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James 'Jim' A. McDermott

Representative James 'Jim' A. McDermott's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Jim McDermott
Full Name: James 'Jim' A. McDermott
Office: U.S. House (WA) - District 7, Democratic
First Elected: 11/08/1988
Last Elected: 11/06/2012
Next Election: 2014
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Therese; 2 Children: Katherine, James
Birth Date: 12/28/1936
Birth Place: Chicago, IL
Home City: Seattle, WA
Religion: Episcopalian
Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
Jim McDermott refused to tell citizens where he stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2012 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

In response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Presidential and Congressional candidates' public ecords to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These issue positions, from the year 2012, are provided below as a courtesy to voters.

Pro-choice Inferred Answer Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 643. 106th Congress. Abortion Private Funding Restoration Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 05/20/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 882. 106th Congress. Prison Abortion Funding Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 06/22/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be legally available."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Congress should eliminate federal funding for clinics and medical facilities that provide abortion services."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Prohibit public funding of abortions and of organizations that advocate or perform abortions."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "f) Dilation and extraction or "partial-birth" abortion procedures should be legal." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion. Other or expanded principles: "I feel that active-duty, military personnel should have access to abortion services at military, medical facilities."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Prohibit the dilation and extraction procedure, also known as "partial birth" abortion."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be legally available."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Abortions should always be legal." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion. Other or expanded principles: "I feel that active-duty, military personnel should have access to abortion services at military, medical facilities."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Prohibit public funding of abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Prohibit public funding of abortions and to organizations that advocate or perform abortions."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Abortions should always be legal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Abortions should always be legal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Prohibit the late-term abortion procedure known as "partial-birth" abortion."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Pro-choice" for: "a) Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "e) Should federal subsidies be prohibited from being used for abortion procedures?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Abortions should always be legally available."
  • Jim McDermott. Facebook: Wall. 4 May 2011. “I strongly oppose HR3, the latest volley in the Republican effort to repeal Roe v. Wade. A month ago they attempted a similar move against women's rights that failed, threatening to shutdown the government over the issue. What I said then holds true now.” (www.facebook.com)
  • Yvette Clark. Office of Yvette Clark. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke Reintroduces H.R. 1319, the Global Sexual & Reproductive Health Act. 1 April 2011. “Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke reintroduced H.R. 1319, 'the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act.' This legislation seeks to strengthen and expand the U.S. government's current program on international family planning and reproductive health into a more comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program. Building upon previous achievements, this legislation aims to increase the provision of essential and often life-saving health services for women, men and young people in developing countries […] This comprehensive legislation would support voluntary family planning, education and outreach, reduction of unsafe abortion, STI and HIV prevention, contraceptive development, training of healthcare professionals, and various other initiatives. Original co-sponsors of the bill include […] Jim McDermott.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. The Radical Right. 18 May 2005. “The radical Republican right has an agenda and they intend to use every weapon at their disposal to enforce their will upon the American people. The radical Republican right wants to dictate what a woman can and cannot do with her body. The radical Republican right wants to abolish women's rights one court decision at a time. Republicans just gave the radical extremist the right to abolish Roe v. Wade. Republicans just handed the radical right the keys to our democracy. Women's rights will be nuked. Republican extremists will replace a woman's right to choose with a requirement to be subservient. The Republican Party intends to stack the Court and stack the deck against women.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Democratic Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. 13 September 2011. “We respectfully request that you ensure that language that undermines self-government is not included in subsequent legislation as it was in the House Appropriations committee-approved bill. Specifically, we urge you to not adopt Section 810 of the House bill, which prohibits local tax dollars from being used for abortions for women whose insurance is provided by the District government […] By failing to permit the District of Columbia to spend local government funds on abortion, we are sending the message that low-income women should not have access to the same medical services that middle- and upper-income women can access. Ultimately, this prohibition may threaten the health of medically vulnerable women and deny patients the right to access constitutionally protected medical services. We must strive to expand health care services for Americans throughout the nation -- not place barriers in the road of a woman seeking medical care simply because of the state, city, or district that she lives in.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Human Rights. 7 October 2011. “As a young doctor, I worked to save the lives of women butchered in back alley abortions. We cannot go back.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Department of Health and Human Services Proposes Rule to Regulate a Woman's Access to Reproductive Health Care. 22 August 2008. “A proposed new federal regulation concerning a woman's access to reproductive health care is a thinly veiled attempt to regulate a women's right to choose […] The proposed new rule presents a clear and unmistakable threat to a woman's right to have control over her own body and I cannot accept it, will not support it, and will do everything I can to defeat it. I have previously joined with several members of the Pro Choice Caucus in sending a letter to President Bush opposing any effort to undermine access to reproductive health care services. There are petitions circulating to gather signatures against the proposed new HHS rule and I urge everyone to sign. Too many people have fought for too long in defense of a woman's right to choose and we cannot accept any change that is a first step backward for women's rights.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. A Government Shutdhown is Not About Money. 8 April 2011. “In 5 weeks we're going to come to the debt limit […] Now, what's it all about here? It's not about money. H.R. 1 was $101 billion. Okay. The President has come all the way to $71 billion or $73 billion. That's more than halfway. The Republicans won that issue. Take it. Take it. No, no, they say, but we have to change social policy. This is really about social policy. It's not about winning or cutting down the deficit or any of that stuff […] Well, here the issue was NPR. Now, if we took NPR off the radio tomorrow morning, do you think the deficit would be one bit affected? Of course not. If we got rid of the EPA, would there be some effect on the deficit? No […] What was left? Family planning, abortion, poor women. Now, there's a bunch that can't fight back. Let's go get 'em. Let's hold out and we will finally get the poor women in this country. That's what this is about. It is not about balancing the budget. It is not about anything else except getting poor people.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. "Women deserve the right to choose.” 19 April 2007. “As a medical doctor who has witnessed first hand the horrors of what can happen if a woman cannot freely choose a course of action in consultation with a health professional, I am gravely concerned when the Supreme Court votes to insert itself into the room with a doctor and patient. We must pass the Freedom of Choice Act to codify the historic- and ethically appropriate- Roe v. Wade decision […] Women deserve the right to choose. They deserve the right to choose in private with their doctor, and not the U.S. Supreme Court listening in and making medical decisions […] With all due respect, the U.S. Supreme Court does not have a license to practice medicine, but their decision could permit politics to overrule medicine. This is the first step away from Roe v. Wade and we must not allow that to happen or no one will be safe.” (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. NARAL Pro-Choice America endorsed Jim McDermott in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 722. 106th Congress. Oversea Military Abortions Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 05/18/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Family Research Council 6 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Planned Parenthood endorsed Jim McDermott in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 04/27/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 185. 103th Congress. Hyde Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 06/30/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 156. 106th Congress. Overseas Military Abortion Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 06/09/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 436. 104th Congress. Overseas Military Abortion Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 06/15/1995. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 3682. 106th Congress. Child Custody Protection Act. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 07/15/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 187. 105th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 06/19/1997. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 3660. 106th Congress. Ban on Partial-Birth/Late Term Abortion. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 04/05/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 1017. 106th Congress. Abortion Funding Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 07/20/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • National Organization for Women. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the National Organization for Women attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2008, the National Organization for Women gave Jim McDermott a rating of 100 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 670. 103th Congress. Abortion Counseling Bill. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 03/25/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Abortions should always be legally available."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Abortions should be illegal when the fetus is viable, with or without life support."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Prohibit public funding of abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Medicare, Medicaid, and federal subsidies should be prohibited from being used on abortion procedures."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be illegal."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Congress should eliminate abortion services from any federally funded health care plan."
No Inferred Answer Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. We're Fighting A War With No End In Sight. 13 July 2011. “Taxpayers in my district of Seattle have spent $1.1 billion for the Afghanistan war to date. For the same money, we could provide health care for 700,000 children from low-income families, put 125,000 more children into Head Start, or provide health care for 150,000 more veterans. So the question before us is simple. What is our priority -- fighting a war with no end in sight or investing in the American people? The answer lies in what kind of country we are, what legacy we leave behind to our children and our grandchildren, and transcending political divisions towards a common commitment to making America strong again.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Out of Afghanistan Caucus: United States' Fiscal and Security Needs Demand a Swift Withdrawal Beginning in July. 16 March 2011. “As we approach the planned drawdown of military forces beginning in July 2011, it is clear that large majorities of the American people have endorsed a new way forward in Afghanistan. According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, nearly two-thirds of Americans now say the war is no longer worth fighting and three-quarters of Americans believe that the President should withdraw a 'substantial number' of combat troops this summer. The American people understand that our country's fiscal state renders the continued funding of a war that costs over $2 billion a week unsustainable. A substantial withdrawal of troops later this year will go a long way towards rebalancing our domestic and overseas priorities and reduce government spending by billions of dollars.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Co-Chairs and Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. 21 September 2011. “To generate much-needed savings, we strongly urged you to examine the costs of the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq […] By ending the wars and paying for a safe, orderly, and responsible redeployment of troops from both Afghanistan and Iraq, we can go a long way toward meeting our fiscal challenges […] Exorbitant spending on failed wars that have killed thousands of Americans must not be exempt from budgetary scrutiny. before we ask American families to pitch in more, let's bring our troops home - and, in the process, our tax dollars home.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Foreign Policy. 7 October 2011. “I listened carefully to the President last December when he announced the deployment of additional troops to Afghanistan. At that time I said that I was unconvinced that such a plan would work. Now that those troops are in place, I remain unconvinced. I am an advocate of the immediate withdrawal (within 30 days) of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Foreign Affairs-Afghanistan. 1 January 2011. “After nearly a decade in Afghanistan, I do not believe that our military alone can create a stable democracy and functioning economy […] No matter how many troops we commit, the United States can only do so much to bring about the change necessary to stabilize Afghanistan. American soldiers have done well what has been asked of them, but their efforts can only go so far in a place where conflict is so deeply rooted. If our goal is to create a stable democracy and help them build a functioning economy, we must drop our guns and increase the aid and support. We must commit to rebuilding, rather than attacking or destroying […] The U.S. military and NATO are not equipped to solve issues that can only be solved by Afghans themselves and their government. We must understand this in order to make a strategically successful exit […] President Bush should have never re-opened the wound in 2001, but it's not too late to change the course of our actions. I stood behind the War Powers Act, introduced by Rep. Kucinich, to call our troops home from Afghanistan by the end of the year.” (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of Peace Action West 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Peace Action 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Facebook: Wall. 7 October 2011. “Today marks the 10th anniversary of the start of the Afghanistan War – a war that has proven itself to be unwinnable and incredibly costly. Trillions of dollars and thousands of lives have been lost in a fight that really requires a political solution. This war is costing us $10 billion a month – money that could be used to create jobs, improve education, and strengthen America’s infrastructure. But the cost of this war is not only measured in dollars. Americans and Afghans are struggling to cope with the physical, financial, and psychological tolls of the decade-old conflict […] This has been the longest war in American history, and it is time that we brought our troops home.” (www.facebook.com)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "j) Should the United States increase military support for Afghanistan?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "j) Should the United States increase military support for Afghanistan?" Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international policy. Other or expanded principles: "I favor an orderly withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. The Bush Administration deliberately chose to invade Iraq on the basis of manipulated and unsupported information, and our presence there has had disastrous consequences. American troops continue to be a catalyst for ongoing and escalating violence. Our activities in Iraq are draining billions of dollars that could and should be used much more effectively elsewhere."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support United States military action in Afghanistan?" International Policy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Regarding support for United States military action in Afghanistan: Although I have in the past, I no longer do. Regarding free trade: My support for the adoption of free trade agreements is contingent upon the inclusion of enforceable labor standards and vigorous protections for the environment."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "e) Should the United States increase military support to Afghanistan?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support increasing military assistance for Afghanistan?" International Policy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Regarding support for United States military action in Afghanistan: Although I have in the past, I no longer do. Regarding free trade: My support for the adoption of free trade agreements is contingent upon the inclusion of enforceable labor standards and vigorous protections for the environment."
  • Jim McDermott. Three Cups of Tea. 5 March 2009. “There are many nations and languages and religions in the world today, but there is one thing true in all this diversity. Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. After Vietnam, many Americans said it will never happen again. But it has. We were misled into waging a false war in Iraq, and now we are beginning to transfer soldiers from Iraq to Afghanistan. When will we learn? [...] mountains are still standing and history has recorded new chapters which recount and reflect on the folly of nations that believe military power is all powerful. History tells us otherwise. The Iraq war was a mistake, and I fear we may be heading for another quagmire in Afghanistan.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Reducing the Federal Deficit. 13 July 2011. “Some historians have credited Ronald Reagan for the Soviet Union's collapse, but what really bankrupted the Soviet Union was its wars. Just like us, they paid a crushing price both financially and morally in Afghanistan. Overextending geopolitically comes at a cost over time, and any nation that thinks otherwise is setting itself up to repeat the mistakes of the past. As of today, the United States has spent more than 2 1/2 times the percentage of GDP on Afghanistan than the Soviet Union spent of its GDP during its 9-year war in Afghanistan. Public polls are clear: Americans know the cost of the war in Afghanistan is unsustainable and want us to withdraw as soon as possible.” (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 4200. 108th Congress. Defense Department FY2005 Authorization Bill. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 05/20/2004. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 06/20/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. No Jobs Agenda. 6 April 2011. “The Republican Party does nothing, not one thing, about the defense budget. Iraq is winding down, Afghanistan is winding down, and Libya will be over shortly, but they don't take one thin dime out of the defense budget. They can't find anything to save anyplace.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Co-Chairs and Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. 21 September 2011. “To generate much-needed savings, we strongly urged you to examine the costs of the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. To date, the wars have cost our taxpayers at least $2.3 trillion, with an additional $884 billion in future costs for veterans and their families […] Ending the overseas contingency operations emergency supplementals and on-budget appropriations starting in Fiscal Year 2013, providing $170 billion in Fiscal Year 2012 to fund redeployment, while saving more than $1.8 trillion from current law spending levels over ten years […] Exorbitant spending on failed wars that have killed thousands of Americans must not be exempt from budgetary scrutiny.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Reducing the Federal Deficit. 13 July 2011. “America will cease to be a world power if we fail to support the domestic foundations of our Nation. Yet the House does not even blink as it approved a $650 billion defense budget last Friday. While the Republicans were cutting any spending that helps people, they didn't so much as flinch as they threw hundreds of billions of dollars into the bottomless pit of the defense budget. We need to stop seeing the world through the lens of constant threat and foster a sense of the common good and shared responsibility. That, not our military footprint, is what will advance our interests in the world and make us confident again.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. We're Fighting A War With No End In Sight. 13 July 2011. “At a time when we're cutting back on support for the neediest of Americans, we can't seem to face the urgent reality that the money we spend abroad needs to be spent here at home. Taxpayers in my district of Seattle have spent $1.1 billion for the Afghanistan war to date. For the same money, we could provide health care for 700,000 children from low-income families, put 125,000 more children into Head Start, or provide health care for 150,000 more veterans. So the question before us is simple. What is our priority -- fighting a war with no end in sight or investing in the American people?” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. The Federal Budget and Our Nation's Priorities. 10 March 2011. “Without any changes to current policy, the budget deficit will drop to $500 billion in 2 years. Now, that deficit will slowly rise again. This slow rise in the coming years is the big issue, and it's caused by two things: increased health care costs and a defense budget that is out of control. Mr. Speaker, we're going to fix the long-term budget deficit of this country by lowering health care costs and by having a sensible defense budget.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief. 15 March 2005. “On a rare occasion, the Defense Secretary admits there is an issue; quoting Secretary Rumsfeld: 'According to some estimates, we (DOD) cannot track $2.3 trillion in transactions.' The Pentagon's own auditors admit that the military cannot account for as much as ¼ of what it spends. Defense makes up half of all the discretionary spending in the budget. Standard issue Republican rhetoric decries waste, fraud and abuse. Well, it's time to turn the rhetoric into a plan of action. The Truman Committee eliminated corruption, profiteering and mismanagement. It uncovered defective systems, improved efficiencies in existing programs, and freed up billions of dollars for more crucial procurement.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Maintain Status" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category. c) Defense"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Decrease" for: "Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. c) Defense" Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. Other or expanded principles: "I would like to see funding for the development of alternative energy technologies greatly increased."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington 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"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Decrease" for: "c) Defense" Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. Other or expanded principles: "I would like to see funding for the development of alternative energy technologies greatly increased."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Medium Priority" for: "Indicate your priorities for spending any anticipated federal budget surplus. a) Defense"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Maintain Status" for: "Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. c) Defense" 1) Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "Slightly Increase - Veterans services"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Maintain Status" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. [?] c) Defense"
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. 13 October 2011. "You have a unique opportunity to bring our defense spending in line with our legitimate national defense needs while getting our nation on the path to a balanced budget free of deficit. As former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates noted last year, paraphrasing President Dwight D. Eisenhower, "The United States should spend as much as necessary on national defense, but not one penny more. [...] The June 2010 report of the Sustainable Defense Task Force detailed proposals to reduce our nuclear stockpile substantially, realizing savings of over $100 billion without compromising our national security.[1] The report proposed over $960 billion in defense department savings over the next decade. [...] Bringing our defense spending in line with our legitimate security needs must be considered along with other measures to regain our economic footing." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 4939. 110th Congress. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 06/13/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2561. 106th Congress. Defense Department Appropriations bill, FY2000. Jim McDermott voted Did Not Vote on 07/22/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 5010. 108th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2003. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 10/10/2002. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Twitter: RepJimMcDermott. 5 October 2011. “The top 1% of our country takes home 24% of the national income. We need to ask them to pay a fair share. #fromthe99.” http://twitter.com/#!/RepJimMcDermott/status/121606517156884481. (ow.ly)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "6) Do you support requiring a super-majority vote in both houses of Congress to raise taxes?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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. d) Family income $75-150,000"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington 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. k) Corporate income taxes"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington 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" Family Income Other or expanded principles: "Over $200,000"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "Indicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. f) $350,001 and above"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "5) Do you support making President Bush's tax cuts permanent?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly 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"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington 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"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "Indicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. h) Income taxes (high-income families)"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "3) Do you support eliminating the Internal Revenue Service?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington 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" Family Income Other or expanded principles: "Greatly Increase: over 200,000"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly 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"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "h) Income taxes (high-income families)"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "Indicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. e) $180,001-$350,000"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington 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"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington 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"
  • Jim McDermott. Facebook: Notes. Tonight I Voted No on Tax Cuts for the Rich. 16 December 2010. “Tonight I voted against a bill that would extend Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy, and enact an estate tax that benefits the wealthiest estates. A huge giveaway to the super rich during these tough economic times just boggles the mind. This bill certainly has some good provisions that would help the poor and middle class, but it gives away $120 billion dollars to the super rich—a huge bonus that the rich don’t need and won’t use to create jobs […] Earlier this month I voted to extend the middle class tax cuts and if Republicans would compromise and allow us to fix this bill with fair and responsible rates for the wealthy and funding for unemployment insurance that lasts until the working families of this country are back on their feet, I would vote yes.” (www.facebook.com)
  • Jim McDermott. No Jobs Agenda. 6 April 2011. “The fact is that if we restored the fair Clinton-era tax rates, what we had in effect before 2000, and kept all other spending at the same point, our deficit drops by two-thirds. That's where we are today. In 10 years, it drops by two-thirds. That's a simple plan that is very doable without destroying the safety net in this country, without going after all the poor and the dispossessed in this country.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives. 9 December 2010. “We oppose acceding to Republican demands to extend the Bush tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires for two reasons. First, it is fiscally irresponsible. Adding more than $900 billion to our national debt, as this proposal would do, handcuffs our ability to offer a balanced plan to achieve fiscal stability without a punishing effect on our current commitments, including Social Security and Medicare. Second, it is grossly unfair. This proposal will hurt, not help, the majority of Americans in the middle class and those working hard to get there. Even as Republicans seek to add billions more to our national debt in tax cuts to the wealthy, they oppose extending unemployment benefits to workers and resist COLA increases to seniors […] We support extending tax cuts in full to 98 percent of American taxpayers, as the President initially proposed. He should not back down. Nor should we.” (votesmart.org)
  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 100 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 1836. 107th Congress. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, 2001. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 05/16/2001. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 15 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 8 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Reducing the Federal Deficit. 13 July 2011. “Madam Speaker, over the past several weeks, we've been debating ways to reduce the Federal deficit. Republicans have said that everything is on the table and that nothing is sacred, but that just isn't true. The Republicans refuse to cut tax giveaways to the wealthiest special interests in this country.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. The Mindless Repeal of the Accountable Care Act. 6 January 2011. “The tax cuts in this health care bill to help the middle class are used for giving credits to people when they buy insurance […] Now, a few weeks ago we passed a tax bill out of here and we had to give tax cuts to people who make millions and millions of dollars--millions. They said if you don't give the tax cuts to the rich, we are not going to give them to the middle class. The entire Republican Caucus voted against tax cuts unless millionaires got them. Well, we should have learned from that that this repeal will be just more of the same--take $110 billion away from the middle class by taking a repeal of this law.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Twitter: RepJimMcDermott. 28 September 2011. “73% of Americans want millionaires to start contributing their fair share. #buffettrule http://twitter.com/#!/RepJimMcDermott/status/119062400438763520. (ow.ly)
  • Jim McDermott. Twitter: RepJimMcDermott. 26 September 2011. “GOP rep moves off party line, 'don’t think it’s possible to fix this [debt] problem... without raising taxes.' Admirable.” http://twitter.com/#!/RepJimMcDermott/status/118339175132037121. (ow.ly)
  • Jim McDermott. Twitter: RepJimMcDermott. 20 September 2011. “1,470 millionaires paid zero income tax in 2009. Millionaires paying nothing in taxes? Appalling. http://twitter.com/#!/RepJimMcDermott/status/116165662853963776. (ow.ly)
Yes Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Economy and Taxes. 7 October 2011. “I supported the Recovery Act that passed in 2009. That legislation has gone a long way to help steady America's economy. Estimates show that the legislation has saved or created more than 2 million jobs nationwide and has prevented millions of Americans from falling into poverty.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. The Economic Recovery Plan. 24 February 2009. “In barely a month, President Obama has shown us that he can walk the talk. The stimulus package the President signed into law will take America down a road that we did not see in the last administration. It is one that governs from the center, focused on the average American--the average person who gets up in the morning, gets to work at 8 o'clock, works until 5 o'clock and goes home and takes care of his family, maybe coaches baseball, maybe is a single mother who goes home, picks her kids up at daycare and goes home and takes care of them for the evening, but it is focused on the average American.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Rep. McDermott Introduces The Emergency Jobs Program and Assistance For Families Extension Act. 2 February 2010. “Today Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced legislation to extend and expand an existing program to incentivize job creation and aid struggling families with children. As part of the Recovery Act, Congress created an Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF) to help States with increasing expenditures on cash assistance for families in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; short-term, one-time aid for needy families; and subsidized employment programs that temporarily pay for the wages of a worker in a public or private job. States across the country have taken advantage of these funds in a variety of ways. 'This bill will both create and preserve jobs and prevent increased deprivation among the poorest children and their families. As Congress works with the President on a jobs bill, we must continue to invest in programs with measurable success.'” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Speaker Boehner. 21 September 2011. “The ATVM program has a demonstrated record of success and job creation. $3.5 billion of credit subsidy has been used to make six loans totaling $9.2 billion that created or saved 41,000 jobs in Tennessee, California, Indiana, Michigan, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio. It is expected that before the end of the year $2.5 billion will be awarded to eleven more companies in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and Louisiana creating or saving an additional 35,000 to 40,000 jobs. There are already twelve projects in early stages of due diligence to compete for the remaining available loan authority and the Department of Energy continues to receive new applications every month. These projects could create more than 10,000 jobs, but not if the $1.5 billion cut to the program is signed into law.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Economy and Jobs. 1 January 2011. “President Obama and Congress took swift action by passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will save or create an estimated 3.5 million jobs and has provided 95 percent of Americans with a tax cut. Yet there's still work to be done to stabilize the economy. I chair the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, which oversees what I call the nation's 'safety net' programs […] People need to be able to support their families while they look for work, and unemployment benefits help these families do that […] I also helped craft the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund, which created or save some 160,000 jobs throughout the U.S. […] I know that the President and Congress will continue to work on improving the economy and creating more jobs, and I am confident that we will be able to meet the challenge.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 5 percent in 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 Jim McDermott a rating of 0 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Chairman Camp. 9 September 2011. "During the last Congress, the President and the then-Democratic Majority took needed steps to stabilize the economy. According to Congressional Budget Office, the Recovery Act resulted in up to 4 million additional full-time jobs in the economy during the second quarter of 2011. Since the recovery began, the private sector has created more than 2 million private sector jobs. But we still have a long way to go before we make up the nearly nine million jobs destroyed by the financial crisis and recession, and we simply must do more to accelerate economic growth and job creation." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Twitter: RepJimMcDermott. 21 September 2011. “Clear majority of Americans (65%) think #AmericanJobsAct will create new opportunities. Let's honor our commitment to them and #passthebill.” (twitter.com)
  • Jim McDermott. Twitter: RepJimMcDermott. 8 September 2011. “President speaks tonight - I hope he stresses increasing federal money to create jobs - these are dire times. What do you think? #JobsNow.” (twitter.com)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "5) Do you support using government funds in an effort to stimulate and improve the economy?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington 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: "Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid"
Yes Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Rep. McDermott Introduces The Emergency Jobs Program and Assistance For Families Extension Act. 2 February 2010. “Today Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced legislation to extend and expand an existing program to incentivize job creation and aid struggling families with children. As part of the Recovery Act, Congress created an Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF) to help States with increasing expenditures on cash assistance for families in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; short-term, one-time aid for needy families; and subsidized employment programs that temporarily pay for the wages of a worker in a public or private job. States across the country have taken advantage of these funds in a variety of ways. 'This bill will both create and preserve jobs and prevent increased deprivation among the poorest children and their families. As Congress works with the President on a jobs bill, we must continue to invest in programs with measurable success.'” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Economy and Jobs. 1 January 2011. “I also helped craft the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund, which created or save some 160,000 jobs throughout the U.S. This fund helps states provide assistance to needy families and creates subsidized jobs programs that temporarily provide wage subsidies to employers, including small businesses, who hire unemployed workers. This program has garnered wide bipartisan support and has helped unemployed workers in every corner of the nation get work. Already, Washington State has received more than $66 million in funding from the program.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Appointment of Conferees on H.R. 4520, American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. 29 September 2004. “The gentleman from New York's (Mr. Rangel's) motion will instruct our House negotiators to make certain that tax incentives that exist for corporations moving overseas are not increased. What is wrong with that? I mean what is wrong with that? I am told, Mr. Speaker, that you instructed Republicans to vote against this proposal. You cannot be serious. Our trade deficit reached an all-time high this year. Our country is selling fewer things to foreigners than we buy from them, which explains why the government data says we lost at least 1.5 million jobs due to foreign trade and outsourcing since Mr. Bush took office.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2488. 106th Congress. Financial Freedom Act of 1999. Jim McDermott voted Did Not Vote on 08/05/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2. 108th Congress. Jobs and Economic Growth bill. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 05/23/2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Ways and Means Democrats Introduce H.R. 6152: The Bring Jobs Home Act. 19 July 2012. “Ways and Means Committee Democrats today introduced legislation to provide tax credits to businesses that brings jobs and business operations back to America from another country. H.R. 6152: The Bring Jobs Home Act, introduced by Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), provides a 20 percent tax credit for businesses that "insource" jobs back to the United States and is paid for by closing tax loopholes for companies that "outsource" jobs overseas and treat distributions of debt securities in a tax-free spin-off transaction in the same manner as distributions of cash or other property […] 'Since the President took office, Republicans have done everything to not create jobs, help businesses or aid the economy. They've been singularly focused on preventing President Obama from being reelected. Now is not the time for politics. Ways and Means Democrats have now offered 5 bipartisan bills, supported by Republicans in the past that can and should be passed immediately. It's a shame that Republicans care more about playing politics than helping the middle class.' (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Ways and Means Democrats Introduce "No Excuses" Legislation to Spur Job Growth. 26 July 2012. “The American Advanced Energy Manufacturing Jobs Act of 2012 and The Build America Bonds Act of 2012 are the sixth and seventh measures introduced in recent weeks as part of the No Excuses agenda as Democrats seek to encourage Republicans to finally act on measures to spur job growth. Other bills in the package include the Wind Powering American Jobs Act, the Hire Now Act, Invest in America Now Act, Investing in American Innovation Act of 2012, and The Bring Jobs Home Act. […] 'We've heard from employers and we've heard from industry -- these tax credits work and they create jobs,' said Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA). 'Nearly every district in this country has benefitted from at least one of these provisons. They've built roads and bridges, fixed schools and sewers, and put us on the path to a clean energy future. The evidence is there, these two bills will make this country better, and failure by our Republican colleagues to pass these bills immediately would be, yet again, putting politics over the people.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Create "enterprise zones" in urban areas with high unemployment by providing tax credits for new and expanding businesses."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment."
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Education: Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind)."
  • Jim McDermott. 57 Members of Congress Join Representative Watson in Opposing Administration's Weakening of Title IX Education Programs. 30 April 2004. “We are concerned that the Department has decided to tamper with civil rights law with no mandate to do so from Congress, parents, educators, or the public. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) already allows local education agencies to use innovative program funding 'to provide same-gender schools and classrooms (consistent with applicable law),' and directed the Department to issue guidelines on how schools could use such funding in a manner consistent with Title IX and the Constitution. The Act did not call for a reexamination and reformulation of Title IX regulations.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 1804. 104th Congress. Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 03/23/1994. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2300. 106th Congress. Academic Achievement for All Act. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 10/21/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. McDermott Statement on Washington's NCLB Waiver. 6 July 2012. "I am pleased the U.S. Department of Education has granted Washington state a waiver from provisions in the No Child Left Behind law. NCLB's one-size-fits-all approach has not fit well with the reforms we, in Washington state, believe are needed for high standards and accountability. By returning many education decisions to the state and local levels, the waiver will allow Washington state educators to better meet the individualized needs of our students and ensure they have the critical skills and knowledge to succeed upon graduation." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Education. 1 January 2012. “Jim knows that investing in education at all levels must be a priority for our country, and he is working with his colleagues in Congress to ensure education receives the focus and funding it needs […] When the Recovery Act passed in early 2009, it gave many school districts a critical boost in resources. Jim worked to bring more than $3 million of Recovery Act funds to both Seattle Public Schools and Highline Public Schools […] But even with these increases in funding, there's still more work to do. Nearly every local government is facing budget shortfalls, laying off teachers and cutting vital education programs. Jim believes it is imperative for the federal government to increase its financial investment in education to ensure that children receive the education they need to be successful […] Sadly, the Bush Administration's "No Child Left Behind Act" (NCLB) has become one of the major obstacles to excellence in Americans schools. The program is deeply flawed and it is widely unpopular with states and local districts. Major overhaul of the program is necessary and, while larger reforms are considered, the Department of Education has decided to offer states the opportunity to apply for waivers liberating them from the "wacky requirement[s]" created by the NCLB law. Jim supports these waivers -- they are only a stopgap measure and nowhere close to a permanent solution, but they are essential to limit further weakening of U.S. education by NCLB.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. [?] d) Education"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Support the federal government funding universal pre-K programs."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington 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"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "d) Education" Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. Other or expanded principles: "I would like to see funding for the development of alternative energy technologies greatly increased."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Establish "National Standards" for K-12 schools and encourage states to adopt them."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "b) Do you support federal funding for universal pre-K programs?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. d) Education" 1) Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "Slightly Increase - Veterans services"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Eliminate the U.S. Department of Education."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "State" for: "Indicate which level of government should have primary responsibility for the following services. Select one level only. 3) Education"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing of public school students."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing of public school students."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing in reading and math."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards for and testing of public school students."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Establish a nationwide competency test for teachers and encourage states to adopt it."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Do you support federal funding for K-12 school vouchers?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category. d) Education"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Increase" for: "Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. d) Education" Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. Other or expanded principles: "I would like to see funding for the development of alternative energy technologies greatly increased."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "k) Eliminate all federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind)."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards for and testing of public school students."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "c) Do you support federal funding for charter schools?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Providing education is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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)"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington 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)"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students?"
No Inferred Answer Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)."
  • Jim McDermott. The President's Call to Lift the Ban on Offshore Oil Drilling. 24 June 2008. “The American people have had a few days to consider the President's call to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling. The New York Times calls it 'The Big Pander to Big Oil,' saying, 'This is worse than a dumb idea. It is cruelly misleading. It will make only a modest difference, at best, to prices at the pump, and even then, the benefits will be years away' […] The Seattle Post-Intelligencer's editorial, up north from Los Angeles, said, 'Offshore drilling: This well is dry.' They said, 'But drilling/plundering our coasts for about 19 billion barrels of oil--that's really all that's available--is akin to placing a Band-Aid on the hemorrhaging wound that is our oil-dependent, wasteful lifestyle.'” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Rep. McDermott Expresses Concern over Administration's Dealings with BP. 25 May 2010. “As oil continues to gush into the Gulf of Mexico, it has become clear that we must lift the cap on oil company liability for economic damages. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act of 2010. BP must pay for the mess it has created. I have also cosponsored legislation to permanently prohibit offshore drilling on the outer continental shelf of California, Oregon and Washington State. This bill would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permanently protect the $34 billion coastal economies of the three states -- which support nearly 570,000 jobs in California, Oregon and Washington.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Energy. 7 October 2011. “Congressman McDermott opposes oil exploration in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, Yellowstone National Park, and off-shore areas of California and Florida. The limited reserves of potentially recoverable oil in these areas could not be realized for at least 10 years, and do nothing to alleviate our oil dependency now. Relying on minimal, inaccessible sources of petroleum only forestalls responsible action to address our energy needs.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Gas Stamps. 30 July 2008. “We can help those at the bottom of the economic ladder survive by simply passing the Gas Stamps legislation I've introduced. It would provide modest assistance to people who need a helping hand to keep their head above water. It would provide temporary assistance over a relatively short time, a few months, like food stamps, and it would say to the American people that we, in Congress, know the first stimulus package was not enough and we're prepared to act again […] The American people need and deserve some additional help, and we ought to provide it with gas stamps, not the fraud of drilling on the coast.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Support domestic oil exploration in areas that are currently restricted."
  • Jim McDermott. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of Environment America 93 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to President of the United States George W. Bush. 15 May 2006. “The skyrocketing price of gas poses a crisis not only to commuters going to work, especially in rural areas, but family farmers, small businesses, truckers, airlines, and indeed our entire economy. Recently, oil prices topped $72 a barrel -- higher than during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, even though oil inventories in the U.S. reached the highest level in eight years. In fact, the last time we saw oil inventories this high, the price of oil plunged below $11 a barrel. There is no good reason for gas prices to be this high, especially when oil companies continue to receive record-breaking profits, OPEC continues to receive increased revenue, and oil executives continue to receive obscene levels of compensation. 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. Without real leadership at the top, there is no question but that oil executives will continue to ignore the needs of ordinary Americans while they reap record-breaking profits.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Interior Secretary Salazar. 8 February 2012. “On behalf of the undersigned members of Congress, we write to comment on your administration's proposed 2012-2017 Outer Continental Shelf Oil (OCS) and Gas Leasing Program. Our comments focus specifically on three geographic regions: the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Arctic Oceans. While we are pleased to see that no oil and gas development will occur in the Atlantic or Pacific, we urge caution against too quickly moving forward with additional leasing in the Arctic, which this plan in its current form will do […] To conclude, before any new leasing activity is scheduled for the Arctic, all agencies involved in the planning process must develop adequate science to understand the implications of drilling in the Arctic Ocean, put in place a plan that guarantees protection of the Arctic Ocean and ecosystem, and guarantee that companies bidding on leases in the Arctic Ocean and applying for permits to drill wells in this unique, intact ecosystem, are fully prepared to handle a disaster like Deepwater Horizon.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "e) Do you support domestic oil exploration in federally-protected areas?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Regarding "cap and trade": I am in support of whichever carbon regulatory mechanism most efficiently addresses the issue of climate change in a manner that is robust, ensures that corporations pay their fair share, and guarantees American families will not absorb disproportionate adverse impacts. Regarding nuclear reactors: Despite their potential for producing clean energy, I am unwilling to support the development of nuclear reactors until there exists a safe, reliable, and ongoing method for disposing of the waste produced by the process."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Support opening a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration."
Yes Inferred Answer Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Consider further increasing federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "j) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits under "cap and trade" laws."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "l) Promote the selling of pollution credits to encourage industries to decrease amount of pollution."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Tax high-level energy users (businesses and individuals) to discourage excessive energy use and pay for environmental cleanup."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Pass stronger clean water and clean air legislation."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "l) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Reduce government regulation of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Eliminate government regulations to encourage investment and economic expansion of the private sector."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "k) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "k) Adhere to the United Nations treaty regarding global climate change."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "d) Do you support strengthening fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Regarding "cap and trade": I am in support of whichever carbon regulatory mechanism most efficiently addresses the issue of climate change in a manner that is robust, ensures that corporations pay their fair share, and guarantees American families will not absorb disproportionate adverse impacts. Regarding nuclear reactors: Despite their potential for producing clean energy, I am unwilling to support the development of nuclear reactors until there exists a safe, reliable, and ongoing method for disposing of the waste produced by the process."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Support the U.S. re-entering the current Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Phase in a prohibition of pollution causing products such as gas powered autos and lawn mowers."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "j) Impose stricter national air quality standards."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Reduce current federal regulations on the environment."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "l) Support the U.S. re-entering the Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Promote the selling of pollution credits between nations to encourage industries to decrease pollution levels."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Regarding "cap and trade": I am in support of whichever carbon regulatory mechanism most efficiently addresses the issue of climate change in a manner that is robust, ensures that corporations pay their fair share, and guarantees American families will not absorb disproportionate adverse impacts. Regarding nuclear reactors: Despite their potential for producing clean energy, I am unwilling to support the development of nuclear reactors until there exists a safe, reliable, and ongoing method for disposing of the waste produced by the process."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "b) Do you support international emissions targets aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Regarding "cap and trade": I am in support of whichever carbon regulatory mechanism most efficiently addresses the issue of climate change in a manner that is robust, ensures that corporations pay their fair share, and guarantees American families will not absorb disproportionate adverse impacts. Regarding nuclear reactors: Despite their potential for producing clean energy, I am unwilling to support the development of nuclear reactors until there exists a safe, reliable, and ongoing method for disposing of the waste produced by the process."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "m) Support the Kyoto Protocol to limit global warming."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Encourage further market based strategies to clean up the environment such as pollution credits."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Support Clear Skies Act to reduce power plant emissions by setting a national cap on pollutants."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Promote the selling of pollution credits between nations to encourage industries to decrease pollution levels."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "h) Strengthen emission controls and fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Jim McDermott. Issues: Environment. 11 October 2011. “Jim knows that we must end our dependence on fossil fuels. He introduced carbon tax legislation to gradually increase taxes on greenhouse gas-emitting substances. This legislation received broad support in the past Congress from both environmentalists and the oil and gas industry, who viewed it as a viable option for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.” (mcdermott.house.gov)
  • Jim McDermott. Issues: Energy. 11 October 2011. “If the United States is to continue to lead and innovate, we must move away from fossil fuels and focus on developing clean, inexpensive, renewable energy sources. To do this, Jim has introduced carbon tax legislation that creates specific greenhouse gas emission reduction targets over the next 40 years by slowly applying a tax on carbon emitting substances. As the tax increases over time, industry can slowly transition to clean sources of energy. Rex Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Oil Company, has supported the idea of a carbon tax, as have other major companies involved in the energy industry.” (mcdermott.house.gov)
  • Richard Wagoner. Seattle Times. Rep. Jim McDermott says he supports cap-and-trade legislation. 25 June 2009. “Seattle Congressman Jim McDermott said today he'll vote in favor of the cap-and-trade legislation that's split the environmental community […] 'I have been deeply concerned about the potential for another financial meltdown in America if the legislation does not have strong consumer protections, a strict market regimen, and solid oversight of any derivatives market associated with reducing carbon emissions […] There are those who say the legislation is not good enough and urge a no vote. There are those who say the legislation is not strong enough and to draw a line in the sand and refuse to cross it. And there are those who stand with me and say the time is now for America to demonstrate its global leadership and commitment to address climate change. I am voting in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act because it is change we can believe in.'” (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Jim McDermott voted Yea on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Jim McDermott in the 2006 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott 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 Jim McDermott in the 2004 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Jim McDermott in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of Environment America 93 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Jim McDermott in the 2002 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to President of the United States of America George W. Bush. 15 May 2006. “By increasing CAFE standards for cars to 45 miles per gallon and SUVs and light trucks to 34 miles per gallon over the next decade we 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.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce John D. Dingell. 15 June 2007. “We commend your leadership in the Energy and Commerce Committee on addressing the challenge of global warming and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. However, we are concerned with provisions in the Discussion Draft on Alternative Fuels, Infrastructure, and Vehicles which would strip our states of their authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles […] This draft legislation would deprive our states of their authority to take the steps they deem appropriate to protect the health and safety of their citizens.” (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Ban the sale, ownership or possession of handguns except by law enforcement and other government officials."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow individuals to carry concealed guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "j) Require background checks of gun buyers at gun shows."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "c) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "h) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Maintain federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "d) Do you support a ban on assault rifles?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "k) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Ease procedures on the purchase and registration of firearms."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Maintain all federal registration procedures and restrictions on possessing firearms."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "b) Do you believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individual citizens to own guns?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Impose a national ban on the sale of handguns to minors."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Reauthorize the ban on the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "h) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "On (c) and (d), indicate what levels (#1-6) you support for the following categories. c) Enforcement of existing restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Increase restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Raise the minimum age for ownership of handguns from 18 to 21."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Raise the minimum age for ownership of handguns from 18 to 21."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Increase federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "Impose a national ban on the public sale of assault weapons."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "f) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Increase" for: "On (c) and (d), indicate what levels (#1-6) you support for the following categories. d) Restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Jim McDermott. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 100 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House)." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H Amdt 390. 103th Congress. Instant Background Checks for Gun Purchase Amendment. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 11/10/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 1025. 103th Congress. Brady Handgun Bill. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 11/10/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2122. 106th Congress. Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 06/18/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 125. 104th Congress. Gun Ban Repeal Act of 1995. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 03/22/1996. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 4296. 104th Congress. Regulation of Semi-Automatic Assault Weapons. Jim McDermott 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 Jim McDermott in the 2008 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence endorsed Jim McDermott in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Jim McDermott a grade of 18." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Assault Weapons Ban. 13 September 2004. “Mr. Speaker, in the one minute it will take to read these remarks, an Uzi can fire off 1,700 rounds. Uzis and similar assault weapons are about to be legal again, as if we don't have enough to worry about in America. For the past ten years, the assault weapons ban has protected Americans from these lethal, military-designed guns. These weapons are not used for hunting animals. They are used to kill human beings. The assault weapons ban has bipartisan support, both in Congress and across the nation. Seventy-five percent of Americans want to see the ban extended. Even two-thirds of gun owners favor renewing the ban.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Cheney Had It Right First Time. 30 September 2004. “Such are this administration's major national security flip-flops. But other flips bear on our safety. During the 2000 campaign, candidate Bush pledged to limit carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. It didn't happen. The President promised to support-or at least sign-renewal of Congress' 1994 ban on military-style assault weapons. The Bush administration didn't lift a finger to extend the ban, which recently expired.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Split Personality. 13 September 2004. “The administration has wrapped itself in the mantle of fighting the war on terror. Just today this administration could have struck a major blow against terrorism simply by extending the ban on assault weapons. These are bona fide weapons of mass destruction. We know where they are and we know how to keep them out of the hands of the bad guys […] The administration did not need weapons inspectors from the U.N. or air strikes from the military to find and isolate weapons of mass destruction that will threaten police officers and our security officers and our homeland security. All the President needed to do was tell his surrogates in this body and the other body to extend the ban. That did not happen, despite overwhelming support from the American people, despite overwhelming support from law enforcement officers.” (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues. Other or expanded principles: "QMB / SLMB outreach resources"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Implement a universal healthcare program to guarantee coverage to all Americans, regardless of income."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) The federal government has no responsibility in providing health care."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) The federal government has no responsibility in providing health care."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Do you support a publicly-administered health insurance option?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1994 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Support President Clinton's position for a "comprehensive health care plan for all Americans.""
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Providing healthcare is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Rachel Maddow Show. MSNBC. 'The Rachel Maddow Show' for Wednesday, January 19th, 2011. 19 January 2011. “RACHEL MADDOW: 'Does your sense of it accord with the polls? That the longer this repeal health reform debate goes on, the more people learn about health reform and the more they like it?' MCDERMOTT: 'It‘s always been my belief that as the bill came into existence and was really implemented, people would be more and more for it. It‘s like building a house. If you tell somebody you‘re going to build a house, they can‘t believe it until they see it. But now, it‘s been built and people are beginning to move into it, they see that they no longer have preexisting exclusions, and they can have care for their kids and all this sort of thing. And it has become a reality for people. And that‘s why those numbers are going down. It‘s almost funny today if it wasn‘t so sad, that they spent all that time on something that people have walked away from. People do not want to repeal this bill.” (www.msnbc.msn.com)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Health Care Law Not a 'Job Killer'. 18 January 2011. “Mr. Speaker, in the last Congress, we took up the challenge of reforming health care in this country because the system was broken and creating tremendous damage to the American economy. The fact is the health care law will help the economy. It will result in more efficiency, more stability of care, healthier Americans, and at fairer costs. That's what the law will do. Republicans have repeatedly misused statistics from the CBO to support their argument that the law is primarily a 'jobs killer.' We are truly in a situation of Republican conclusions desperately in search of honest facts […] I will close by quoting, in a somber splash of honesty, the economics editor of the Wall Street Journal […] The health care law isn't a job killing bill. It's good for business, it's good for American taxpayers, it's good for consumers, it's good for everybody in the society, and I urge my colleagues to recognize that words really do matter and they should stop mischaracterizing the health care law and confusing the American people.'” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Health Care Reform. 20 March 2010. “'Government cannot force me to be charitable.' I have always been a little confused about what would motivate someone to get up in the morning to attack an 11-year-old boy who lost his mom or compel someone to drive 500 miles to protest reforms that would help millions of Americans […] When I vote for health care reform tomorrow, I will dedicate it to Marcellas Owens and the memory of his mom. And if I had to write my seventh principle, I think I would use one of the my favorites quotes from the book of James in the Bible. 'Suppose a brother or a sister is in rags with not enough food for the day, and one of you says, 'Good luck to you, keep yourselves warm and have plenty to eat,' but does nothing to supply their bodily needs. What is the good of that? So with faith; if it does not lead to action, it is in itself a lifeless thing.' That is what we are doing here. We are making the first step to return to the concept of the common good that we will take care of each other.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Health Care. 1 January 2011. “Now our Congress has passed a landmark healthcare reform bill that tightly regulates health insurance companies and greatly improves our current system […] I have been a life-long advocate of a single-payer system, which would eliminate profit driven private health insurance companies from health care. While I believe this approach is the best solution for our health care system, I know it's not the only solution […] We still have a lot of work to do on health care, and the legislation we passed will require continued efforts to adjust and improve it in the years to come. But after 100 years of trying, we've finally passed meaningful health care reform legislation.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Health Care. 7 October 2011. “The new Health Care Reform Act will provide thirty-one million Americans with health care coverage they currently do not have. All Americans will see immediate benefits from the new legislation. Factual information about the new landmark legislation: -Small Business Tax Credits […] -Free Preventive Care Under Medicare […] -Ends Rescission […] -No Discrimination for Children with Pre-existing Conditions […] -Bans Lifetime Limits on Coverage.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Rep. McDermott Celebrates Passage Of Landmark Health Reform Bill. 22 March 2010. “I still believe that a single-payer model is the most effective to achieve both cost control and universal coverage. But 40 years of experience prevent me from being ideological about the solution to the problems of universal coverage. Rather than establishing a single-payer system, Congress has designed a less desirable model that that would more tightly regulate private insurance companies much in the same way that we do with utility companies. Members of Congress have opted for a model that provides for insurance regulation at the national level, rather than the state level as it is today […] I know that this bill is far from perfect and will require continued efforts to adjust and improve it in the years to come. But today we began.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Today, Sept. 23, marks the one year anniversary of the establishment of the "Patient's Bill of Rights" -- a series of protections included in the 2010 health care reform law. Millions of Americans have benefited from these protections, which have not only [sic]. 23 September 2011. “Today, Sept. 23, marks the one year anniversary of the establishment of the "Patient's Bill of Rights" -- a series of protections included in the 2010 health care reform law. Millions of Americans have benefited from these protections, which have not only improved private health care coverage but also lowered health care costs […] Other provisions included in the Patient's Bill of Rights include: young adults can stay on their parents' insurance plans until age 26; insured individuals won't lose their coverage or see their premiums skyrocket if they get sick; and, insurance companies can no longer place a lifetime limit or low annual limit on coverage plans. McDermott added, 'It is my hope that in the months and years to come, we will be able to move beyond the partisanship and political games in Washington, D.C. and build upon the 2010 health care law, strengthening coverage and reducing costs even more.'” (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

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Illegal immigrants should be given a pathway to citizenship."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working in the United States."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Support amnesty for certain illegal immigrants who already reside in the United States."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Prohibit states from passing laws that deny human services (medical care, education) to illegal immigrants or their children."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Illegal immigrants should have to return to their countries of origin before being considered for citizenship."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Allow legalization for certain illegal immigrants working in the U.S."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working in the United States."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease citizenship requirements in order to make it easier for immigrants to become United States citizens."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Facebook: Wall. 8 December 2010. “I'm please to announce that the DREAM Act just passed the House of Representatives. The bill gives immigrant students who grew up in the U.S. a chance to give back to our country by pursuing a higher education and/or serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.” (www.facebook.com)
  • Katherine Long. Seattle Times. In Pioneer Square, thousands rally for changes in immigration. 10 April 2010. Jim McDermott. “U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Seattle, opened his remarks by saying, 'Good afternoon, fellow immigrants,' which received a cheer. He went on to talk about how 'our current immigration system places more emphasis on filling out forms properly than on compassion and common sense.' McDermott charged that opponents of change are hiding behind 'a thin veil of racism and xenophobia,' and were focused on immigrants coming from countries to the south. 'But if you look around this audience, people come from all over the world.'” (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to President Obama. 23 November 2011. “As Secure Communities continues to expand, we write because we have been deeply troubled by the implementation of the program since its inception. We were further concerned when the Department of Homeland Security undermined the ability of states to opt out of the program by unilaterally terminating all Memoranda of Agreement with State Identification Bureaus across the country. Now, the recently released report of the task force established by DHS to review Secure Communities has led us to conclude that the program must immediately be terminated […] We urge you to immediately stop Secure Communities. We cannot make our communities safer by tearing them apart.” (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Homeland Security and Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General. 27 September 2011. “We applaud the August 18, 2011 announcement that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to close many low-priority immigration deportation proceedings. We especially commend DHS for stating that it will consider the family ties of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a factor in determining cases that merit relief from deportation, including for gay and lesbian foreign nationals who are the spouses and partners of U.S. citizens and permanent residents […] The recognition of LGBT family ties as a positive factor is a critical step forward in identifying key family and community ties to implement common-sense immigration enforcement.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Rep. Jim McDermott Speaks at the University of Washington Law Clinic and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. 4 February 2008. “What we are celebrating this evening is a team that makes a difference in the lives of defenseless people who need someone to stand up for them. I wish Congress was half as good as The University of Washington Law Clinic and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in getting something done when it comes to immigration […] You are the difference between due process and defenseless process. More often than not, the people you are defending have come here to escape civil war, genocide or abuse. Without you, these same people could be sent right back to the terrible situation they fled from. Your work is not merely important. Your work is imperative in the world in which we live today.” (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "j) Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "k) Should marriage be restricted to a union only between a man and a woman?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "i) Do you support a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and woman?"
  • Jim McDermott. Letter To The Honorable President Obama, Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schumer, And Chairwoman Lofgren. 9 February 2010. "Currently, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents may sponsor their spouses (and other immediate family members) for immigration purposes. But, same-sex partners committed to spending their lives together are not recognized as "families" under U.S. immigration law and thus do not have this same right. As a result, tens of thousands of binational families are either already living separately, face imminent separation, or have left the U.S. entirely in order to remain together. This is unacceptable, and we believe comprehensive immigration reform legislation must include a strong family reunification component inclusive of LGBT families." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. 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)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the American Family Association 11 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Jim McDermott voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Jim McDermott voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Jim McDermott voted Nay on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 14 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 100 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Human Rights. 7 October 2011. “'Created equal' means equal. As our citizens grapple with notions of domestic partnerships, civil unions and same sex marriages, it's no time to impose a Constitutional straitjacket.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: LGBT. 1 January 2011. “I have been a lifelong supporter of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans and firmly believe that LGBT individuals should be able to marry and receive the same health and tax benefits as anyone else […] Below are some of the LGBT-related initiatives I have worked on over the years: -The Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act: Along with Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), I introduced this bill to eliminate the tax burden incurred by same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners. The bill would also allow the domestic partners of federal civilian employees to have the same health care benefits as married spouses, including retirement, compensation for work injuries, and full life and health insurance benefits.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to IRS Commissioner Shulman. 19 September 2011. “Currently, fifteen states recognize same-sex marriage or domestic partnerships with no equivalent recognition under federal law. The absence of federal recognition for these couples has created ambiguity and complexity in the tax law that can, in part, be mitigated through IRS action. In the 2010 Annual Report to Congress, the National Taxpayer Advocate discusses the inequities faced by these couples […] Furthermore, domestic partners living in Washington, California, and Nevada, face additional tax complexity with respect to community property […] While we believe that legislative action should be taken to fully address the inequities experienced by same-sex couples, we urge the IRS to take immediate action within its authority to reduce unnecessary burdens ad ensure our tax law is applied fairly and equitably to all taxpayers.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Homeland Security and Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General. 27 September 2011. “We applaud the August 18, 2011 announcement that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to close many low-priority immigration deportation proceedings. We especially commend DHS for stating that it will consider the family ties of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a factor in determining cases that merit relief from deportation, including for gay and lesbian foreign nationals who are the spouses and partners of U.S. citizens and permanent residents […] The recognition of LGBT family ties as a positive factor is a critical step forward in identifying key family and community ties to implement common-sense immigration enforcement.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Marriage Protection Amendment. 30 September 2004. “Today shame looms over this body. Today you place legislation before us to amend the Constitution to ensure that same sex marriages can never occur in any State in this country […] This vote is about hurting Democrats running for reelection. You want to hurt those of us opposed to amending the Constitution to deny gays and lesbians the rights that the rest of us enjoy, but the real hurt is unleashed on some of our nation's families: the millions of gay couples and lesbian couples, and their children […] Jefferson's greatest manual was the Declaration of Independence, which reads in part, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' […] Nowhere in the Declaration does it say that these rights are only for white, heterosexual men.” (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Should the United States continue to strike suspected terrorist targets in Pakistan?" International Policy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Regarding support for United States military action in Afghanistan: Although I have in the past, I no longer do. Regarding free trade: My support for the adoption of free trade agreements is contingent upon the inclusion of enforceable labor standards and vigorous protections for the environment."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "e) Do you support pre-emptive military strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to United States national security?"
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington 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?"
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Chairman McKeon. 10 May 2011 "Among the many troubling aspects of the Detainee Security Act are provisions that expand the war against terrorist organizations on a global basis. The Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) of 2001 was widely thought to provide authorization for the war in Afghanistan to root out al Qaeda, the Taliban, and others responsible for the 9/11 attacks. That war has dragged on for almost ten years, and after the demise of Osama Bin Laden, as the United States prepares for withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Detainee Security Act purports to expand the 'armed conflict' against the Taliban, al Qaeda, and "associated forces" without limit. By declaring a global war against nameless individuals, organizations, and nations "associated" with the Taliban and al Qaeda, as well as those playing a supporting role in their efforts, the Detainee Security Act would appear to grant the President near unfettered authority to initiate military action around the world without further congressional approval. Such authority must not be ceded to the President without careful deliberation from Congress." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to the Honorable Barack Obama. 12 June 2012. “We are concerned that the use of such “signature strikes” could raise the risk of killing innocent civilians or individuals who may have no relationship to attacks on the United States. We are further concerned about the legal grounds for such strikes under the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force.” (kucinich.house.gov)
  • Jim McDermott. McDermott Statement on Resolution that Condemns Recent Attacks Against Israel. 20 July 2006. “I am especially troubled by the fact that H.Res 921 goes far beyond reaffirming our unwavering commitment to Israel by declaring unlimited support for potential military action anywhere in the region. The resolution says we: 'support Israel's right to take appropriate action to defend itself, including to conduct operations both in Israel and in the territory of nations which pose a threat to it.' This raises the ominous prospect that the House has given the Administration a pre-recorded vote to support any action, at any time. Could that include a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities? The resolution is a blank check, and we know that policy has failed in Iraq, and has only incubated further violence and terrorism. No one can for one moment accept rockets in Haifa, Nazareth, or anywhere in Israel. But demanding that the Lebanese government rein in Hezbollah while bombs rain down on a variety of targets, some civilian, is not the answer.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Stuck in the Middle of a Civil War. 28 February 2006. “This administration has no intention whatsoever to pull out of Iraq […] Worse than that, they are going to increase this. They are looking beyond Afghanistan and Iraq. It is in the editorial today in The Guardian, which is a newspaper from England: 'Looking beyond Iraq and Iran battlefields, U.S. commanders envisage a war unlimited in time and space against global Islamic extremism. The struggle may well be fought in dozens of other countries simultaneously and for many years to come.' […] Now, consider what an aerial drone is. That is something you take off in this country or take off somewhere, you fly over a country and somebody thousands of miles away says, drop the bomb over there at Seventh and Vine. Now, consider what we are planning. We are planning to invade countries from the air without even being there. It will be like war games, like kids sitting in the front room with their little board games. This is what they are talking about […] They will pull alongside a country and fire a bunch of rockets into the country and they will fix them. This is what is going on. And America is sitting quietly by and watching this happen.” (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

  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "" for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts that they manage themselves."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Washington Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security?" Business and Employment Issues Other or expanded principles: "Given the magnitude of this economic recession, I strongly support the continued extension of unemployment insurance benefits for jobless workers."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 1998 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2006 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2000 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Project Vote Smart: 2004 Washington 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."
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Democratic Leader Pelosi. 25 July 2011. “We write in strong agreement with your unwavering defense of the Democratic programs that form the bedrock of America's middle and working classes, and which are overwhelmingly popular. On July 7, you made very clear that "We are not going to balance the budget on the backs of America's seniors, women and people with disabilities" and that "we do not support cuts in benefits" for vital safety-net programs. We agree completely. Especially in these tough economic times, we should not be cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits that millions of our constituents paid into and depend on. Such benefit cuts should be off the table in current debt discussions. Our Republican colleagues should be embarrassed by their insistence that unless Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits are cut, the nation will default on its debts. Middle-class families have sacrificed enough, and a deal that pushes the American Dream further out of reach, in order to pay for extending tax breaks for the rich and corporations, is simply unacceptable. We are united as Democrats in saying that it's time to stand up to the Republican hostage-taking. We will not be forced to vote for a "final agreement" that we do not agree to -- and that the American people do not agree to. We stand united with you in insisting that benefit cuts for working families, our seniors, children, and people with disabilities must be off the table, and we stand united with you in fighting for millions of Americans who need Democrats to be firmly on their side.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. 13 October 2011. “We are writing to request that you protect vital programs that comprise our social safety net, including but not limited to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, as well as the programs that provide economic security and opportunity to millions of Americans […] It is imperative that we protect vital safety net programs and programs that provide economic security and opportunity to millions of Americans, including those facing or living in poverty. The Census Bureau released data on September 13, 2011, revealing that 15 percent of Americans -- 46.2 million people across this country -- lived in poverty in 2010. This is the largest number of Americans living in poverty since the Census started collecting this data 52 years ago. For our nation's children under 18, 22 percent lived in poverty in 2010. That is 16.4 million children who do not know where their next meal is coming from, where they might be sleeping that night, and who are anxious overall about their well being and that of their parents.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter to the Honorable Barack Obama. 21 July 2011. “As recovery efforts subside and unacceptably high unemployment continues to devastate our communities, we are pleased that the debt ceiling negotiations seem to be considering jobs as well as how to responsibly reduce spending. However, we remain gravely concerned that yet another, unacceptable cut to Social Security's revenue stream appears to be on the table. Enemies of Social Security reject valid proposals to give the same level of tax relief to the same Americans or American businesses without using the Social Security revenue stream and resultant general fund transfers. As alternative measures would have the same net effect on deficits and the economy, there is simply no need to negotiate cuts to Social Security taxes.” (votesmart.org)
  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Jim McDermott supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 90 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: Social Security. 7 October 2011. “Issue Position: Social Security. -The numbers are Code Red-in America's federal deficit, balance of trade, foreign borrowing, exchange rates, global competitiveness, infrastructure investment, health care finance, higher education budgets, and troop replacement- but NOT in Social Security. -There is no crisis. Social Security is secure for decades to come. Projected imbalances may never materialize, and we can correct them without radical changes. -President Bush's privatization scheme undermines Social Security, explodes the deficit, and puts comfortable retirement farther out of reach for most Americans.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Issue Position: The Social Safety Net. 7 October 2011. “Social Security is the most successful government program in history […] Privatization is a phase-out scheme for Social Security and nothing more. It moves dollars out of Social Security, divides voters by age, and shaves benefits to the vanishing point. The privatization scheme offered up by the Bush Administration five years ago would have undermined Social Security […] Periodically, there are new schemes introduced to privatize our Social Security System. I will oppose them all.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Letter To The Honorable Barack Obama, President, The United States of America. 15 October 2010. “We write today to express our strong support for Social Security and our view that it should be strengthened. We oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including raising the retirement age. We also oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. MSNBC. MSNBC "The Ed Show" - Transcript. 11 May 2011. “ED SCHULTZ: 'Let"s go to the Ryan Plan, which a lot of people are rejecting across this country. And it"s affecting a House special election in upstate New York. The district is solidly Republican, but polling shows the Democrat has got a shot […] What do you make of that race?' MCDERMOTT: 'Well, my view is that the Republicans followed Paul Ryan over the cliff with his privatization of Social Security. And the American people woke up and said, wow, is that what this is about? And now they"re going to turn on him.'” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. No Jobs Agenda. 6 April 2011. “The Republicans take zero responsibility for their disastrous policies and then say the situation they created is the reason why we need to implement every form of their radically failed philosophy. It's cynical. It's ugly politics. And it's the Republican strategy. Consider what they're doing to seniors. They're saying to seniors: Now you have a set of guaranteed benefits. We're going to take it away and give you a voucher. Go look for some health insurance. And good luck.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. Party of the 1 Percent. 5 April 2006. “Republicans want everyone to have a Health Savings Account, so you can save all the money that Middle America does not have, to pay for all those health care expenses Middle America cannot possibly afford. That is the Republican Solution to America's health care crisis. Last year, they wanted to privatize Social Security to destroy the safety net under our most distinguished citizens. This year, the President and Republican Party want to anesthetize the Middle Class, so they don't know Republicans want to amputate their financial security with a plan meant to benefit only the rich.” (votesmart.org)
  • Jim McDermott. The Social Insecurity System. 12 May 2005. “Run for your lives is the very best nonpartisan advice that anyone can give the American people over the President's plan to create a private insecurity social system […] The President wants the American people to accept his word that privatizing Social Security is in the best interests of Main Street and not Wall Street […] The President says he does not read newspapers. How about American history? Can someone in the White House please get him an American history book? It did not work. He ought to know that. Americans who have worked a lifetime were forced to live in poverty because there was no Social Security […] Why in the world does the President continue ignoring history? He proposes a plan; no, the President demands a private insecurity social system.” (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: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position.

Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as the candidate has submitted it. Project Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Washington Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test

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

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Abortion Issues

Pro-choiceCandidate Answera) Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?
Nob) Should abortion be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy?
Yesc) Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
Yesd) Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
Noe) Should federal subsidies be prohibited from being used for abortion procedures?
f) Other or expanded principles

Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues

1) Spending
Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once.
Slightly Decreasea) Agriculture
Slightly Increaseb) Arts
Slightly Decreasec) Defense
Maintain Status1) Intelligence operations
Slightly Decrease2) Military hardware
Greatly Decrease3) National missile defense
Slightly Increase4) Salary and benefits for active duty personnel
Maintain Status5) Programs to improve troop retention rates
Slightly Decrease6) Research and development of new weapons
Greatly Increased) Education
Greatly Increasee) Environment
Maintain Statusf) Homeland security
Greatly Increaseg) International aid
Greatly Increaseh) Medical research
Greatly Increasei) Scientific research
Maintain Statusj) Space exploration
Slightly Increasek) United Nations
Slightly Increasel) Welfare
Greatly Increasem) Other or expanded categories

I would like to see funding for the development of alternative energy technologies greatly increased.
2) Taxes
Indicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once.
Slightly Increasea) Alcohol taxes
Slightly Increaseb) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increasec) Cigarette taxes
Slightly Increased) Corporate taxes
Slightly Increasee) Gasoline taxes
Greatly Decreasef) Income taxes (low-income families)
Slightly Decreaseg) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Slightly Increaseh) Income taxes (high-income families)
i) Other or expanded categories
NoCandidate Answer3) Do you support the elimination of the federal estate tax?
No4) Do you support requiring the federal budget to be balanced each year?
YesCandidate Answer5) Do you support using government funds in an effort to stimulate and improve the economy?
6) Other or expanded principles

Business and Employment Issues

NoCandidate Answera) Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security?
Nob) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
Yesc) Do you support increasing the federal minimum wage?
Yesd) Do you support the ability of workers to unionize?
Yese) Do you support federal funding for job-training programs that retrain displaced workers?
f) Other or expanded principles

Given the magnitude of this economic recession, I strongly support the continued extension of unemployment insurance benefits for jobless workers.

Campaign Finance and Government Reform Issues

Noa) Do you support increasing the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns?
Yesb) Should Congress regulate indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Noc) Do you support removing all contribution limits on federal campaigns?
Yesd) Should candidates for federal office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
Noe) Do you support giving the President the power of the line item veto for items concerning appropriations?
Yesf) Do you support limiting the President's ability to define how legislation is applied through the use of signing statements?
g) Other or expanded principles

Crime Issues

NoCandidate Answera) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yesb) Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related training and job-placement assistance when released?
Yesc) Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with substance abuse treatment?
Yesd) Do you support reduced prison sentences for non-violent offenders?
Noe) Do you support mandatory prison sentences for selling illegal drugs?
f) Other or expanded principles

Education Issues

NoCandidate Answera) Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students?
Yesb) Do you support federal funding for universal pre-K programs?
Noc) Do you support federal funding for charter schools?
Nod) Do you support federal funding for K-12 school vouchers?
Yese) Do you support the federal government providing college students with financial aid?
f) Other or expanded principles

Environment and Energy Issues

YesCandidate Answera) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
Yesb) Do you support international emissions targets aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
c) Do you support allowing energy producers to trade carbon credits under a "cap and trade" system?
Yesd) Do you support strengthening fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles?
Noe) Do you support domestic oil exploration in federally-protected areas?
Yesf) Do you support federal funding for the development of alternative energy?
Nog) Do you support the development of nuclear reactors?
h) Other or expanded principles

Regarding "cap and trade": I am in support of whichever carbon regulatory mechanism most efficiently addresses the issue of climate change in a manner that is robust, ensures that corporations pay their fair share, and guarantees American families will not absorb disproportionate adverse impacts.

Regarding nuclear reactors: Despite their potential for producing clean energy, I am unwilling to support the development of nuclear reactors until there exists a safe, reliable, and ongoing method for disposing of the waste produced by the process.

Gun Issues

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YesCandidate Answera) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Yesb) Do you believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individual citizens to own guns?
Noc) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?
Yesd) Do you support a ban on assault rifles?
e) Other or expanded principles