) Alcohol Taxes
Greatly Decrease b) Business Taxes
Slightly Decrease c) Capital Gains
Slightly Decrease d) Income Taxes (incomes less than $75,000)
Slightly Decrease e) Income Taxes (incomes greater than $75,000)
f) Property Taxes
Maintain Status g) Sales Taxes
Slightly Decrease h) State Fees
Yes i) Do you support a flat tax structure for state income taxes?

Please indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding California's welfare system.

X a) Provide child care services for welfare recipients who work or attend school.
X b) Allow welfare recipients with small children to work and still receive state health and child care until they become self-sufficient.
X c) Require that able-bodied welfare recipients receive job training, attend school, or work in order to receive welfare benefits.
X d) Require that unwed mothers under the age of 18 live with a parent or guardian (if possible) to receive welfare benefits.
X e) Limit the welfare benefits given to recipients if they have additional children.
f) Provide two parent families living in poverty the same welfare benefits as one parent families.
g) Eliminate government-funded welfare and advocate privately funded assistance to people in need.
h) Impose a two-year limit on welfare benefits for recipients who are able to work.
X i) Require mothers to identify their child(ren)'s father in order to receive welfare benefits.
Public education and physical infrastructure. California's past economic miracle owes much to good public education and excellent transportation system (Bridges, roads, earthquake retrofit). Let's support these success factors by investing in these areas, and like private citizens, the state should pay as it invests by foregoing tax cuts.

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