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Dutch Ruppersberger's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Dutch Ruppersberger has provided voters with clear stances on key issues by responding to the 2022 Political Courage Test.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Maryland Congressional Election 2022 Political Courage Test

Pro-choice Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations,unions, and individuals?
No Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
I supported the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, which removes barriers to prosecuting police misconduct and recovering damages from officers who have violated civilians' rights, including ending qualified immunity by law enforcement.
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
I support an increase but only consistent with our ability to defend the nation against near-peer adversaries like China and Russia as outlined by the National Defense Strategy. As these countries continue to increase their military capacity, we must ensure that our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect us from any and all emerging threats.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
Yes Do you support the federal government taking action, beyond those of the Federal Reserve, to alleviate inflation?
Yes Do you support the forgiveness of federal student loan debt?
Nearly one-third of student borrowers leave school before they even complete their degree, unable to keep up with rising costs, and are left with just debt. I support President Biden's approach because it is narrowly-tailored and targets low to middle-income borrowers. However, we must also work to encourage trade school enrollment and lower the exorbitant cost of college at its roots.
No Do you support requiring a government-issued identification in order to vote at the polls?
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
No Do you support a government-run (single-payer) healthcare program, such as Medicare-for-All?
Yes Do you support expanding paid family AND/OR medical leave opportunities?
Yes Do you support lowering the cost of prescription drugs?
On single payer, we have to consider the cost of the bureaucracy associated with a government-run healthcare program that would encompass the entire country. I need to see a plan that ensures Americans can get the treatments they need in a timely manner. For now, I support a public option.
Yes Do you support increasing security along the southern US border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
No. I support other requirements, such as going to the back of the line and paying back taxes.
Yes Do you support economic intervention as a means of resolving international conflicts?
Yes Do you support the U.S. providing increased offensive military aid to Ukraine?
Yes Do you support raising taxes, on any income or on any entity, to promote economic growth?
We need to make sure billionaire corporations -- many of which pay $0 in federal taxes -- pay their fair share.
Yes Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
When it comes to broad international trade policy, yes, we need to work to close trade gaps. Blanket tariffs on countries like the United States implemented against China hurt farmers and manufacturers who relied on parts from China to construct their merchandise. Tariffs must be strategic and balanced.
We need to pass additional legislation that provides additional relief to American families struggling with inflation. We need to address public safety both locally and nationally. We need to codify the law to protect women's access to the healthcare.

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