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Thomas 'Tom' J. Rooney

Representative Thomas 'Tom' J. Rooney's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Thomas Rooney
Full Name: Thomas 'Tom' J. Rooney
Office: U.S. House (FL) - District 17, Republican
First Elected: 11/04/2008
Last Elected: 11/06/2012
Next Election: 2014
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Tara; 3 Children: Tommy, Sean, Seamus
Birth Date: 11/21/1970
Birth Place: Philadelphia, PA
Home City: Tequesta, FL
Religion: Roman Catholic
Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
Thomas Rooney refused to tell citizens where he stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2012 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

In response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Presidential and Congressional candidates' public ecords to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These issue positions, from the year 2012, are provided below as a courtesy to voters.

Pro-life Inferred Answer Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Presents "A Pledge to America". 23 September 2010. "Permanently prohibit taxpayer funding of abortion." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Hometown News - Republican Candidates for Congress Lay Out Election Platforms. 30 May 2008. "Rooney pledged to support "traditional marriage between one man and one woman" and oppose abortion." (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Thomas Rooney voted Yea on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the Family Research Council 93 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Thomas Rooney voted Yea on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Thomas Rooney voted Yea on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Rooney: House Armed Services Committee Approves National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2011. 20 May 2010. "This Defense package underscores our support for the troops by boosting their pay raise from 1.4 percent to 1.9 percent. The bipartisan agreement gives our commanders on the ground the flexibility in forces they need by removing any troop cap in Afghanistan." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Turning Point In War On Terrorism. 8 October 2009. "I urge the President to listen to them, take their counsel, do the right thing in Afghanistan, finish the job that we started there." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the Peace Action 25 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Thomas Rooney voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of Peace Action West 25 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Letter To Barack Obama, President Of The united States Of America. 23 September 2009. "Dear Mr. President: We are at a vital turning point in Afghanistan. [¦] Decisive and deliberate action must be taken in determining the next step forward with our mission in Afghanistan." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Afghanistan War Powers Resolution. 10 March 2010. "Withdrawal now would destabilize that area of the world, and it would create a vacuum for terror. Groups like al Qaeda and the Taliban would increasingly gain access to weapons that would cause great damage to our allies and, eventually, to us." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement On McChrystal Afghanistan Report. 22 September 2009. "Per General McChrystal, to be successful in Afghanistan we need a clear anti-insurgent strategy and the troops necessary to effectively carry out a well defined mission. We cannot allow Afghanistan to become a terrorist safe haven like in the years before the 9/11 attacks." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement On The War Supplemental Vote. 16 June 2009. ""Several weeks ago I voted for a clean war funding bill in support of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Visits Afghanistan to Discuss Transition of Security to Afghan Forces. 20 April 2011. "The challenge in the final phase of our mission in Afghanistan is to capitalize on the gains we have made over the last several months. The groundwork for transition to the Afghan National Security Force is more apparent than my last visit two years ago." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Letter to the Honorable Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense, U.S. Department of Defense. 30 September 2010. "Recently Secretary Gates announced broad plans to reduce costs in the Department of Defense and re-appropriate those savings throughout the Department. As part of this plan, the Secretary announced three longer term projects and eight initiatives that he plans to begin implementing immediately. These eight initiatives have the ability to affect the Department, its ability to effectively fulfill its mission, and the security of the nation. A decision of this magnitude should not be made without careful reflection, supported by rigorous analysis." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Thomas Rooney voted Nay on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Thomas Rooney voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Take A Serious Look. 31 March 2009. "Now we face a budget this week that will increase taxes, increase spending, increase borrowing more than ever before in the history of this country. We are also poised to make serious cuts in military spending in uncertain times. We need to take a serious look in the eyes of our children and ask ourselves if they deserve the future we are giving them." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: National Defense. 3 November 2011. "As an Army veteran the Congressman understands the importance of ensuring that the men and women of the military have the support they need to achieve their mission [¦] In May, Rep. McMahon and Congressman Rooney sent a bipartisan letter, signed by almost fifty House colleagues, to the Subcommittee on Defense Chairman and Ranking Member urging the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee to increase overall funding for mental health programs by $300 million. As a result, the House passed Defense appropriations bill included $500 million for Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological health research, counseling and treatment programs." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Securing Our Homeland. 3 November 2011. "Tom Rooney believes the federal government's top priority is to ensure our safety. With that philosophy he has been an active member of the House Armed Services Committee ensuring our troops are the most professional, well equipped and prepared military in the world." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney: House Armed Services Committee Approves National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2011. 20 May 2010. "This Defense package underscores our support for the troops by boosting their pay raise from 1.4 percent to 1.9 percent. The bipartisan agreement gives our commanders on the ground the flexibility in forces they need by removing any troop cap in Afghanistan." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 88 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney signed Americans for Tax Reform: Taxpayer Protection Pledge. 14 August 2012. "I, Tom Rooney, pledge to the taxpayers of the 17th district of the state of Florida and to the American people that I will: ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rate for individuals and business; and TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates." (www.atr.org)
No Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Urges Action to Rein in Spending. 23 September 2010. "Today, Congress had an opportunity to stop federal spending from crowding out private sector job growth, and take a strong first step toward addressing the deficit. Unfortunately, Democrats blocked this responsible measure to freeze federal employment at pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney: Stimulus 2.0 No Solution for Florida's 10.7 Percent Jobless Rate. 16 September 2011. "Thousands of workers and small businesses in Florida are still suffering due to the failure of the first stimulus bill -- they deserve better than to watch Washington repeat the mistakes of the past by passing Stimulus 2.0." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. The Palm Beach Post - Forget Stimulus 2.0. Reform Tax Code, Cut Regulations. 14 September 2011. "The president's new stimulus plan looks like a smaller version of his last stimulus plan, which cost $830 billion. His advisers said it would keep unemployment below 8 percent. Instead, it has stayed above 8 percent for 31 straight months and remains above 10 percent in Florida. Rather than abandon these failed policies, President Obama wants Congress to pass a second stimulus, without explaining how this one will succeed where the first failed so miserably." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 90 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Thomas Rooney voted Nay on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • The Club for Growth. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, The Club for Growth attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2010, The Club for Growth gave Thomas Rooney a rating of 83 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. When Will The Record Deficit Spending Stop?. 4 February 2010. "Federal spending is out of control. It's time Washington rolls up its sleeves and makes tough decisions on how we can stop increasing the debt and cut spending." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Bringing Back Fiscal Discipline. 3 November 2011. "Traveling the 16th district Tom Rooney saw there was a common complaint about the government from people across the district -- the out of control spending in Washington must end. Rooney has taken this common sense message to Washington and is fighting to cut spending and addressing our growing national debt." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Response to State of the Union Address. 25 January 2011. "The President's speech focused on new "investments,' but that just means new spending. Can we afford new spending programs when we're $14 trillion in debt and we're borrowing 40 cents of every dollar we spend? No, we can't." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Critical Of Pelosi's Stimulus II Bill. 16 December 2009. "Tonight Speaker Pelosi will jam through the House another bloated spending package that will do little to create new jobs in Florida. President Obama told the American people we needed the first stimulus to keep the unemployment rate below 8 percent but that misguided bill hasn't worked and now unemployment is over 10 percent. Now the Democrats are back for more, further proof that the first stimulus did not work." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement on January Jobs Report. 4 February 2011. "Two years after the stimulus passed, unemployment remains near double digits, a monthly reminder of the broken promise that the spending spree would somehow keep unemployment below eight percent. In fact, the failed stimulus policies and record deficits over the last two years are putting a stranglehold on our economic recovery." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Economy. 3 November 2011. "Congress must focus on fostering an environment where businesses, particularly small businesses, can grow and create lasting, private sector jobs. Instead of higher taxes, more government mandates, and reckless spending on wasteful pet projects, Congress must permanently lower taxes on small businesses and job creators." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Presents "A Pledge to America". 23 September 2010. "Permanently stop all job-killing tax hikes. Give small businesses a 20 percent tax deduction." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. ICYMI: Rooney: 4 trillion ways to keep tax cuts. 30 September 2010. "Unless Congress acts soon, your taxes will go up on Jan. 1 . This $3.9 trillion tax increase - the largest in history - would hit all taxpayers, including the 75 percent of small-business owners that file taxes as individuals and are responsible for nearly two-thirds of private-sector job creation. With our economy on the ropes and unemployment in Florida still above 11 percent, this job-killing tax hike on families and small businesses is the last thing we need. Small-business owners want to invest and hire new workers, but instead they're bracing themselves for costly new tax increases." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Holding Government Accountable. 3 November 2011. "Rooney opposed the Democrats' "stimulus" bill and instead supported an alternative that would have spent half the money while creating twice as many jobs. It would reduce the tax burden on small businesses providing them the ability to hire more employees and get Americans back to work." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. National Association of Manufacturers: 2008 NAM 2008 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire FL House 16. Responded "YES" to the question: "Would you vote for 100 percent expensing by small manufacturers who invest in their U.S. plants by upgrading equipment and adding new technologies without offsetting tax increases (PAYGO)?" (www.bipac.net)
  • Tom Rooney. Reps. Rooney And Boccieri Introduce Jobs Creation Bill. 9 October 2009. "The HIRE America act will expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to encourage employers to hire additional employees. 'This bill is about creating new jobs [¦] With unemployment in Florida over 10 percent, we have to find ways to create jobs and get Floridians back to work. The HIRE America Act is common sense legislation that gives employers additional incentives to create new jobs and hire more employees. By increasing the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and expanding it to cover all new hires we are putting money back in the pockets of business owners, allowing them to expand and start getting people back to work. We can no longer stand by as the unemployment rate continues to increase.' The HIRE America Act increases the income tax credit for employers for each hire that is eligible under the current WOTC criteria up to 50 percent. The bill also creates a new income tax credit for all other hires outside the current WOTC up to 30 percent. Importantly the bill also increases the maximum wage eligibility for Veterans under the current WOTC from $12,000 to $16,000. Finally, the bill increases tax credits for employers who offer childcare services or benefits to employees up to 35 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Response to State of the Union Address. 25 January 2011. "The President just doesn't get it. The federal government is not the answer, the American people are. We need to let them get back to work. We need to stop crowding out private sector growth with out-of-control federal spending. We need to reduce taxes permanently so that small businesses can grow and create jobs." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Unveils New Jobs Plan. 18 October 2011. ""My jobs plan is based on the fundamental idea that Washington doesn't create jobs -- businesses and innovators do," Rooney said. "We can't ask you to lead us into economic recovery while we're repeatedly weighing you down with unnecessary mandates, a broken tax code, high energy costs, and uncertainty about what's coming next." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney: Stimulus 2.0 No Solution for Florida's 10.7 Percent Jobless Rate. 16 September 2011. "Instead of another massive federal spending stimulus plan, we should work together to find common ground on pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda that will [¦] Fix the tax code and replace loopholes and deductions with lower tax rates for families and businesses." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Stimulate Job Growth. 4 May 2010. "Congress must act now to stimulate job growth in the private sector. I recently cosponsored the Economic Freedom Act, a bill that would help businesses grow and create jobs. It would permanently eliminate the capital gains tax and eliminate the death tax. It would cut the payroll tax in half for 2010 for employers and employees and reduce the corporate income tax rate to 12.5 percent." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Education: Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. TCPalm: 2010 Primary “ U.S. Representative “ District 16. Responded "While I laud the intent of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), I do not believe it has been implemented correctly and ultimately it has had a detrimental impact on many states, including Florida. I have long advocated for education policy decisions to be left to state and local governments. Rather than the federal government implementing a 'one size fits all' approach, as we've seen in NCLB, state and local entities should be empowered to decide what is best for their children and communities. Because our children deserve a more tailored, localized approach when it comes to their schooling, I support returning major education policy decisions to the states." to the question: "What do you think of the No Child Left Behind Act? What should its future hold?" (elections.tcpalm.com)
  • Tom Rooney. RedState: 2008 RedState Candidate Survey. Responded "I believe the Constitution as written espouses federalism. Local governments are more qualified to handle issues like education and local law enforcement." to the question: "Please state your position on Federalism, and explain why you hold it." (images.redstate.com)
Yes Inferred Answer Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Tom Rooney's 'Restore America Act' Cuts Taxes and Regulations, Boosts Energy Production. 18 October 2011. "On energy, Rooney's plan opens up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Outer Continental Shelf and oil shale for production." (www.sunshinestatenews.com)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Establishing Our Energy Independence. 3 November 2011. "There is not a single silver bullet solution to our energy problem; we must address it in a multi-pronged fashion. Rooney believes a national energy policy that increases our commitment to efficiency, conservation and the development of alternative fuels such as wind and solar must be combined with increased domestic production of traditional sources such as oil." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Energy. 3 November 2011. "Tom firmly believes we have a responsibility to our children to take control of our energy future and work for real solutions. We can do this by expanding our domestic production of oil and natural gas while developing new alternative sources of energy and promoting greater efficiencies in consumption." (votesmart.org)
  • Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Thomas Rooney voted Nay on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of Environment America 17 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Thomas Rooney voted Nay on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Thomas Rooney voted Yea on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Thomas Rooney. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Thomas Rooney voted Nay on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 20 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of Environment America 17 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Thomas Rooney voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Cap-And-Trade: Wrong Policy At The Wrong Time. 25 March 2009. "The more than 700-page cap and trade legislation currently making its way through the halls of Congress, sponsored by Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Edward Markey, D-Mass., is purported to curb the emission of greenhouse gases and reduce the energy footprint within our country. Unfortunately, the reality is this cap and trade plan would slow economic growth, penalize employers, reduce job opportunities and ultimately increase taxes for every single American." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Highlands Today - ICYMI: Cutting Through Farm Red Tape. 12 October 2011. "Many of these new or proposed regulations would severely impact our farmers, from EPA regulating greenhouse gases, to overlapping regulations on pesticides, to proposed restrictions on how much dust can get kicked up on farms and ranches." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Energy. 3 November 2011. "This spring the majority offered their "Cap-and-Trade" bill. This bill does nothing to help us obtain our energy independence yet promises to slow economic growth, penalize employers, reduce job opportunities and ultimately increase taxes and costs for American families." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Establishing Our Energy Independence. 3 November 2011. "Unfortunately, the Democrats' "cap and trade" bill which many more appropriately called "cap and tax" does nothing to help us establish our energy independence. Instead it only promises to punish domestic production and manufacturing while increasing costs to American consumers." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement on the Cap-and-Trade Vote. 26 June 2009. ""Climate change is a serious issue that deserves our attention; however the misguided Waxman-Markey Cap-and-Trade bill will only increase taxes and cost Americans jobs [¦] I supported and voted for the alternative plan that would help the United States become energy independent by creating incentives for private-sector innovation on the scale of the original Manhattan Project. This project would provide grants and prizes for private innovation so we can reach 100% energy independence within 20 years. Unfortunately, that proposal was defeated." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Thomas Rooney a grade of 91." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Protection Your 2nd Amendment Rights. 3 November 2011. "As a former Constitutional Law Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Tom strongly believes in the individual freedoms provided to citizens under the Constitution, including the right to bear arms. Rooney believes the 2nd Amendment is clear and that government should pass no law that restricts the right of any law-abiding citizen to purchase, own and legally use firearms." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Rooney on ObamaCare, Six Months Later: "Fewer Choices, Higher Costs". 22 September 2010. "Six months after ObamaCare became law, the consequences that Floridians feared are becoming a reality," Rooney said. "The new health care law has left Floridians with fewer choices, higher costs and less control over their families' health care." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Thomas Rooney voted Yea on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Health Care. 3 November 2009. "The Pelosi health care bill cuts Medicare, increases taxes on businesses, individuals and employers, and it's a $1.2 trillion boondoggle that will complete a government takeover of the health care system, even though the majority of Americans don't want it." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Health Care. 3 November 2011. "Many people are pointing to "universal" health care or the "government option" as the answer. If a government option is implemented, bureaucrats, not doctors will be making medical decisions for patients. If the government begins to tell doctors whom they must see, what they can prescribe and how to "best" administer care, the patient-doctor relationship will turn into a patient-government relationship. Americans do not need to face increased wait times in the hospital, nor do they deserve a significant decrease in their quality of care." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Presents "A Pledge to America". 23 September 2010. "Repeal the $1 trillion ObamaCare." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement on Health Care Law Anniversary: A Year of Broken Promises. 23 March 2011. "These broken promises have stoked the American people's demand for a full repeal of the health care law. House Republicans met that demand. Since the Senate has failed to act, we will continue working to repeal pieces of the law -- like burdensome new 1099 tax reporting requirements for small businesses, and the slush fund for the Department of Health and Human Services -- and to block funds for the law's enforcement." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement on ObamaCare Lawsuit Ruling. 14 October 2010. "Never before has the federal government forced every citizen to purchase a product or service from a private company simply as a requirement of being a citizen. I am confident that as this case moves forward, the courts will recognize that this law is a blatant abuse of the federal government's power, and that it has no basis in the letter or the intent of the Constitution." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Votes to Repeal Health Care Law. 19 January 2011. "Repealing this law is critical to getting spending under control and helping small businesses grow and create jobs. [¦]" (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Immigration: Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Thomas Rooney. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Thomas Rooney voted Nay on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Legal Immigration. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Americans for Legal Immigration endorsed Thomas Rooney in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Legal Immigration. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Americans for Legal Immigration endorsed Thomas Rooney in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Homeland Security. 3 November 2011. "Congressman Rooney believes we should do a better job enforcing current immigration laws, we need to continue to work to secure our borders and crack down on illegal aliens. Rooney supports the continued construction of the fence on the Southwest border." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue position: Enforcing Our Immigration Laws. 3 November 2011. "Congressman Rooney opposes amnesty in any form for illegal aliens. We are nation of immigrants but we are also a nation of laws. Rooney will not support rewarding illegal behavior with amnesty when thousands of other immigrants are playing by the rules and going through the proper channels to become American citizens. Rooney also supports adding more border patrol agents and finishing the border fence along the southern border." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. National Association of Manufacturers: 2008 NAM 2008 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire FL House 16. Responded "NO. I am an advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, and strongly believe changes need to be made to the current system. I do not support amnesty for those who have entered our country illegally. We must continue to work to secure the border." to the question: "Would you vote for comprehensive immigration legislation that would secure the border, dramatically increase H-1B visas and provide a path to citizenship for those already in the United States illegally?" (www.bipac.net)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement on DREAM Act. 9 December 2010. "Immigration reform must start with securing our borders, upholding the law, and rewarding those who follow the rules. The DREAM Act would provide an incentive for individuals to come here illegally, undermine the rule of law, and move rule-breakers to the front of the line." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Thomas Rooney. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Thomas Rooney voted Nay on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Thomas Rooney supported the interests of the American Family Association 88 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Hometown News - Republican Candidates for Congress Lay Out Election Platforms. 30 May 2008. "Rooney pledged to support "traditional marriage between one man and one woman" and oppose abortion." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement on Killing of al-Awlaki. 30 September 2011. "Since 9/11, our intelligence community has done a remarkable job of keeping America safe from terrorist threats. Just five months after the death of Osama bin Laden, the killing of al-Awlaki is another example of the important work our intelligence agencies and armed forces are doing behind the scenes every day." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: National Defense. 3 November 2011. "Keeping America safe is Congressman Rooney's top priority. The enemy America faces today is ever changing and unconventional; the only constant is their desire to harm Americans. Congressman Rooney has the honor and privilege of serving on the House Armed Service Committee. As an Army veteran the Congressman understands the importance of ensuring that the men and women of the military have the support they need to achieve their mission." (votesmart.org)
  • Tom Rooney. RedState: 2008 RedState Candidate Survey. Responded "The Global War on Terror will only be won if the enemy understands they cannot achieve their goals. Any strategy employed to defeat the enemy in this war must include an overwhelming force. Accordingly, I support increasing the size of the Army by at least two Combat Divisions. Part of the strategy in this struggle should also include a re-examination of the Rules of Engagement in insurgency warfare and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. As a signatory of the Geneva Convention and a country based on the Rule of Law, I do not believe the United States should stoop to the level of the terrorist. However, there is enough room for consideration of "adjusting fire" when faced with a non-conventional enemy." to the question: "Please state your position on Iraq and the War on Terror, and explain why you hold it." (images.redstate.com)
  • Tom Rooney. Rooney Statement on Death of Osama bin Laden. 2 May 2011. "The death of Osama bin Laden sends a message that the United States will not rest until justice is served to those who do us harm or wish to do us harm." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Social Security: Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Tom Rooney. Issue Position: Social Security. 3 November 2011. "Congressman Rooney will never vote to raise the retirement age, privatize Social Security, or reduce Social Security benefits to retirees and near retirees. He firmly believes Social Security is a contract Congress has made with our retirees and has an obligation to uphold." (votesmart.org)

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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as the candidate has submitted it. Project Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

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