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Jim McGovern's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Key

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.

Jim McGovern did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "It’s the first day of Women’s History Month. Yesterday, Senate Republicans blocked the Women’s Health Protection Act which would protect access to abortion care by codifying Roe vs. Wade. We will keep fighting." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today on the 47th anniversary of #RoevWade, we know abortion access is under attack: states blatantly passing unconstitutional bans, courts being stacked against us, threats to overturn Roe. I won’t stop fighting to protect access to safe, legal abortion — we refuse to go back!" (twitter.com)
  • "Feel the system is rigged against working people and middle-class families like yours? It is. Build Back Better cuts taxes for families with children, increases the Earned Income Tax Credit, and pays for it by asking big corporations and the ultra rich to pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
  • "If Jeff Bezos can go to the moon and Elon Musk can buy Twitter, they can afford to pay their fair share in federal taxes. Working families shouldn’t struggle to make ends meet while billionaires are worth more than Massachusetts’ entire state budget." (twitter.com)
  • "This whole time he wasn’t paying taxes – but you were. Teachers, truck drivers, plumbers, nurses – all working hard while he vacations at Mar-a-Lago on your dime. We finally know what Trump was hiding & it’s time for a tax code that ensures people like him pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
  • "We have a system where billionaires & Fortune 500 companies pay nothing in taxes but working families get hosed. If the rich paid their fair share (like they once did) we could rebuild America, extend opportunity to all & protect our planet." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden is delivering. Starting in January, millions of Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security checks. It’s the biggest boost in benefits in 4 decades. This will be a big help for Massachusetts families." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Trump has promised over & over again that he wouldn’t cut Social Security. It was a lie. The #TrumpBudget cuts $24 BILLION from Social Security. It is a complete abandonment of our responsibility to America’s seniors." (twitter.com)
  • "As we mark this somber anniversary, we must redouble our efforts to fight for and pass a constitutional amendment that overturns Citizens United, ends the dominance of big money in our elections, and returns us to government of, by, and for the people." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Ten years ago today, the Supreme Court put our democracy up for sale with its disastrous Citizens United decision." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "It's been one year since the horrific, senseless murder of George Floyd. Yet we still don't have the transparency or accountability to ensure it never happens again. That's what the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act provides. It needs to be signed into law. #BlackLivesMatter" (twitter.com)
  • "Qualified immunity creates a permanent procedural roadblock for Americans whose civil rights and civil liberties have been violated. Those who suffer injustice must not be denied their day in court. Proud to support this important bill alongside @justinamash & @RepPressley." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "America spent nearly $600 BILLION on defense in 2015 — more than next 10 countries COMBINED. We don't need to spend more." (twitter.com)
  • "GOP pushing #TrumpCuts to families in need to fund more defense spending is shameful. Americans deserve better." (twitter.com)
  • "Here’s why I voted no on the NDAA. We spend billions on weapons systems our military doesn’t want, but teachers are forced to fight over $1 bills on the ground because our schools are so underfunded. As a congressman & the brother of two public school teachers, this is shameful." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by Center for Security Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "At a time of unprecedented inequality and economic unfairness, BUILD BACK BETTER turns the page on four decades of failed trickle-down economics. It invests in the backbone of our country: in our workers, in our middle class, and in everyone fighting hard to get there." (twitter.com)
  • "I’m with President Biden as he signs a historic bipartisan infrastructure plan to rebuild our country. Presidents have promised this for decades—but Biden finally made it happen. Next we’re passing the Build Back Better Act to make the promise of America real for all families." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 2 "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 "Build Back Better Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Feel the system is rigged against working people and middle-class families like yours? It is. Build Back Better cuts taxes for families with children, increases the Earned Income Tax Credit, and pays for it by asking big corporations and the ultra rich to pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
  • "Right now, we’re at a crossroads in our nation’s history. Given the choice, we’re going to choose working families over corporations & billionaires. We owe it to Americans to #BuildBackBetter." (twitter.com)
  • "We have a system where billionaires & Fortune 500 companies pay nothing in taxes but working families get hosed. If the rich paid their fair share (like they once did) we could rebuild America, extend opportunity to all & protect our planet." (twitter.com)
  • "This Covid relief package will put more vaccines in arms, put more kids back safely in schools, put more money in people’s pockets, and put more people back to work. This is more than a band aid - this is a lifeline" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Both of my sisters are public school teachers. I've seen how America's schools & teachers are the foundation of our nation's success.This #PublicSchoolsWeek, I reject cuts to education funding & proudly support the Rebuild America’s Schools Act to invest in our kids & future!" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "America’s energy future can’t be defined by drilling. It’s not sustainable & isn’t healthy for ourselves or our planet. Democrats are working with President Biden to move to clean energy because it’s stable, affordable & generated entirely here at home." (twitter.com)
  • "President Biden and Democrats are working hard to minimize the impact of the #PutinPriceHike at the pump. We must hold fossil fuel CEOs accountable & transition to American-made clean energy so Big Oil can’t leverage the wars of tyrants and make Americans pay the price." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 99% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 99% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Think this summer is a scorcher? Get ready for the heat index to literally go off the charts. Here's the good news: steep, rapid carbon emission reductions can stave off the worst impacts. We need a #GreenNewDeal!" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" h (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 8 "Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "We all agree, a person who is an immediate danger to themselves or others shouldn’t have a gun. The Senate needs to pass common sense gun safety reforms that most Americans support." (twitter.com)
  • "As we celebrate #ACA's 7th anniversary, proud to have @JoeBiden join @HouseDemocrats today as we stand up to #ProtectOurCare." (twitter.com)
  • "Millions of Americans are getting the life-saving care they need thanks to the ACA. Retweet to tell GOP we can't #MakeAmericaSickAgain." (twitter.com)
  • "Senate Republicans just jammed through a Supreme Court nominee 8 days before an election. All so they can gut the ACA & dismantle protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Don't give in. Don't give up. We can & we will repair the damage they've done to our democracy." (twitter.com)
  • "During this pandemic, we’ve learned that paid leave is absolutely vital for all workers. It's time for #PaidLeaveForAll" (twitter.com)
  • "It’s not about the price tag. It’s about ensuring that families have paid leave and childcare. That seniors can afford their medication. That every person has a place to call home. We can’t afford NOT to make these investments." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Good morning, @realDonaldTrump. Here’s the part of the constitution that says you can’t build your stupid wall. We’ll see you in court." (twitter.com)
  • "If it’s such an emergency, then why didn’t Republicans immediately build the wall when they had the House & Senate? There’s no emergency. Just a racist President who’s manufactured a crisis & is now throwing a temper tantrum because he can’t get his own way." (twitter.com)
  • "I’m all for smart border security – but that’s not what a wall is. It’s inffective. It’s wasteful. And the temper tantrum he’s throwing over it is hurting American families. #EndTheShutdown" (twitter.com)
  • "A pathway to citizenship for undocumented people will advance our economic recovery from the pandemic, raise wages, add a cumulative $1.5 trillion to U.S. GDP over a decade, and create 400,000+ new jobs. It's time to get this done." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 5% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Trump is still threatening to end the #DACA program that provides a pathway to citizenship for young people who have known no home but America. These are our friends, family, coworkers & neighbors. The House passed the #DreamAndPromiseAct 15 MONTHS AGO. Enough is enough!" (twitter.com)
  • "A pathway to citizenship for undocumented people will advance our economic recovery from the pandemic, raise wages, add a cumulative $1.5 trillion to U.S. GDP over a decade, and create 400,000+ new jobs. It's time to get this done." (twitter.com)
  • "Trump is still threatening to end the #DACA program that provides a pathway to citizenship for young people who have known no home but America. These are our friends, family, coworkers & neighbors. The House passed the #DreamAndPromiseAct 15 MONTHS AGO. Enough is enough!" (twitter.com)
  • "It’s time for us to eliminate nuclear weapons before nuclear weapons eliminate us. Today I was proud to be the first voting member of Congress to pledge support for the International Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. #NuclearBan" (twitter.com)
  • "Nuclear weapons pose an unimaginable threat to the future of human civilization. It's time for us to get rid of them before they get rid of us." (twitter.com)
  • "President Trump's decision to abandon the JCPOA was an unmitigated disaster that made us less safe & brought Iran closer to a nuclear bomb. President Biden is right to move towards reentry into a good nuclear deal with Iran. Diplomacy is the answer." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by Center for Security Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It's been 19 years of devastation, Mr. Speaker. No one can assert that it would be a hasty or untimely moment to consider withdrawing our forces from Afghanistan. In fact, I believe that it is well past time for the United States to withdraw its forces, close the chapter on this war, and take meaningful steps to secure a stable peace." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Center for Security Policy (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 256 "To Repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S J Res 37 "Directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authroized by Congress" (votesmart.org)
  • "FACT CHECK: @realDonaldTrump’s trade policies have been a disaster for small businesses & farmers across America." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 86% by Public Citizen (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 8351 "Formula Act" (votesmart.org)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-choice a) Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?
No b) Should abortion be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy?
Yes c) Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
Yes d) Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
No e) Should federal subsidies be prohibited from being used for abortion procedures?
Please note that federal funds currently are prohibited from being used for abortion procedures.

1) SpendingIndicate 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.2) TaxesIndicate 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 Decrease a) Agriculture
Maintain Status b) Arts
Greatly Decrease c) Defense
Maintain Status 1) Intelligence operations
Slightly Increase 2) Military hardware
Eliminate 3) National missile defense
Slightly Increase 4) Salary and benefits for active duty personnel
Maintain Status 5) Programs to improve troop retention rates
Maintain Status 6) Research and development of new weapons
Greatly Increase d) Education
Slightly Increase e) Environment
Maintain Status f) Homeland security
Slightly Increase g) International aid
Greatly Increase h) Medical research
Greatly Increase i) Scientific research
Maintain Status j) Space exploration
Maintain Status k) United Nations
Maintain Status l) Welfare
m) Other or expanded categories
Slightly Increase a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increase c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Slightly Decrease f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Slightly Decrease g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Slightly Increase h) Income taxes (high-income families)
i) Other or expanded categories
No 3) Do you support the elimination of the federal estate tax?
No 4) Do you support requiring the federal budget to be balanced each year?
Yes 5) Do you support using government funds in an effort to stimulate and improve the economy?
Bush policies created an economic and federal budget crisis. We need to move as quickly as possible to bring the budget into balance, but it cannot be done immediately.
No a) Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security?
No b) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
Yes c) Do you support increasing the federal minimum wage?
Yes d) Do you support the ability of workers to unionize?
Yes e) Do you support federal funding for job-training programs that retrain displaced workers?
We should not over-regulate or place onerous restrictions on the private sector. But lax regulation and oversight have, in the past, harmed America�s economy and average American consumers.
No a) Do you support increasing the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns?
Yes b) Should Congress regulate indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
No c) Do you support removing all contribution limits on federal campaigns?
Yes d) Should candidates for federal office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
No e) Do you support giving the President the power of the line item veto for items concerning appropriations?
No f) 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
No a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes b) Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related training and job-placement assistance when released?
Yes c) Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with substance abuse treatment?
Yes d) Do you support reduced prison sentences for non-violent offenders?
No e) Do you support mandatory prison sentences for selling illegal drugs?
�Non-violent offender� covers a great deal of criminal acts, such as theft, embezzlement, bank fraud, �white collar� crime, etc. All such convicted criminals should go to prison and serve sentences appropriate to the crime and the harm they caused.
Yes a) Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students?
Yes b) Do you support federal funding for universal pre-K programs?
Yes c) Do you support federal funding for charter schools?
No d) Do you support federal funding for K-12 school vouchers?
Yes e) Do you support the federal government providing college students with financial aid?
The majority of federal K-12 education funds should support public schools, where over 90% of America�s children go to school.
Yes a) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
Yes b) Do you support international emissions targets aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
Yes c) Do you support allowing energy producers to trade carbon credits under a "cap and trade" system?
Yes d) Do you support strengthening fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles?
No e) Do you support domestic oil exploration in federally-protected areas?
Yes f) Do you support federal funding for the development of alternative energy?
No g) Do you support the development of nuclear reactors?
We should focus on creating the �green jobs� of the future.
Yes a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Yes b) Do you believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individual citizens to own guns?
No c) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?
Yes d) Do you support a ban on assault rifles?
e) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) Do you support a publicly-administered health insurance option?
Yes b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
c) Should the federal government expand eligibility for tax-free medical savings accounts?
No d) Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
Yes e) Do you support relaxing regulations on the importation of prescription drugs?
On �c�, it depends on who benefits from the expansion: yes for middle-class families; no for the wealthy, who don�t need additional tax shelters. On malpractice, I don�t support frivolous lawsuits or extortionate medical malpractice insurance rates, but I can�t see how to make a �one size fits all� law. Cases vary widely, as do damages.
Yes a) Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants?
No b) Do you support decreasing the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country?
No c) Do you support establishing English as the official national language?
No d) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
Illegal immigrants should be required to pay a fine, pay their taxes, learn English and only then go to the �back of the line� for citizenship.
No a) Do you support United States military action in Afghanistan?
No b) Do you support increasing military assistance for Afghanistan?
No c) Do you support increasing economic development assistance for Afghanistan?
Yes d) Should the United States continue to strike suspected terrorist targets in Pakistan?
Yes e) Do you support granting aid to countries when it is in the security interests of the United States?
Yes f) Should the United States support the creation of a Palestinian state?
Yes g) Do you support increasing sanctions on Iran if it continues to defy United Nations mandates?
Yes h) Do you support the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq?
No i) Do you support the United States' involvement in free trade agreements?
We should trade with all countries, unless they are internationally sanctioned. FTAs need to include labor & environmental standards and stop being cookie-cutter copies. I support maintaining, not increasing, economic and development assistance to Afghanistan. We should aid countries that serve U.S. security interests, but not at the sacrifice or exclusion of other interests. Balance is required.
No a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?
Yes b) Do you support allowing openly-gay men and women to serve in the United States military?
Yes c) Do you support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research?
No d) Should the federal government end affirmative action programs?
Massachusetts allows gay couples to legally marry, with all the rights and responsibilities that accompany such a legal contract.
We must do everything we can to lower the unemployment rate and put people back to work. We should extend tax cuts for middle-class families, increase small businesses? ability to obtain capital, invest in medical research, medical technology, and the ?green jobs? of the future. I also believe we need to bring our military involvement in Afghanistan to an end. Instead of nation-building in Afghanistan, we should be doing more nation-building here at home. Finally, we must address our nation?s long-term budget crisis. Everything must be on the table ? domestic spending, military spending, tax policy, and entitlements.

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