Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
In response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Presidential and Congressional candidates' public records to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These are provided below as a courtesy to voters.
| Pro-life |
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Abortion Issues: Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- NARAL Pro-Choice America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
- National Right to Life Committee. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 75 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
- Planned Parenthood. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 0 percent in 2008. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Defend the Sanctity of Life. 1 January 2001. "I am pro-life. I will work hard to defend life from conception to natural death. I oppose embryonic stem cell research and think we should instead encourage use of adult stem cells or umbilical cord cells. I support parental notice and consent and oppose partial birth abortion. I oppose federal funding of abortion. I will work to promote traditional family values and I will be a strong defender of life." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. H Amdt 509 to HR 3962. 111th Congress. An amendment printed in Part C of House Report 111-330 to codify the Hyde Amendment in H.R. 3962. The amendment prohibits federal funds for abortion services in the public option. It also prohibits individuals who receive affordability credits from purchasing a plan that provides elective abortions. However, it allows individuals, both who receive affordability credits and who do not, to separately purchase with their own funds plans that cover elective abortions. It also clarifies that private plans may still offer elective abortions. Project Vote Smart Summary: Vern Buchanan voted YES on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
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| Yes |
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Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues: Do you support the elimination of the federal estate tax? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- National Taxpayers Union. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 69 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Supports Tax Relief for Working Families. 25 January 2007. "H.R 411 would make permanent the following temporary tax cuts: ...Repeal the Estate Tax. Buchanan is one of 17 sponsors of the bill, which has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Lower Taxes. Reduce Wasteful Government Spending. 1 January 2001. "As your Congressman, I will use my three decades of business experience to wisely cut wasteful government spending so that you can keep more of your hard-earned money. I support President Bush's efforts to completely repeal the death tax, so that our farms and small businesses are not put at risk for future generations. Tax relief for our families must be a top priority." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Press Release - Buchanan Contrasts his Positions with Jennings's Liberal Agenda. 26 September 2006. "I support making the recent tax cuts permanent, including repeal of the death tax, elimination of the marriage penalty, and keeping the per-child tax credit. My opponent wants to repeal the tax credits, which provide needed tax relief for Florida's families." (votesmart.org)
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| No |
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Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues: Do you support using government funds in an effort to stimulate and improve the economy? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Club for Growth. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of the Club for Growth 36 percent in 2008. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Calls Stimulus Bad Deal For Taxpayers. 12 February 2009. "Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) announced today that he will vote against a trillion dollar economic 'stimulus' package that wastes too much and does too little to create jobs. 'There is no issue more important than the economy,' said Buchanan. 'But we need a bill that creates jobs by helping small businesses and working families. This is a bad deal for taxpayers because it explodes our national debt without providing any meaningful economic growth.'" (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Opposes Largest Spending Bill in History. 28 January 2009. "Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) voted today against the proposed $825 billion economic stimulus package saying it would dramatically increase the national debt but do little to immediately boost the economy. 'There is nothing more important than rebuilding our economy and creating jobs,' said Buchanan. 'But the bill before us would explode the debt while doing little to jump-start the economy and put people back to work.'" (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. HR 1. 111th Congress. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Vern Buchanan voted NO on 13 February 2009. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. HR 1424. 111th Congress. To provide authority for the Federal Government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets for the purposes of providing stability to and preventing disruption in the economy and financial system and protecting taxpayers, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Vern Buchanan voted YES on 10 March 2008. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Issue Position: Economy. "The economy is the most important challenge facing us today. Although there have been some positive signs of recovery, with a national unemployment rate hovering at around 10 percent, it is a jobless recovery at best. There has not been enough focus in Washington on getting Americans back to work.
I am a businessman, not a politician. I have created jobs, met payrolls, and balanced budgets. I know what makes a strong economy and just as importantly I know what will harm our economy---higher taxes, more regulations, and ballooning deficits are not the answer.
I voted against the trillion dollar stimulus package because it spent too much and didn't do enough to create jobs. Recent data shows that 48 out of 50 states have seen a net job loss since the President signed the stimulus package. Meanwhile, Washington D.C. has seen a big increase in government jobs.
We don't need more bureaucrats in Washington. What we need is tax relief, debt reduction and legal reform to help create private sector jobs and boost the economy." (votesmart.org)
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| Unknown Position |
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Business and Employment Issues: Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Vern Buchanan. Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Debate Emphasizes Policy Talk. 24 October 2008. "Both candidates say they want to protect Medicare and Social Security from cuts or privatization, and both oppose additional oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico." (votesmart.org)
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| Unknown Position |
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Crime Issues: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
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| Unknown Position |
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Education Issues: Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
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| Unknown Position |
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Environment and Energy Issues: Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Environment America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of Environment America 53 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
- Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund. 2007. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund 50 (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Helps Pass Responsible Energy Bill - Bill Increases Efficiency Standards, Encourages Alternative Fuels, and Reduces Harmful Emissions Bill Increases Efficiency Standards, Encourages Alternative Fuels, and Reduces Harmful Emissions. 18 December 2007. "Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) helped pass a responsible energy bill today to help meet the nation's need for affordable energy and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. The Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act (H.R. 6) increases fuel efficiency standards by 40 percent, requires the use and development of renewables and biofuels, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions scientists say contribute to global warming. The measure passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 314-100." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Opposes Higher Energy Costs. 26 June 2009. "Global warming is a genuine concern that needs to be addressed." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. HR 2454. 111th Congress. To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. Project Vote Smart Summary: Vern Buchanan voted NO on 26 June 2009. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Issue Position: Energy. "We're long past due for building a better national energy strategy that lays the groundwork for long-term energy independence for America by recognizing the need for greater domestic oil and nuclear energy production.. That means Washington needs to finally open the doors for safe energy development that it has kept shut for almost forty years. We can start to open those doors by rolling back the outright bans and excessive regulations on offshore oil drilling, exploring ANWR's oil deposits and building new, safe nuclear power facilities that Washington has denied. In the meantime, we can continue to move forward on advancing alternative energy technology like solar power, battery and biofuels that can create a greener energy future down the road. But only with an "all of the above" energy independence strategy can we reach a place where America produces its own energy for its people at a lower cost to American families." (votesmart.org)
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| No |
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Gun Issues: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Gun Owners of America. 2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Vern Buchanan a grade of A. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Defend the Second Amendment. "Our district is a likely target for national anti-gun groups, extreme liberals and Hollywood types that would take away our Second Amendment rights. I am a strong defender of the Second Amendment, a Life Member of the NRA, and a gun owner and hunter. I support tougher laws against criminals - not against gun owners or firearms manufacturers. I will be a strong voice and sure vote in the battle to defend our Second Amendment rights." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. HR 6842. 111th Congress. To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia. Project Vote Smart Summary: Vern Buchanan voted YES on 17 September 2008. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Values Matter Most. "The people of our area don't look to Hollywood for moral leadership. We look to ourselves, our communities, our families, our traditional values. Tolerance and kindness are virtues, but values matter most. The sanctity of life and marriage must be defended. I support the Second Amendment and the right of our children to pray." (votesmart.org)
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| No |
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Health Issues: Do you support a publicly-administered health insurance option? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- American Public Health Association. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 44 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Objects To Partisan Health Bill That Expands Government Role. 29 October 2009. "We need reform to provide more affordable, accessible, quality health care for all Americans," said Buchanan. "Unfortunately, instead of a bipartisan effort to reduce costs without jeopardizing care, House Democrat leaders have emerged from behind closed doors with a partisan bill that creates a government-run insurance plan, increases the deficit, cuts Medicare and threatens to kill jobs by taxing small businesses. My constituents have spoken loud and clear. They are opposed to Washington bureaucrats making health care decisions best left to doctors and patients. I will continue to oppose a Washington takeover of health care and work for common sense reforms to reduce costs, increase portability, and provide coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. GOP Plan Does More To Reduce Health Care Costs. 5 November 2009. "Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) said today that independent analysis of the Republican health care plan found it would do more to reduce health care costs than the Democrats' bill. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says insurance premiums for many families would be nearly $5,000 less expensive under the Republican bill than under the Democrats' plan. "This is a common sense bill that would increase access to affordable health care," said Buchanan. "The bill would do more to reduce health insurance costs for individuals and small businesses -- and it would reduce costs without opening the door to a government takeover of health care." According to the CBO, the Republican plan supported by Buchanan would reduce health care premiums by up to 10 percent and lower federal deficit by $68 billion over the next 10 years. Under the GOP plan health insurance rates would drop by seven to 10 percent for small businesses and by five to eight percent for individuals." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. HR 3962. 111th Congress. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Vern Buchanan voted NO on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Issue Position: Health Care. "Repeal and Replace the new Health Care Law with Common Sense Reform
Health insurance can be out of reach to families who struggle to put a roof over their heads and food on the table. Unfortunately, the new health care law did nothing to lower the cost of health care. Instead, the new law cuts Medicare and increases taxes on small businesses and individuals who can't afford to buy health insurance.
I think most of us agree that we need health care reform to ensure that Americans get the health care they need, when they need it. I support health care reform that protects the quality of health care for all Americans. [...]
I am strongly opposed to a government takeover of heath care. Health care decisions should be made by doctors, patients and families, not bureaucrats in Washington. One size fits all does not fit all when it comes to heath care. Furthermore, government run health care could result in the rationing of health care. No one should have to wait in line or be denied the treatment they need. This is what is happening in other countries with national health care." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. No Government Takeover Of Healthcare. 3 March 2010. "Mr. Speaker, as most people know, Warren Buffett was an early adviser to President Obama. Just this week, Buffett said the President should scrap the health care bill and start over. He noted the American people are not behind this bill. He said the goal is to lower cost. I completely agree with Mr. Buffett. The American people don't want a trillion dollar government takeover of health care. Also, people don't want to raise taxes, cut Medicare, and giveaways to Washington special interests. We need to reduce costs by taking a few simple steps: one, medical malpractice reform; two, increase competition; three, sell insurance across State lines; four, expand health savings accounts. That is a prescription the American people will support." (votesmart.org)
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| No |
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Immigration Issues: Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Federation for American Immigration Reform. 2007-2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 92 percent in 2007-2008. (votesmart.org)
- National Latino Congreso. 2007-2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of the National Latino Congreso 0 percent in 2007-2010. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Comments on Defeat of Senate Amnesty Bill. 28 June 2006. "The American people have made it clear that they are opposed to rewarding illegal behavior by granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Urges Senate to Focus on Border Security. 8 June 2007. "The Senate bill was flawed because it granted amnesty to illegal aliens." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Buchanan Votes Against Senate Amnesty Bill. 27 June 2007. "I disagree with the president and my colleagues in the Senate who support this bill, said Buchanan. This bill rewards illegal behavior by granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants and is a slap in the face to those who played by the rules and complied with our laws. I stand with my constituents who feel our focus should be on securing the border, enforcing our laws, and creating a tamper-proof id card for non-citizens." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. HeraldTribune.com - Congress Should Reject Amnesty and Secure the Nation's Borders. 4 June 2007. "While we are a nation of immigrants, we are also a nation of laws that must be obeyed and enforced. For Congress to grant amnesty to the estimated 12 million to 15 million people who came here illegally would be a slap in the face to those who chose to play by the rules and comply with our laws." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Issue Position: Immigration. "Illegal immigration creates an underground economy, places financial burdens on our communities, and endangers our national security.
Florida has the fourth-highest number of illegal immigrants in the nation-about 950,000 - costing taxpayers an estimated $2.2 billion a year.
Congress should reject amnesty and heed the call of the American people for border security to keep terrorists, drug lords and illegal gang members out of the United States.
We also need to prevent illegal immigrants from getting social security and other government benefits.
I support e-verify to help employers verify the status of workers.
And finally, we need to make English the official language." (votesmart.org)
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| Yes |
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International Policy Issues: Do you support United States military action in Afghanistan? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Peace Action West. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Vern Buchanan supported the interests of Peace Action West 8 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Fresh From Visit To Afghanistan, Buchanan Praises Troops. 2 November 2009. "The Taliban is a destabilizing force in Afghanistan with ties to Al Qaeda. They are a threat to the United States. We need to provide additional combat troops in the region to enable the counterinsurgency strategy focusing both on al Qaeda and the Taliban to succeed.' Buchanan said the administration should give 'strong consideration' to General McChrystal's request for 40,000 additional troops as well as other experts and that the troop level should be based on 'the appropriate level to accomplish their mission." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Supplemental Appropriations Act. Project Vote Smart Summary: Vern Buchanan voted NO on Limiting Afghanistan Military Funding to Withdrawal and Other Specified Purposes on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Supplemental Appropriations Act. Project Vote Smart Summary: Vern Buchanan voted NO on Requiring Timetable for Withdrawal from Afghanistan on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Issue Position: National Security. "Failure in Iraq and Afghanistan would add to instability in the Middle East and make America less safe. We need to work with other nations to stabilize the region and improve security so democracy can take hold and a civil society can move forward." (votesmart.org)
- Vern Buchanan. Troops In Afghanistan. 3 November 2009. "Mr. Speaker, I returned yesterday from a 4-day visit to Afghanistan to meet with the troops and our military leaders as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation. It's clear to me that our soldiers are performing at a high level in a challenging environment. Their dedication and spirit is strong as they work to prevent al Qaeda from regaining a foothold. It's also clear that we need to increase the number of troops there to help them succeed. I believe firmly that this is the best means of protecting the United States and our people from terrorist attacks. There is no question that the Taliban is a destabilizing force with ties to al Qaeda. The Taliban is a threat to the national security of America. We need to provide the resources to our troops to ensure that their counter in surgency strategy is successful. The new troop level should be determined by whatever is needed to accomplish the mission. Congress should give strong consideration to our military leaders in answering this question." (votesmart.org)
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| Unknown Position |
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Social Issues: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Vern Buchanan. Values Matter Most. "The people of our area don't look to Hollywood for moral leadership. We look to ourselves, our communities, our families, our traditional values. Tolerance and kindness are virtues, but values matter most. The sanctity of life and marriage must be defended." (votesmart.org)
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