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Frank 'Jim' James Sensenbrenner, Jr.

Representative Frank 'Jim' James Sensenbrenner, Jr.'s Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Jim Sensenbrenner, Jr.
Full Name: Frank 'Jim' James Sensenbrenner, Jr.
Office: U.S. House (WI) - District 5, Republican
First Elected: 11/07/1978
Last Elected: 11/06/2012
Next Election: 2014
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Cheryl; 2 Children: Frank, Bob
Birth Date: 06/14/1943
Birth Place: Chicago, IL
Home City: Menomonee Falls, WI
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 Sensenbrenner, Jr. 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-life Inferred Answer Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 722. 106th Congress. Oversea Military Abortions Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 05/18/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Issue Position: Right to Life. 20 September 2011. "I am proud of my pro-life voting record [...] I will continue to fight for the rights of the unborn." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. No Taxpayer Funding on Abortion Act. 4 May 2011. "It is time to end taxpayer-funded abortions. I strongly support this important and needed approach to preserve and promote the sanctity of life in our country." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Sensenbrenner Applauds Supreme Court's Ruling to Uphold the Partial Birth Abortion Plan. 4 April 2007. "As one committed to the defense of the unborn during my entire tenure in Congress, I shepherded the legislation in the House that is the basis of today's Supreme Court decision. This pronouncement reflects a just, humane, and life preserving ruling. I am confident that this verdict will further energize the movement to end all abortions. Life is precious from conception to natural death. It is most important that we continue the fight for the unborn, who are helpless and unable to defend or speak for themselves." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Strongly Oppose" for: "Women should be able to get abortions if they want no matter what the reason."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Don't Know" for: "Abortion should be illegal in all circumstances."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Strongly Oppose" for: "Federally funded abortions should be permitted."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 882. 106th Congress. Prison Abortion Funding Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 06/22/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 670. 103th Congress. Abortion Counseling Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 03/25/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Family Research Council 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 3660. 106th Congress. Ban on Partial-Birth/Late Term Abortion. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 04/05/2000. (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Sensenbrenner Speaks at March for Life in Washington, D.C. 21 January 2010. "The original bill that Obama and Pelosi and Harry Reid introduced used your tax dollars to pay for elective abortion. As Mike Pence has said, that is morally wrong, but it's also bad policy. Because we should not use the power of taxation granted to the Congress by the United States Constitution to force you to pay for a procedure that you believe is morally wrong [¦] We believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in this country -- since 1776. You can't have liberty, you can't have the pursuit of happiness, if you don't have life." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 156. 106th Congress. Overseas Military Abortion Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 06/09/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 187. 105th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 06/19/1997. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 643. 106th Congress. Abortion Private Funding Restoration Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 05/20/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 04/27/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 3682. 106th Congress. Child Custody Protection Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 07/15/1998. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 436. 104th Congress. Overseas Military Abortion Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 06/15/1995. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 185. 103th Congress. Hyde Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 06/30/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 1017. 106th Congress. Abortion Funding Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 07/20/2000. (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 Sensenbrenner a rating of 13 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of Peace Action West 25 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. We Can't Let Freedom Wilt. 18 March 2005. "I proudly voted in favor of the supplemental bill, which demonstrates strong bipartisan support for our troops, and affirms our nation's unbending resolve to win the War on Terror. The people of Iraq and Afghanistan are cultivating new democracies and defying the terrorists. America is with them every step of the way. Helping these countries assume greater responsibility for their own security and governance hastens our troops' triumphant return home to their loved ones." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Peace Action 25 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Op-Ed: Action in Afghanistan. 6 December 2009. "As much as we all want this war to be over, we cannot and should not be setting timelines to withdraw troops. This isn't a Monday Night Football game where at some point the clock runs out and the game is over. We shouldn't be motivating the terrorists to wait out the Washington clock or telling them our game plan. It's not in our best interest and it's not in our military's best interest. We need to defeat our enemy. And we need our Afghan allies committed to standing with us, not wavering in their support, knowing we are the present, but the Taliban is their future." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. We Can't Let Freedom Wilt. 18 March 2005. "I may not have a green thumb, but even I can tell that Iraq and Afghanistan's sprouting democracies will wilt without ample funding for our military's efforts overseas." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 5010. 108th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2003. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 10/10/2002. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 06/20/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Job Growth More Evidence Tax Relief is Working. 17 February 2012. "The evidence is abundant. January's economic data show startlingly good news for our economy [¦] Undoubtedly, there are a number of factors that have contributed to this growth. America's hardworking and entrepreneurial people, increased defense spending, and increased productivity all played a large role." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. We Can't Let Freedom Wilt. 18 March 2005. "I may not have a green thumb, but even I can tell that Iraq and Afghanistan's sprouting democracies will wilt without ample funding for our military's efforts overseas." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt? Reduce governmental defense spending." If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt? Other or expanded principles: "Debt is caused by Congress spending too much money, rather than the lack of tax revenue. Cut expenses before thinking of raising taxes."
  • James Sensenbrenner. Sensenbrenner Joins House Republicans for A Pledge to America. 23 September 2010. "A Pledge to America reaffirms the commitment that House Republicans have to our country's founding principles. Less government, lower taxes, reduced wasteful spending, and a strong national defense have enabled Americans for generations to have their country work for them, and not the other way around. It is time that we restore these values to turn our nation around." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 4939. 110th Congress. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 06/13/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 4200. 108th Congress. Defense Department FY2005 Authorization Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 05/20/2004. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2561. 106th Congress. Defense Department Appropriations bill, FY2000. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 07/22/1999. (votesmart.org)
No 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 Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt? Raise personal income taxes for citizens with incomes over $100,000."
  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 17 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 100 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 92 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 1836. 107th Congress. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, 2001. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 05/16/2001. (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayers Protection Pledge. "I, James Sensenbrenner, pledge to the taxpayers of the 5th district of the state of Wisconsin and to the American people that I will: ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rate for individuals and business; and TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates." (atr.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt? Raise corporate taxes."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Increasing the income taxes of those with incomes over $100,000."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt? Raise personal income taxes for all citizens."
No Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • James Sensenbrenner. Op-Ed: Buyer Beware. 8 April 2010. "Government programs don't have the best track record. The government inaccurately predicted what Medicare would cost when it was enacted (by A LOT). Social Security went into the red years ahead of schedule. Cash for Clunkers conked out almost as soon as it started and we're still wondering just what jobs the stimulus really created." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Cut Taxes, Not Checks. 29 January 2008. "There is no question that our economy is in trouble. We all know it, and the President acknowledged as much in his State of the Union speech last night. But the solution isn't HR 5140, the economic stimulus package that passed the House of Representatives today. I voted against this legislation because it provides too little too late -- if the economy needs a jumpstart now, what's the point of sending checks in June, five months from now?" (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Op-Ed: More Rushing = A Prescription for Disaster. 31 July 2009. "Consider the outcomes from some of the other times the President has rushed. The President rushed the vetting process of his cabinet appointees and was embarrassed on several occasions. The President rushed to announce the closing of Gitmo, but still has no solution for relocating these prisoners six months later. And he rushed the economic stimulus plan that gave AIG employees millions of dollars in bonuses, while Americans across the country were losing their jobs. The only thing this President hasn't tried to rush is the selection of the family dog!" (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Op-Ed: More Sense, Not Cent$ on Tax Day With a Government Bow-Out, Not Bail-Out. 15 April 2010. "Before we do more damage to our economy or add to our debt and deficit with more fruitless government spending, we need to focus on private sector jobs. Private companies are the ones who can bring us out of this downturn. To do this, companies need our assistance -- not in the form of a government bail-out -- but in a government bow-out." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Same Old Song. 28 January 2009. "Today, the House of Representatives voted on an $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package, described as legislation that will create jobs and stimulate the economy. As with other recent massive spending bills shoved through Congress, I have to report that this too will do neither, which is why I voted against it." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Statement of President's Economic Address to Joint Session. 8 September 2011. "After a dismal August jobs report, it is more evident than ever that the President's economic policies aren't working. The millions of Americans out of work today can't afford more of the same stimulus spending, heavy-handed regulations, and threats of higher taxes." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. The Right Prescription for the Economy. 3 June 2011. "First, we must get our fiscal situation in order. The President's 'stimulus' spending spree has only served to spend money we don't have and pass the burden on to the next generation." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt? Reduce governmental domestic spending." If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt? Other or expanded principles: "Debt is caused by Congress spending too much money, rather than the lack of tax revenue. Cut expenses before thinking of raising taxes."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Support" for: "Which of the following measures designed to address the issue of unemployment do you support or oppose? Federal investment in America's infrastructure."
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 95 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • The Club for Growth. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, The Club for Growth attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2010, The Club for Growth gave Jim Sensenbrenner a rating of 86 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. 4 March 2010. "Last year, stimulus legislation was passed in this House, promising that a trillion dollars robbed from future generations of Americans would create jobs immediately and unemployment would not rise above 8 percent. The truth, however, is that since this boondoggle became law, unemployment hasn't fallen below 8 percent; it has risen to over 10 percent, and still hovers at just under 10 percent. Millions of jobs have been lost since the recession began, and Washington's only answer has been to spend money." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Sensenbrener Response to SOTU Address. 27 January 2010. "The irony of the President's speech about the need for jobs and a stronger economy being delivered one day after the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's front page headline was: 'Economists See No Stimulus Jobs,' is not lost on most Wisconsinites. Those of us who voted against the $787 billion stimulus package foresaw that headline months ago, as it is the private sector -- the small businesses -- the backbone of our country -- that will give our economy real growth, not more government spending!" (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Tax Cuts, Not Hikes, Lead to Economic Recovery. 13 August 2010. "The government can't spend its way to a better economy- as they tried with the stimulus 16 months ago. And look what that trillion dollars got us -- nationwide unemployment soared beyond the promised peak of 8 percent and continues to hover near 10 percent, the total number of jobs has decreased, and our economy is more destabilized as our level of debt skyrockets. We tried the Democrat's method. It didn't work." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • James Sensenbrenner. Welcome Mr. President. We Need Jobs. 30 June 2010. "With this in mind, the best thing President Obama can do right now to improve the economy is put job creation in front of his ideological agenda. Then we should get to work to slow government spending, offer confidence to investors, and provide tax incentives that appeal to business owners looking to branch out." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2. 108th Congress. Jobs and Economic Growth bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 05/23/2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2488. 106th Congress. Financial Freedom Act of 1999. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 08/05/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. 710,000 Jobs Down the Drain. 20 July 2012. "Instead of working to get America's economy back on track, the President is stumping for taxes that would sideline economic productivity and throw around 700,000 jobs down the drain [¦] If President Obama implemented his tax hike, the report predicts the country would lose 710,000 jobs and $200 billion in output. Workers' living standards and wages would also decline. The pain would hit us at home, too. Wisconsin would lose 14,900 jobs and $3.4 billion in output [¦] The Joint Committee on Taxation shows that the President's tax hike would hit 53 percent of small business income. And that tax hike would hit at least 900,000 small businesses. These are the same small businesses that drive our economy and employ 25 percent of the workforce. Putting the brakes on the engine of our economy will punish job seekers." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Cut the Red Tape Before It Strangles Us. 27 July 2012. "As my constituents in Wisconsin know, times are tough for small businesses. Regulations, new taxes, and careless spending have left many small business owners feeling helpless and abandoned [¦] The Small Business Administration found that small businesses pay around 36 percent more in regulatory costs than large firms, which is over $10,000 per employee, per year. No wonder the U.S. fell from 4th to 13th in the "Ease of Starting a Business" rankings by the World Bank. It's now easier to start a business in Georgia, Armenia, and Belarus, which were all Soviet Union republics not long ago, than it is in the U.S. It's time we let American businesses do their job. Prosperity will not be achieved through over-regulation. The future of American small business belongs in the hands of small business owners -- not in the hands of Washington bureaucrats." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Education: Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "If elected to Congress, which of the following proposals designed to change our nations' public education system will you support? Increased national testing."
  • James Sensenbrenner. Issue Position: Education. 1 January 2011. "High standards, accountability for results, and increased involvement by local school boards, teachers, state legislatures and parents are all essential to improving education. That's one of the reasons why I voted against President Bush's No Child Left Behind legislation -- it created too much bureaucracy and didn't give enough control to local individuals. Individual school districts know what is best for our kids. What works in West Bend may not be as effective in Milwaukee. We need to continue to push for common-sense reform to empower parents, provide more local control, and reduce the federal education bureaucracy to help our children succeed. Overall, the federal government should play a minimal role in education so that school districts and teachers can set policy that best meets the needs of individual students." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 1804. 104th Congress. Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 03/23/1994. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2300. 106th Congress. Academic Achievement for All Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 10/21/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "If elected to Congress, which of the following proposals designed to change our nations' public education system will you support? National curricula and standards."
  • federal funding
Yes Inferred Answer Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of Environment America 13 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Oppose" for: "Opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration."
No Inferred Answer Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of Environment America 13 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2122. 106th Congress. Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 06/18/1999. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Oppose" for: "A ban on the sale and possession of assault-style semiautomatic weapons."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Strongly Support" for: "A mandatory waiting period before the purchase of a handgun."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 125. 104th Congress. Gun Ban Repeal Act of 1995. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 03/22/1996. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 30 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House)." (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Jim Sensenbrenner a grade of 82." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H Amdt 390. 103th Congress. Instant Background Checks for Gun Purchase Amendment. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 11/10/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • National Rifle Association. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Rifle Association endorsed Jim Sensenbrenner in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 1025. 103th Congress. Brady Handgun Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 11/10/1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 4296. 104th Congress. Regulation of Semi-Automatic Assault Weapons. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 05/05/1994. (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Sensenbrenner Applauds Supreme Court Decision. 26 June 2008. "I agree with Justice Scalia that while some gun control measures may be legal, an absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home' does not pass constitutional muster [¦] For example, I do not believe that convicted felons or those adjudicated to be mentally ill should be permitted to own a handgun." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Issue Position: Second Amendment. 1 January 2012. "Hunting and the great outdoors are enjoyed by many Wisconsinites. All law-abiding citizens should have their Second Amendment right to "keep and bear arms" honored. I remain committed to supporting legislation that ensures the long term health and vitality of our public lands, so that Wisconsinites will be able to continue to enjoy their Second Amendment rights and the many outdoor sports that make Wisconsin great." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003. 23 June 2004. "As long as they do not infringe on the rights granted under the second amendment to the Constitution, laws regulating the carrying of concealed firearms should remain within the jurisdiction of the State government where they can be more effectively monitored and enforced." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Elimination of private insurance in favor of a program administered and paid for by the federal government and run by the states, similar to the health care system in Canada."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Implementation of a "play or pay" program where employers must enroll their employees and families in a basic health plan or contribute to a public fund that will provide health care for everyone without coverage."
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. Project Vote Smart: 1992 Wisconsin Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "Do you consider the fact that many Americans do not have health insurance to be a problem, and if so, please note which of the following proposals you favor? No reform necessary at this time."
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
Yes 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

  • James Sensenbrenner. Sensenbrenner Statement on Rally. 23 March 2006. "Illegal aliens should not be granted amnesty and a path to citizenship. This would be a slap in the face to all those who have followed the law and have come to America legally." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Legal Immigration. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Americans for Legal Immigration endorsed Jim Sensenbrenner in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Legal Immigration. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Americans for Legal Immigration endorsed Jim Sensenbrenner in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. US Citizenship Not For Sale. 29 March 2006. "US citizenship is not for sale. It is a privilege bestowed upon those who appreciate its value, and who contribute to our nation by living in a manner that reflects the principles and ideology of being an American. When someone's first step in this country is taken in direct violation of our laws, I cannot support a process that allows them to continue residing in the US, while others wait up to 20 years outside the US before they are able to take their first step into this country legally." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Family Research Council 85 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the American Family Association 94 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 18 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Jim Sensenbrenner voted Yea on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Sensenbrenner. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Jim Sensenbrenner voted Nay on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 71 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • James Sensenbrenner. Memorial Day. 26 May 2011. "Earlier this month, with the death of Osama bin Laden, the country's attention focused intently on members of our Armed Forces currently serving overseas. Although separated by thousands of miles, we celebrated with them on accomplishing this mission. Still, the terrorists have not retreated, and our troops continue to serve abroad in defense of our freedom -- often without recognition or attention." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Patriot Sunsets Extension Act of 2011. 26 May 2011. "The lone wolf definition closes a gap in FISA by allowing the government to track a foreign national, not a U.S. person, who engages in acts to prepare for a terrorist act against the United States but is not affiliated, or cannot immediately be shown to be affiliated, with a foreign terrorist organization. The lone wolf definition is in fact quite narrow. It cannot be used to investigate U.S. persons and only applies in cases of suspected international terrorism. The government cannot use this provision to investigate domestic terrorism [¦] Although the lone wolf provision has yet to be used, it is an important provision that recognizes the growing threat of individuals who may subscribe to radical and violent beliefs, but do not clearly belong to a specific terrorist group. The recent death of Osama bin Laden only strengthens its importance, as the fear of individual retaliatory acts increases." (votesmart.org)
  • James Sensenbrenner. Remembering 9/11. 10 September 2011. "In the past ten years, thanks in part to policies put into place after the 9/11 attacks, our national security officials have been able to stop at least 40 publicly known terrorist attacks on our homeland. Osama bin Laden, the terrorist recognized as orchestrating attacks against the United States for decades, has been brought to justice. While these are important successes in our fight against terrorism, and ultimately help keep Americans safer, there are still those who are seeking to do us harm. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our country does not experience another such attack." (votesmart.org)
Yes 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

  • James Sensenbrenner. Saving Social Security. 3 February 2005. "As Congress considers the future of Social Security, I anticipate the consideration of proposals to allow younger workers the opportunity of ownership by investing in individually controlled, voluntary personal retirement accounts. These accounts, as described by President Bush in his State of the Union address, would offer future retirees the choice of passing them on to their children or grandchildren." (votesmart.org)
  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Jim Sensenbrenner supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 0 percent in 2008." (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.

Congressional Election 1992 National Political Awareness Test

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

The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.
(+) Expand All (–) Collapse All

Taxes

1. Which of the following tax measures, if any, will you support if elected to the Congress in 1992?
XReducing the capital gains tax rate on profits from the sale of stocks, bonds and real estate.
XPermitting tax-free withdrawals from IRAs in limited circumstances.
XProviding some kind of middle-class tax break.
Increasing the income taxes of those with incomes over $100,000.
XProviding a tax credit for first-time home buyers.
XRepealing luxury taxes on limited items.
XProviding a temporary investment tax credit.
XOther

Don't support any kind of tax increase. Tax increases merely give Congress an incentive to spend money.

Revenue Priorities/Program Spending

Please evaluate the following general program areas and indicate the level of federal funding that you will support if you are elected to Congress.
Keep Spending The SameHealth Care
Decrease SpendingUnemployment
Keep Spending The SameAIDS Research
Increase SpendingEnvironment
Decrease SpendingDefense
Increase SpendingEducation
Keep Spending The SameNational Debt Payments
Increase SpendingDrugs

National Debt

If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt?
XReduce governmental defense spending.
XReduce governmental domestic spending.
Raise personal income taxes for all citizens.
Raise personal income taxes for citizens with incomes over $100,000.
Raise corporate taxes.
Do nothing at the present time.
XOther

Debt is caused by Congress spending too much money, rather than the lack of tax revenue. Cut expenses before thinking of raising taxes.

Unemployment

Which of the following measures designed to address the issue of unemployment do you support or oppose?
SupportExtending unemployment compensation further.
SupportFederal support of job retraining programs.
SupportFederal grants to states for creating jobs in inner cities.
Strongly SupportMandating workfare for welfare recipients.
Don't KnowMinimizing governmental intervention and letting the market take a more natural course.
SupportFederal investment in America's infrastructure.
Other

Trade

Which of the following policies, if any, should be pursued by the federal government in the area of the United States/Japenese trade?
Restricting the overall volume of goods entering the United States from Japan.
XImposing tariffs on goods entering the United States from Japan.
XRequiring Japan to eliminate its trade surplus with the United States over a period of five years.
XRequiring reciprocal trade agreements between the United States and Japan based on equal dollar values.
Imposing no restrictions on trade between the United States and Japan.
XOther

Federal government must pursue a rigorous export policy; exports create jobs for Americans.

Defense

Which of the following defense proposals do you support or oppose?
SupportReduction of the number of American military troops.
Don't KnowContinued funding of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).

Health Care

Do you consider the fact that many Americans do not have health insurance to be a problem, and if so, please note which of the following proposals you favor?
Elimination of private insurance in favor of a program administered and paid for by the federal government and run by the states, similar to the health care system in Canada.
XOffering tax incentives to all small employers in return for guaranteed health insurance coverage of all employees and their families.
Implementation of a "play or pay" program where employers must enroll their employees and families in a basic health plan or contribute to a public fund that will provide health care for everyone without coverage.
Creation of a fund designed to provide health insurance to the unemployed and supported by additional tax levies on large employers.
XA system of tax credits and vouchers to provide health insurance for the working poor and people of moderate income.
No reform necessary at this time.
Other

Education

If elected to Congress, which of the following proposals designed to change our nations' public education system will you support?
Increased federal funding.
XIncreased state and local funding.
XImproved teacher recruitment and training.
National curricula and standards.
XSmaller classes.
XIncreased national testing.
A "choice" or "vouchers" program.
No major changes are necessary at this time.
Other

Drugs

If elected to Congress, how will you confront the War on Drugs?"
XProvide federal funds to educate people about the dangers of drugs.
XProvide federal funds to help drug addicts overcome their addictions.
XWork with foreign governments to stop the export of drugs to this country.
XImpose mandatory federal jail sentences for drug dealers.
Impose mandatory federal jail sentences for drug users.
Legalize the possession and use of drugs.
Other

The Environment

What is your opinion on the following environmental proposals?
OpposeOpening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration.
SupportAmending the Clean Water Act's section on wetlands to provide landowners with greater rights.
SupportReauthorization of The Endangered Species Act in its current form.

Abortion

Please indicate which of the following positions you support or oppose.
Strongly SupportParental or spousal notification prior to permitting an abortion.
Don't KnowAbortion should be illegal in all circumstances.
Strongly OpposeFederally funded abortions should be permitted.
Strongly OpposeWomen should be able to get abortions if they want no matter what the reason.
SupportAbortion should be legal only in limited circumstances, for example, when the life of the mother is endangered or in the case of rape or incest.

Anti-Crime / Gun Control

Which of the following anti-crime measures do you support or oppose?
Strongly SupportExpansion of the number of federal crimes punishable by death.
Strongly SupportA mandatory waiting period before the purchase of a handgun.
OpposeIncreased federal spending for state and local police programs.
OpposeA ban on the sale and possession of assault-style semiautomatic weapons.
Strongly SupportA limitation on habeas corpus appeals for death row inmates.
Other

Legislative Priorities

Whare are your two top priorities if elected to the Congress?
a. What will you do about each priority?

Pass the Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment so the Congress no longer puts succeeding generations into debt for paying the bills of the current generation.
b. How will you finance (when necessary) each priority?

Secondly, I support using the federal criminal justice system to provide mandatory jail terms for those who are convicted of a crime while armed with a firearm. We have a rash of violence in our streets. The murder rate is the highest in history, and it seems to me that anybody who uses a firearm and who is convicted by a jury of their peers ought to go to jail without possibility of probation, without possibility of parole for a long period of time.

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