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Spencer Bachus' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.

Spencer Bachus 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.

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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 2012.

  • Spencer Bachus. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 643. 106th Congress. Abortion Private Funding Restoration Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 05/20/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 436. 104th Congress. Overseas Military Abortion Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Did Not Vote on 06/15/1995. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 882. 106th Congress. Prison Abortion Funding Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 06/22/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 187. 105th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 06/19/1997. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 722. 106th Congress. Oversea Military Abortions Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 05/18/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 156. 106th Congress. Overseas Military Abortion Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 06/09/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 670. 103th Congress. Abortion Counseling Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 03/25/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Family Research Council 93 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 1017. 106th Congress. Abortion Funding Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 07/20/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Protect Life Act. 13 October 2011. “We must stand in support of life and innocent babies and we can do that by passing The Protect Life Act.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 185. 103th Congress. Hyde Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 06/30/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be legally available."
  • Spencer Bachus. Issue Position: Abortion. 20 October 2011. “As an active member of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, I am opposed to abortion.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 3660. 106th Congress. Ban on Partial-Birth/Late Term Abortion. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 04/05/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 3682. 106th Congress. Child Custody Protection Act. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 07/15/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 04/27/2005. (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 Spencer Bachus a rating of 19 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Issue Position: Iraq and the War on Terror. 20 October 2011. “Al-Qaeda does not hope to defeat our army, but to outlast our resolve. Although we all want to see our troops removed from the war zone as soon as possible, the primary task must remain to complete the task of making our nation more secure.” (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Peace Action 13 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of Peace Action West 13 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. House Passes Defense Budget. 15 August 2012. “The House approved last night by a vote of 365-58 a spending bill that authorizes $288.8 billion for the nation's defense needs. That amount is an increase of more than $18 billion over last year's defense authorization. The bill also provides $4.2 million requested by U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) to replace two installations at the Birmingham International Airport for the Alabama Air National Guard. The Alabama Air Guard contacted Bachus earlier this year and asked him to make the funding request to Congress.” (bachus.house.gov)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 4200. 108th Congress. Defense Department FY2005 Authorization Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 05/20/2004. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 5010. 108th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2003. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 10/10/2002. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 4939. 110th Congress. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 06/13/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 06/20/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Spencer Bachus voted Did Not Vote on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2561. 106th Congress. Defense Department Appropriations bill, FY2000. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 07/22/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. GOP sets sights on Dodd-Frank and consumer bureau in hunt for deficit cuts. 13 March 2012. "Our deficits and debt are a threat to both our economic security and our national security. Congress has an obligation to make tough choices that cut spending, reduce the deficit and do so in a way that does not imperil our nation’s defenses.” (thehill.com)
  • Spencer Bachus. The Washington Times - Cooking the Books. 19 April 2012. “The spending cuts in sequestration on our defense will devastate our national security.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Votes for Plan to Cut Spending, End Bailouts. 10 May 2012. “Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today voted for a House deficit reduction plan that will significantly reduce federal spending while preserving critical support needed for the safety of U.S. Troops. The plan passed by a vote of 218-199. The proposal, adopted as part of a process called budget reconciliation, would result in a net deficit reduction of $242.8 billion according to the Congressional Budget Office, repeal onerous provisions of Obamacare, and reform entitlement programs […] In addition to putting the federal budget on a more sustainable path, the plan would avert scheduled reductions in national defense funding that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has publicly stated would be "devastating" to the U.S. Military.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. 17 May 2012. “America's small business industrial base has supported our military for generations, and their participation enhances competition, helps control costs, and spurs American innovation. H.R. 4310 recognizes that our defense maintenance needs are best met when we have capabilities both internally in the Department of Defense and in a private sector where work is competitively awarded. Sections 1631 and 1632 will help maintain a strong small business presence in our defense industrial base which is essential to reducing maintenance and procurement costs as well as maintaining a strong national defense. It is my strong belief this important legislation will help ensure that the highest level of support services are provided to the men and women who protect our freedom.” (votesmart.org)
  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 0 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 85 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 1836. 107th Congress. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, 2001. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 05/16/2001. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 100 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayers Protection Pledge. “I will: ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rate for individuals and business; and TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.” (atr.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Statement on President Bush's State of the Union Address. 29 January 2008. “President Bush once more pointed out the key to strengthening the economy is lowering taxes and controlling spending. He is right that any economic stimulus package should not raise taxes and must be immediate, targeted, and short term.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Statement on Budget and Road to Recovery Alternative. 27 March 2009. “However, I believe on balance the way to get economic growth going again is to get the government's own fiscal house in order. And the absolute worst thing we can do is during a recession is raise taxes.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Votes Against Plan To Tax And Limit Credit To Small Business. 22 October 2009. “As I have said repeatedly, we cannot spend, borrow, and tax our way to prosperity, and especially not on the backs of our small businesses. What we need to do is lower taxes, cut spending, and get the debt under control.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus says Spending Cuts, Not More Borrowig, Needed to Spur Economy. 1 June 2011. “We must end the cycle of spending and borrowing that has brought the national debt to a record amount of more than $14 trillion. The government spending is unsustainable and it is holding back job creation and economic recovery.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Spending is the Problem. 21 July 2011. “The overarching concern is that we are spending ourselves into oblivion and that we are on an unsustainable path. If we raise the debt limit and we don't address the out of control spending, we will be back here in a month or two months or three months. The situation will be even worse and the hill will be steeper.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Statement on Senator Reid Debt Increase Bill. 30 July 2011. “What the American people expect is for the federal government to live within its means and balance its budget, just like hard-working families do. As I have said, while the imminent threat to our credit rating is the debt limit, by far the overriding danger is too much government spending.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Bachus Statement on FY 2012 Budget Resolution. 6 April 2011. “The record-breaking levels of spending and debt are unsustainable and damaging to the economy. We are spending money we don't have, we are borrowing 42 cents for every dollar spent, and we're sending the bill to our children and grandchildren.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Bachus Statement on Passage of Budget Control Act. 1 August 2011. “Until now, Washington has always accommodated deficit spending by automatically raising the debt ceiling, which is akin to someone simply raising their credit card limit when they cannot pay their bills as opposed to reducing their spending.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Chairman Spencer Bachus Statement on House Republican Meeting with President Obama. 1 June 2011. “We must end the dangerous cycle of spending and borrowing that has pushed the federal government up against the debt limit and caused Standard and Poor's to downgrade our credit rating outlook to 'negative.'” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 95 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Applauds Plannes Votes On Cut, Cap, And Balance Act. 15 July 2011. “The solution to the debt limit is not even more borrowing. It is to cut spending. Cutting spending and reducing the debt will have immediate economic benefits at a time when unemployment remains unacceptably high, and it is critical to putting us on a path to fiscal sustainability.” (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 Spencer Bachus a rating of 85 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Discusses Jobs, Reducing the Debt in Jefferson County Mayors Talk. 18 August 2011. “Families have to balance their budgets. Businesses have to balance their budgets. 49 states including Alabama have a statutory obligation to balance their budgets. Only the federal government has had the power to continue its unrestrained spending because it has no requirement to balance its budget.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Votes Yes on Cut, Cap, and Balance Act. 19 July 2011. “As long as we ignore our spending problem, the economy will weaken. Confidence will not be restored. Jobs will not be created. We -- and more profoundly our children and grandchildren -- will bear the cost.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2. 108th Congress. Jobs and Economic Growth bill. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 05/23/2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Cut Spending, Reduce Deficit Bachus Says During Hearing with Fed Chairman. 22 July 2010. “Rather than economic incentives, businesses small and large are paralyzed by Democrat policies that create even further uncertainty, preventing them from investing and growing and hiring new employees.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2488. 106th Congress. Financial Freedom Act of 1999. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 08/05/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Chairman Bachus Demands Facts on Job-Threatening Regulations. 8 September 2011. “Instead of adding more burdens, more costs and more rules on small banks and small business, Washington needs to back off the regulatory onslaught and get the government out of micro-managing the economy. Washington needs to cut the red tape so entrepreneurs can create American jobs.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Statement on Economic Stimulus Vote. 13 February 2009. “As a member of the Republican Economic Working Group, led by Whip Cantor, we have offered a better plan to help struggling Americans immediately. Our alternative would create twice as many jobs at half the cost through across-the-board tax relief for working American families and small businesses.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Issue Position: Jobs & Economic Growth. 20 October 2011. “Because high taxes stifle economic growth, burdening families and job-creating businesses, I proudly support tax relief.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment."
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 1804. 104th Congress. Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 03/23/1994. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "2) Do you support the use of block grants given to states, rather than federal spending, in the following areas? b) Education"
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Maintain Status" for: "1) Indicate what changes you support (if any) concerning levels of federal funding for the following categories. Select one number only. c) Education (K-12)"
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Eliminate the Department of Education, thereby giving state and local government greater control over educational issues."
  • Spencer Bachus. Issue Position: Education. “The No Child Left Behind Act represented the most significant federal education reform for the K-12 grades in years. The intent of the law is to give students an opportunity to learn, graduate from high school, and go on to college or pursue a good-paying job. The focus of NCLB is on high standards, quality programs, better teaching, and local control and accountability. Since the passage of the law in 2001, national reading and math scores have risen, and performance results are up among students of all income levels. The law is now due for reauthorization. The U.S. can also be proud of its institutions of higher learning. Alabama is fortunate to have an outstanding system of public and private universities and community colleges. It is vital that we keep these institutions strong, because they contribute greatly to the economy of Alabama and the quality of life enjoyed by our citizens.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Houses Passes Bill that wil mean an Extra $16 million every year for Alabama Schools. 7 September 2012. “Alabama schools will receive an extra $16,184,000 a year under legislation approved by the House of Representatives today. The legislation, which is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL), consolidates 31 existing federal education programs and sends the money directly to states in the form of a single education block grant. The proposal also requires that at least 95 percent of the funds be spent on classroom activities. 'Our children should be the beneficiaries of federal education dollars. This bill ensures they will be because it puts our education dollars in their classrooms, not in the Washington bureaucracy,' Bachus said. 'It will send more money than ever before directly to our local schools. We must get our education dollars out of Washington and instead to our children, teachers and local schools.'” (bachus.house.gov)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Local" for: "Indicate which level of government should have primary responsibility for the following services. Select one level only. 3) Education"
  • Spencer Bachus. ALABAMA DELEGATION LETTER TO U.S. EDUCATION SECRETARY DUNCAN. 31 March 2011. “On Thursday, March 24, members of the Alabama Congressional delegation participated in a special meeting with Governor Robert Bentley and the State Board of Education to discuss the future of the state’s education system and the impact of federal education policies on Alabama’s schools. As you know, Congress and the Administration have begun to discuss how best to reform our education system. We share the common goal of working toward a system that prepares our students to be competitive locally and globally. Our delegation would like to meet with you to discuss our shared vision and how to strengthen education in America.” (bachus.house.gov)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2300. 106th Congress. Academic Achievement for All Act. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 10/21/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Birmingham News – Achieving Energy Independence 4 July 2008. “There are enormous oil and natural gas reserves offshore and in the Alaskan coastal plain […] I am a co-sponsor of legislation to open these areas to responsible exploration.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Statement on Proposals to Increase US Oil and Natural Gas Exploration. 18 June 2008. “At a time when gasoline and energy prices are soaring, we need to develop our enormous offshore reserves of oil and natural gas.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus Congressman Bachus Discusses Energy Solutions During Sixth District Tour. 11 August 2008. “They are also concerned about our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. The good news is that we can solve this problem with a balanced approach that involves more domestic production, conservation, and advanced technology. While expanded drilling offshore and in Alaska are needed over the short term to increase oil and gas supplies, the long-term answer is energy diversity including nuclear, coal, solar, and wind power.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Letter to the Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States. 1 March 2011. “The Gulf of Mexico produces nearly one-third of our domestically produced oil, and offshore natural gas production in the Gulf accounts for 13 percent of total U.S. production. While your Administration's official moratoria on drilling permits were lifted on May 28, 2010 and October 12, 2010 for shallow and deepwater drilling permits respectively, a de facto moratorium ("permitorium") still exists and must be lifted without delay. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued only one deepwater drilling permit and only 32 permits for new shallow water wells since the official moratoria were lifted, which is far below the 10 permits per week that were averaged before the Macondo well spill.” (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of Environment America 33 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of Environment America 33 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 20 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Bachus Votes to Stop New National Energy Taxes. 25 April 2011. “This is no time for the EPA to overreach and make energy more expensive. Consumers are already getting hit hard at the gasoline pump and businesses cannot afford the added cost to their bottom line.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Eliminate government regulations of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "l) Promote the selling of pollution credits to encourage industries to decrease amount of pollution."
  • National Rifle Association. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Rifle Association endorsed Spencer Bachus in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 6 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House)." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 4296. 104th Congress. Regulation of Semi-Automatic Assault Weapons. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 05/05/1994. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 1025. 103th Congress. Brady Handgun Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 11/10/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H Amdt 390. 103th Congress. Instant Background Checks for Gun Purchase Amendment. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 11/10/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 125. 104th Congress. Gun Ban Repeal Act of 1995. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 03/22/1996. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Spencer Bachus a grade of 82." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2122. 106th Congress. Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 06/18/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Issue Position: Second Amendment Rights. 20 October 2011. “I am a strong supporter of our Second Amendment rights […] It is my firm belief that citizens should not be prohibited from protecting themselves, their family, or their property from harm.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Ease procedures on the purchase and registration of firearms."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Maintain all federal registration procedures and restrictions on possessing firearms."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Expand the nationwide ban on the sale or transfer of assault weapons to include all forms of semi-automatic weapons."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Increase restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Implement tighter restrictions on firearm sales in an effort to hinder terrorist groups from stockpiling weapon arsenals."
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 20 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus: Repeal Government Health Care Mandate. 15 June 2010. “It is my intention to fight this radical change to our health care system, and I will continue to advocate a reasoned approached of 'repeal and replace.'” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Bachus Statement on One-Year Anniversary of Obamacare. 24 March 2011. “While we need to fix problems in the system, people should not lose their right to choose their own doctors or be forced into giving up private insurance that they like. As a result, I have voted for the repeal of Obamacare and believe we should work instead on common sense solutions that don't put the federal government in charge of everything.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Protect Life Act. 13 October 2011. “In my view, the health care law--Obamacare, as many of us call it--is so flawed that the best approach is to repeal it altogether, but we will not get that with this President.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act. 19 January 2011. “To get health care right, we have to start by repealing a misguided law that is bad policy and bad medicine.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Bachus Contests Constitutionality of Health Care Law. 19 November 2010. “It is my belief that the incoming Republican House majority should move rapidly to repeal the entire health care law and replace it with commonsense reforms that respect our Constitution.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) The federal government has no responsibility in providing health care."
  • Spencer Bachus. Letter to President Obama. 9 September 2011. “Members of the bipartisan Immigration Reform Caucus along with member of the House vehemently oppose your August 18 2011 announcement to bypass Congress and use prosecutorial discretion to achieve amnesty to individuals who are illegally residing in the US. The manner with which your administration has introduced this policy not only robs the public of a thorough betting, but it also fails to appreciate the negative consequences of this policy shift...Also, this policy has the added affect of further encouraging illegal immigration. Frankly put, if we don't take our own laws seriously enough to enforce, why should we expect anyone to follow them? This policy will introduce a new wave a illegal immigrants emboldened with the knowledge that not only is it okay to break the law, but they will likely be rewarded for it with de facto amnesty statues, thereby exacerbating an already vicious cycle we as a nation try been trying to address for over two decades. This attempt to satisfy the narrow interests for the pro-amnesty lobby has ultimately earned the distrust of the greater American public. Our fear is that this policy will irreparably harm the prospects of true immigration reform for many years to come. Mr President, our request is simple: enforce our immigration laws evenly without passion, prejudice or preference.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Immigration. 15 August 2012. “Among the immigration security measures that I have cosponsored in past Congresses are the Secure Borders FIRST Act, which is designed to stop the ability of illegal aliens to use fraudulent Social Security numbers to obtain government benefits, and the CLEAR Act, which would prevent "sanctuary cities" from operating safe havens for illegal immigrants. During consideration of the health care bill, I opposed proposals to provide taxpayer health benefits to illegal immigrants. In the 111th Congress, I opposed the DREAM Act and proposals to grant amnesty to illegal aliens. In addition, I have signed a legal brief in support of the State of Arizona's right to enact its own laws to combat illegal immigration.” (bachus.house.gov)
  • Americans for Legal Immigration. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Americans for Legal Immigration endorsed Spencer Bachus in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Legal Immigration. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Americans for Legal Immigration endorsed Spencer Bachus in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 13 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Children of illegal immigrants, born in the United States, should not automatically receive US citizenship."
  • Spencer Bachus. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease citizenship requirements in order to make it easier for immigrants to become United States citizens."
  • Spencer Bachus. Letter to the Honorable Barack H. Obama, President of the United States. 22 March 2011. "We are writing to express our great concern and disapproval over your recent announcement to no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Your decision casts doubt on the trust the American people place in our government as a whole, and in the authority of the Constitution specifically." (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the American Family Association 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 14 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Family Research Council 100 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Spencer Bachus voted Nay on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Spencer Bachus voted Yea on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. House Passes National Marriage Protection Act. 23 July 2004. “This bill strips power away from the activist federal courts that try to overturn state laws that define marriage. The Marriage Protection Act will prevent same-sex couples who marry in a liberal state like Massachusetts from using a court decision to demand their marriage licenses be honored in Alabama.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Issue Position: Defending Marriage. 20 October 2011. “It is my belief that marriage is a sacred commitment between a man and a woman, and is the foundation of the traditional family. Therefore, I support an amendment to the Constitution that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Issue Position: Defending Marriage. 20 October 2011. “President Bush recently called for a Constitutional amendment to defend the sanctity of marriage by 'defining and protecting marriage as a union of man and woman as husband and wife.' As your Congressman, I could not agree more with the President on this issue.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Marriage Protection Amendment. 30 September 2004. “What is happening is not a slight change in degree that merely extends benefit or rights to a larger class, but a substantive change in the essence of the institution. It does not expand marriage; it alters its core meaning, for to redefine marriage so that it is not intrinsically related to the relationship between fathers, mothers, and children would sever the institution from its nature and its purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. The Financial Penalty Resulting from Same-Sex Marriages. 20 May 2004. “Mr. Speaker, an enormous unrevealed financial penalty will result from same-sex marriage recognition […] We need to discuss this issue. It is going to cost billions of dollars.” (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 85 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Statement on Tenth Anniversary 9/11 Attacks. 9 September 2011. “Osama bin Laden's target was not just physical buildings, but our American economic system and our core values of democracy and individual liberty. We have held tight to those precious values and rejected the ideology of hate in favor of the ideal of freedom. The fight has not been without challenge, but Osama bin Laden and many of his al-Qaeda conspirators have been captured or killed. The U.S. is now more vigilant against terrorism. We are safer than we were ten years ago, but as this week's advisories again remind us, we must remain on watch.” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. Congressman Bachus Statement on Thursday Legislation in the House of Representatives. 14 February 2008. “Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) issued the following statement regarding the Democrat majority's decision to put a politically-motivated partisan resolution before the urgent need of modernizing a critical intelligence law (the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) that expires on Saturday. The FISA law allows the U.S. to track terrorists planning attacks on Americans in our country and elsewhere in the world. 'The House Democrat leadership's decision to attempt to pursue a cheap political scam rather than deal with the nation's security is nothing less than shameful.'” (votesmart.org)
  • Spencer Bachus. The War on Terror. 15 August 2012. “Al-Qaeda does not hope to defeat our army, but to outlast our resolve. Although we all want to see our troops removed from the war zone as soon as possible, the primary task must remain to complete the task of making our nation more secure. Troop levels should be based entirely on U.S. military need and deployment decisions should be made by commanders at the Pentagon. When it is in our best interest, we - and not the terrorists - need to choose when, where, and how we confront the enemy.” (bachus.house.gov)
  • Spencer Bachus. Bachus discusses Social Security, health care. 19 August 2009. “The solvency of Social Security, which provides pensions for people older than 65, has not played a major role in the current debate about health care in Congress. Bachus said it will not likely be addressed in any health-care bill the House eventually passes, although if a Social Security bailout is needed, it will invariably have an impact on government health-care programs. In the debate over health-care reform, Bachus said that he could support a bill that includes privately administered, nonprofit health-care co-operatives, and the elimination of fraud and waste in existing government programs like Medicaid and Medicare.” (www.tuscaloosanews.com)
  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Spencer Bachus supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 50 percent in 2008." (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.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate all principles you support concerning abortion.

a) Abortions should always be legally available.
b) Abortions should be legal in all circumstances as long as the procedure is completed within the first trimester of pregnancy.
X c) Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape or when the life of the woman is endangered.
d) Abortions should be legal only when the life of the woman is endangered.
X e) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and notification requirements as decided by each state government.
f) Abortions should always be illegal.
g) Other

Indicate your position concerning affirmative action programs.

a) The federal government should consider preferences to minority-owned businesses in granting government contracts.
b) The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public sector.
c) The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the private sector.
d) The federal government should provide affirmative actions programs as long as such programs do not include quotas.
X e) The federal government should not provide any affirmative action programs.
f) Other
Yes Do you support amending the US Constitution to require an annual balanced federal budget?

1) Indicate what changes you support (if any) concerning levels of federal funding for the following categories. Select one number only.2) Do you support the use of block grants given to states, rather than federal spending, in the following areas?

Maintain Status a) AIDS Programs
Slightly Decrease b) Arts funding
Maintain Status c) Education (K-12)
Maintain Status d) Environmental programs
Slightly Decrease e) Housing projects
Maintain Status f) Job training programs
Slightly Increase g) Law enforcement
Slightly Increase h) Medicaid
Slightly Increase i) Medicare
Maintain Status j) NASA
Maintain Status k) Student loan programs
Slightly Decrease l) Welfare (AFDC)
m) Other
n) Other
o) Other
Yes a) Agriculture
Yes b) Education
No c) Farm subsidies
Yes d) Food stamps
Yes e) Law enforcement
Yes f) Medicaid
Undecided g) Medicare
Yes h) School lunches
Yes i) Welfare
j) Other

Indicate which principles you support regarding campaign finance reform.

a) Prohibit Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to candidates for federal office.
b) Establish spending limits on congressional campaigns and provide public funding for complying candidates.
c) Support legislation that would increase the federal limits on individual contributions.
X d) Pass legislation that would encourage full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information.
e) Remove all legislative limits on campaign financing.
X f) Other
Limit amount individuals can put into own campaign

Indicate which principles you support to address crime.

X a) Broaden use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
b) Increase spending to build more federal prisons.
X c) Impose "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole.
X d) Support the use of "boot camps" as alternative sentencing for adult first-time felons.
X e) Limit the number of appeals allowed to inmates on death row.
X f) Fund programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
g) Expand funding for community policing programs.
X h) Increase penalties for the possession of any illegal firearms.
X i) Prosecute youths accused of murder as adults.
X j) Increase funding for local Boys & Girls Clubs and other independent organizations in communities with at-risk youth.
k) Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
X l) Deport all permanent resident aliens convicted of a felony.
X m) Other
Predator criminals such as serial rapists, murderers should be given death penalty.

Indicate what changes you support (if any) regarding funding for the following categories. Select one number only.

Maintain Status 1) CIA appropriations
Maintain Status 2) Defense plant conversion
Maintain Status 3) Military hardware
Maintain Status 4) Military space shuttle missions
Slightly Increase 5) Pay for active duty personnel
Maintain Status 6) Development of new weapons
Maintain Status 7) Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
Maintain Status 8) Armed Forces personnel training
Greatly Decrease 9) Other
overseas bases

3) Indicate which principles you support concerning education.

Yes 1) Do you support amending the United States Constitution to allow voluntary prayer and/or moment of silence in public schools?
No 2) Do you support funding the National Service Program (Ameri-Corps) in which young people receive money from the federal government for college in return for performing community service?
a) Maintain the national standards and goals set forth in "Goals 2000".
X b) Provide parents with vouchers to send their children to any publicly funded school.
X c) Provide parents with vouchers to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
X d) Implement charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
X e) Eliminate the Department of Education, thereby giving state and local government greater control over educational issues.
f) Other

Indicate which principles or programs you support regarding America's environment and natural resources.

a) Transfer public lands, such as federal forests and range lands, to the jurisdiction of state and local governments.
X b) Require the federal government to reimburse citizens when environmental regulations limit use of privately owned lands.
c) Strengthen the Clean Water Act.
d) Change the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to limit the number of habitats eligible to be designated as endangered.
X e) Utilize cost-benefit analysis to determine economic impacts of proposed environmental protection and cleanup legislation.
f) Increase fees charged to ranchers who graze cattle on federal lands.
g) Revise the 1872 mining law to increase the amounts charged to mining companies using federal lands.
h) Encourage development of alternative fuels and electric cars to reduce pollution.
i) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks.
j) Increase federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels to promote conservation and alternative fuel development.
k) Require that a percentage of purchases made by federal agencies include recycled components.
l) Promote the selling of pollution credits to encourage industries to decrease amount of pollution.
m) Other

Indicate which level of government should have primary responsibility for the following services. Select one level only.

Federal 1) Border security
Federal 2) Civil rights enforcement
Local 3) Education
State 4) Environmental cleanup
Local 5) Job training
Local 6) Law enforcement
Local 7) Low-income housing
8) Medicaid
9) Medicare
10) Welfare (AFDC)
11) Other

8) Indicate your position concerning economic aid to Russia and the former Soviet republics.9) Indicate which principles you support regarding US economic aid to foreign countries.10) Indicate which principles you support regarding the United States - United Nations relationship.

No 1) Should the US have diplomatic relations with the government of Cuba?
No 2) Should the US have diplomatic relations with the government of Vietnam?
Yes 3) Should the US recognize and extend full diplomatic relations to Taiwan?
No 4) Should the US continue funding for Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty?
Undecided 5) Should the US continue funding for Radio Marti and TV Marti?
No 6) Should the US continue funding for Radio Free Asia?
No 7) Do you support the deployment of US troops to the former Yugoslavia?
a) Economic aid to Russia and the former republics should be increased to facilitate democracy and market reforms.
X b) Economic aid to Russia and the former republics should be continued unless Russia exports nuclear weapons or related technology.
c) Economic aid to Russia and the former republics should be decreased and/or eliminated.
d) Other
a) Foreign aid should only be given when extraordinary circumstances and disaster threaten the lives of civilian populations.
X b) Foreign aid should be given to countries only when it is in the security interests of the United States.
c) Foreign aid should be eliminated from any nation with documented human rights abuses.
d) Foreign aid should be maintained at current levels.
e) Other
a) The US should contribute more funding and troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
X b) The US should participate in UN peacekeeping missions only when vital US interests are directly threatened.
c) The US should use military force only when the US border or territories are attacked or American citizens are in danger.
d) The US should pay the money it owes to the United Nations.
e) The US should withdraw from the UN completely.
X f) Other
Re-evaluate our entire relationship

Indicate which principles you support concerning gun issues.

a) Expand the nationwide ban on the sale or transfer of assault weapons to include all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
b) Increase restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
X c) Maintain all federal registration procedures and restrictions on possessing firearms.
d) Ease procedures on the purchase and registration of firearms.
X e) Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms.
f) Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered.
g) Other

Indicate which principles you support regarding America's health care system.

a) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income.
b) Provide vouchers to the working poor so they can buy into a private health care plan.
c) Implement a government-financed, single-payer national health care system similar to that of Canada.
d) Support a "managed competition" health care plan to contain costs and improve access that does not include mandated health alliances, government cost control powers, or employer/employee mandates.
X e) Provide tax incentives for small businesses to help provide health care to their employees.
X f) Allow middle and low income families to deduct yearly health care costs from their taxable income.
X g) Establish limits on the amount of damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X h) Encourage tax-free medical savings accounts, which would be taxed if used for any purpose other than medical costs.
i) The federal government has no responsibility in providing health care.
X j) Other
Portability of health insurance

Indicate which principles you support concerning illegal drugs.

X a) Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
X b) Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
X c) Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers.
X d) Require drug testing for federal employees in sensitive positions (Air Traffic Control, National Park Police, Secret Service, etc.).
e) Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances, including inhalants and commercially available pills.
f) Increase funding of federally-sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs.
g) Decriminalize the possession and private use of marijuana.
X h) Other
White House, Congress drug testing

Indicate which principles you support regarding issues relating to immigration.

X a) Further limit the number of immigrants allowed into the country.
b) Prohibit states from passing laws that deny human services (medical care, education) to illegal immigrants or their children.
c) Ease citizenship requirements in order to make it easier for immigrants to become United States citizens.
X d) Establish English as the official and recognized language of the United States.
e) Provide extra federal aid to states with higher numbers of immigrants for necessary medical and social services.
f) Restrict the eligibility of legal immigrants for certain social programs (i.e. AFDC, HUD housing, food stamps, etc.).
X g) Children of illegal immigrants, born in the United States, should not automatically receive US citizenship.
h) Other
Yes Should the President be allowed to veto certain items of legislation while signing spending or tax bills into law?
By enacting tough, common sense anti-crime legislation that protects innocent citizens, reforming welfare and ending cruel cycles of government dependency, by enacting tax cuts that allow families to expand their options, and by returning educational decision-making to parents and teachers we can reverse the trend that has led to the break-up of our families, and the moral decline in this country.

Indicate which principles you support regarding the poor and homeless.

X a) Provide tax incentives for companies to hire and train homeless people who want to work.
b) Increase funding of homeless shelters and low income housing projects.
X c) Increase funding of programs that help alcoholics and drug addicts recover and find steady work.
X d) Increase the minimum wage.
e) Provide homeless families with apartment vouchers they can use to supplement the cost of an apartment.
f) Provide government jobs for those who wish to work and cannot find a job in the private sector.
X g) Increase the income tax deduction on individual contributions made to charities that help the poor and homeless.
X h) Implement enterprise zones in communities with high unemployment.
i) Other

1) Indicate the changes you support (if any) concerning the tax levels for the following categories. Select one number only.Income TaxesOther Tax Issues

Greatly Decrease a) Retiree income over $40,000
Greatly Decrease b) Family income less than $25,000
Greatly Decrease c) Family income $25-75,000
Greatly Decrease d) Family income $75-150,000
Greatly Decrease e) Family income over $150,000
Maintain Status f) Alcohol taxes
Greatly Decrease g) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increase h) Charitable deductions
Maintain Status i) Cigarette taxes
Slightly Decrease j) Corporate income taxes
Maintain Status k) Earned income tax credit
Greatly Decrease l) Estate taxes
Slightly Increase m) Medical expense deductions
Maintain Status n) Mortgage deductions
o) Other
Yes 2) Do you support replacing the US income tax structure with a flat income tax?
Undecided 3) Do you support replacing the US income tax structure with a broad-based consumption tax?

2) If you support term limits, how many years should each serve?

Yes 1) Do you support amending the Constitution to limit the number of terms which members of Congress can serve?
12

Indicate which principles you support concerning terrorism.

X a) Relax current guidelines that forbid the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from investigating terrorist groups when there is a "reasonable indication" of terrorist activities.
b) Relax wiretapping restrictions to give the FBI broader authority to investigate terrorist suspects.
c) Require that chemical tracing agents be added to commercially-sold products that can be used to produce explosives.
d) Implement tighter restrictions on firearm sales in an effort to hinder terrorist groups from stockpiling weapon arsenals.
X e) Grant broader authority to the US Immigration and Naturalization Service to deny entrance visas to terrorist suspects.
f) Maintain limits on the authority of federal agencies investigating suspected terrorists.
g) Restrict the investigative authority of the FBI and other governmental agencies.
X h) Other
Aggressive prosectution and interdiction against terrorist groups and governments harboring terrorists.
Yes 1) Do you support the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
Yes 2) Do you support broadening NAFTA to include other countries?
Undecided 3) Do you support the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?
No 4) Do you support the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
No 5) Do you support lifting the trade embargo imposed against Cuba?
Undecided 6) Do you support imposing tariffs on products imported from nations that maintain restrictive trade barriers on American products?
Yes 7) Should a nation's human rights record affect its "most favored nation" trading status with the United States?

Indicate which principles you support regarding unemployment.

X a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment.
b) Increase funding for national job-training programs.
X c) Increase funding for public works projects such as the repair of roads and bridges.
X d) Eliminate government regulations of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X e) Establish enterprise zones in areas with large numbers of unemployed people.
X f) Overhaul the current unemployment system by focusing on training and education in skills needed in certain industries.
g) Eliminate any governmental programs designed to reduce unemployment.
h) Other

Indicate which principles you support regarding the US welfare system.

X a) Strengthen child support collection procedures and increase penalties for parents who do not pay child support.
X b) Impose a two-year limit on welfare benefits for recipients who are able to work.
c) Require welfare recipients to accept some form of government-sponsored job after two years if unemployed in the private sector.
X d) Require that unwed teenage mothers live with a parent or guardian (if possible) and attend school to receive benefits.
X e) Limit the benefits given to single women if they have additional children while receiving welfare benefits.
f) Provide child care services to welfare recipients who work or attend school.
g) Provide rent or housing supplement vouchers for low-income families.
h) Make no substantial changes at this time.
i) Increase funding of programs that prevent teen pregnancy and family break-up.
X j) Support programs that give incentives for employers to hire and train welfare recipients.
X k) Other
Encourage contributions to private charities and participation and expansion of private charitable benevolence.
2) Should your priorities require additional government funding, please explain how you intend to obtain the additional funding.
My main legislative priorities in Congress are responsible government and the wise use of taxpayer dollars - balancing the budget in my opinion is the most important step towards both of those goals.

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