Card image cap

Frank Kratovil, Jr.'s Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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.

Frank Kratovil, Jr. refused to tell citizens where he stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2010 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

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 2010.

  • National Right to Life Committee. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Frank Kratovil supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Frank Kratovil supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. H Amdt 509 to HR 3962. 111th Congress. An amendment printed in Part C of House Report 111-330 to codify the Hyde Amendment in H.R. 3962. The amendment prohibits federal funds for abortion services in the public option. It also prohibits individuals who receive affordability credits from purchasing a plan that provides elective abortions. However, it allows individuals, both who receive affordability credits and who do not, to separately purchase with their own funds plans that cover elective abortions. It also clarifies that private plans may still offer elective abortions. Project Vote Smart Summary: Frank Kratovil voted NO on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 2010. 4 October 2010. Planned Parenthood endorsed Frank Kratovil in the 2010 General Election. (www.plannedparenthoodaction.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Frank Kratovil supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 37 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Signs Onto Family Farm Preservation And Conservation Estate Tax Act. 24 September 2009. "Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil signed on as a co-sponsor to H.R. 3524, the Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Estate Tax Act. This bill will exempt farms and ranches from Federal estate taxes after death of the owner for as long as the property stays in the family and it continues to operate as a farm. The legislation also exempts landowners who have placed their land in a conservation easement from paying the estate tax as long as it persists in that capacity." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil: Estate Tax Relief That Does Not Protect Family Farms Is Not Good Enough. 3 December 2009. "Rep. Frank Kratovil opposed HR 4154, a proposal to permanently extend 2009 estate tax levels, citing the legislation's failure to extend adequate protections to family-owned farms. Kratovil also noted that the $3.5 million threshold included in the bill, aimed at exempting smaller estates from the tax, is not indexed for inflation and would therefore put future generations of middle class tax payers at risk from a tax that was never intended for them. Rep. Kratovil pointed to the challenges faced by family farms in opposing this legislation. 'Farms are not a liquid asset. The value of a farm is in the land. Without an estate tax exemption for family farms, families will often be forced to sell off part of their land to pay this tax,' said Kratovil." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. HR 1. 111th Congress. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Frank Kratovil voted YES on 13 February 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Rep. Frank Kratovil Votes to Block Release of Additional $350 Billion in Bailout Funds. 22 January 2009. "Although I oppose the release of additional tax payer dollars being used to bailout Wall Street, if the Congress is intent on writing another bailout check, it must do so in as responsible manner as possible....If bailout funds aren't targeted toward the neediest sectors and governed by oversight and transparency they will fail miserably, do further damage to the economy, and end up costing taxpayers in the long run." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. CBO: Stimulus Has Generated Between 600,000 And 1.6 Million New Jobs. 1 December 2009. "When I took office in January, economists in both parties all agreed that serious action was needed to prevent a deeper economic crisis. We're not out of the woods yet, but I'm encouraged by this independent analysis of stimulus package's impact on jobs and economic growth. This independent, non-partisan analysis is clear: Failure to act would have meant greater job losses, a deeper recession, and a slower recovery. We still have a lot of work to do, but these middle class tax cuts and targeted investments are clearly having a positive impact. Nowhere is that more clear than on the Eastern shore, where the stimulus-funded State Department Diplomatic Security Training Facility will support 500 permanent positions and create hundreds more construction and related jobs." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Backs Leaner Stimulus Package. 16 February 2009. "I said at the beginning of this debate that we could do better than the original bill. Although this bill is still far from perfect, in a crisis of this magnitude we can't afford to let the perfect be the enemy of the necessary. Economists all over the country believe, and I ultimately agreed that some action needed to be taken to deal with this crisis. Through bipartisan negotiations we've reached a compromise that slashes over $60 billion of total spending from the original bill while increasing investments in programs that give us the most bang for the buck, like infrastructure and rural broadband. It is estimated that this bipartisan compromise will create or save 8,200 jobs here in the First District. I was proud to work with the Blue Dog Coalition and other colleagues to advocate for a leaner, more focused, and more effective stimulus package." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Opposes Omnibus Spending Package. 25 February 2009. "Last night we listened to President Obama draw a clear distinction between the short term emergency spending that is needed to get our economy back on track and long term fiscally responsible principles that will protect against future economic recession," said Congressman Kratovil. "In a time when we should be cutting back and focusing on priorities, this omnibus doesn't fit either definition while increasing discretionary spending across the board....Spending for the sake of spending is not going to get us out of this hole. We need to tighten our belts and focus spending on building infrastructure and creating jobs. Although I didn't agree with everything in the stimulus package, I worked with colleagues to focus more of its spending on those priorities. This omnibus package increases spending across the board when now more than ever we need a targeted approach," said Kratovil. "It's my sincere hope that the budget the President sends to Congress in the next few days reflects the principles he spoke about last night, and that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle return to the principles of fiscal responsibility." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Letter to Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. 13 January 2009. "As the 111th Congress begins, we of the freshmen class strongly urge you to consider the many ways in which rural communities can benefit from the national economic recovery and reinvestment plan. Rural areas are among the hardest hit in these tough economic times, and with this economic recovery plan we have an opportunity to provide necessary aid to these communities. We need to ensure that the funding streams contain formulas which make certain that money is funneled directly to rural America. If the funds go through the State, then State governments must be required to allocate equitable portions to rural areas. The infrastructure of rural economies is in crisis. The economic recovery and reinvestment plan must invest significantly in maintaining and upgrading infrastructure in rural and other distressed communities, which will create local jobs. Among other viable options, the quality of life in rural America can be improved by expanding broadband technology, public transportation, and water and sewage systems." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Congressman Kratovil Works to Strip Wasteful Spending from Upcoming Stimulus Package. 27 January 2009. "A stimulus package of this unimaginable size needs to be met with the reality that a recovery and reinvestment plan is an extraordinary response to an extraordinary crisis. It is not an opportunity to abandon fiscal discipline in lieu wasteful spending. The plan includes projects to the tune of $200 million to rebuild the National Mall and $50 million in funding for the National Endowment of the Arts. Although these may be admirable causes, they certainly are not emergencies and should not be lumped in with legitimate efforts to strengthen our economy and get people back to work. Our economy is in crisis, and it's going to take a combination of tough choices and fiscal responsibility to give it the boost it needs." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Issue Position: Jobs and Economic Recovery. "When Frank Kratovil took office in January 2009, the nation was in the midst of the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression. Today, we are beginning to see positive signs of an economic recovery. The economy grew by 290,000 jobs in April, the highest one-month job increase in more than four years. Despite these encouraging trends, Frank understands that far too many Marylanders are still struggling to find a job and make ends meet. That's why he has fought to protect jobs here the First District, and why he is working in Washington to support policies that will encourage small businesses to grow, thrive, and hire new workers. Small businesses are the job creation engine that are powering our economic recovery. Three out of every four new jobs created in the U.S. are created by small businesses. That's why Frank introduced a bill to quadruple the tax deduction for small business startup costs, in order to encourage entrepreneurs to start new businesses. Frank's startup deduction proposal, which has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, passed the House in March." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Celebrates Social Security's 75th Anniversary with Visits to SSA Offices in Salisbury and Cambridge. 12 August 2010. "Rep. Kratovil re-affirmed his commitment to protect social security from attempts to dismantle or privatize the program, which would subject Americans' retirement to greater risk and the instability of Wall Street. 'If you have paid into Social Security your entire career, you have earned the right to the benefit of retirement security for you and your family,' said Kratovil. 'We need a robust national discussion of ideas for strengthening and extending Social Security, but privatization should not be part of that discussion. Seniors rely on their Social Security checks to arrive on time and in full, we should never put this security at risk to the uncertainty of Wall Street. Instead, we should be working to keep our promises and make the system stronger.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Frank Kratovil. 2010. VOTE411.org: Online Voter Guide. Responded "As the father of 5 children, I believe investing in education is key to our continued prosperity. To improve our schools, we must work together to recruit and retain high quality educators in Maryland. I will continue to advocate for adequate and equitable funding for education as a shared responsibility among local, state and federal government" to the question "What role should the federal government play in education?" (onyourballot3.vote411.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. HR 2454. 111th Congress. To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. Project Vote Smart Summary: Frank Kratovil voted YES on 26 June 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Frank Kratovil supported the interests of Environment America 67 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Backs American Clean Energy and Security Act. 26 June 2009. "Kratovil stated that he decided to support the bill only after securing the inclusion of an amendment early Friday morning that would guarantee Maryland farmers the ability to receive allowances in exchange for efforts taken to reduce emissions. The allowances can then be sold on the open market to companies seeking to offset their own emissions, resulting in revenue for the farmers. Based on the projected value of these allowances, the revenue made available to farmers by Kratovil's amendment is estimated in the neighborhood of $1 billion. Without Kratovil's amendment, the legislation would have blocked Maryland farmers from acquiring these financial incentives for carbon reductions resulting from efforts to comply with state of federal nutrient management regulations." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Energy Independence is a Matter of National Security. 21 July 2009. "You know, one of the misconceptions that you hear when you're back in your districts and elsewhere across the country and that was played up nationally is that, you know, the status quo is acceptable, that Congress doesn't need to take any action, that we're good where we are, and that, at this time, we don't need to do anything. Of course, that is not accurate. As you folks know, the Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, meaning that the EPA today, without congressional action, could take action on their own to reduce greenhouse gases without any of the protections that were provided under the bill that we passed here in the House. So the argument that Congress could sit back and do nothing is clearly inaccurate simply based on the Supreme Court case in 2007 that demonstrated otherwise. So that ship, in a sense, has sailed. Congress had an obligation to do it, not simply because of the Supreme Court case, but as we're talking about here, obviously we needed to do it in terms of national security and in terms of reducing our dependence on foreign oil, Mr. McMahon, as you pointed out so clearly and also you, Mr. Tonko, in terms of moving us forward in these new green energy jobs that we need....As you go around and as you're having this discussion with people on whether we should have the policies that were included in that bill, it's interesting from a Maryland perspective, because I heard quite frequently people saying, You know, Mr. Kratovil, we don't want cap-and-trade. Well, in Maryland, we've had cap-and-trade since 2007. Maryland has participated in a regional greenhouse gas initiative since 2007, so we already had that....Again, the interesting thing is, in terms of the Federal standards that were set in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent, in Maryland, it's 25 percent. So, in many ways, in Maryland, the argument wasn't so much whether or not we should have these policies; the question was whether or not we should have these policies nationally so that we're all playing by the same rules." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Issue Position: Second Amendment Rights. "Frank Kratovil is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and received an "A" rating from the NRA in 2008. Since taking office, Frank has consistently fought for the rights of gun owners. As a prosecutor with a strong belief in due process and individual rights, Frank is opposed to efforts to arbitrarily restrict the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. In March 2009, Frank joined with 64 of his Democratic House colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Holder objecting to his comments in favor of re-instituting the assault weapons ban, which was largely ineffective at reducing violent crime. Frank also joined House and Senate Members from both parties in signing an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs' pro-Second Amendment position in the landmark McDonald vs. Chicago case before the Supreme Court. Frank is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 2296, a bill to reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. This common-sense reform bill, a top priority of gun rights supporters, would address abuses and problems with the BATF while making it easier for gun owners and dealers to comply with federal regulations." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Praises Supreme Court's Decision Affirming Individual Gun Owner's Rights. 29 June 2010. "Congressman Frank Kratovil today praised the Supreme Court decision on McDonald v. City of Chicago, which ruled that the right to keep and bear arms is federally protected in all 50 states....'Today's decision is a victory for lawful and responsible gun owners everywhere. Just as I was pleased to see the Supreme Court affirm the individual right to bear arms in the Heller case two years ago, I am pleased today to see the court affirming the application of this principle to all 50 states. I'm proud to have joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues in advocating for this outcome." (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Frank Kratovil supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 67 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. HR 3962. 111th Congress. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Frank Kratovil voted NO on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Takes Constituents' Healthcare Reform Concerns To House Leadership. 28 September 2009. "'The goal of any health care reform must be to protect and expand patient choice, rein in skyrocketing costs for consumers and businesses, and break down the barriers that prevent millions of Americans from accessing coverage,' said Rep. Kratovil. 'In a debate this important, it is critical that we listen to our constituents. The proposals we conveyed in this letter would improve this legislation for all Americans.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Supports Bipartisan Bill To Make Health Insurance More Affordable For Small Businesses And Their Employees. 9 June 2009. "'Small business owners want to offer their employees and their families the health insurance coverage that they need and deserve, but in too many cases this becomes the difference between turning a profit and going out of business,' said Congressman Kratovil. 'To address this crisis and allow these small businesses to continue to create good jobs and spur the economy we have to ease the burden of health insurance costs. The SHOP Act is a common-sense, bipartisan bill that will make health care coverage more available.'...Allowing small businesses and the self-employed to band together in a statewide or nationwide pool to obtain lower health insurance prices by spreading their risk over a larger number of participants. Keeping prices low by offering a range of private health plans that have to compete for business. Providing small business owners with an annual tax credit of up to $1,000 per employee ($2,000 for family coverage) if they pay for 60% of their employees' premiums, and a bonus tax credit if they pay for more than 60% of the premiums. Self-employed individuals would get a $1,800 annual tax credit ($3,600 for family coverage) to purchase health insurance. Cutting down on administrative costs for small businesses - today, small businesses spend almost 25 percent of health insurance premiums on administrative costs, compared to 10 percent for large employers. Banning the practice of rating insurance based on health status and claims experience so that premium increases will be more stable and predictable. Providing a website with comparative information about a variety of private health plans. Putting in place accountability measures that rely on the proven oversight of state insurance commissioners to ensure that all health plans meet state requirements for financial solvency, network adequacy, and claims and appeal procedures." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Op-Ed: Healthcare - In The End, Negatives Outweighed Positives. 23 March 2010. "On Sunday, the House of Representatives voted on comprehensive health care reform legislation, marking the culmination of one of the most heated public debates in recent memory. There is no question that our health care system has serious flaws, and since the debate over reform legislation began last year, I have tried to work constructively with my colleagues to craft a bill that could expand coverage and reduce health care costs while preserving consumer choice and putting our nation on a more stable long-term fiscal footing. In the end, I believed that the reform package passed Sunday evening fell short of these goals, and consequently I was unable to support the legislation. As a Democrat for whom the goal of expanding access to quality health care is a deeply-held core principle, I approached the debate with a belief that maintaining the status quo is not an option. With rising health care expenditures threatening the federal budget and rising premium costs overwhelming families and small businesses, it is clear that reform is necessary. However, as a lawmaker, I have a responsibility to balance that desire for meaningful reform with an objective, pragmatic assessment of the specific solutions offered." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Op-Ed: Policy Over Politics. 10 November 2009. "While the revised H.R. 3962 made progress toward these goals, I am not convinced that the final bill is a fiscally sustainable approach to reforming health care. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates that the bill does not reduce long-term health care costs, and that it drastically increases federal health care spending in the near-term and long-term. Furthermore, while the bill is projected to decrease the deficit over the first 10 years, the CBO said this reduction is largely due to the removal of a $210 billion provision to correct the formula by which doctors are paid under Medicare. That 'Doc Fix' language was moved into a companion bill, which Congress will consider later this month. Taken together, these bills will increase the deficit substantially in the years ahead. To be successful, health care reform must both expand coverage and reduce long-term costs. Unfortunately, this health care reform legislation will significantly increase long-term spending, is unlikely to reduce the deficit, and even costs several hundred billion dollars more than the $900 billion target for which President Obama has advocated. As the debate moves to the Senate, both parties would be well advised to dial back the propaganda, put down the talking points, and focus instead on the substance of legislation before them. I'm hopeful that a better bill is still possible, one that more effectively bends the cost curve while going further to protect small businesses, increase competition, and decrease the deficit. If and when a bill does come back from the Senate, it will be policy, not politics, that will determine my support." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Issue Position: Health Care. "The U.S. currently spends twice as much per capita on health care than the average of other industrialized countries. There is no question that waste, fraud, and inefficiencies in our health care delivery system are driving up costs for families, businesses, and the federal budget. For this reason, Frank Kratovil believes we need common sense health care reform to reduce premium costs for families and small businesses, bend the cost curve of federal health care spending, and expand consumer choice to improve competition. [...] Now that the health care reform legislation has been signed into law, Frank is committed to preserving the pieces of the package that are good while working to fix the pieces that are not. Throughout the health care debate, Frank rejected the argument that this was an all-or-nothing, black-or-white debate. Instead, he recognized the bills contained some good proposals and some bad proposals. Moving forward, Frank will be working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to preserve what works and fix what doesn't." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Statement On Health Care Reform Legislation. November 2009. "'We need health care reform that reduces long-term health care spending and expands coverage, but we must find a fiscally sustainable approach to accomplish these goals. After months of thoroughly reviewing legislative proposals and speaking with constituents and stakeholders, I am not satisfied that this bill before us is a sustainable solution. While I applaud the efforts to improve this bill, I still am concerned that this bill does not do enough to bend the long-term cost curve and that it lacks adequate provisions to reduce the deficit and protect small businesses. While I will continue to work with my colleagues to pursue a better bill as this process continues, I do not support HR 3962 and will vote against it when it comes to the floor this weekend.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. 2010. VOTE411.org: Online Voter Guide. Responded "Our first immigration priority must be enforcing the laws currently on the books and taking steps to ensure that illegal behavior is not rewarded. I've fought to secure our borders and written legislation to crack down on employers who hire illegal workers. I oppose amnesty for those here illegally" to the question "What changes, if any, do you support in regard to immigration policy?" (onyourballot3.vote411.org)
  • National Latino Congreso. 2007-2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Frank Kratovil supported the interests of the National Latino Congreso 0 percent in 2007-2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Issue Position: Immigration. "In his first term in Washington, Frank has emerged as a leader in fighting for common sense immigration reforms: * Frank authored a bill to increase penalties for businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. (HR 4627) * Frank is a a lead sponsor of the bipartisan BRIDGE Resolution, which calls for immigration reform legislation that focuses on border security first, requires mandatory use of the E-Verify system, and opposes amnesty for those in our country illegally. * Frank is an original co-sponsor of the SAVE Act, which would increase border security, mandate use of E-Verify, and improve enforcement of existing immigration laws." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Introduces Immigration Resolution With Bipartisan Group Of Representatives. 21 January 2010. "Today a bipartisan group led by freshman Members of Congress introduced a resolution seeking to bridge the political divide between parties on the issue of immigration by outlining some of the key principles that should guide immigration reform. Representative Frank Kratovil (D-MD) was joined by Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Duncan Hunter (R-CA), and Glenn Nye (D-VA) as well as 18 other colleagues on H. Res. 1026 the Bipartisan Reform of Immigration through Defining Good Enforcement ("BRIDGE") Resolution. The BRIDGE Resolution reaffirms that the continued peace, prosperity, liberty, and national security of the United States depend upon effective immigration enforcement policies which both welcome lawful immigrants and also prevent individuals from entering or remaining in the U.S. illegally. 'We are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. The immigration reform debate must start with both an acknowledgement of the historical and contemporary importance of immigration to our nation and a renewed commitment to the rule of law," said Rep. Kratovil. "This resolution calls for Congress to take a common sense approach to immigration reform: enforcing the rules already on the books, punishing those who knowingly choose to violate them, and opposing any plans that reward or incentivize illegal behavior at the expense of those who are trying to play by the rules.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Introduces The Criminal Penalties For Unauthorized Employment Act Of 2010. 22 February 2010. "'A key to ending illegal immigration is reducing the incentives for individuals to cross the border looking for work,' said Rep. Kratovil. 'We need serious enforcement of the rules already on the books, but we also need to let employers know that they too are breaking the law and damaging our economy when they hire undocumented, illegal immigrants.' The Criminal Penalties for Unauthorized Employment Act of 2010 is designed to replace the current "pattern or practice of violations" determination as a prerequisite to imposition of criminal penalties against employers and instead authorize imprisonment for any individual with direct hiring authority who knowingly hires an unauthorized alien. If passed, the bill will significantly increase the maximum terms of imprisonment, criminal fines, and civil fines that apply for such violations.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Letter to Secretary Chao, Department of Labor and Secretary Chertoff, Department of Homeland Security. 9 January 2009. "Noting that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has already received enough applications to exceed the cap for H2B visas for the second half of fiscal year 2009, Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) and Congressman Frank M. Kratovil, Jr. (D-Md.) urged the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security to use all means necessary to protect small businesses throughout the country so they can keep their doors open this year....The H2B program is critical to our constituents and the economy in our state, cities, and towns. Our goal is to make sure this program works for American workers, employers who play by the rules, and immigrants who want to come to our country legally and contribute to our economy." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Rep. Kratovil Backs Coast Guard Reauthorization With Stronger Penalties For Illegal Immigration. 23 October 2009. "Kratovil lauded the bill for incorporating the provisions of H.R. 1029, Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act, which the House passed by voice vote on March 31, 2009. These provisions ensure that the United States takes a comprehensive approach to combating smuggling both on land and at sea by authorizing punishment for persons who bring, recruit, encourage, transport or harbor an illegal alien knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that the individual is without authority to enter the United States. The bill gives law enforcement stronger tools and also significantly enhances federal penalties for alien smuggling -- raising it to a felony from a misdemeanor. HR 3619 also requires the Department of Homeland Security to cross-check smugglers and illegal immigrants who are apprehended with terrorist watch lists to ensure that potential terrorist threats are stopped right at the border. 'Coastal and shoreline security goes hand in hand with putting a stop the illegal immigration that is draining our national resources,' said Rep. Kratovil. 'This is a good bill that will give the Coast Guard the tools that they need to be an effective component of our national security while increasing the penalties for illegal immigrants as well as those who seek to bring them within our borders for personal profit.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Frank Kratovil supported the interests of Peace Action West 31 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Supplemental Appropriations Act. Project Vote Smart Summary: Frank Kratovil voted NO on Limiting Afghanistan Military Funding to Withdrawal and Other Specified Purposes on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Supplemental Appropriations Act. Project Vote Smart Summary: Frank Kratovil voted NO on Requiring Timetable for Withdrawal from Afghanistan on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Backs Bill Providing for Safety and Security of American Troops. 27 July 2010. "Passing this legislation fulfills one of Congress' most important responsibilities, and ensures that the men and women of our Armed Forces will not see any dangerous operational disruptions. While the debate over our strategy in Afghanistan will and should continue, it is imperative that we not play politics with funding for the equipment that keeps our troops safe and the paycheck that provides for their families. Today's vote ensures that our war fighters on the ground will have resources they need to carry out their missions and return to their loved ones as soon as possible." (votesmart.org)
  • Frank Kratovil. Kratovil Backs FY 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill. 30 July 2009. "This bill appropriates $636.3 billion for the Department of Defense for FY 2010 -- $508 billion for the base defense budget and $128.3 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the first time in years the Congress applied principles of fiscal conservatism to the defense appropriations process by cutting $3.8 billion from the President's request and for the first time since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan in 2001, funding war operations via the regular appropriations process rather than a supplemental bill. 'I was proud to back these appropriations because I believe the Congress has no greater responsibility than to provide security for citizens of the United States and provide protection as well as a high standard of living for our Armed Services and their families who sacrifice so much and put their lives on the line in our defense,' said Rep. Kratovil. 'Even more, it is a pleasant change of pace to witness Congress applying fiscal responsibility. This bill ensures that war operations are properly accounted for within the regular budget process and we are no longer misrepresenting the true cost of our military operations.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.

Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

arrow_upward