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Albio Sires

Representative Albio Sires's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Albio Sires
Full Name: Albio Sires
Office: U.S. House (NJ) - District 8, Democratic
First Elected: 11/07/2006
Last Elected: 11/06/2012
Next Election: 2014
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Adrienne; 1 Stepchild: Tara
Birth Date: 01/26/1951
Birth Place: Bejucal, Cuba
Home City: West New York, NJ
Religion: Catholic
Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
Albio Sires 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

  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2010." (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 Albio Sires a rating of 100 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Congressman Sires Votes To Protect Women's Access to Health Care Services. 13 October 2011. "Instead of focusing on legislation that will create Jobs, the majority party has turned its agenda to rolling-back the legal rights of American women [¦] Federal law already restricts taxpayer money from being used to fund abortions, but this bill would go even further by restricting women with private insurance from choosing how they can spend their own private dollars on health care insures." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Albio Sires voted Nay on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Albio Sires voted Nay on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Planned Parenthood endorsed Albio Sires in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Albio Sires voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Albio Sires voted Nay on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Albio Sires. Letter to The Honorable Barack H. Obama, President of the United States. 21 June 2011. "We urge a significant and sizable reduction of U.S. military forces in Afghanistan beginning July 2011. With Osama bin Laden killed and Al Qaeda largely driven from Afghanistan, it is time to accelerate the transfer of security responsibilities to the Government of Afghanistan and to reduce the U.S. military footprint there." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of Peace Action West 50 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the Peace Action 50 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Albio Sires voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Issue Position: Global Leadership. 13 December 2011. "In the fight against terrorism, our country's men and women continue to risk their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite several years of commitment, stability remains elusive in Iraq and real advancement in Afghanistan is still in question. I believe progress in the region is achievable, only with capable, accountable partners. As you may know, I advocated for firm timelines and increased accountability in Iraq. In Afghanistan, I believe these elements are also critical. The plan for increased resources and only a vague timeline for Afghanistan will continue to strain our national budget and put an additional 30,000 men and women in harm's way. It is important that the Afghan people view us as a dedicated partner, but offering unconditional, unending military support is not the answer. We must pursue a strategy that supports the creation of a secure and stable Afghanistan, a strategy that looks beyond the current political failings and works towards a strong democratic future. Only with a successful Afghanistan can our enemies truly be defeated and regional security be achieved." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Albio Sires. Letter to the National Commission on Fiscal responsibility and Reform. 13 October 2010. "As the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform continues its work of reviewing and recommending an appropriate set of responses to our nation's mid- and long-term fiscal challenges, we write to urge in the strongest terms that the final Commission report include among its recommendations substantial reductions in projected levels of future spending by the Department of Defense." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Politico: Constant Partners For Changing Times. 17 February 2011. "The small portion of the U.S. budget spent on foreign aid is an investment in reducing future military spending." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Albio Sires voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Albio Sires voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Albio Sires voted Nay on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Albio Sires voted Nay on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Albio Sires voted Yea on 01/16/2008. (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

  • Albio Sires. Sires' Statement of Support for Middle Tax Relief Package. 14 December 2010. "In addition to the tax relief that it will provide to the 96 percent of New Jerseyans making under $250,000, this proposal also represents the best opportunity in the foreseeable future for assisting the millions of laid off workers through a 13 month extension of unemployment benefits; given that the holiday season is upon us, this relief could not come at a better time. The two percent payroll tax cut will also be a vital component of our economic recovery over the next year by placing money back in the pockets of workers to infuse money into the economy." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Issues: Tax Reform. 10 July 2012. "A comprehensive tax reform plan should ensure that everyone pays their fair share. For too many years, the tax code has benefited the wealthy at the expense of the majority of Americans. In many cases, families that are struggling to make ends meet are actually paying a higher tax rate than millionaires and billionaires. For example, under the proposed "Buffet Rule", people making over a million dollars would be asked to contribute more into the tax system to level the playing field, while those making less would not see an increase in their taxes. In addition, it is imperative that we also close tax loopholes for corporations that ship jobs overseas. Furthermore, we must simplify the tax code because far too often it can be a daunting system that is difficult for individuals to understand and comply with." (sires.house.gov)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 5 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 4 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Albio Sires. Economic Uncertainty Leaves American Families Struggling to Make ends Meet. 11 March 2008. "Madam Speaker, congressional Democrats are working hard to strengthen the American economy and create jobs. We worked in a bipartisan fashion on the economic stimulus package that will not only help hardworking Americans pay their bills but will also jump-start our economy and create 50,000 new jobs in America." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Democrats Work to Stimulate Economy. 7 February 2008. "This is a good start, but as economic indicators continue to head in the wrong direction, we worked with the White House and House Republicans on an economic stimulus package that will provide a real and significant short-term boost to this economy. The House bipartisan economic stimulus plan is the most progressive package this decade. It will help jump-start our economy, and will provide real assistance to lower and middle-income families." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Congress Works Fast to Address Economic Downturn, but More Work Needs to be Done. 13 February 2008. "The new law will put hundreds of dollars into the hands of more than 130 million American families, including seniors and disabled veterans, who will then spend it to reinvigorate our economy. The law also expands financing opportunities for Americans who are in danger of losing their homes because of the mortgage crisis and promotes small business investment in plants and equipment. Mr. Speaker, Democrats are proud that we have been able to work so quickly to produce an economic stimulus plan that is timely, targeted and temporary. We are also proud of the fact that this package provides immediate relief to low- and middle-income families and small businesses that need the help the most. We will continue to rebuild and strengthen our economy, create good jobs, and give relief to families that are struggling to make ends meet." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Rep. Sires Participates in House Hearing on Investment in Transportation and Infrastructure. 29 October 2008. "Infrastructure investments are critical to improving our economy [...]. With additional investments in our infrastructure, we can slow the increasing unemployment rates in New Jersey and repair our deteriorating infrastructure." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Editorial on the Economy. 10 November 2008. "Current unemployment rates indicate that people across the economic spectrum are suffering. First, unemployment benefits must be extended, especially in states with high unemployment rates. In August 2008, nearly 264,000 New Jerseyans - 76,000 more than this time last year - were out of work. Unemployment benefits can help stimulate the economy, as every $1 spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.64 in economic demand." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Albio Sires voted Yea on 10/03/2008. (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 Albio Sires a rating of 0 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Democrats Recognize that Economy is in Trouble, Vow to Work with Bush to Stimulate Economy. 16 January 2008. "Democrats want to work with the President and the Republican Congress in the coming weeks to jump-start the economy and provide sound relief to American families. I would hope that we can all agree that the economy needs a jolt. Democrats believe a fiscal stimulus plan should adhere to three simple principles to be effective: It must be timely, targeted, and temporary." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Albio Sires voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. We Must Invest in Projects to Benefit Our Economy. 27 January 2009. "Mr. Speaker, if we want the recovery package to be successful, we must invest in projects to benefit our economy in the short term and in the long term. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act does just that. Investing in our infrastructure creates 40,000 new jobs in New Jersey and has long-term benefits that will modernize our crumbling infrastructure. The recovery plan also provides additional long-term investment in energy, health care and education. Specifically, this bill provides New Jersey with $3.4 billion over 2 years to modernize our schools, enhance our educational technology and increase aid to students." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Job Creation. 29 July 2009. "Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight where some of the stimulus jobs are located. While some States have refused the stimulus money that is available, I want to acknowledge some of the areas that are using the stimulus funds to create jobs today. In my State of New Jersey, the funding has gone towards good-paying jobs for New Jerseyan workers. Six thousand summer jobs were created for New Jersey youth using funds allotted under the Workforce Investment Act Youth Recovery Act. Over 60 jobs have been created in transportation, and at least 20 people are currently working on housing improvements for the Woodbridge Public Housing Authority. At least 62 people are working for the Newark Housing Authority, including union workers, to renovate vacant apartments and to prepare for future construction. These are just a few of the projects, but it's not just New Jersey that is seeing jobs increase as a result of the stimulus funding. Yesterday, The New York Times highlighted Perry County, Tennessee, where hundreds of laid-off workers are now, once again, back to work. Since deciding to use the stimulus money to employ 300 jobs, ranging from the State Transportation Department to small businesses, the unemployment has dropped from 27 to 22 percent in that county. That's where the jobs went." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Issue Position: Creating Jobs and Reducing Unemployment. 1 January 2011. "On December 8, 2009, the President outlined a frame of action to produce the greatest number of jobs while generating the greatest value for our economy. His top priorities include: helping small businesses grow and hire new staff; additional investments in our roads, bridges, and infrastructure to create jobs; and increased investments in clean energy to spawn more green-jobs. Rest assured that in the coming weeks it will be my top priority to ensure that Congress uses the President's frame work to produce the most viable, comprehensive jobs recovery package to bring immediate relief to the unemployed in New Jersey." (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

  • Albio Sires. Congressman Sires' Statement on President's Jobs Speech. 9 September 2011. "Tonight, I am encouraged by the plan President Obama presented before Congress to get Americans back to work. With the current rate of unemployment at 9.1 percent, now is the time to focus on creating jobs for the millions struggling across the nation. 'The Americans Jobs Act' set forth by the President will strengthen our economy and bolster job growth through investments in infrastructure, incentives for small businesses to hire, aid to state and local governments to support teachers and prevent lay-offs, and tax breaks for the middle class. Congress must now follow the President's lead and work together to implement such a proposal to provide our economy with the boost it needs." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Sires Votes to Assist Small Business and Create Jobs. 23 September 2010. "'Small businesses are the engine of our economy and the key to its recovery,' said Congressman Sires. 'This bill will help the millions of small businesses across America, including the 779,140 in New Jersey alone, to expand and hire through increased access to lending and offer $12 billion in tax cuts.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Sires Votes to Expand Lending to Small Businesses. 17 June 2010. "'I repeatedly hear from my constituents that run small businesses that they are anxious for access to more capital,' said Congressman Sires. 'The small business bills that the House passed this week will expand access to loans and give small business owners an opportunity to grow their businesses, expand our job market, and put our economy on a strong track to recovery.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Sires Votes To Create Thousands Of Jobs This Year. 4 March 2010. "Today, Congressman Sires joined his colleagues to provide relief to unemployed Americans. The bipartisan Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act is part of a larger Congressional agenda to create jobs and was passed by a vote of 217 to 201. 'Making sure that my constituents can go back to work as quickly as possible is my number one priority [¦]. This $15 billion legislation will create hundreds of thousands of new small businesses and construction jobs, stimulate private hiring, and help us rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Editorial on the Economy. 10 November 2008. "Last year, Congress reauthorized a number of tax incentives to promote clean energy including credits for wind, solar and other renewable energy production, however that was just the first step. The next Congress needs to continue the fight for a comprehensive energy policy that supplies dependable and affordable energy, creates good paying green jobs, and promotes innovation." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Benefits of American Jobs Act. 5 October 2011. "[The American Jobs Act] will also provide tax cuts that put money in the pockets of American workers and employers so they can grow and add jobs, as well as offer job training incentives to hire returning veterans and help the unemployed with pathways back to work." (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

  • Albio Sires. E-Newsletter to Constituents. 7 September 2007. "This fall, the House will begin considering the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind law. The legislation that the House is expected to vote on will include six major features to ensure out students are better prepared for the global economy. Of these six features, one of the most important to New Jersey is the use of multiple tests to measure a student's academic progress. Currently, schools and students are judged by a single test given on a single day. Schools failing to make adequate progress are penalized and students are labeled for a full year based on this one test, even if they have made significant improvements. The House bill will likely change the current law that will allow for different assessments of students which will provide better information about how our schools are performing." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Text of Albio Sires Victory Speech. 4 November 2006. "We must reform the No Child Left Behind law so that schools get more support and no children - regardless of income or race - really are left behind." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Issues: Education. "I am a strong supporter of H.R. 2948, Fix America's Schools Today (FAST) Act of 2011, which would help put Americans back to work and also renovate schools [¦] The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is the main source of federal aid to K-12 education. Initially enacted in 1965, this law was amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) to achieve accountability of school systems for improving student achievement outcomes. However, measures such as requiring schools to make complex annual adequate yearly progress have become burdensome and punitive. Therefore, in September 2011, President Obama and Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, announced a voluntary waiver plan for states to close achievement gaps and improve education outcomes for students. In exchange for a waiver, states had to agree to adopt common-sense reforms that include college and career ready standards, new accountability, school improvement systems and meaningful teacher and school leader evaluations. The states who applied during the first round included New Jersey. As Congress looks for ways to reform the ESEA, I will continue to work to ensure the needs of our nation's children are put first." (sires.house.gov)
No Inferred Answer Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Albio Sires. Letter to The Honorable Ken Salazar, Secretary, Department of Interior. 15 April 2010. "We write today to express our steadfast opposition to the recent announcement that the Obama Administration and the Department of the Interior will expand oil and gas development and exploration on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from Delaware to Florida. The potential environmental catastrophe that could occur from a spill would have ramifications spanning the entire east coast, regardless of the location of the drilling." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Renewable Energy for a Clean Energy Economy. 30 June 2010. "Mr. Speaker, the disaster in the gulf has made it increasingly evident that we must reevaluate our Nation's energy policy to prioritize renewable energy sources and focus on a clean energy economy. It is unfortunate that it has taken a man-made tragedy of this scale to open our eyes to both the economic and environmental dangers of offshore drilling and our reliance on fossil fuels. In addition to ensuring that BP is held accountable for the damages done to the gulf coast community, we must take this time to refocus on clean energy policies to ensure that a catastrophe of this nature never occurs again." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Albio Sires voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Albio Sires voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Albio Sires voted Nay on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Sires Votes to Hold Oil Companies Accountable, Protect the Environment, and Improve Safety. 30 July 2010. "Now is the time to stand up to the oil companies and ensure that they are held accountable for disasters like that in the Gulf. This bill would help the Gulf Coast recover, while taking steps to ensure that a tragedy of this scale never happens again [...]. In addition to aiding the Gulf, we are also potentially protecting the pristine beaches of New Jersey from ever having to deal with a disaster of this scale." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Letter to Director Randall B. Luthi, Minerals Management Service. 18 November 2008. "We are writing to request that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) reconsider its decision to begin a 45-day public comment period that could lead to oil and gas leasing off the coast of Virginia. We recognize that the Bush administration has long supported energy exploration in this area, but we do not believe that this administration should begin a process that it simply cannot complete before President-elect Obama takes the oath of office in less than 70 days. Therefore, we would hope you would consider discontinuing all activities relating to the Mid-Atlantic Planning Area portion of the Five-Year Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program so that the new administration can determine how it wants to deal with this issue as part of a comprehensive energy plan moving forward." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce John D. Dingell. 15 June 2007. "We commend your leadership in the Energy and Commerce Committee on addressing the challenge of global warming and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. However, we are concerned with provisions in the Discussion Draft on Alternative Fuels, Infrastructure, and Vehicles which would strip our states of their authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles." (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 90 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Albio Sires voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Albio Sires voted Yea on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Albio Sires in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Albio Sires in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Congressman Sires Celebrates the 38th Earth Day. 22 April 2008. "My colleagues and I are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy for the future." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Dear Friend. 2 September 2008. "To further help curb the effects of global warming, I have supported several environmental bills. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1590, the Safe Climate Act of 2007. Introduced by Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), H.R. 1590 would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to establish targets for a 2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions each year from 2010 to 2050, as well as regulations requiring the reductions to meet such targets. I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 6316, the Climate Market, Auction, Trust & Trade Emissions Reduction System Act of 2008, which creates a market-based, cap-and-trade system to put strong yet achievable limits on greenhouse gas pollution. Funds from the auction are directed primarily to consumers and workers, green technologies, and the transition to a clean energy economy. Additionally, I recently voted for H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through incentives for alternative energy production and for conservation." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Congressman Albio Sires Speaks Out To End Our Nation's Dependency On Oil. 2 March 2007. "New Jersey, my home State, recognizes the importance of working together. The State is a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Additionally, the State utilized research in crafting its Energy Master Plan which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. New Jersey has shown to be a leader in this area. We need to follow their lead and work together by passing the PROGRESS Act to reduce our dependence on oil." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Albio Sires in the 2008 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Albio Sires in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Albio Sires voted Yea on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Albio Sires a grade of 9." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Albio Sires. Sires Opposes Efforts to Repeal Health Care Reform. 19 January 2011. "Repealing the Affordable Care Act would have devastating impacts on the 13th District [...]. 326,000 residents in the District with private insurance coverage would suddenly find themselves yet again vulnerable to insurers' devious practices, such as lifetime limits and rescission. Insurers could also once more deny coverage for up to 294,000 individuals in the District, including up to 35,000 children, with a pre-existing condition." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Sires Announces Over One Million Medicare Beneficiaries Have Received "Donut Hole" Checks. 2 September 2010. "This is the first example of how the health care reform bill will strengthen Medicare and help seniors [...]. This check will assist in saving our seniors thousands of dollars a year in drug costs and beginning in January 2011, seniors in the donut hole will receive a 50% discount on brand name drugs." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Letter to the Honorable Justice Clarence Thomas, U.S. Supreme Court. 10 February 2011. "Dear Justice Thomas: As an Associate Justice, you are entrusted with the responsibility to exercise the highest degree of discretion and impartiality when deciding a case. As Members of Congress, we were surprised by recent revelations of your financial ties to leading organizations dedicated to lobbying against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. We write today to respectfully ask that you maintain the integrity of this court and recuse yourself from any deliberations on the constitutionality of this act." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Letter to Speaker Boehner. 1 November 2011. "While not all policy riders are objectionable, many of those included this year are not only controversial but blatantly partisan. Included riders would block the implementation of the Affordable Care Act [...]." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Albio Sires voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2010." (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

  • The Associated Press. Nj.com: Hundreds come to Elizabeth church for immigration rally. 25 April 2009. "The families we heard from today represent the people who are impacted each day by our broken immigration system. I am honored to stand with the residents of New Jersey and unite our voices to call for swift and compassionate and comprehensive reform." (www.nj.com)
  • Albio Sires. Congressman Sires Calls the Senate Immigration Bills Inadequate and Unacceptable. 7 March 2008. "While it is obvious that the current immigration system in the United States is broken and in need of reform, comprehensive immigration reform is essential to addressing the numerous problems facing our country, including requiring that those who are not here legally become legal." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Congressman Albio Sires Statement On Immigration Application Fees Increase. 31 January 2007. "'The increase in the cost of applying for citizenship or a green card proposed by the USCIS puts living legally in the United States out of reach for thousands,' said Congressman Sires [...]. 'A comprehensive immigration reform will pave the way for undocumented immigrants to achieve the American Dream. I strongly believe they should follow the rules, but I also believe they should not have to decide between putting food on the table and paying for an application for residency or citizenship.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Albio Sires voted Yea on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Sires Supports Passage of DREAM Act. 8 December 2010. "The contributions of these young people would benefit our country and our economy. This bill [the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, H.R. 1842] would allow young people throughout the country to pursue the kind of futures that they deserve. It would also allow our country to take advantage of the talents that these bright young people have to offer." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010. 8 December 2010. "Currently, there are young people in this country who know no other home, yet they do not have access to the opportunities that make this country strong. They are unable to resolve their immigration status and therefore can offer little to the country that they love. The DREAM Act would make it possible for those brought to this country as young children who have grown up in the United States to contribute to the United States and achieve their full potential." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Letter to President Obama. 23 November 2011. "As Secure Communities continues to expand, we write because we have been deeply troubled by the implementation of the program since its inception. We were further concerned when the Department of Homeland Security undermined the ability of states to opt out of the program by unilaterally terminating all Memoranda of Agreement with State Identification Bureaus across the country. Now, the recently released report of the task force established by DHS to review Secure Communities has led us to conclude that the program must immediately be terminated [¦] We urge you to immediately stop Secure Communities. We cannot make our communities safer by tearing them apart." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Albio Sires. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Albio Sires voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 97 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Albio Sires voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the American Family Association 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Letter to President Barack Obama. 25 January 2010. "We write to raise serious concerns about a grave injustice occurring in Uganda and other countries that are taking steps to criminalize or otherwise severely discriminate against their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. We consider this to be an international human rights issue, requiring a strong response by you and the United States." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Letter to Democratic Colleagues in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly. 9 January 2012. "We, the entire Democratic membership of the New Jersey Congressional delegation, urge you to support the marriage equality bill being introduced by the Democratic leadership in the state Senate and Assembly, along with many sponsors. New Jersey has a proud history of civil rights leadership, and we must continue our role in pursuing fairness and equality. [¦] It is important to note that New Jersey enacted the strongest possible civil union law in 2006. Therefore, it is not feasible to "fix" the law short of providing marriage equality. The time has come to end discrimination in marriage. The marriage equality bill in the New Jersey legislature needs your support." (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

  • Albio Sires. Congressman Sires Votes to Keep New Jersey Safe From Terrorism. 9 January 2007. "We must do what it takes to ensure that terrorism doesn't once again reach our soil. New Jersey's terror threat requires greater efforts to keep our residents safe. I am confident we are on the road to restoring peace of mind to our community and to the individuals who live closest to potential danger." (sires.house.gov)
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

  • Albio Sires. Letter To The Honorable Barack Obama, President, The United States of America. 15 October 2010. "We write today to express our strong support for Social Security and our view that it should be strengthened. We oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including raising the retirement age. We also oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part." (votesmart.org)
  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Albio Sires supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires. Letter to the Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States. 15 July 2011. "As older Americans rely on Social Security, they also rely on Medicare and Medicaid for their health and long-term care needs. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, we took measures to lower health care costs without cutting benefits or increasing cost-sharing requirement. While we can make more improvements, we must not abandon that commitment. Proposals to raise out-of-pocket costs, cut benefits, or reduce federal Medicaid spending would have a negative impact on current enrollees, their families, and our economy as a whole." (votesmart.org)
  • Albio Sires signed Progressive Change Campaign Committe: Social Security Protectors Pledge. 24 July 2012. "Social Security belongs to the people who have worked hard all their lives and contributed to it. Social Security is a promise that must not be broken. We need to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. That is why I oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including increasing the retirement age. I also oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part." (socialsecurityprotectors.com)

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