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Raul Grijalva's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (AZ) - District 7

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.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Raul Grijalva 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.

What is the Political Courage Test?

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.

  • "I believe that a woman has the right to make her own personal decisions about her health without interference from politicians. And the amount of money a woman has should not determine whether or not she can access high-quality care." (standwithraul.com)
  • "Prohibiting doctors and nurses from informing women of their healthcare options is wrong. Anti-choice policies like these are dangerous, and we'll continue to fight efforts to attack a woman's right to healthcare." (twitter.com)
  • "Why is Trump injecting himself & his radical anti-choice views into highly personal doctor-patient conversations? All women—no matter their income level, employment status, or circumstance—deserve access to reproductive health care services." (twitter.com)
  • "Our healthcare system is broken. Massive gaps in coverage disproportionately impact Arizonans, and a profit-driven system that puts the interests of powerful insurance companies between people and healthcare has exacerbated health inequities. It is unacceptable that millions of Americans lack basic preventative care and millions more are one medical bill away from bankruptcy. I support the incremental improvements of the Affordable Care Act, but we must take action to provide true universal coverage and a health system that puts the interests of people first." (grijalva.house.gov)
  • "I enjoyed celebrating 53 years of #Medicare with the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans today and reaffirming my commitment to not only protecting, but strengthening, Medicare and Social Security." (twitter.com)
  • "I am a strong proponent of improving and expanding our Medicare system. I am a cosponsor of the Medicare for All Act. Additionally, I support lowering prescription drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, just as the VA does. I will continue to fight for more funds for health research and VA so our veterans can receive the tailored care they deserve." (standwithraul.com)
  • "Instead of draining the swamp, it looks like Trump and his henchmen are intent on expanding it. More shady donations, more dark money, and the convenient cover of anonymity to hide the identity of mega-donors attempting to influence our democracy." (twitter.com)
  • "Increasing voting access, strengthening ethics rules, and increasing govt transparency shouldn't be controversial...unless you're a lobbyist or a dark-money funded Republican apparently. Democrats are making govt work #ForThePeople again. #HR1" (ow.ly)
  • "By safeguarding elections, ending the dominance of dark money in politics, and ensuring elected officials work for the public interest, we're cleaning up the #CultureOfCorruption and helping government work #ForThePeople again. #HR1" (twitter.com)
  • "If you're wronged by law enforcement, this president doesn't have your back. Racist vigilantism has a champion in the White House." (twitter.com)
  • "Just a month after his tragic death at the hands of police brutality, George Floyd's legacy remains alive in the legislation we passed today," said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. "The legislation doesn't just ensure that bad officers face consequences, but also begins to address the institutional issues that have allowed racist policies and institutionalized bias to flourish in police departments across the country. We sent a clear message to the American public today: Accountability and transparency matter." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7120 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "If we truly care about preparedness, protecting our troops, and eliminating government waste, we must press for greater accountability and transparency in our Department of Defense. Before approving another Pentagon budget, we musthave answers, reforms, and concrete steps to ensure taxpayer dollars are managed and spent effectively." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S 1790 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Building roads only does not combat climate change, provide child care, address inequality or shift the tax burden from working families to the richest people and corporations. My position remains: the #BuildBackBetter Act and infrastructure bill must be passed together." (twitter.com)
  • "New renewable energy infrastructure should be a big priority as we rebuild our economy. @HouseDemocrats’ #MovingForward Act incentivizes community investments in renewable energy sources." (twitter.com)
  • "We need infrastructure that revitalizes our cities and towns, creates jobs, and updates our infrastructure to meet the needs of the 21st century economy." (twitter.com)
  • “Our friends and loved ones have died, millions remain unemployed, our children are missing critical in-person learning opportunities, and countless small businesses have shuttered. The American Rescue Plan recognizes these traumas and direct funds to put money in the pockets of those most impacted, safely return our children to in-person learning, and get shots in the arms of everyone in the country so that we can end the pandemic once and for all. A crisis of this magnitude warrants an equal response, and this legislation gets our families, workers, and small businesses the relief they deserve.” (grijalva.house.gov)
  • "The House passed the CARES Act which will help millions of Arizona's working families & small businesses receive the aid they need during this time and ensure that hospitals and frontline healthcare workers have the resources they need to combat #COVID19." (twitter.com)
  • "The pandemic has provided unprecedented challenges to our country, leaving virtually no facet of our lives untouched. I support bold government action to protect American lives and provide our country with the relief it deserves to rebound stronger than before. This includes direct payments to workers and their families, support for small businesses, and major structural investments in our public health departments and health system to prevent such crises in the future." (grijalva.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6800 "Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7688 “Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, I voted to lower costs for working Arizonans and Americans, part of a comprehensive plan to bring down inflation. We as @HouseDemocrats have laid out our plans to address inflation and lower costs for the American people." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "It's time for @POTUS to #CancelStudentDebt." (twitter.com)
  • "It's time to #CancelStudentLoans." (twitter.com)
  • "There has never been a better time to #CancelStudentDebt. By canceling student debt, we can stimulate our economy, lift up disproportionately impacted communities, and allow millions of families to make better decisions about building wealth and securing their futures." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 2547 “Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "My oath to support the Constitution compels me to speak against bad #voterID laws around the country." (twitter.com)
  • "Protecting our democracy means ensuring that our elections remain free and fair. Time is running out and the Senate must do whatever it takes to get the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act signed into law." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4 “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5746 “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "I also introduced the Tribal Tax Incentive for Renewable Energy Act in 2015 to boost solar production on tribal land, which would provide a strong economic engine for some of our most economically vulnerable communities." (standwithraul.com)
  • "New renewable energy infrastructure should be a big priority as we rebuild our economy. @HouseDemocrats’ #MovingForward Act incentivizes community investments in renewable energy sources." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 - Climate Action Now Act. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Greenhouse gas emissions threaten life as we know it. Today’s #OceanClimateAction bill uses ocean ecosystems to keep our planet livable. There's no better day than #WorldOceanDay to introduce the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act. Ocean health is human health." (twitter.com)
  • "Regardless of who you are or where you come from, you need a healthy environment to live your life. Today, alongside @RepMcEachin and @SenDuckworth, I’m reintroducing the #EnviroJusticeNow bill written by and for the American people." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 - Climate Action Now Act. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, we remember the 23 lives lost in the white supremacist terror attack in El Paso. The people of El Paso and the Latino community stand as strong as ever today, and we are recommitting our efforts to fighting hate and gun violence. #ElPasoStrong" (twitter.com)
  • "We must not force our children to learn in fear – it is time for elected officials to step up and take real action on gun violence. I have and will continue to advocate for common sense gun legislation that will protect our communities while at the same time upholding every American’s second Amendment right." (standwithraul.com)
  • "We need to end access to military-grade weapons. We need universal background checks. We need gun reform now. The House passed the Bipartisan Background Check Act and the Enhanced Background Check Act a year ago. When will the Senate act?" (twitter.com)
  • "GOP #ACA repeal will #MakeAmericaSickAgain by taking health care away from millions of Americans & increasing costs for millions more." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1425 “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 987 “MORE Health Education Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Putting out hand sanitizer isn't enough. Workers who are sick should be allowed to stay home & get better without worrying if they'll be able to pay their bills at the month's end. This is why I've consistently demanded paid leave for working families." (twitter.com)
  • "Sick people need to stay home from their jobs and stop the spread of #COVID19. If the Trump Administration is serious about stopping the pandemic, then they shouldn't try to undermine the paid leave provisions Congress enacted." (twitter.com)
  • "The jobs report shows unemployment down to 3.5%, the lowest since 1969. More people are working than at any point in American history, but it's not the number of jobs that counts. That's why Democrats are fighting to ensure jobs provide living wages, benefits & paid leave." (twitter.com)
  • "The Senate must pass paid family leave in the #BuildBackBetter Act if we are to truly recover and rebuild from this pandemic." (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats lowered the price of insulin and allowed for Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs to lower costs for Americans. Republicans want to raise prices and make it harder for Americans to receive lifesaving medications." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3 “Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6833 “The Affordable Insulin Now Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Any funding for a wall, fencing, or detention beds is a complete nonstarter, and I will oppose any CR including it. Border security begins with modernizing our ports of entry, and it’s time for Trump to stop holding govt funding hostage for his ridiculous, divisive border wall." (twitter.com)
  • "Border communities don't need a President who only goes to the border for photo ops to tell them what their communities need--especially when it comes to his vanity wall. Border security starts with modernizing our ports of entry, not a border wall." (twitter.com)
  • "Border security starts at modernizing our ports of entry, and Trump's ridiculous vanity wall won't stop the flow of illegal drugs into this country or help customs officers detect them." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 2% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Every day that passes, immigrant youth are losing work permits & protection from deportation. We need a clean #DreamActNow!" (twitter.com)
  • "Humanity must always be at the heart of our immigration policy. Forcing families to choose between family separation and family detention is nothing more than a false choice by the Trump administration." (twitter.com)
  • "Separating families by giving immigrants a false choice is still separating families. #FamiliesBelongTogether, and it's time the administration started acting with humanity instead of terror." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 2% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Cuban people have every right to protest and call for basic needs & rights. The Trump-era sanctions coupled with a decades-long U.S-led embargo have worsened an already desperate situation. @POTUS must revoke the Trump-era sanctions immediately." (twitter.com)
  • "The Trump Administration’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign on the Iranian government is resulting in horrific consequences on everyday Iranians. The US should adjust the sanctions campaign to ensure that lifesaving medicine can reach some of Iran’s most vulnerable citizens." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 “Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • "Russia’s invasion will not go unanswered and the world will respond with unity and diplomacy as guiding principles. The U.S. stands with Ukraine and must prepare to assist with the unfolding humanitarian crisis and the millions who will be displaced by this unnecessary war." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S. 3522 “Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "It's time for the wealthy to pay their fair share. #JointAddress" (twitter.com)
  • "Proud to join my @USProgressives colleagues in support of the #InflationReductionAct. Because of progressives, the bill has been made better and will fight the climate crisis, lower health care costs, cut prescription drug prices and make the wealthy pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
  • "We must build on the foundation of the American Rescue Plan and pass legislation that will help working families like the Child Tax Credit, tax the rich to pay their fair share and address the fundamental issue of climate change. It’s the only way we can #BuildBackBetter." (twitter.com)
  • "Working people have carried the tax burden in this country for too long. It's time the billionaires paid their fair share and lower incomes get a break. #TaxTheRich" (twitter.com)
  • "Even Republicans understand the stupidity of Trump's tariffs on Mexican imports. Millions of jobs and billions in trade are dependent on a strong trade relationship between the United States and Mexico." (twitter.com)
  • "Recently, the United States, along with 11 other countries throughout the Pacific region, finalized an enormous trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). I fear this deal is a continuation of failed American trade policies that have already cost the U.S. hundreds of thousands of jobs." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Spoiler Alert for the unhinged man in the White House: It will be U.S. consumers and businesses who pay the price for the Trump tariffs and nonsensical trade policy." (twitter.com)
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 Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
The Trump/GOP tax scam gave enormous, permanent tax breaks to large corporations and the wealthiest one percent while leaving working Americans and small businesses with temporary crumbs. This is despite corporate profits and CEO salaries soaring at historic levels at the same time that wages for ordinary Americans continue to stagnate. It is long overdue for the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share and ensure that every American has the same opportunity to prosper.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
The current campaign finance system has failed the American people, plain and simple. As a result of the Supreme Court�s disastrous decision in Citizens United v. FEC, an already powerful class of wealthy contributors and corporations were granted even greater influence on elections. As a member of Congress, I have fought for a constitutional amendment that would reverse the Citizens United decision, allow Congress to regulate big money in politics and ultimately restore the sanctity of our democracy by giving the power back to the people.
No Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
No Do you support increasing defense spending?
The truth of the matter is that the Department of Defense has not undergone a proper audit in its department's history. The GOP champions itself as the party of �fiscal responsibility� but turns a blind eye when it comes to defense spending. The DoD should be subject to the same financial accountability and transparency as any other department of our government.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support lowering corporate taxes 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 requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
Title 9 support for disabled children, Title 1 support for children from low-income families, funding for English as a Second Language programs, and other standards that ensure equal access to education must be followed and not left solely to the discretion of states.
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?
I support commonsense gun safety legislation that will protect our communities while at the same time upholding every American's second amendment right. This includes closing the gunshow loophole and guaranteeing universal background checks, reinstating the ban on assault weapons and prohibiting bump stocks, banning high capacity magazines, and properly funding gun violence research.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
Yes Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
We must move to a Medicare-For-All system that covers everyone--regardless of zip code, race, or financial status. A universal system will drive down costs by keeping uninsured people out of emergency rooms, which inflates costs for everyone else. Instead of being nickel-and-dimed, surprised-billed and bankrupted by medical bills; people will get the care they need without the stress. Secondly, we need investments in health infrastructure, workforce, research, and public health preparedness. Trump slashed infectious disease and global health research and Republicans consistently attack funding in the ACA. The lack of investment has cost our country everything.
No Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Separating children from their parents does not make our country more secure. Nor does denying citizenship to DREAMers who were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own. Our immigration policies should reflect our shared humanity, not the bigotry and xenophobia that pervade the current administration.
No Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
Yes Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
No Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
Free trade agreements have typically been a disaster for American workers. For too long, deals made in the name of 'free trade' have outsourced American jobs and allowed corporations to skirt environmental regulations and their responsibilities. I am not opposed to smart trade policy that protects American workers. Our trade deals must not be sweetheart deals to corporations but instead but working families first.
Quality public education, good wages, the right for workers to organize and protecting the environment are some of my top priorities. As Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, I lead the fight to address climate change and preserve public lands for future generations. As a senior member of the Committee on Education and Labor, I fight to provide resources to our faltering education system and make access to debt-free higher education a reality. I've played a leadership role in protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. I'm a proponent of comprehensive immigration reform and protecting DACA recipients and their families.??

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