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Matt Rosendale's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.

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

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Issue Positions

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

  • "As Democrats continue to push a pro-abortion agenda, I will continue to fight for the lives of the unborn and oppose any pro-abortion legislation that may come to the floor in the coming weeks. #prolife" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Right to Life Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Speaker Pelosi: "We write to express our unified opposition to Congressional Democrats' efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment and other current-law, pro-life appropriations provisions. As part of their pro-abortion crusade, Democrats have taken direct aim at these long-standing, bipartisan protections that generally prevent the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to support abortion procedures. Repealing these pro-life provisions would destroy nearly half a century of bipartisan consensus. Each year since 1976, Congress has included Hyde protections in annually enacted appropriations. No president in American history has ever vetoed an appropriations bill due to its inclusion of the Hyde Amendment." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 3755 - Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Matt will always honor our commitment to Montana seniors. Both of Matt's parents received these benefits and he knows countless Montanans who depend on this safety net to make ends meet. Matt will always fight to protect these vital programs for Montana's seniors." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 610 - Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""If this legislation is passed it will massively undermine free and fair elections in the United States," said Representative Rosendale. "The bill provides taxpayer funding for political campaigns, provides automatic voter registration, dramatically expands mail-in voting, and eliminates photo ID requirements to vote, among other dangerous policies. Restoring faith in our electoral process is crucial, especially after the most recent election. This bill does the opposite."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 - For the People Act of 2021 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "If this legislation is passed it will massively undermine free and fair elections in the United States," said Representative Rosendale. "The bill provides taxpayer funding for political campaigns, provides automatic voter registration, dramatically expands mail-in voting, and eliminates photo ID requirements to vote, among other dangerous policies. Restoring faith in our electoral process is crucial, especially after the most recent election. This bill does the opposite." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""In any given split-second, an officer on the beat might have to make a decision that balances his safety, the public's safety, and the need to enforce the law," said Representative Rosendale. "We give the police some degree of protection from lawsuits because these judgement calls in life-or-death situations are very difficult to evaluate fairly from the safety of a courtroom long after the fact. The bill would revoke this important protection, leaving cops without the legal protections that help them protect us from criminals."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Last night, I voted against the far-left George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. It would revoke important protections, leaving cops without the legal protections that help them protect us from criminals." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1280 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In any given split-second, an officer on the beat might have to make a decision that balances his safety, the public's safety, and the need to enforce the law," said Representative Rosendale. "We give the police some degree of protection from lawsuits because these judgement calls in life-or-death situations are very difficult to evaluate fairly from the safety of a courtroom long after the fact. The bill would revoke this important protection, leaving cops without the legal protections that help them protect us from criminals." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "On this National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I want to thank all the men and women of law enforcement who keep our communities safe day in and day out. You have our backs, and I will always have yours. #BackTheBlue" (twitter.com)
  • "I believe one of the best ways to maintain peace is through ensuring the strength of our military. However, I am not in favor of increasing spending in any area of government before a thorough evaluation of every budget line item has been conducted. I believe we must identify and cut waste and programs that don't further our strategic goals before we throw more money at a problem." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I will not vote for a NDAA that forces America’s daughters to enter the draft and I will not vote for any government funding bill that allows Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates to stand." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against S 1605 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I will not vote for a NDAA that forces America’s daughters to enter the draft and I will not vote for any government funding bill that allows Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates to stand." (twitter.com)
  • "The federal government must rein in spending and incentivize people to return to work to help curb labor shortages and supply chain issues." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 5376 - Build Back Better Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Why aren't we considering the Keystone Pipeline part of infrastructure that we can invest in? That made permanent jobs right here in America and was not being built at the expense of the taxpayer." (twitter.com)
  • "Over 150 Members of Congress have filed proxy forms for Friday’s vote on the Inflation Acceleration Act. $430 billion in new spending will likely be passed without a third of the Members being present, simply because Nancy Pelosi allows it. This is a national disgrace." (twitter.com)
  • "During the COVID-19 crisis, government intervened in the economy to order a shutdown of businesses. While done with public safety in mind, this government action exacerbated the economic consequences of the virus for businesses across our country. Because of that, I believe it is the government's responsibility to provide relief to those adversely impacted by their decisions." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against on HR 1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The $5.7 TRILLION in COVID-19 relief spending bills already enacted failed to slow the spread, now the Biden Administration is asking for another $30 billion. Reopen our country. End the Mandates. Stop the spending." (twitter.com)
  • "Over 150 Members of Congress have filed proxy forms for Friday’s vote on the Inflation Acceleration Act. $430 billion in new spending will likely be passed without a third of the Members being present, simply because Nancy Pelosi allows it. This is a national disgrace." (twitter.com)
  • "The Left will tout July's consumer price index of 8.5% as a sign that the economy is improving, but it still remains near a 40-year high. Additionally, the House is poised to pass the Inflation Acceleration Act this week, which will only add fuel to the fire. #BuildBackBroke" (twitter.com)
  • "The only climate that will be changing over the next year is going to be the economic climate, and it is going to get worse. I will be opposing the "Inflation Acceleration Act" when it comes to the House floor for a vote." (twitter.com)
  • "This afternoon, I voted against the Inflation Acceleration Act." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "We are seeing market forces lead to innovation and the development of new green technology that emits less greenhouse gas and is more energy efficient. This trend will continue, and I do not believe additional federal regulation is necessary or desirable." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Gas prices are now at an average of $4/gallon. President Biden's war on domestic energy production will continue to cost American families at the gas pump, grocery store, etc. The solution to curb high energy prices is simple: Restore U.S. energy dominance." (twitter.com)
  • "Not only has Biden severely compromised our nation’s ability to produce energy domestically, but he has also refused to take responsibility for the nearly 60% increase in energy prices." (twitter.com)
  • "The Biden administration is trying to change consumer habits by driving up energy costs, attempting to force the American people to reject traditional energy consumption and to accept the Democrats' "Green New Deal" energy agenda" (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden's decision to re-enter the Paris Climate Agreement only places more regulations on the American economy if countries, like China, receive no repercussions for their effortless attempts to curb greenhouse emissions." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Independent Petroleum Association of America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We are seeing market forces lead to innovation and the development of new green technology that emits less greenhouse gas and is more energy efficient. This trend will continue, and I do not believe additional federal regulation is necessary or desirable." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Biden administration is trying to change consumer habits by driving up energy costs, attempting to force the American people to reject traditional energy consumption and to accept the Democrats' "Green New Deal" energy agenda" (twitter.com)
  • Our Montana way of life is under assault. I’m proud to receive an ‘A’ rating from the NRA for my firm stance on our right to keep & bear arms. Our 2nd Amendment Rights are NOT up for negotiation – period. I'll never back down from defending our constitutional rights. (twitter.com)
  • Rated 92% by National Rifle Association (NRA). (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1446 - Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • You're absolutely right, Will! I'll always protect our 2nd Amendment Rights! (twitter.com)
  • Our Montana way of life is under assault. I’m proud to receive an ‘A’ rating from the NRA for my firm stance on our right to keep & bear arms. Our 2nd Amendment Rights are NOT up for negotiation – period. I'll never back down from defending our constitutional rights. (twitter.com)
  • "Happy to introduce my Health Freedom & Flexibility Act today. This bill expands access to tax-free Health Savings Accounts and empowers Americans to make their own decisions on how they spend their hard-earned dollars on healthcare." (twitter.com)
  • "Last week, I introduced the Direct Primary Care Accessibility Act, which would protect the ability of Americans to purchase health care from their doctors without going through an insurance company first." (twitter.com)
  • "Yesterday, I introduced the Direct Primary Care Accessibility Act. This bill would protect the ability of Americans to purchase health care from their doctors without going through an insurance company first." (twitter.com)
  • "Candidate Joe Biden: Paid leave for everyone. President Joe Biden: Paid leave for everyone EXCEPT my political opponents. Can you feel the unity?" (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Matt will continue to stand against the open-border policies of the Biden Administration and he will always put America First — by supporting efforts to build the wall, deport criminals, and put an end to sanctuary cities and the disastrous policy of catch and release." (mattformontana.com)
  • Rated 100% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Under both Republican and Democrat presidents, our laws have been ignored and we’ve looked the other way as illegal immigrants have flowed freely into this country without consequence. Now, more than ever, we need members of Congress that are willing to enforce our laws, protect our nation, and secure our borders." (mattformontana.com)
  • "We have the ability to complete the border wall system, but the Biden administration refuses to do so. Instead, they continue to fuel illegal immigration and enable the cartels’ drug and human trafficking operations." (twitter.com)
  • I don’t want to see families separated so that’s why we need to get tough and enforce our laws. We need to bring law and order back to this country, secure our border, and build that wall. We have an obligation to put AMERICA FIRST – not illegal immigrants. (twitter.com)
  • Radical liberals like @JonTester are pushing dangerous policies like open borders and sanctuary cities. I’ll stand with @realDonaldTrump to secure the border, build the wall, end sanctuary cites and enforce our laws! (twitter.com)
  • Support from Boulder, MT! You know it - I will always stand up for our Montana values and support President Trump to Make America Great Again! Let's BUILD THE WALL and protect our GUN RIGHTS! (twitter.com)
  • "We are first and foremost a nation of laws, and we need to make sure those who come to this country are respectful of those laws. Letting illegal immigrants skip the line is not fair to legal immigrants who have done things the right way, gone through the established process, and waited their turn." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • I don’t want to see families separated so that’s why we need to get tough and enforce our laws. We need to bring law and order back to this country, secure our border, and build that wall. We have an obligation to put AMERICA FIRST – not illegal immigrants. (twitter.com)
  • Radical liberals like @JonTester are pushing dangerous policies like open borders and sanctuary cities. I’ll stand with @realDonaldTrump to secure the border, build the wall, end sanctuary cites and enforce our laws! (twitter.com)
  • Support from Boulder, MT! You know it - I will always stand up for our Montana values and support President Trump to Make America Great Again! Let's BUILD THE WALL and protect our GUN RIGHTS! (twitter.com)
  • "Iran recently launched missiles into northern Iraq where U.S. forces are stationed, and now the Biden administration wants to substantially lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for temporary limitations on their nuclear program. A bad deal for Americans." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden revoked the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day in office. Now he's waving sanctions allowing Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline to continue construction. Another "America last" decision from the President." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor H.R. 6968 “Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Always great to join John And Robin in the KGEZ studio in Kalispell. Had a good conversation about some of my Montana-focused legislative priorities, the state of the pro-life movement, and why intervening in Ukraine is a bad idea." (twitter.com)
  • "The Biden Administration is sending thousands of American troops to Eastern Europe in an attempt to prevent an invasion of Ukraine, while actively facilitating the invasion of our nation by millions of illegal aliens. Joe Biden is the America Last President." (twitter.com)
  • "Today, I introduced the Secure America’s Borders First Act, which would prohibit the Biden Administration from providing military and security assistance to Ukraine until our southern border is secured." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S. 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "At this point, our great-grandchildren will be forced to pay for all of the spending we are doing. Our investments should set future generations up for success. Tonight's proposals sound expensive with massive tax hikes as the only solution to pay for them." (twitter.com)
  • "House Democrats are proposing a multi trillion dollar tax hike on American businesses in what's described as “the biggest tax increase in decades.” We need to fight their attempt to fund their far-left agenda." (twitter.com)
  • "I just sent a letter to @SteveDaines and @SenatorTester, urging them to oppose the tax and reconciliation bill that is expected to be voted on in the coming days." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by FreedomWorks (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I believe our trade policy should be focused on reducing and removing barriers to international commerce, because in the end the cost of those barriers is borne by the American consumer." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • I was honored to be invited by President Trump to attend this historic event. The USMCA is a trade deal that puts America first & gives a much-needed boost to our Montana farmers, ranchers & businesses. This is a great day for Montana agriculture & a huge win for Montana (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108 - Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-life Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
No In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
No Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
No Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
No Do you support increasing defense spending?
I believe one of the best ways to maintain peace is through ensuring the strength of our military. However, I am not in favor of increasing spending in any area of government before a thorough evaluation of every budget line item has been conducted. I believe we must identify and cut waste and programs that don't further our strategic goals before we throw more money at a problem.
No Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
During the COVID-19 crisis, government intervened in the economy to order a shutdown of businesses. While done with public safety in mind, this government action exacerbated the economic consequences of the virus for businesses across our country. Because of that, I believe it is the government's responsibility to provide relief to those adversely impacted by their decisions.
No Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
I believe the government which governs least, governs best. I believe we need to return control of education to states, local school districts and parents. A national one-size-fits-all curriculum is not best for Montana students, and bureaucrats in Washington do not know better than school superintendents, teachers and parents.
No Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
No Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
We are seeing market forces lead to innovation and the development of new green technology that emits less greenhouse gas and is more energy efficient. This trend will continue, and I do not believe additional federal regulation is necessary or desirable.
No Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Yes Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
No Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
During the COVID-19 crisis, it was the government that ordered a shutdown of businesses. Businesses should not be required to provide paid leave, especially at a time when they are not able to generate income due to a government-mandated shutdown. Requiring this would put an even bigger strain on businesses in a time of crisis and cause many small and medium sized business to close permanently.
Yes Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
Yes Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
We are first and foremost a nation of laws, and we need to make sure those who come to this country are respectful of those laws. Letting illegal immigrants skip the line is not fair to legal immigrants who have done things the right way, gone through the established process, and waited their turn.
Yes Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
Yes Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
I believe that a strong national defense is needed to protect the homeland and defend key American interests around the world. However, that does not mean we have to be the arbiter of international conflicts that have nothing to do with our country. I strongly oppose endless wars and America acting as the world's police force.
Yes Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
I believe our trade policy should be focused on reducing and removing barriers to international commerce, because in the end the cost of those barriers is borne by the American consumer.
If elected, one of my top priorities will be to propose the "Truth in Legislation Act". This legislation would limit the contents of a bill to only issues described in the bills title, which would help eliminate the corrupt practice of "buying" votes, reduce spending, and promote government transparency. Another top priority is a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It's become clear over the last two decades that the career politicians in Congress have no interest in living within our means. We need to amend our constitution to make them.

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