Representative Samuel 'Sam' Farr's Political Positions

Biographical

Full Name: Samuel 'Sam' Farr
Current Office: U.S. House - District 20, Democratic
First Elected: 1993
Last Elected: 11/06/2012
Next Election: 2014
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Shary; 1 Child: Jessica
Birth Date: 07/04/1941
Birth Place: San Francisco, CA
Home City: Carmel, CA
Religion: Episcopalian
Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
Sam Farr 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?

This candidate has demonstrated 0% courage during the test.

*Note: This percentage is calculated based on the number of issue areas addressed by the candidate on the Political Courage Test at the conclusion of the testing period. It does not indicate support or lack of support by Project Vote Smart.

Issue Positions

In response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Presidential and Congressional candidates' public records to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These are provided below as a courtesy to voters.

No Inferred Answer Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of Peace Action West 88 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Afghanistan War Powers Resolution. 29 March 2011. "Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of swift U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. This decade-long war is costing our country tens of hundreds of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars. [¦] And this viewpoint is shared across the nation. According to a recent Washington Post poll, nearly two-thirds of the American people support an immediate withdrawal from Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, our job in this chamber is to represent our constituents, and they have spoken loud and clear. The American people are fed up with a war that has done little to improve our national security or bolster our international standing. Furthermore, after nearly ten years of fighting, it is crystal clear that the problem in Afghanistan cannot be solved by military means alone. Stabilization and reconstruction, governance, and peace-building activities can help to stabilize states, promote rule of law, and bring enduring peace at a sliver of the cost we pay for troops on the ground." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Afghanistan War Powers Resolution. 10 March 2010. "There is perhaps no more important matter on the table right now than Afghanistan, not least because every dollar we spend abroad for war is a dollar of investment lost to all of our communities here at home. We have spent more than $250 billion fighting and occupying Afghanistan. President Obama is now implementing his plan to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, which will cost another $33 billion. This is an enormous amount of money, and the security gains are dubious when there are more al Qaeda in other parts of the globe. So long as the United States has a major military presence in Afghanistan, long-term stability will continue to be a goal just out of our reach. More troops are not the answer. We need to turn the corner. We must rebuild. We must build a governing capacity among the Afghans, not military fighting capacity. As long as Afghanistan is able to depend exclusively on the United States for stability, the longer they will continue to do so. The quicker we prepare for transfer authority to the Afghans, the sooner we will be able to leave the country." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "e) Should the United States increase military support to Afghanistan?"
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Peace Action 88 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Sam Farr voted Yea on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Op-Ed - Afghanistan, HealthCare.gov. 13 July 2010. "The war in Afghanistan is the longest war in U.S. history, and last month was the deadliest month of the war yet. Are we getting any closer to getting out of there? I have consistently opposed the war in Afghanistan, and my opposition remains unwavering. I never bought the proposal that occupying Afghanistan would improve our national security, and it's clearly not in our nation's interest to remain there. [¦] I will continue to pressure our leaders to put more money into economic development and to come up with a credible plan to leave Afghanistan. It's the only way that peace has a chance." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Letter to The Honorable Barack H. Obama, President of the United States. 21 June 2011. "Dear Mr. President, 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. [¦] Ultimately, this war will end not on the battlefield but through political negotiations. As we scale down our military operations in Afghanistan we need to continue our diplomatic efforts, pushing for a negotiated settlement that includes the Government of Afghanistan and other parties interested in establishing peace and stability. The American public is weary of a war with no end in sight, and we call upon you to bring the longest war in our nation's history to a close. Beginning in July of this year, we urge a swift, significant and sizable drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Issue Position: Foreign Affairs - Iraq and Afghanistan. 6 February 2012. "I have consistently opposed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and my opposition remains unwavering. While I applaud President Obama for making clear his intention to withdraw troops from both countries, I continue to believe that our presence only aggravates the situation and delays the inevitable time when locals must take control of their own futures. From the start I was skeptical about what our military could accomplish in either country. I believe that the past nine years have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that invading and occupying Afghanistan and Iraq has been a monumental foreign policy blunder that has resulted in thousands of lives lost, billions of dollars squandered and no improvement to our national security." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. In Opposition to the Afghanistan War. 6 July 2011. "Mr. Speaker, I have never supported the Afghanistan War. It has cost us 1,650 American lives. And the cost of those lost lives can't be measured. But this war has also cost us $444 billion. And that can be measured. Where we spend our money reflects our national values. And we spend $228,000 a minute on this war. [¦] But what about peace? What if we spent $228,000 a minute on peace? If we did that for just one day, we could send 6,566 Peace Corps Volunteers to serve America in the name of peace. Or we could feed 6.6 million school children for a year. Those are things worth valuing. Those are things worth fighting for. So, I urge my colleagues to vote to bring our brave women and men back home. To bring our money back in line with our values. To bring peace back now." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Sam Farr. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Sam Farr voted Yea on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill. Sam Farr voted Yea on 06/20/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 2561. 106th Congress. Defense Department Appropriations bill, FY2000. Sam Farr voted Yea on 07/22/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 5010. 108th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2003. Sam Farr voted Yea on 10/10/2002. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sam Farr voted Did Not Vote on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Sam Farr voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Sam Farr voted Yea on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 4200. 108th Congress. Defense Department FY2005 Authorization Bill. Sam Farr voted Yea on 05/20/2004. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 4939. 110th Congress. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006. Sam Farr voted Nay on 06/13/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Sam Farr voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007. Sam Farr voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Lowest Priority" for: "Indicate your priorities for spending any anticipated federal budget surplus. a) Defense"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Decrease" for: "1. Please indicate the changes you will support (if any) concerning the level of funding for each of the listed issue areas. National Defense"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Decrease" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category. c) Defense" Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "oceans/marine protection"
  • Sam Farr. Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011. 14 April 2011. "Lastly, I would just like to point out that what really bothers me is we are putting $5 billion more in the Defense Department, at the same time cutting $25 million from the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is only $400 million. It is a small weapons system for the military, the entire thing. We have 7,000 Peace Corps volunteers in 77 countries. Ten more countries want us; 14,000 Americans want to be in the Peace Corps, and we're cutting it? You can't win the war without winning the hearts and minds. The war corps with $5 billion isn't going to do as much as the Peace Corps with another $25 million." (www.votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Letter to the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. 13 October 2010. "In a letter sent Wednesday to members of the Commission, they call on the Commission to look closely at excessive defense spending in an effort to reduce the Federal deficit and national debt. Specifically, the group of 57 members of Congress urges 'in the strongest terms that any final Commission report include among its recommendations substantial reductions in projected levels of future spending by the Department of Defense.' [¦] The letter also states that the group of representatives and senators strongly believes that significant cuts to defense spending are necessary and can be made in a way that will not endanger national security." (www.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

  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "1) Indicate the changes you support (if any) concerning the tax levels for the following categories. Select one number only. e) Family income over $150,000"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "2. Please indicate the changes you will support (if any) concerning the tax levels for each of the listed categories. Income Taxes on Families Earning $140,000 or More"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "1) Indicate the levels you support concerning taxes in the following categories. Select one number (level) only. e) Family income over $150,000"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "1) Indicate the levels you support concerning taxes in the following categories. Select one number (level) only. k) Corporate income taxes"
  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 83 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "Using the key above, indicate what federal tax levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category. d) Over $150,000"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "3) Do you support eliminating the Internal Revenue Service?"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "Using the key below, indicate what levels you support concerning taxes, deductions, and tax credits in the following categories. Select one number per tax. d) Over $150,000"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "6) Do you support requiring a super-majority vote in both houses of Congress to raise taxes?"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "Indicate what levels you support concerning taxes, deductions, and tax credits in the following categories. d) Over $150,000"
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 7 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 5 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 1836. 107th Congress. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, 2001. Sam Farr voted Nay on 05/16/2001. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Congress Passes AMT Patch. 19 December 2007. "The AMT patch was absolutely necessary. We can't punish millions of middle-class families with an archaic rule that was meant to prevent the wealthiest Americans from sheltering their income from taxes...Ironically, the budget offset the Republicans refused to accept would have forced a handful of multi-millionaires sheltering money in offshore accounts to stop doing so. I'm happy that this patch was enacted, but hope that in the future my Republican colleagues won't hold these bills hostage in return for favors for the rich." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Issue Position: Doctor Payments - Sustained Growth Rates. 1 January 2012. "In the meantime, the Democrats (who are now in the minority) proposed a deal to waive the SGR for two years (until January 1, 2014) and provide doctors with a 1% update in 2012 and again 2013. This would be paid for (so it didn't increase the deficit) with a small tax increase on persons who earn $1 million or more....As much as I would like to give doctors certainty on their fee schedule, I felt it was important to vote for the 2 month bill and send it to the president, thus ensuring the SGR cut of 27.3% would be forestalled at least until February 29, 2012....Unfortunately, the Republicans had other ideas." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "1) Indicate the changes you support (if any) concerning the tax levels for the following categories. Select one number only. j) Corporate income taxes" Other Tax Issues Other or expanded principles: "Marriage Penalty "
Yes Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Sam Farr. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Sam Farr voted Yea on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. The Stimulus Bill And Protecting The Ocean. 9 February 2009. "The House has passed the sweeping stimulus bill with your support. In your mind, were there any missed opportunities or flaws in the bill when it left the House for Senate deliberation? Do you foresee a need for further specific economic stimulus in another bill later this session? As I write this column, the Senate is still debating the economic recovery legislation. After the senators pass their bill, I expect you'll see what's called a "conference committee" that will merge the House and Senate versions. Both chambers then vote on the final bill, which will be sent to the president's desk for signature. I lay out that process because by the time you pick up this paper, we may already have a final bill-and it may look a lot different than it does today. I knew when I voted on the House bill it wasn't in final form. The Senate has different ideas and we knew there would be negotiations. That's how effective bills are created. What I can say is that the government is stepping up to the plate during a time of crisis. No one said crafting an economic recovery policy would be easy. There are a whole lot of moving parts, a host of players and a variety of goals, many of which overlap. Unfortunately our crystal ball is no better than any other. Look at the heart of our current financial crisis and you'll see three things: consumers afraid to open their wallets, banks nervous about lending money and businesses scared to invest. As the private sector loses steam, the government must step in to fill the gap or the cycle will worsen. First and foremost, the economic growth plan will put America back to work. Millions of jobs have been lost and the news isn't getting any better. Unemployment in California is nearing 10 percent; unless we reverse this collapse, jobs will continue to disappear. The House and Senate agree that this bill must create and save as many jobs as possible. A second goal of the growth plan, closely linked to job creation, is infrastructure improvement. Many critics of early plans want to see even more funds for infrastructure projects, and I think that's a good thing. Building and renovating schools, repairing roads and bridges, shoring up levees, modernizing and greening our electric grid are just a few initiatives that not only create jobs but also leave behind tangible improvements for future economic growth. Another function of the stimulus is to bolster the safety net for millions of Americans who have already lost their jobs. Some provisions have come under fire, but I feel these funds are not only necessary to help struggling families, they also serve to stimulate the economy. With millions struggling to buy food, food stamps will not only feed families but also inject dollars into the economy. The same goes for health insurance. Funds to expand Medicare pump more money into the economy while at the same time keeping families insured. Congress must shake things loose. Economists agree this will only happen through a broad economic stimulus package. These funds aren't for banks or car companies, they're being invested to put Americans to work, to improve our infrastructure and throw a lifeline to out-of-work Americans." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. The New Stimulus Bill, And Holding Bushies Accountable. 5 January 2009. "The New Stimulus Bill, And Holding Bushies Accountable - Good Times There's talk that the Democrats will put together a new stimulus bill quickly enough to get it on President-elect Barack Obama's desk right when he's sworn in. What do you think that bill should look like, in terms of what projects get money and how the spending is apportioned fairly to benefit all citizens? The first order of business in January will be an economic stimulus package to shore up our economy. I think the broader public is finally realizing just how much trouble we're facing and is realizing that federal intervention is our best bet for a quick recovery. Congress has already staved off a collapse of Wall Street with the financial industry rescue package and kept 4.5 million Americans employed after convincing the president to offer loans to the auto industry. But we're still seeing tens of thousands of Americans losing their jobs each month. The bottom line is that we're facing a perfect storm that threatens to devastate our economy. Consumers, fearful of losing their jobs and mindful of the housing market collapse, are spending a lot less money. At the same time, businesses are increasingly wary of the financial turbulence and are stockpiling cash and laying off workers. The two big spenders in our economy have effectively closed their wallets. If the government doesn't step in to fill this void, the recession we're in will be deeper and longer and many more people will lose their jobs. President-elect Obama's advisers warn that without action, the national unemployment rate could easily climb over 9 percent and we could lose 3 to 4 million jobs. California already faces an unemployment rate well over 8 percent. So that brings us to the stimulus plan that is currently being discussed. I expect to see the final version address most, if not all, of the following areas: national infrastructure, health care, energy projects, federal training programs and state government solvency. We've heard a lot on the first piece, national infrastructure and the so-called "shovel-ready" projects. This is smart for two reasons. First, there are plenty of vital infrastructure projects that have been neglected for years but are ready to go today. That means there are jobs that could be created immediately. Second, as we saw with the 2007 interstate bridge collapse in Minnesota, we really need to turn our attention to our crumbling roads, bridges and other construction projects, including schools and housing programs. Health care reform and renewable energy initiatives are two areas we heard a lot about during the election, and I expect the stimulus will direct funding toward both. There are a wide range of health care programs that face budget crises, and we must make sure as many Americans are insured as possible. Obama has promised to overhaul our health care system, and this stimulus will be the first salvo toward that end." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Op-Ed: Economic Stimulus, Don't Ask, Don't Tell. 2 March 2010. "[E]xperts agree that without the stimulus, we'd be in far worse shape than we are today. Unemployment around 10 percent is dangerously high, but economists suggest that that number could be more than double without the stimulus. In addition to billions of dollars devoted to construction projects, the stimulus also tossed a lifeline to millions of families. Whether through food assistance, health care subsidies or much-needed unemployment benefits, the stimulus kept many families from a far worse fate. [¦] The stimulus wasn't a cure-all, but it helped reverse many bad policies from the previous administration and it is helping to stabilize our economy. By any measure, I call that a success." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. House Advances Economic Stimulus Bill. 28 January 2009. "The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed its version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1), an emergency stimulus package totaling $825 billion in tax cuts and targeted spending. 'After all the debate is over, one truth will remain: our economy is in trouble and we need to act fast to fix it,' said Congressman Sam Farr, who voted in favor of the bill. 'This legislation is a big step toward accomplishing that. Consumers are afraid to spend, banks are afraid to loan and businesses are afraid to invest. If the government doesn't step into that void, our economy will shut down, unemployment will skyrocket and families will be hurt. We can't let that happen.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "2) Would you support enforcing the spending limits agreed to in 1997 by the President and Congress to balance the budget?" Indicate what levels of federal funding you support for the following general categories. Other or expanded principles: "Oceans/marine protection"
  • Sam Farr. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Sam Farr voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • The Club for Growth. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, The Club for Growth attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2010, The Club for Growth gave Sam Farr a rating of 9 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 0 percent in 2010." (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

  • Sam Farr. HR 2. 108th Congress. Jobs and Economic Growth bill. Sam Farr voted Nay on 05/23/2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. House Advances Economic Stimulus Bill. 28 January 2009. "California should be receiving around 10 percent of the total package, either as construction and project funding, tax cuts for California families or tax incentives for local businesses. The package is projected to create or save more than 800,000 jobs in California alone, according to Mark Zandi, noted economist and former adviser to Sen. John McCain. He predicts that the plan will lower California's unemployment rate by 2.3 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Farr Attends Jobs Bill Signing at White House. 27 July 2012. "'Even as we near the finish line for health reform, Congress continues to place job creation as our highest priority," Rep. Farr said following the morning ceremony. "This bill is another important step toward growing our economy. We're still seeing the effects of the Recovery Act, which has been responsible for saving 2 million jobs. These follow-on bills will now more carefully target certain sectors and programs to keep that momentum going.' [¦] A payroll tax holiday for businesses that hire unemployed workers-expected to create approximately 300,000 jobs-and an income tax credit of $1,000 for businesses that retain these employees for at least a year [¦] Tax cuts to spur new investment by small businesses to help them expand and hire more workers" (www.farr.house.gov)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Create "empowerment zones" in urban areas with high unemployment by providing government grants and federal assistance, in addition to tax credits, to new and expanding businesses."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Create "enterprise zones" in urban areas with high unemployment by providing tax credits for new and expanding businesses."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment."
  • Sam Farr. HR 2488. 106th Congress. Financial Freedom Act of 1999. Sam Farr voted Nay on 08/05/1999. (votesmart.org)
N/A 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

  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing of public school students."
  • Sam Farr. HR 1804. 104th Congress. Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Sam Farr voted Yea on 03/23/1994. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing in reading and math."
  • Sam Farr. HR 2300. 106th Congress. Academic Achievement for All Act. Sam Farr voted Nay on 10/21/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Issue Position: Education. 2 July 2012. "The backbone of American society is our world-class education system. But we've seen some worrisome cracks in recent years, damage that will take a combined effort to repair. We must strengthen our public education system, returning it to the strengths that made our nation so successful. We must ensure the equality of opportunity that we've come to expect; only then will our students succeed. Congress in 2001 passed the No Child Left Behind Act, known as NCLB, which was intended to hold schools accountable for student performance and provide schools the resources they need. But as we've seen, there are some serious problems with NCLB that must be addressed. NCLB in the past has lacked proper funding to achieve its goals while at the same time directing too much attention to standardized testing at the expense of a proper education. Congress continues to work on reforming this initiative." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Establish "National Standards" for K-12 schools and encourage states to adopt them."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "l) Eliminate restrictions on federal education funding, giving educators or local school districts more flexibility to design and implement their programs."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" 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)" 1) Indicate what changes you support (if any) concerning levels of federal funding for the following categories. Select one number only. Other or expanded principles: "Defense "
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" 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)"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Eliminate restrictions on federal education funding, giving educators or local school districts more flexibility to design and implement their programs."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Promote education flexibility by giving federal funds, in the form of block grants, to the states to spend it as they see fit."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards for and testing of public school students."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Give all federal education funding to states in the form of block grants and allow them to spend it as they see fit."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Local" for: "Indicate which level of government that should have primary responsibility for the following services. Select one level only. c) Education"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "2) Do you support the use of block grants given to states, rather than federal spending, in the following areas? b) Education" 2) Do you support the use of block grants given to states, rather than federal spending, in the following areas? Other or expanded principles: "support maintaining the federal floor but allowing more state flexibility. "
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Eliminate the Department of Education, thereby giving state and local government greater control over educational issues."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing of public school students."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Eliminate the U.S. Department of Education."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "1) Indicate what levels of federal funding you support for the following categories. Select one number (level) only. c) Education (K-12)" 1) Indicate what levels of federal funding you support for the following categories. Select one number (level) only. Other or expanded principles: "Ag research -- Slightly Increase"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Establish a nationwide competency test for teachers and encourage states to adopt it."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Providing education is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California 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"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category. d) Education" Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "oceans/marine protection"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "1) Indicate what levels of federal funding you support for the following categories. Select one number (level) only. c) Education (K-12)"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" 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)" 1) Indicate what changes you support (if any) concerning levels of federal funding for the following categories. Select one number only. Other or expanded principles: "Corporate Welfare "
Yes Inferred Answer Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Sam Farr. Letter to Interior Secretary Salazar. 8 February 2012. "While I'm pleased Secretary Salazar is committed to preventing new oil and gas drilling off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, I remain concerned with any proposal that would allow new drilling in the Arctic Ocean," added Rep. Capps. "Despite assurances from the oil industry that it's safe, and some recent steps taken by the Interior Department to improve safety and environmental requirements, offshore drilling is a dirty and dangerous business. My constituents know firsthand that oil spills can and do happen, and how hard they are to clean up. They can tell you that if it was that hard to clean-up the spill in the relatively calm conditions off Santa Barbara, it's going to be near-impossible to respond to and contain any spill in the Arctic Ocean." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Sam Farr voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)."
  • Sam Farr. Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011. 23 June 2011. "Madam Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2021, the Jobs and Energy Permitting Act. Since the beginning of the 112th Congress, my Republican colleagues have been relentless in their attempts to weaken offshore drilling regulations and to preserve wasteful and unnecessary subsidies to the most profitable oil corporations in the world. While Americans are facing serious pain at the pump, in the first quarter of 2011, the five biggest oil companies have made a total combined profit of $35 billion. Yet, as these companies break record profits, the Republican leadership insists that we continue to hand these companies billions of taxpayer dollars in subsidies." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Op-Ed - It's Time to Stop Offshore Drilling. 26 July 2010. "If the cap on BP's Deepwater Horizon oil well holds - and that's a big if - the cause of the worst oil disaster in U.S. history will have finally been patched. Perhaps the worst is over - this time. But the cleanup continues and the Gulf Coast's tourism and fishing economies continue to suffer terribly. America is left with one inescapable question: "Was it worth it?" Our view is no, and that's why we need the West Coast Ocean Protection Act, which would prohibit new drilling leases off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington. Our home state of California is all too familiar with the dire consequences of offshore oil drilling. A 1969 Santa Barbara spill foreshadowed the events that have wreaked havoc on the Gulf of Mexico. [¦] When we drill near our coasts, disaster will inevitably strike." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Sam Farr voted Nay on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Sam Farr voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Sam Farr in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Sam Farr voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Sam Farr voted Yea on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Sam Farr in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Sam Farr in the 2004 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Sam Farr in the 2002 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Sam Farr in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Reduce current federal regulations on the environment."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "k) Adhere to the United Nations treaty regarding global climate change."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Pass stronger clean water and clean air legislation."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Strengthen emission controls and fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Eliminate government regulations to encourage investment and economic expansion of the private sector."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Impose stricter national air quality standards."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "l) Support the U.S. re-entering the Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Encourage further market based strategies to clean up the environment such as pollution credits."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Phase in a prohibition of pollution causing products such as gas powered autos and lawn mowers."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Eliminate government regulations of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Consider further increasing federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "k) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "h) Promote the selling of pollution credits between nations to encourage industries to decrease pollution levels."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "l) Promote the selling of pollution credits to encourage industries to decrease amount of pollution." Indicate which principles or programs you support regarding America's environment and natural resources. Other or expanded principles: "promote sustainable development. "
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks." Indicate which principles or programs you support regarding America's environment and natural resources. Other or expanded principles: "promote sustainable development. "
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Support the U.S. re-entering the current Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Reduce government regulation of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Tax high-level energy users (businesses and individuals) to discourage excessive energy use and pay for environmental cleanup."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Promote the selling of pollution credits between nations to encourage industries to decrease pollution levels."
  • Sam Farr. Congress Looks Toward Ocean Governance Reform In 2009. 1 January 2009. "Scientists are discovering new species at an amazing rate, and there is still much of the ocean left unexplored. This makes it even more important that we understand how changes in ocean temperature and acidity brought about by greenhouse gases will affect the ocean and its life. Oceans-21 is the result of years of bipartisan work among hundreds of lawmakers, scientists and other ocean experts. It puts into action the recommendations of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative, a bipartisan effort between the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Oceans Commission. The goal of the Joint Commission is a noble one: "to accelerate the pace of change that results in meaningful ocean policy reform." And that reform is long overdue." (www.votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011. 23 June 2011. "I am extremely disappointed that my Republican colleagues continue to dismiss renewable sources of energy as part of the solution. The renewable energy sector has the potential to support hundred of thousands of jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The number of jobs in the solar industry, for example, doubled from 2009 to 2010. However, in the Fiscal Year 2012 Energy and Water Subcommittee Appropriations bill, Republicans have proposed draconian cuts to programs that focus on energy efficiency research and renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind." (www.votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Letter to President of the United States George W. Bush. 15 May 2006. "Therefore, we urge you to convene an Emergency Energy Summit with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle, leaders in the oil industry and consumer advocates to implement solutions which will immediately lower the price of gas at the pump, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and prohibit price gouging. [¦] Reduce our dependence on fossil fuel through investments in renewable energy and energy conservation. [¦] [W]e could save consumers about $80 billion per year at the pump, 3 billion gallons of oil a year, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1.5 trillion pounds a year." (www.votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce John D. Dingell. 15 June 2007. "Eleven states, including Vermont, have adopted California's Low Emission Vehicle Standards, including mandated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, which limit the amount of carbon dioxide and other gasses that can be emitted from vehicle tailpipes. Currently, California is applying for a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt stricter emissions standards as permitted under the Clean Air Act. If California adopts improved standards, other states are permitted to follow California's lead. The proposal in the Energy and Commerce Committee would preempt state laws for regulating emissions." (www.votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Sam Farr a grade of 9." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Sam Farr voted Nay on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 125. 104th Congress. Gun Ban Repeal Act of 1995. Sam Farr voted Nay on 03/22/1996. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 1025. 103th Congress. Brady Handgun Bill. Sam Farr voted Yea on 11/10/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. H Amdt 390. 103th Congress. Instant Background Checks for Gun Purchase Amendment. Sam Farr voted Nay on 11/10/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Sam Farr voted Nay on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 2122. 106th Congress. Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act. Sam Farr voted Nay on 06/18/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Sam Farr in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 100 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House)." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Sam Farr voted Nay on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 4296. 104th Congress. Regulation of Semi-Automatic Assault Weapons. Sam Farr voted Yea on 05/05/1994. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Sam Farr in the 2008 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Maintain federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Impose a national ban on the public sale of assault weapons."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "j) Require background checks of gun buyers at gun shows."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Impose a national ban on the sale of handguns to minors."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Renew the ban on the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the current level of enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Increase federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Ease procedures on the purchase and registration of firearms."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "k) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "h) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Raise the minimum age for ownership of handguns from 18 to 21."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Expand the nationwide ban on the sale or transfer of assault weapons to include all forms of semi-automatic weapons."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "h) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Increase restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Maintain all federal registration procedures and restrictions on possessing firearms."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Implement tighter restrictions on firearm sales in an effort to hinder terrorist groups from stockpiling weapon arsenals."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Raise the minimum age for ownership of handguns from 18 to 21."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Sam Farr. 20 October 2005. Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. "I would first like to say that I support the rights of gun owners and hunters, but this bill makes it clear this is not about the second amendment. This bill is about a direct assault on our civil justice system that endorses unscrupulous corporate behavior. Once again, with this bill, democracy has been thwarted by bringing this bill to the floor. Very reasonable amendments were offered, but the majority adopted a restrictive rule that prevented them from being heard on the floor today. One of those amendments would have expanded the ban on armor-piercing bullets also. For God's sake, who in this country needs to own armor-piercing bullets? We are not legislating via the intended democratic process. The people of this country want and deserve an open and participatory government, not law by fiat. I urge a strong ``no'' vote on this bill." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Sam Farr. Op-Ed - Afghanistan, HealthCare.gov. 13 July 2010. "The Affordable Care Act has started to bridge the Medicare coverage gap with payments to seniors. And small businesses are now eligible for tax credits to help them afford coverage for employees. And starting in August, eligible residents of California will be able to apply for coverage through the state's Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. The plan will include a range of health benefits, even if they're used to treat a pre-existing condition." (www.votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Sam Farr voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 80 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) The federal government has no responsibility in providing health care."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) The federal government has no responsibility in providing health care."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1994 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Support President Clinton's position for a "comprehensive health care plan for all Americans.""
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income." 1) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues in America. Other or expanded principles: "(In regard to future options for Medicare), additional support for medicare can be found by extending the FICA tax portion that underwrites medicare to all salaried income."
  • American Public Health Association. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. 8 February 2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2010." (www.votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Rep. Farr Strongly Opposes Republican Repeal of Health Care Reform. 21 January 2011. "Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today announced his strong opposition to the Republican bill to repeal patients' rights, put insurance companies back in charge and add $230 billion to the national deficit. The Republican repeal bill will be debated in the House this week. [¦] The Republican repeal of the Affordable Care Act would have significant consequences on the Central Coast by allowing insurance companies to deny coverage to 107,000 to 284,000 individuals--including up to 40,000 children with pre-existing conditions. For seniors on the Central Coast, the Republic repeal bill would increase prescription drug costs for 6,400 seniors who meet the Part D drug "donut hole" and deny new preventive care benefits to 78,000 seniors, as well as increase the costs of early retiree coverage for up to 7,700 early retirees. The Republican repeal of health care reform would also heavily impact local businesses by eliminating health care tax credits for up to 13,500 small businesses. The repeal would force these small businesses to drop coverage or bear the full costs of coverage." (www.votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Issue Position: Health Care. 2 July 2012. "There are few issues that have been more in the forefront of the national consciousness than health care. The price of care and coverage has been increasing, placing both personal and federal finances in peril. That's why Congress passed a health insurance reform bill in 2010 that combats rising costs and premiums and provides affordable care to all Americans. To learn more about the issues of national health care reform and the new law, I encourage you to visit HealthCare.gov." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Issue Position: Health Care. 2 July 2012. "There are few issues that affect each and every one of us so intimately as health care. The price of care and coverage has been increasing, placing both personal and federal finances in peril. As most people know, Congress passed a health insurance reform bill in 2010 that combats rising costs and premiums and provides access to affordable care. When this new law is fully implemented (it is being phased-in; some portions won't come on line until 2018) everyone in America should have health insurance. In addition, the reforms to public health and health insurance regulation will control the cost of health care to most people and reduce government spending by $1.2 Trillion by 2020." (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

  • Sam Farr. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Sam Farr voted Yea on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr 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. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Sam Farr voted Nay on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Grant U.S. citizenship to children born in the US only if their parents immigrated legally."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Children of illegal immigrants, born in the United States, should not automatically receive U.S. citizenship."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Allow legalization for certain illegal immigrants working in the U.S."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Children of illegal immigrants, born in the United States, should not automatically receive US citizenship."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Prohibit states from passing laws that deny human services (medical care, education) to illegal immigrants or their children."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Support amnesty for certain illegal immigrants who already reside in the United States."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1996 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Ease citizenship requirements in order to make it easier for immigrants to become United States citizens."
  • Sam Farr. Grijalva Joined By Broad Cross-Section of Members of Congress In Praising Yesterday's First Ever Senate Hearing on The DREAM Act. 29 June 2011. "I am encouraged that our colleagues in the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration have taken up the DREAM Act. It is time we do the right thing for the millions of youth that have worked hard to enrich their lives, and in turn enrich our country. We can choose to move forward, or we can move backward to the same broken policies that continue to fail our economy and security. I hope that this hearing will help build momentum, and finally deliver this much overdue bill." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Issue Position: Immigration. 6 February 2012. "As more and more immigration bills are introduced, please know that I will support legislation that promotes family reunification, asylum and refugee admissions, and employment-based immigration and strikes a balance between American jobs, border safety and national security interests. Anyone who enters the US without permission is in violation of U.S. immigration laws and will be penalized. However, long-term residents, many of whom work hard toiling in our fields, pay their fair share of taxes, and who have U.S. citizen children, have earned access leading to regularization of status." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Farr Responds to Bush Immigration Proposal. 8 January 2004. "The President's current proposal suggests rather superficial changes that I fear will not resolve the issues confronting the immigrant workforce, and only encourage their further exploitation. We need a program that allows earned access to legalization with full protection of the law. The 'legal status' Bush is offering immigrant workers is just extended guest worker status and will not help these workers when they are confronted with unfair wages or dangerous working conditions." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Issue Position: Immigration. 6 February 2012. "I believe we have a right to decide who lives in our country and who doesn't, and that we must make sure that our borders are secure. However, I believe our long-term illegal aliens must pass background checks, be English speakers and law-abiding taxpayers, to earn the chance to become American citizens. Additionally, I support legislation promoting family reunification; asylum and refugee admissions; educational opportunities from Pre-K through college (like Head Start and the DREAM Act); and employment-based immigration (like Ag-JOBS). I also support programs like the Silver Star Gang Prevention and Intervention Programs and the Merida Project that help immigrants and their families improve their lives." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Issue Position: Immigration. 6 February 2012. "I strongly believe that our immigration system is broken and that only a comprehensive approach to reform will provide us with a long-term solution. I support legislation that promotes family reunification; asylum and refugee admissions; fully funded education opportunities from Pre-K through college (like Head Start and the DREAM Act); and employment-based immigration (like Ag-JOBS)." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Sam Farr. National Day of Silence. 15 April 2011. "Today is the 14th year we have commemorated the National Day of Silence, a time when students across the country remain silent for the whole day to draw attention to discrimination toward their LGBT peers. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning youth and their allies face verbal and physical bullying on a daily basis just for being who they are, for expressing their sexuality, or for demonstrating a non-normative gender identity. I am proud that my constituents are calling for a stop to this harassment, and I encourage all Americans to join them. [¦] Though many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocates and straight allies are silent today, we in Congress must never be silent." (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the American Family Association 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Sam Farr voted Nay on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 95 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Sam Farr voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 14 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Sam Farr voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "k) Should marriage be restricted to a union only between a man and a woman?"
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "j) Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?"
  • Sam Farr. Pelosi, Nadler, 130 House Members File Amicus Brief on Federal Case Against DOMA. 10 July 2012. "But a clearly stated purpose and effect of this law was to disapprove of and disadvantage lesbians and gay men; this distinguishes DOMA from a routine act of Congress. Where, as here, Congress classifies persons, denying an entire class of citizens the rights that are afforded others, the Supreme Court has applied rational basis review to invalidate those laws. None of the reasons provided by Congress in 1996 or created in response to litigation rationally serve a legitimate federal interest." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Congressman Farr Receives 100% Grade from Human Rights Campaign. 22 October 2010. "Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today was awarded a 100% grade from the Human Rights Campaign's Congressional Scorecard for the 111th Congress, for his work in support of issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. In the 111th Congress, Congressman Farr cosponsored legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and expand early treatment for HIV, as well as supported legislation to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and expand federal jurisdiction on violent hate crimes." (votesmart.org)
N/A Unknown Answer National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "f) Do you support a policy of pre-emptive strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to national security?"
  • Sam Farr. Members of Congress Call for Special Counsel Investigation into NSA Domestic Spying After Being Refused by Government Agencies. 27 February 2006. "[W]e strongly support the safeguarding of our homeland from terrorist threats. We know that the safety and security of the American people depend on the ability of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies to determine with whom terrorists are talking and what they are planning together. We believe it is essential that our surveillance of terrorists and their accomplices is performed within the bounds of the rule of law. If U.S. persons are indeed conspiring with suspected agents of a foreign terrorist organization such as al Qaeda, we want our intelligence and law enforcement agencies to have the ability to eavesdrop on their communications - as warrants obtained under the "probable cause" standard in FISA would allow. If existing laws including FISA are insufficient to conduct vital counter-terror intelligence activities, then we should have the opportunity to amend those laws within recognized processes under the rule of law. Mr. President, as you yourself have said, the heart of al Qaeda's terrorist campaign is the vision of a "totalitarian empire," opposed to our own nation's foundations in democracy and the rule of law. We must not now abandon democracy and the rule of law in the name of safeguarding them." (www.votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Social Security: Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Sam Farr supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 1998 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which are managed by the government."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves."
  • Sam Farr. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government."
  • Sam Farr. 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." (www.votesmart.org)

Key

Candidate Answer Official Position

Candidate had the Political Courage to address this issue directly.

Inferred Answer Inferred Position

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

Unknown Answer Unknown Position

Candidate refused to address this issue.

 Project Vote Smart's Research

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Congressional Election 2004 National Political Awareness Test

This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.

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.
(+) Expand All (–) Collapse All

Abortion Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
Xb) Abortions should always be legal.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Prohibit the dilation and extraction procedure, also known as "partial-birth" abortion.
g) Prohibit public funding of abortions and of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
h) Other or expanded principles

Budgetary, Spending, and Tax Issues, Part 1: Budget Priorities

Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category.

Budget Priorities

Slightly Increasea) Agriculture
Slightly Increaseb) Arts
Greatly Decreasec) Defense
Greatly Increased) Education
Greatly Increasee) Environment
Maintain Statusf) Homeland security
Maintain Statusg) International aid
Maintain Statush) Law enforcement
Greatly Increasei) Medical research
Slightly Increasej) National parks
Slightly Increasek) Public health services
Slightly Increasel) Scientific research
Maintain Statusm) Space exploration programs
Maintain Statusn) Transportation and highway infrastructure
Maintain Statuso) Welfare
Slightly Increasep) Other or expanded categories

oceans/marine protection

Budgetary, Spending, and Tax Issues, Part 2: Defense Spending

Defense Spending

Greatly Increasea) Armed Forces personnel training
Maintain Statusb) Intelligence operations
Greatly Decreasec) Military hardware
Slightly Decreased) Modernization of weaponry and equipment
Eliminatee) National missile defense
Slightly Increasef) Pay for active duty personnel
Slightly Increaseg) Programs to improve troop retention rates
Greatly Decreaseh) Research and development of new weapons
Maintain Statusi) Troop and equipment readiness
Greatly Increasej) Other or expanded categories

base conversion, uxo clean-up

Budgetary, Spending, and Tax Issues, Part 3: Taxes (A)

Using the key above, indicate what federal tax levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category.

Taxes

Income Taxes:

Family Income

Greatly Decreasea) Less than $25,000
Maintain Statusb) $25,000-$75,000
Maintain Statusc) $75,000-$150,000
Slightly Increased) Over $150,000
e) Other or expanded categories

Retiree Income

Maintain Statusf) Over $40,000
g) Other or expanded categories

Other Taxes:

Slightly Increasea) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Statusb) Capital gains taxes
Greatly Increasec) Cigarette taxes
Greatly Increased) Corporate taxes
Maintain Statuse) Gasoline taxes
Eliminatef) Inheritance taxes
g) Other or expanded categories

Deductions/Credits:

Slightly Increasea) Charitable contributions
Slightly Increaseb) Child tax credit
Maintain Statusc) Earned income tax credit
Greatly Increased) Medical expense deduction
Slightly Increasee) Mortgage deduction
Greatly Increasef) Student loan credit
g) Other or expanded categories

Budgetary, Spending, and Taxes, Part 3: Taxes (B)

Yes4) Do you support permanent repeal of the federal estate tax?
No5) Do you support eliminating taxes on dividends paid to individual investors?
Yes6) Should a married couple filing jointly pay the same taxes as if they were an unmarried couple filing separately?
7) Other or expanded principles

Campaign Finance and Government Reform Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.

Xa) Support public taxpayer funding for federal candidates who comply with campaign spending limits.
b) Increase the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns.
c) Prohibit Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to candidates for federal office.
d) Allow unregulated soft money campaign contributions to political parties or committees.
e) Allow ads paid for by soft money that support or attack a candidate for federal office.
f) Allow issue advocacy commercials by corporations, labor unions, and non-profit groups which appear within 60 days of a general election and within 30 days of a primary election.
g) Remove all contribution limits on federal campaigns and parties.
Noh) Do you support instant run-off voting (IRV)?
Yesi) Should Election Day be a national holiday?
Yesj) Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?
Nok) Should marriage be restricted to a union only between a man and a woman?
l) Other or expanded principles

Crime Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding crime.

a) Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
Xb) Eliminate the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
c) Impose "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole.
Xd) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
Xe) Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
f) Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
g) Support additional criminal penalties if a fetus is killed in the commission of a federal crime against a pregnant woman.
Xh) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, and disability be prosecuted as federal hate crimes.
Xi) Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.
j) Impose stricter penalties for those convicted of white-collar crimes.
Xk) Enforcement of civil rights should primarily be the responsibility of the federal government.
l) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
m) Other or expanded principles

Drug Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding drugs.

a) Support mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
Xb) Expand federally sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs.
Xc) Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Xd) Allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes.
Xe) Increase border security to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
f) Eliminate federal funding for programs associated with the "war on drugs."
g) Other or expanded principles

Education Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

a) Support national standards for and testing of public school students.
b) Allow parents to use vouchers (equal opportunity scholarships) to send their children to any public school.
c) Allow parents to use vouchers (equal opportunity scholarships) to send their children to any private or religious school.
Xd) Allow teachers and professionals to receive authorization and funding to establish charter schools.
Xe) Increase funding for block grants to states to aid in the hiring of additional teachers.
Xf) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
Xg) Increase funding for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings, infrastructure, technology).
h) Support granting states limited control over Head Start programs.
i) Support changing the mission of Head Start to emphasize improving the math and reading skills of disadvantaged children.
j) Providing education is not a responsibility of the federal government.
Xk) Support affirmative action in public college admissions.
Xl) Increase funding of programs such as Pell grants and Stafford loans to help students pay for college.
Xm) Support federal tax incentives to help families save for college.
n) Other or expanded principles

Employment and Affirmative Action Issues

1) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding employment.

Xa) Increase funding for national job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
Xb) Reduce government regulation of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
Xc) Provide tax credits or grants to businesses that offer child care services to employees.
Xd) Encourage employers to offer flex-time scheduling, comp-time, and unpaid leave for family emergencies.
e) Eliminate all federal programs designed to reduce unemployment.
Xf) Increase the federal minimum wage.
Xg) Support the right of workers to strike without fear of being permanently replaced.
Xh) Allow workers to sell company stock and to diversify their company retirement funds into other investment options.
i) Other or expanded principles

2) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding affirmative action.

Xa) The federal government should consider race and gender in government contracting decisions.
b) The federal government should discontinue affirmative action programs.
Xc) The federal government should continue affirmative action programs.
Xd) Include sexual orientation in federal anti-discrimination laws.
e) Other or expanded principles

Environment and Energy Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

Xa) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
Xb) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
c) Require states to compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses of privately-owned land.
d) Relax logging restrictions on federal lands.
e) Relax standards on federal lands to allow increased recreational usage.
f) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil).
Xg) Strengthen emission controls and fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
h) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration.
Xi) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
Xj) Support the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel.
k) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits.
Xl) Support the U.S. re-entering the Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming.
m) Other or expanded principles

Gun Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns.

Xa) Renew the ban on the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
Xb) Maintain and strengthen the current level of enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
Xf) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
Xg) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
Xh) Require a license for gun possession.
Xi) Establish a national database of ballistic "fingerprints" to track guns used in criminal activities.
j) Support legislation that would protect manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and importers of firearms from civil lawsuits by crime victims.
k) Other or expanded principles

Health Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health care.

a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government.
Xb) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income.
Xc) Support a Patient's Bill of Rights which includes appeal mechanisms when claims are denied.
Xd) Support a Patient's Bill of Rights which includes the right to sue when claims are denied.
e) Expand eligibility for tax-free medical savings accounts.
f) Establish limits on the amount of punitive damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
Xg) Support expanding prescription drug coverage under Medicare.
Xh) Support expanding prescription drug coverage under private managed care plans.
Xi) Offer tax credits to individuals and small businesses to offset the cost of insurance coverage.
Xj) Support automatic enrollment of children in federal health care programs such as CHIP and Medicaid.
Xk) Allow 55-65 year-olds to buy into Medicare.
Xl) Support stem cell research on existing lines of stem cells.
Xm) Allow laboratories to create new lines of stem cells for additional research.
n) Other or expanded principles

Immigration Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding immigration.

a) Decrease the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country.
b) Establish English as the official national language.
Xc) Increase the number of visas issued for agricultural workers.
Xd) Relax restrictions barring legal immigrants from using social programs (e.g. public housing, food stamps).
Xe) Support amnesty for certain illegal immigrants who already reside in the United States.
f) Support the detention of asylum seekers from countries known to sponsor terrorism.
g) Other or expanded principles

International Aid, International Policy, and Trade Issues, Part 1: International Aid

International Aid

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding United States economic assistance.

Xa) Aid should be granted to countries when extraordinary circumstances cause disaster and threaten civilian lives.
Xb) Aid should be granted to countries when it is in the security interests of the United States.
c) Aid should be eliminated for any nation with documented human rights abuses.
d) Aid programs should be scaled back and eventually eliminated.
e) Other or expanded principles

International Aid, International Policy, and Trade Issues, Part 2: International Policy

International Policy

1) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the Middle East.

Yesa) Should the United States continue to provide leadership in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
Yesb) Should the United States support the creation of a Palestinian state?
Yesc) Should the United States withdraw its troops from Iraq?
d) Discuss your proposals for the reconstruction of Iraq. What funding sources would you use to implement these proposals? (75 words or less. Please use an attached page if the space below is not adequate.)

I support the findings and recommendations of the Commission on Post-Conflict Reconstruction of which I was a member. The report can be found at www.pcrproject.org. Also, I have authored legislation on this issue: HR 2616.
e) Other or expanded principles

2) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Central and East Asia.

Yesa) Should the United States use diplomatic and economic pressure to encourage North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program?
Nob) Should the United States use military force to destroy the North Korean nuclear weapons program?
Noc) Should the United States remove the North Korean government from power?
Yesd) Should the United States increase financial support to Afghanistan?
Noe) Should the United States increase military support to Afghanistan?
f) Other or expanded principles

3) Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the United Nations.

Yesa) Should the United States maintain its financial support of the United Nations?
Nob) Should the United States decrease its financial support of the United Nations?
Yesc) Should the United States commit troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions?
d) Other or expanded principles

The U.S. should pay its debt to the U.N.
Yes4) Should the United States lift the travel ban to Cuba?
No5) Should the United States increase its financial support to Colombia to combat "the war on drugs"?
Yes6) Should aid to African nations for AIDS prevention programs fund distribution of contraceptives?
No7) Should aid to African nations for AIDS prevention fund abstinence education?
8) Other or expanded principles

International Aid, International Policy, and Trade Issues, Part 3: International Trade

International Trade

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international trade.

Yes1) Do you support the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
Yes2) Do you support the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?
Yes3) Do you support continued U.S. membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
Yes4) Should a nation's human rights record affect its normal trade relations (most favored nation) status with the United States?
No5) Do you support the trade embargo against Cuba?
Yes6) Should trade agreements include provisions to address environmental concerns and to protect workers' rights?
7) Other or expanded principles

National Security Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding national security.

Noa) Do you support using military tribunals to try suspected terrorists when ordinary civilian courts are deemed inappropriate or impractical?
Yesb) Should the United States adopt stricter rules for student visa applications from nations known to sponsor terrorism?
Noc) Should the United States grant law enforcement agencies greater discretion to read mail and email, tap phones, and conduct random searches to prevent future terrorist attacks?
Yesd) Should the United States hold foreign states accountable for terrorists who operate in their country?
Yese) Should the federal government increase funding to states and cities for homeland security?
Nof) Do you support a policy of pre-emptive strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to national security?
g) Other or expanded principles

Social Security Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Social Security.

a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves.
b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government.
Xc) Invest a portion of Social Security assets collectively in stocks and bonds instead of United States Treasury securities.
d) Increase the payroll tax to better finance Social Security in its current form.
e) Lower the annual cost-of-living increases.
f) Raise the retirement age for when individuals are eligible to receive full Social Security benefits.
g) Other of expanded principles

Technology and Communication Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding technology and communication.

a) Collect taxes on commercial Internet transactions.
Xb) Continue the moratorium on Internet taxation.
c) Implement regulation of Internet content.
Xd) Support government mandates to curtail violent and sexual content on television.
Xe) Support strict penalties for Internet crimes (e.g. hacking, identity theft, worms/viruses).
f) Support legislation to detail how personal information can be collected and used on the Internet.
Xg) Regulating the Internet is not a responsibility of the federal government.
Xh) Impose regulations on "spam" emails.
i) Other or expanded principles

Welfare and Poverty Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare and poverty.

a) Require welfare recipients to spend at least 40 hours a week in a combination of work and training programs.
Xb) Increase funding for child care programs.
Xc) Continue to give states and local governments flexibility in and responsibility for welfare programs through federal block grants.
d) Direct federal poverty aid through religious, community-based, or other non-profit organizations.
e) Abolish all federal welfare programs.
Xf) Support housing assistance for low-income families.
g) Other or expanded principles

Legislative Priorities

On an attached page, disk, or via email, please explain in a total of 75 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.

My priorities: Education, Environment, Economy, Equality

Education: Provide all Americans access to quality education.

Environment: "Keep green, green." Support policies that promote sustainability - economic development strategies that depend on a clean environment and reinvest profits in maintaining the natural resources that, in turn, support further economic development consistent with 'city-centered growth' policies.

Economy: Make sure the economy produces jobs and entreprenurial opportunities for Americans by investing in basic infrastructure needs (transportation, housing, schools).

Equality: Everyone should have access to opportunity and life that fulfills their vision of the American Dream.