Card image cap

David Young's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Republican for State House (IA) - District 28

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.

Candidates who qualify will be invited to take the 2024 Political Courage Test.

What is the Political Courage Test?
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.

Iowa Congressional Election 2020 Political Courage Test

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?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
I support the government keeping its commitment and promises to Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. This is a sacred agreement with Americans which must be adhered to. Americans paid into these programs and expect them to exist and function in a was they were designed and promised. Changes to strengthen Social Security and Medicare should be done in a bi-partisan and transparent process.
Unknown Position Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
I support the interpretation by the Supreme Court decision of contributions to candidates or advocacy organizations as protected speech by the First Amendment to the Constitution. There is a disclosure process when it comes to direct contributions to a political candidate's campaign to ensure a transparent process where the public can be informed of who is and what groups are contributing to a candidate - and I support this transparency and disclosure.
Unknown Position Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
As a member of the U.S. Congress, I have voted for increases in defense spending to ensure our service members have the necessary equipment and proper training to face any enemy and engage in any battle or mission successfully. However, we must ensure there is proper oversight of funds for defense programs and activities to ensure we reduce any waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement.
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?
No Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
There can be some specific and targeted federal spending which can help foster ingenuity and products in certain instances - especially when it comes to spending in the area of research and development at the Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, or National Institute of Health. I have voted to lower not only individual tax rates on hard-working Iowans, but also to lower taxes for smaller and larger employers. This has helped spur economic and job growth by expanding current businesses and fostering new businesses.
No Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
Parents, teachers, and administrators know the children in their local schools the best. And the decisions in the classroom are best made by those closest to the students. Local control of our educational system with flexibility and accountability at that local level will foster students who are smarter and more motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities available after their schooling. Should there be any federal funding for K-12 education, it should come without strict mandates and control from Washington. DC. I voted for the bi-partisan repeal of No Child Left Behind Act.
Yes 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?
I have supported some funding for renewable energy research and development. I've supported tax incentives to grow the renewable energy industry and am encouraged with the phase-out of those incentives and that these new energies are holding their own, and even beating expectations on their popularity, demand, and use in the marketplace. I introduced a carbon sequestration bill in the U.S. Congress to help reduce emissions and help our air and environment. Innovation and incentives will help lower emissions with new technologies.
No Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
I support the National Instant Background Check System for those who purchase from a federal firearm licensed seller/dealer at gun shows, stores, or on-line. I don't support punishing law-abiding & responsible citizens by further banning guns. I oppose unconstitutional 'red flag' laws. Due process and constitutionality matters when it comes to any consideration of taking away a citizen's firearm. I've supported Stop School Violence Act grant funding for schools to better protect students & teachers by hiring resource officers or establishing a security/notification system.
Yes Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
Unknown Position Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
During a COVID-19 type crisis, I'd advocate a partnership with the government to help workers get the health care they need & businesses to remain viable. Protecting those with pre-exisiting conditions is my priority in health care policy. I've introduced and had passed legislation to ensure those with pre-existing conditions aren't discriminated against by insurance companies in terms of coverage & pricing. We need to protect people's private health care coverage - whether an individual or employer policy. A strong safety net with Medicaid is important to ensure those who are vulnerable receive the health care they desire & need.
Yes Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
I have voted to secure the border in whatever way is deemed necessary to help secure it - ranging from drones, border patrol on horseback, ground penetrating radar, fences and walling, Coast Guard upgrades, etc. There can be a scenario and way for those here illegally to come out of the shadows and gain a legal status to be in the United States - but this does not mean citizenship and the rights of a U.S. citizen. The correct way to gain U.S. citizenship is to go thru the legal process and route established in law.
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?
The United States should do whatever is in our best interest to protect our citizens whether it is dealing with governments hostile to us in any way or intervening in the Middle East or anywhere else. While diplomacy and coalition buliding is ideally preferred to solve these problems, and although economic sanctions are sometimes reverted to to change behavior, there may be those situations where force is used as a last resort.
Yes Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
I advocated for USMCA passage since 2019. We need more markets for our farmers and manufacturers and service providers - and that means more trade agreements around the world.
1. It's imperative we rebuild our economy and get people back to work. It's also vital we better understand COVID-19 & how we can protect the public's health. We can do both. 2. We cannot depend on other countries for the essential life-saving medicines & medical devices we may need during a crisis. We need to establish production & manufacturing here at home for these products, & others to ensure a strong workforce & economy. 3. Strengthen our health care system. Ensure protections for those with pre-existing conditions & quality is increased & prices lowered through price transparency & competition.

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

arrow_upward