or Login to see your representatives.

Access Candidates' and Representatives' Biographies, Voting Records, Interest Group Ratings, Issue Positions, Public Statements, and Campaign Finances

Simply enter your zip code above to get to all of your candidates and representatives, or enter a name. Then, just click on the person you are interested in, and you can navigate to the categories of information we track for them.

[x] close
Print

Brad J. Sherman

Representative Brad J. Sherman's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Brad Sherman
Full Name: Brad J. Sherman
Office: U.S. House (CA) - District 30, Democratic
First Elected: 11/05/1996
Last Elected: 11/06/2012
Next Election: 2014
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Lisa; 3 Children: Molly, Naomi, Lucy
Birth Date: 10/24/1954
Birth Place: Los Angeles, CA
Home City: Sherman Oaks, CA
Religion: Jewish
Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
Brad Sherman 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-choice Inferred Answer Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 643. 106th Congress. Abortion Private Funding Restoration Amendment. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 05/20/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 3660. 106th Congress. Ban on Partial-Birth/Late Term Abortion. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 04/05/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 04/27/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 882. 106th Congress. Prison Abortion Funding Amendment. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 06/22/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. NARAL Pro-Choice America endorsed Brad Sherman in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 1017. 106th Congress. Abortion Funding Amendment. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 07/20/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 187. 105th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 06/19/1997. (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Planned Parenthood endorsed Brad Sherman in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Issue position: Women and choice. 15 February 2012. "Brad Sherman is unequivocally pro-choice and pro-funding. He has supported programs and policies that give women the means to responsibly manage their reproductive lives." (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 156. 106th Congress. Overseas Military Abortion Amendment. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 06/09/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 3682. 106th Congress. Child Custody Protection Act. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 07/15/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • National Organization for Women. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the National Organization for Women attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2008, the National Organization for Women gave Brad Sherman a rating of 100 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Facebook: Wall. 21 July 2011. "Current law already restricts US Foreign assistance for abortions and has done so since 1974, and yet in the name of 'right to life'. [¦] I offered an amendment to thwart the GOP's efforts to reinstate the Global Gag Rule. Their proposal is even more extreme than the policy that was implemented under Presidents Reagan, George Bush, or George W. Bush. In the name of 'right to life,' Republicans are cutting off funds that are literally saving hundreds of thousands of lives and I will not stand for this hypocrisy." (www.facebook.com)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 722. 106th Congress. Oversea Military Abortions Amendment. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 05/18/2000. (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of Peace Action West 38 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Peace Action 38 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Video: Representative Sherman on Afghanistan and Pakistan. 4 May 2011. "We could have another approach of the War in Afghanistan, one I've advocated, where you simply maintain bases there to fight terrorism." (www.c-spanvideo.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Congressman Brad Sherman Statement on the Death of Osama bin Laden. 2 May 2011. "I applaud President Obama's leadership, as well as the superb professionalism of our armed forces and intelligence community, in the successful effort to bring this terrorist leader to justice. The U.S. must continue to pursue al-Qaeda members and affiliates around the world who seek to harm us and our allies." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brad Sherman. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 4939. 110th Congress. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 06/13/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 4200. 108th Congress. Defense Department FY2005 Authorization Bill. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 05/20/2004. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 06/20/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 5010. 108th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2003. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 10/10/2002. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 2561. 106th Congress. Defense Department Appropriations bill, FY2000. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 07/22/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Letter to President Obama. 15 December 2011. "With the failure of the Super Committee to reach a deficit reduction agreement, we write in full support of your view that the sequester scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2013 should not be repealed or amended absent an agreement to reduce deficits that meets or exceeds the amount to be sequestered. The failure of Congress to act must have consequences. We stand ready to work with you over the next year to put America back on a firm financial footing and will vote to sustain your veto of any effort to repeal all or part of the scheduled sequester." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
Yes 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

  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 100 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 1836. 107th Congress. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, 2001. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 05/16/2001. (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 5 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. House Republican Budget Cuts Blocked for Now. 10 November 2005. "In order to pay for their additional tax breaks for the wealthy, Republicans also called for cutting, after adjusting for inflation, a wide range of other vital services ranging from education to child care to housing to environmental protection. The $50 billion in proposed budget cuts even failed to offset more than $70 billion in proposed new tax cuts for the wealthy, forcing the overall budget even deeper into deficit territory. 'Clearly, Californians simply can't afford this Republican budget, which would give tax breaks to millionaires while harming the college students, children, mothers, and working families of our state,' Sherman said." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Million-Dollar-A-Month Salaries Go Unscathed: Statement of Congressman Brad Sherman Regarding Bill Taxing Excess Bonuses. 19 March 2009. "The tax bill coming before the House of Representatives today is a step in the right direction. It imposes a 90% tax on bonuses paid to executives of the big bailed-out financial institutions. [¦] I will be introducing a bill either Friday or Monday which imposes a substantial tax on all excess compensation (over $500,000) paid to executives of all the big bailed-out firms. It will deal with salaries, bonuses, retention payments, commissions, employee-of-the-week prizes, and all other manners of compensation." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Video: Sherman Discusses Economic Issues - The good, the bad, and the ugly. 17 November 2010. "In the name of austerity and shared sacrifice, we are told that the tax rate on the wealthiest Americans needs to be cut to 35% - roughly a 12% cut in their tax rate. [¦] This in the name of increasing revenue? This in the name of austerity and shared sacrifice? No, this in the name of using the debt crisis as an opportunity to shift wealth and power and income from the middle class to corporate elites and the very wealthy." (www.youtube.com)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 0 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brad Sherman. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Brad Sherman voted Yea 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 Brad Sherman a rating of 0 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Reaction to Super Committee Failure. 22 November 2011. "It's disappointing that the committee couldn't even come up with a modest compromise to begin the process of real spending reduction and tax reform to solve our deficit problem." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Video: Congressman Sherman Discusses How to Deal with National Debt. 28 November 2011. "I think Democrats are more willing to have a three part balanced approach: spending cuts, entitlement changes and revenues." (youtu.be)
  • Brad Sherman. Preparing for a federal shutdown. 4 April 2011. "As a certified public accountant, I appreciate the need to balance the books. An honest debate about spending cuts is necessary, but it will require real compromise to achieve these reductions. I am ready to vote for reasonable compromise on the budget for 2011, just as I have voted for the short-term compromises that have prevented a government shut-down so far." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Congressman Sherman Reacts to President Obama's Economic Plan. 9 September 2011. "The President's economic plan is good but insufficient. We need a bolder spending program over the next 2 years to get us out of this recession, but if and only if it is paired with an even bolder program to reduce the deficit over the next 10 years." (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

  • Brad Sherman. House Passes Bipartisan Fincher/Sherman Amendment to Help Small Businesses Raise Capital. 3 November 2011. "The House of Representatives today passed a bipartisan amendment offered by Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Stephen Fincher (R-TN) to H.R. 2930, the Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act, which creates a "crowdfunding" exemption for startup companies raising capital from small investors [...] the bill, which accomplishes a cornerstone of President Obama's Startup America initiative, allows small startup companies to raise up to $2 million by cutting away the bureaucratic red tape that often prevents small companies with limited resources from seeking small investments [...] 'Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, they employ nearly two-thirds of the American workforce, and the health of new small business creation is critical to our economic recovery efforts,' said Congressman Sherman. 'This is a model that has shown great promise and bipartisan support as a tool to help small businesses raise startup capital and grow.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Statement in Support of the Entertainment Industry. 1 December 2011. "I have also been working to prevent a problem known as runaway production. In our global, competitive marketplace other countries have begun offering their own incentives to the film industry causing productions conceived in the United States to be relocated out of the country (and unfortunately out of Southern California and the Valley). This outsourcing trend which began in the late 1990s costs the United States' economy up to $10 billion per year and has affected thousands of U.S. workers. This phenomenon not only impacts actors, studios and their employees, but also threatens the livelihood of small business people who may operate restaurants, dry cleaners, and hotels that depend on film and television production...One way of combating runaway production is through tax incentives, such as the tax deduction provision in Section 181 of the Tax Code. Section 181 allows investors immediately to write off for tax purposes the first $15 million of costs associated with certain film and television productions instead of having to deduct small portions of the cost throughout a number of years...The Tax Cut Compromise Bill, signed into law this past December, revived this previously expired film tax incentive, which was established in 2004. Section 181 can now be used for films produced in 2011, and can be applied retroactively to films produced in 2010. I have been a supporter of this provision since its inception, and this Congress, I will be introducing legislation to extend Section 181." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Letter to Speaker Boehner, Leader Pelosi, Leader Cantor, and Whip Hoyer. 7 December 2011. "Despite some improvement, the tax equity market is still unable to support the clean energy industry adequately. In July 2011, the U.S. Partnership for Renewable Energy Finance surveyed tax equity investors and found that expiration of the program would shrink the total financing available for renewable energy projects by 52 percent in 2012. Allowing the 1603 Treasury Grant Program to lapse would eliminate tens of thousands of jobs across all clean energy industries. Given the program's importance, as well as its proven record of success, we urge you to include its extension in any year-end legislation considered by the House." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 2488. 106th Congress. Financial Freedom Act of 1999. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 08/05/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 2. 108th Congress. Jobs and Economic Growth bill. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 05/23/2003. (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown 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

  • Brad Sherman. Strengthening Our Schools. 1 June 2005. "The number-one concern of America's parents is the quality of education that their children receive. That is why I've been working with others in Congress on initiatives to strengthen our schools and expand educational opportunities. First, we should keep our promises. When Congress in 2001 passed the No Child Left Behind Act, the bargain was simple and fair. Educators would be held accountable for improving schools and, in exchange, more federal financial support would go to local school districts. Unfortunately, millions of children have been left behind. Nationwide, the program has shortchanged assistance for schools by $39 billion during the four years since the law was passed. Schools in the San Fernando Valley this year alone have received $62.5 million less than the law promised. I will continue to fight to fully fund the No Child Left Behind Act. I also have been a strong supporter of meeting our obligation to help educate students with special needs. Congress last year renewed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA.) It was designed to put the federal government on track toward funding the full 40 percent share of special education which was promised when Congress passed IDEA. It is disappointing that the proposed funding for the program next year is $3.56 billion short of the goal Congress set just six months ago. Not only is this important to students who need special education, but when the federal government fails to fund IDEA, then local school districts must use local funds - thus shortchanging all students. In fact, San Fernando Valley schools were shortchanged by $44 million for IDEA in 2005. For college-bound young people, skyrocketing tuition is making the dream of college degree less affordable for many families. I strongly support the Pell Grant program, the single largest source of grants for college students. As tuitions soared, however, the federal government has frozen the maximum Pell Grant at $4,050. As Congress prepares to renew major education legislation later this year, I will work to increase the maximum Pell Grant to $5,800 per year. Most federal spending on education is distributed nationwide according to formulas. Small amounts are spent on particular projects selected by Congress. I devote significant efforts to persuading my colleagues to fund particularly innovative projects here in the San Fernando Valley. For example, the House recently passed my proposal to help build a new youth center in Northridge. It will provide after-school programs and other services for 800 young people. Last year I secured funds for the North Valley YMCA to offer more after-school programs. I also secured almost $800,000 in the past two years for High Tech High, an innovative program located at Birmingham High School that provides training for students in the Valley studying computer science, robotics, web design and other technical skills. I will continue to support federal funding for education nationwide, and for specific projects here in the Valley." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 2300. 106th Congress. Academic Achievement for All Act. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 10/21/1999. (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brad Sherman. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Issue Position: Environment. 1 January 2012. "Brad Sherman has been a leading advocate to end tax breaks for off-shore drilling." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Spill, Baby, Spill. 18 August 2010. "For many years, I have been a leader in the fight against drilling off the coast of California. I joined with my colleagues to introduce the West Coast Ocean Protection Act (H.R. 5213), which would permanently prohibit offshore drilling in federal waters off the Pacific Coast." (bradsherman.house.gov)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Brad Sherman in the 2004 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Brad Sherman voted Yea on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Brad Sherman in the 2002 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Brad Sherman in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Brad Sherman in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Issue position: Protecting the environment. 28 February 2012. "I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), sometimes called Cap and Trade. This historic legislation was an important effort to help America achieve energy independence and fight global warming. It would have created millions of jobs in the green energy sector, reduced our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and helped curb greenhouse gas emissions." (bradsherman.com)
  • Brad Sherman. Let California Set Greenhouse Gas Standards. 1 May 2008. "On December 19, 2007, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied California's waiver request to allow the state to regulate motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. [¦] If the federal government will not set greenhouse gas standards, the least we could do is get out of the way and let California." (bradsherman.house.gov)
  • Brad Sherman. Sherman Fights for Progressive Issues. 1 December 2011. "Protecting the Environment * Supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act (Sometimes called Cap and Trade) 'I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) which passed the House in 2009. This historic legislation was an important effort to help America achieve energy independence and fight global warming. Unfortunately, the Senate did not act on this important legislation and, given the partisan climate in the House of Representatives, it is unlikely that a new version of this bill will be considered this year.'" (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brad Sherman. HR 2122. 106th Congress. Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 06/18/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Brad Sherman in the 2008 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Brad Sherman a grade of 9." (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 100 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House)." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Issue position: Gun violence. 28 February 2012. "I have worked to encourage stronger enforcement of existing gun laws and to pass new common sense legislation to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. I have consistently earned a 100 percent vote rating from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence." (bradsherman.com)
  • Brad Sherman. News Release: Sherman Fights for Progressive Issues. 1 Decenber 2011. "Congressman Brad Sherman released a series of statements regarding his work in Congress on the following issues: [¦] controlling guns. 'There is no legitimate reason to allow the sale of cop-killer handguns, assault weapons, and sniper rifles. [¦] I am again joining with my colleagues to introduce the Protect Law Enforcement Armor (PLEA) Act, which would ban the Five-seveN pistol and its ammunition.'" (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brad Sherman. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Video: Brad Sherman on seniors and Medicare. "I have fought every effort to privatize social security or to abolish Medicare and replace it with a voucher program." (www.youtube.com)
  • Brad Sherman. Issue position: Social Security and Medicare. 21 February 2012. "Sherman supported the Affordable Care Act (HR 3590) which contains tough new tools to prevent, detect and take strong enforcement action against fraud in Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, as well as private insurance. Congressional Republicans have pledged to repeal these tools." (bradsherman.house.gov)
  • Brad Sherman. Letter to The Honorable Barack H. Obama, President of the United States. 8 July 2011. "We made a commitment to states to support them as a part of the Affordable Care Act in the expansion of healthcare to all Americans. This includes expansion of Medicaid to nearly 17 million new individuals over the next decade. We established incentives for states to find the uninsured made newly eligible for the program by covering their full cost initially and 90% permanently. This proposal would retreat on that promise and undermine the health reform effort that we together worked so hard to achieve." (votesmart.org)
No 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

  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 71 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. DREAM Act and the illegal immigrant college students. No Date."Immigration and Customs Enforcement took Farrales into custody from his home in Reseda on Nov. 17, based on a deportation order from 1998. His family's application for asylum had been denied years ago. He said he didn't know about the order. Almost as soon as he was detained, relatives, friends and university professors from across the country rallied on his behalf with petitions, calls and letter to members of Congress. Those efforts led to a one-year Deferred Action approved by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, at the request of Rep. Brad Sherman, D“San Fernando." (www.dagorret.net)
Yes Inferred Answer Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brad Sherman. Issue position: LGBT rights. 28 February 2012. "I believe that government should allow all consenting adults, regardless of sexual orientation, to enjoy the benefits of legally-recognized marriage. I have consistently opposed Constitutional amendments seeking to ban gay marriage. As a member of Congress, I will continue the fight for marriage equality and am optimistic that one day all adults will be able to marry the person of his or her choosing." (bradsherman.com)
  • Brad Sherman. Letter To The Honorable President Obama, Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schumer, And Chairwoman Lofgren. 9 February 2010. "Currently, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents may sponsor their spouses (and other immediate family members) for immigration purposes. But, same-sex partners committed to spending their lives together are not recognized as "families" under U.S. immigration law and thus do not have this same right. As a result, tens of thousands of binational families are either already living separately, face imminent separation, or have left the U.S. entirely in order to remain together. This is unacceptable, and we believe comprehensive immigration reform legislation must include a strong family reunification component inclusive of LGBT families." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Pelosi, Nadler, 130 House Members File Amicus Brief on Federal Case Against DOMA. 10 July 2012. "But a clearly stated purpose and effect of this law was to disapprove of and disadvantage lesbians and gay men; this distinguishes DOMA from a routine act of Congress. Where, as here, Congress classifies persons, denying an entire class of citizens the rights that are afforded others, the Supreme Court has applied rational basis review to invalidate those laws. None of the reasons provided by Congress in 1996 or created in response to litigation rationally serve a legitimate federal interest." (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 14 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Brad Sherman voted Nay on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 95 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the American Family Association 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Brad Sherman voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Brad Sherman voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Congressman Brad Sherman Reacts to Proposition 8 Decision. 7 February 2012. "We should reject any law that denies certain citizens the legal rights and protections that are available to others, simply because of their sexual preference. Everyone should have the right to marry the person of their choosing." (bradsherman.house.gov)
  • Brad Sherman. Congressman Sherman and Others Urge Tax Equality for Same-Sex Partners. 27 October 2011. "Currently, fifteen states recognize same-sex marriage or domestic partnerships with no equivalent recognition under federal law. The absence of federal recognition for these couples has created ambiguity and complexity in the tax law that can, in part, be mitigated through IRS action." (bradsherman.house.gov)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brad Sherman. Congressman Brad Sherman Statement on the Death of Osama bin Laden. 2 May 2011. "I applaud President Obama's leadership, as well as the superb professionalism of our armed forces and intelligence community, in the successful effort to bring this terrorist leader to justice. The U.S. must continue to pursue al-Qaeda members and affiliates around the world who seek to harm us and our allies." (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

  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Brad Sherman supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. AARP Condemns Republican Medicare Proposal. 6 April 2011. "Dismantling Medicare or turning it into a voucher program, or privatizing Social Security, will hurt seniors and will do little to balance the federal budget." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Video: Newt's alternative to Social Security. 22 November 2011. "Some of those investment will pay off, some won't. The purpose of social security was to prevent seniors from being destitute and this is a plan to invite seniors to make high risk investment, new promises to double, triple, quadruple their money and some will be eating dogs' food. That is not the purpose of social security." (video.cnbc.com)
  • Brad Sherman. Sherman Working to Preserve Social Security & Medicare. 1 December 2011. "There are new proposals in Congress to privatize Social Security. These plans would cut future Social Security benefits and divert these savings to fund new private accounts. Because these plans would divert massive sums from the Social Security Trust Fund, it would leave the program in a deep financial hole, and likely lead to cuts in benefits. Sherman will continue to fight against any plan that privatizes Social Security or turns Medicare into a voucher program." (votesmart.org)
  • Brad Sherman. Issue position: Protecting Social Security and Medicare. 28 February 2012. "We should not replace a guarantee with a gamble. I will fight plans to privatize Social Security or turn Medicare into a voucher program." (bradsherman.com)

Key

Candidate Answer

Official Position: Candidate had the Political Courage to address this issue directly.

Inferred Answer

Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue directly, but Project Vote Smart inferred this issue position based on the candidate's public statements, voting record, and evaluations from special interest groups.

Unknown Answer

Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue.

Project Vote Smart's Research: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position.

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.

About Project Vote Smart

Help Us If You Can

Media & Communications

Education

For Candidates

One Common Ground, Philipsburg, MT 59858 Hotline: 888-Vote-Smart (888-868-3762)
All content © 1992 - 2013 Project Vote Smart unless otherwise attributed - Privacy Policy - Legislative demographic data provided by Aristotle International, Inc. Mobile Version

Back to top