Card image cap

Jim Matheson's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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.

Jim Matheson 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

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 2012.

  • Jim Matheson. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Jim Matheson voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (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 Matheson a rating of 94 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 50 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Family Research Council 37 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 04/27/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 71 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Peace Action 25 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of Peace Action West 25 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Statement Following Afghanistan Decision Speech. 1 December 2009. "As the President said tonight, we did not ask for this fight. Terrorists plotted from within Afghanistan and the result was the attacks of 9-11. As long as the goal is the disruption and destruction of Al Qaeda and its leaders, that must be the job for our allies and our troops. After listening to the generals in the field, our Commander in Chief has made his decision to increase our fighting force. Beyond sending more troops, the President also appropriately laid out a more comprehensive plan. I think the President, our military leadership and our extraordinary men and women in uniform deserve support to finish the job against Al Qaeda and then to come home. As Congress begins to gather testimony on the plan this week, I look forward to learning more details." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Petraeus Report Does Not Offer New Strategy. 10 September 2007. "Our troops have, as always, performed heroically. However, I am worried about the wear and tear on our military, particularly our ground forces. This is of particular concern since the most recent National Intelligence Estimate describes rising terrorist threats elsewhere in the region. The number one job we have is to protect our national security - right now our greatest threat comes from terrorist cells growing in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The growing body of evidence suggests that our government needs a strategy to begin moving U.S. resources from a combat role in Iraq to meet other pressing demands with regard to counter-terrorism and training of the Iraqi military." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. The Spectrum Editorial: Congress Should Provide Better Benefits for America's Veterans. 11 November 2004. "During the past two and a half years, I have seen Utah soldiers and their families answer duty's call. I've joined the joyous crowds welcoming them home. I've shared the sad goodbyes as they have deployed. Utah troops have performed exceptionally in Iraq and Afghanistan despite the dangers. Already we have lost more than 1,100 service members. More than 8,000 US soldiers have been wounded. Unfortunately, it appears casualties will rise as our forces battle insurgents in both countries. Every time I meet a soldier on this job, I am reminded of how fortunate we are that Americans willingly answer the call to defend this nation far from home." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Conference Report on H.R. 1268, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief Act, 2005. 5 May 2005. "The money that will go directly to help our troops is of course the most important part of this bill. It increases the military death gratuity to $100,000 and increases life insurance benefits to $400,000 for families of soldiers killed while on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Jim Matheson voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Supports Defense Funding Bill. 19 December 2005. "Our men and women in uniform have performed magnificently, at great sacrifice. I am committed to providing everything they need to accomplish their mission and return home safely." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 4200. 108th Congress. Defense Department FY2005 Authorization Bill. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 05/20/2004. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 06/20/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 4939. 110th Congress. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 06/13/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Jim Matheson voted Nay on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 5010. 108th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2003. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 10/10/2002. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Defense, Homeland Security. 7 August 2012. "Jim believes there is no more sacred trust than keeping America safe and preserving the freedoms enjoyed by all our citizens. He values a strong, well-trained, well-equipped military and will always back policies that support our men and women in uniform...Jim believes that wasteful spending should be cut wherever it's found, but feels strongly that any proposed changes to the defense budget must be accompanied by proof that they don't jeopardize the safety of our troops or threaten their readiness." (www.mathesonforcongress.com)
  • Jim Matheson. Defense/Veterans/Homeland Security. 7 August 2012. "Even as every agency shares in the sacrifice to restore fiscal order, Congressman Matheson believes proposed defense cuts must be considered in such a way that does not jeopardize the safety of our troops or threaten their readiness. In this regard, he believes that experts like former Secretary Gates - who proposed cutting $100 billion from the nation's defense budget, including funding requested through the National Defense Authorization Act and defense appropriations over the next five years - can provide the most appropriate benchmarks for Congress to consider. Given the current state of our deficit, Matheson appreciates Secretary Gates' efforts to reduce spending, and looks forward to reviewing these proposed reductions as Congress appropriates money for the Department of Defense in the coming year." (matheson.house.gov)
  • Peter Welch, Jim Matheson. Letter to President Obama. 15 December 2011. "With the failure of the Super Committee to reach a deficit reduction agreement, we write in full support of your view that the sequester scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2013 should not be repealed or amended absent an agreement to reduce deficits that meets or exceeds the amount to be sequestered. The failure of Congress to act must have consequences. We stand ready to work with you over the next year to put America back on a firm financial footing and will vote to sustain your veto of any effort to repeal all or part of the scheduled sequester." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Support Our Troops and Our Veterans. 30 September 2011. "Our extraordinary men and women in uniform are the core of our national defense. I support whatever it takes to make sure they have the resources to perform their mission and to return home safely. That is why I support funding our troops, providing the equipment and supplies they need, and raising their pay and keeping their health care costs affordable." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Supports Bipartisan Tax Cut Extension Bill. 17 December 2010. "This bipartisan compromise prevents taxes from increasing at a time when the economic recovery is still fragile. Economists believe it will help with job growth. Most importantly, this allows Utahns to keep more of their hard-earned money and have more certainty about their own family budgeting and tax planning." (votesmart.org)
  • Robert Gehrke. The Salt Lake Tribune. 11 June 2012. Matheson's stand on Bush tax cuts puts him at odds with Obama: "I'm going to vote to extend them," the Utah Democrat said. "In a tough economy, you want to be careful about significantly reducing spending or increasing taxes." (www.sltrib.com)
  • Jim Matheson, Mathesn Votes to Keep Tax Cut for Working Utahns. 17 February 2012. "As the economic recovery continues to take hold, today's vote ensures that Utahns won't suddenly see a bite taken out of their paychecks. More money in their pockets means more confidence as consumers, which helps support Utah businesses and the economy as a whole." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 1836. 107th Congress. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, 2001. Jim Matheson voted Nay on 05/16/2001. (votesmart.org)
  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 50 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 10 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 39 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy. 29 September 2011. "Tax cuts have helped put more money in the pockets of 95% of working Utahns every week. Tax relief provisions helped promote investment by Utah small businesses. [¦] I want to streamline government budgets, rein in spending and ensure that the government learns to live within its means. A good first step was action by the House of Representatives to reinstate budget enforcement rules known as pay-as-you-go." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Says Bipartisan Economic Stimulus Needed Now. 22 January 2008. "Congressman Jim Matheson said he hopes discussions between Congressional leaders and the White House today will lead to quick action on legislation to help blunt economic woes now facing Utah families. Although details are still being worked out, Matheson said he hoped that some broad principles will be followed, including fiscal responsibility." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Control Government Spending and Lower Deficits. 29 September 2011. "Our first president - George Washington famously warned against 'ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear.' It is a moral outrage that we ensure that future generations will pay higher taxes because we refuse to live within our means. The amount the government will spend on interest on the debt this year alone will be about $250 billion. These are funds that would have been available for anything and everything else. As a Blue Dog Democrat, I'm proud that this fiscally responsible group has been on the front lines of trying to reverse the destructive course that has run up trillions of dollars in debt over the past seven years. In January 2007, the Blue Dogs demanded that 'pay-as-you-go' rules be restored. The end goal, and the basis for our staunch commitment to PAYGO, has always been to balance the budget. Thanks to the 'fiscal police' as we're known, the House has passed spending cuts totaling $276 billion over 10 years, as offsets under PAYGO. Blue Dogs have also called for greater accountability by government agencies on how they spend precious funds. Whether it's reining in out-of-control spending or wasteful spending, I'll keep working to stop the financial harm to Utah's children and generations not yet born." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Economic Recovery Plan. 29 September 2011. "We all know our economy is on the rocks. Many of our neighbors are beginning to feel the pinch of a recession. For many months, we all have been frustrated to see the government bail out Wall Street banks and private companies, while those of us who play by the rules are footing the bill. Because Congressman Matheson believes it is time for average Americans to see some well-deserved relief come their way, he voted in Congress for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This policy was the first of its kind to offer a balanced, common sense approach to boosting our ailing economy. It cuts taxes for Utahns and small businesses and creates jobs by investing in construction projects in our state. What's most encouraging is our state is already beginning to see the results of the effort." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Health Care. 27 September 2011. "One, the federal spending path we are currently on, is unsustainable. It is not tenable to add millions more into an already broken system." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Supports Bipartisan Deficit Reduction Bill. 1 August 2011. "I have heard a unified voice from individuals and businesses across Utah calling for statesmanship. They expect an end to the political bickering and they want a bipartisan solution that will cut and cap spending, as well as provide stability for the future so our economy can thrive,' said Matheson. 'We have heard warnings for weeks that a failure to act will result in downgrading our nation's bond rating--a direct measure of America's power in a global economy. America is too good to play second fiddle to any other country. I will not allow partisan politics to compromise our standing in the eyes of the world. This bill is not perfect but it is a bipartisan agreement that prevents the U.S. from defaulting on its obligations. It implements true spending cuts and spending caps. I have long supported the need for all sides to come together to begin to restore fiscal discipline to the federal budget. That means putting politics aside to do what is right for our economy, our businesses and our families. This is the first time in a very long time that we have legislation that reflects compromise and offers a bipartisan path forward to address our unsustainable debt, while protecting our nation from default." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson to Congress: Do More to Cut Government Spending. 18 February 2011. "It's time for Congress to show courage. In order to stop out-of-control government spending, both parties need to come together and put all their favorite programs on the table. The true path to fiscal balance requires shared sacrifice. We face a looming fiscal crisis. It threatens our prosperity and our national security. Cutting wasteful or duplicative programs in every account are all part of the equation if we are ever to return to balanced budgets. Cuts may be painful, they may be unpopular, but given what we are up against, they are necessary." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Time Has Come to Impose Spending Discipline. 19 July 2011. "When families face tough financial times, they set a budget and enforce discipline to live within it. I have long supported cutting spending and adopting structural reforms to enforce budget discipline in Washington. Neither party has a good track record in that regard. While this bill is not perfect, I believe it is important for Congress to address our debt crisis with significant proposals." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Jim Matheson voted Nay on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 50 percent in 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 Matheson a rating of 33 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Congressman Murphy Introduces Tax INFO Act. 12 May 2010. "We simply cannot continue to allow government spending, regardless of how it occurs, to go unchecked. The American people deserve to have a clear idea of where their money is going." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy. 29 September 2011. "While the federal government cannot and should not run the economy, I support responsible action to help, such as offering a lifeline to deserving homeowners who face foreclosure and the 'Cash for Clunkers' program which helped folks dump their old gas-guzzling models for more energy-efficient ones. I supported federal recovery legislation as a way to cut taxes, jolt the economy and save and create jobs. Tax cuts have helped put more money in the pockets of 95% of working Utahns every week. Tax relief provisions helped promote investment by Utah small businesses. Finally, extending unemployment benefits and lowering the cost of keeping health insurance helped out-of-work Utahns pay bills, keep their health insurance and put immediate money into the hands of local stores." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Supports Spending Cuts. 14 October 2011. "Folks have gone hog-wild with spending here for too long. The simple fact is that in order to restore fiscal sanity, we have to begin living within our means. Cutting spending is an important part of the equation." (matheson.house.gov)
  • Jim Matheson signed Letter to Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer - House Majority Leadership. 6 February 2009. "To be sure, the House package contained a number of sound provisions that will provide a real stimulative boost and strengthen our nation's economy - such as transportation and infrastructure spending and tax relief for individuals and businesses of all types. [¦] That is why, as leaders of the Blue Dog Coalition, we worked before the House vote to target and remove spending in the bill that does not have the kind of stimulative, or long-term job creation potential, that is needed. [...] We look forward to working with you to achieve that goal and ensure that any final stimulus and recovery package is properly focused to achieve the results the American people expect and deserve." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Economic Growth. 14 October 2011. "Small businesses are the economic engines that provide jobs and keep the economy humming. Helping them helps the people they hire throughout Utah. Matheson supported the Small Business Tax Relief Act, which includes several tax provisions aimed at small businesses. The bipartisan bill extends through 2010 expensing limits for small business while increasing the amount of money that can be expensed. It also expands the number of companies that are eligible. It also extends through 2008 the Work Opportunity Tax Credit provided to businesses that hire certain disadvantaged workers such as veterans and certain high-risk youth. Overall, the legislation offers a $1.3 billion package of small-business tax breaks to strengthen both employers and employees and bolster economic growth." (matheson.house.gov)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy. 29 September 2011. "Utahns want good jobs and a bright future. With high food and energy prices, an uptick in unemployment, and trouble in the housing market, Utahns are feeling pressured right now. While the federal government cannot and should not run the economy, I support responsible action to help, such as offering a lifeline to deserving homeowners who face foreclosure and sending a timely, but temporary economic boost in the form of tax rebates. Looking ahead, I want to pay down the federal debt, provide for sensible tax relief for Utahns, streamline government budgets and spending, and create jobs. Just as every Utah family must do, the federal government needs to live within its means and stop mortgaging our children's and our grandchildren's future." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Small Business. 14 October 2011. "Small business is critical to our economic strength, to building America's future and to helping the U.S. compete in today's global marketplace. The Small Business Act defines a small business as 'independently owned and operated which is not dominant in its field of industry.'" (matheson.house.gov)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 2. 108th Congress. Jobs and Economic Growth bill. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 05/23/2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy. 29 September 2011. "While the federal government cannot and should not run the economy, I support responsible action to help, such as offering a lifeline to deserving homeowners who face foreclosure and the 'Cash for Clunkers' program which helped folks dump their old gas-guzzling models for more energy-efficient ones. I supported federal recovery legislation as a way to cut taxes, jolt the economy and save and create jobs. Tax cuts have helped put more money in the pockets of 95% of working Utahns every week. Tax relief provisions helped promote investment by Utah small businesses. Finally, extending unemployment benefits and lowering the cost of keeping health insurance helped out-of-work Utahns pay bills, keep their health insurance and put immediate money into the hands of local stores. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Economic Growth. 29 September 2011. "Small businesses are the economic engines that provide jobs and keep the economy humming. Helping them helps the people they hire throughout Utah. Matheson supported the Small Business Tax Relief Act, which includes several tax provisions aimed at small businesses. The bipartisan bill extends through 2010 expensing limits for small business while increasing the amount of money that can be expensed. It also expands the number of companies that are eligible. It also extends through 2008 the Work Opportunity Tax Credit provided to businesses that hire certain disadvantaged workers such as veterans and certain high-risk youth. Overall, the legislation offers a $1.3 billion package of small-business tax breaks to strengthen both employers and employees and bolster economic growth." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Economic Recovery Plan. 29 September 2011. "We all know our economy is on the rocks. Many of our neighbors are beginning to feel the pinch of a recession. For many months, we all have been frustrated to see the government bail out Wall Street banks and private companies, while those of us who play by the rules are footing the bill. Because Congressman Matheson believes it is time for average Americans to see some well-deserved relief come their way, he voted in Congress for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This policy was the first of its kind to offer a balanced, common sense approach to boosting our ailing economy. It cuts taxes for Utahns and small businesses and creates jobs by investing in construction projects in our state. What's most encouraging is our state is already beginning to see the results of the effort." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy. 29 September 2011. "Unemployment numbers are still too high. Trouble in the housing market and tight credit markets for small businesses create uncertainty and pain for many Utah families. While the federal government cannot and should not run the economy, I support responsible action to help, such as offering a lifeline to deserving homeowners who face foreclosure and the 'Cash for Clunkers' program which helped folks dump their old gas-guzzling models for more energy-efficient ones. I supported federal recovery legislation as a way to cut taxes, jolt the economy and save and create jobs. Tax cuts have helped put more money in the pockets of 95% of working Utahns every week. Tax relief provisions helped promote investment by Utah small businesses. Finally, extending unemployment benefits and lowering the cost of keeping health insurance helped out-of-work Utahns pay bills, keep their health insurance and put immediate money into the hands of local stores. Looking ahead, I want to streamline government budgets, rein in spending and ensure that the government learns to live within its means. A good first step was action by the House of Representatives to reinstate budget enforcement rules known as pay-as-you-go." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Education. 14 October 2011. "Visit a Head Start program and you will see a one-stop center that meets many needs of low income children and their families. More than just a preschool, Head Start is an entity that provides efficient distribution of services related to education, health, parenting, social skills and advocacy. This vital early intervention program pays for itself through gains in test scores and skills associated with a readiness to learn in school. Matheson supported the Improving Head Start Act reauthorization of the Head Start Program. As collaboration between the Utah Department of Health, the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah Department of Workforce Services and many public and private community partners, the Head Start program enrolls more than 5,000 Utah children annually." (matheson.house.gov)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Education. 29 September 2011. "This legislation was designed to specifically address persistent achievement gaps in our nation's K-12 education system. Congressman Matheson believes that while its intentions were good, the Act's implementation was flawed. Matheson strongly supports the goal of returning control to the states while ensuring that the federal financial commitment to education does not wither away. Before supporting any reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, Matheson seeks legislative changes. His legislation -- the Flexibility for Individual Excellence in Education (FIX) Act-- increases flexibility in satisfying the Highly Qualified Teacher requirements and it grants rural schools an extension to meet them. It guarantees that special education students aren't punished by unrealistic testing demands and it lets states, not the Department of Education, decide to use multiple assessment measures instead of one standardized test in determining progress. The bill also makes common sense changes to Adequate Yearly Progress calculations. Adopting these revisions would help return the legislation to its original intent - the academic success of all students and accountability for all teachers and administrators in the public schools." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Education. 14 October 2011. "This No Child Left Behind legislation was designed to specifically address persistent achievement gaps in our nation's K-12 education system. Congressman Matheson believes that while its intentions were good, the Act's implementation was flawed. Matheson strongly supports the goal of returning control to the states while ensuring that the federal financial commitment to education does not wither away. Before supporting any reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, Matheson seeks legislative changes. His legislation -- the Flexibility for Individual Excellence in Education (FIX) Act-- increases flexibility in satisfying the Highly Qualified Teacher requirements and it grants rural schools an extension to meet them. It guarantees that special education students aren't punished by unrealistic testing demands and it lets states, not the Department of Education, decide to use multiple assessment measures instead of one standardized test in determining progress. The bill also makes common sense changes to Adequate Yearly Progress calculations. Adopting these revisions would help return the legislation to its original intent “ the academic success of all students and accountability for all teachers and administrators in the public schools." (matheson.house.gov)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Energy and Gas Prices. 30 September 2011. "'We all feel the pain of record gasoline prices. Because the price of oil is set on the global market, there is no simple formula for relief. Our addiction to foreign oil is dangerous to both our economy and our national security. Becoming energy independent is a priority but since the U.S. has an estimated 3% of global petroleum reserves, yet consumes 24% of the world's oil, energy independence requires short-term, medium-term and long-term goals. Here's what I am doing and here's what I support. Almost all economists looking at today's high oil prices think that financial speculators are driving up the prices. Estimates are that lax oversight may allow for the price of a barrel of crude oil to exceed what the supply and demand market would dictate. I have a plan to ensure that the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission has the same authority to detect, prevent and punish price manipulation for traders who operate on foreign exchanges just as the Commission does for U.S. Exchanges. In the short term, we need to produce more energy, including domestic drilling off-shore, and investment in oil shale and tar sands extraction. Conserving energy is another important short-term action. I voted for raising the fuel efficiency standards-boosting to 35 miles per gallon the average that cars and SUVs in this country must meet by 2020. Long term, we must invest in research and development of new technology. I support efforts to provide funding for R&D of better battery technology and for solar, wind and geothermal enhancements. Energy independence is achievable, but only if we pursue a balanced and comprehensive course of action." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Energy. 14 October 2011. "America's dependence on foreign oil is a threat to the economy and to national security. To achieve energy independence, everything has to be on the table, starting with increased domestic production. Matheson included a provision in a House-passed energy bill that lifts the moratorium on oil shale leasing in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming, if the state enacts a law in support of commercial leasing. Utah's Uintah Basin has rich oil shale deposits, containing an estimated 214 billion barrels of oil in place, according to estimates by the U.S. Geologic Survey. If extraction technology proves commercially viable, the oil produced could become jet and diesel fuels. Matheson said existing environmental reviews and regulations must be followed. Utah's energy industry “ whether it is traditional sources of oil and gas, coal, oil shale and tar sands or renewable such as solar, wind and geothermal"is an important contributor to the country's expanding need for secure, affordable energy." (matheson.house.gov)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Says Natural Gas Bill Advances Energy Independence. 6 April 2011. "Using on-the-shelf technology and tapping our abundant domestic supplies of natural gas, we can make progress on the jobs front, the clean energy front and the energy independence front." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Jim Matheson voted Nay on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of Environment America 80 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Energy. 30 September 2011. "America's dependence on foreign oil is a threat to the economy and to national security. To achieve energy independence, everything has to be on the table, starting with increased domestic production. Matheson included a provision in a House-passed energy bill that lifts the moratorium on oil shale leasing in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming, if the state enacts a law in support of commercial leasing. Utah's Uintah Basin has rich oil shale deposits, containing an estimated 214 billion barrels of oil in place, according to estimates by the U.S. Geologic Survey. If extraction technology proves commercially viable, the oil produced could become jet and diesel fuels. Matheson said existing environmental reviews and regulations must be followed. Utah's energy industry - whether it is traditional sources of oil and gas, coal, oil shale and tar sands or renewable such as solar, wind and geothermal, is an important contributor to the country's expanding need for secure, affordable energy." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Jim Matheson voted Nay on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Jim Matheson in the 2004 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 90 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of Environment America 80 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Supports Climate Change Action by Congress, not EPA. 16 March 2011. "'This bill is not a debate on whether climate change exists, nor is it about preventing policies from being implemented that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is about restoring the legislative authority to Congress, and prohibiting a regulatory agency from implementing policy without the proper authority. Agencies should not regulate what has not been legislated. Doing so does not solve problems, but creates even more uncertainty as it opens up the agencies' rules to countless legal challenges. There is bipartisan agreement that the way to address the challenge posed by GHG emissions on climate change is through Congressional action." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. More analysis needed on using less water at nuke power plants. 28 July 2010. "As we seek alternative power sources that lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and address reducing greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear power is an important part of our energy future. Current technology requires large amounts of water, which, in the West, is a scarce and often over-allocated resource. We need to look at alternative cooling methods." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Climate Change. 14 October 2011. "Coal is America's most abundant domestic fuel. It accounts for more than half of all electricity generated in this country. Our large coal reserves, coal's comparatively low cost and the lack"in the near term"of reliable alternatives ensures its use for the foreseeable future. It is also necessary to begin to address the threat posed by global climate change, caused primarily by burning fossil fuels. Matheson supports a bipartisan bill"the Carbon Capture and Storage Early Deployment Act"to advance the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. CCS is a method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and injecting underground the carbon dioxide emitted from electricity generation plants that use fossil fuels. The legislation would establish a $1 billion annual fund, derived from fees on the generation of electricity from coal, oil and natural gas. Grants from the fund would be awarded to large-scale projects advancing the commercial availability of CCS technology. In Utah, a pilot demonstration project is already underway"with a $67 million grant from the Department of Energy-- to study the feasibility of carbon storage. Up to 1 million tons of CO2 annually will be injected into the Farnham Dome, a geologic formation southeast of Price, Utah." (matheson.house.gov)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Climate Change. 1 January 2011. "Matheson supports a bipartisan bill--the Carbon Capture and Storage Early Deployment Act--to advance the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. CCS is a method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and injecting underground the carbon dioxide emitted from electricity generation plants that use fossil fuels. The legislation would establish a $1 billion annual fund, derived from fees on the generation of electricity from coal, oil and natural gas. Grants from the fund would be awarded to large-scale projects advancing the commercial availability of CCS technology. In Utah, a pilot demonstration project is already underway--with a $67 million grant from the Department of Energy-- to study the feasibility of carbon storage. Up to 1 million tons of CO2 annually will be injected into the Farnham Dome, a geologic formation southeast of Price, Utah." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Jim Matheson a grade of 55." (votesmart.org)
  • National Rifle Association. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Rifle Association endorsed Jim Matheson in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 50 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House)." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Supports Bipartisan Bill Protecting Gun-Owners' Rights. 16 November 2011. "Our gun laws should ensure that a responsible, law-abiding citizen is able to exercise their Second Amendment right to carry firearms. This common sense bill simplifies the piecemeal system of existing reciprocal agreements among the states." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011. 16 November 2011. "Mr. Chairman, I support this bipartisan legislation for two reasons. One, I believe that our gun laws should ensure that a responsible, law-abiding individual is able to exercise his Second Amendment right to carry firearms. Two, this bill simplifies what is now a piecemeal system of existing reciprocal agreements among the States. There are millions of concealed-carry permit holders in this country, including thousands in my State. They comply with State law to gain a State permit so that they can legally carry weapons for self-defense. By passing this bill, we will ensure that, when they travel to other States, they will be able to exercise their right to self-defense while away from home. This bill does not create a federal licensing or registration system. It does not allow a concealed-weapon permit holder to carry a concealed weapon in States like Illinois, which do not allow concealed carry." (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 40 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Deseret News: 14 October 2011 Candidate Survey. Responded "I voted no on the Affordable Care Act because it is too expensive, and it fails to address health care cost inflation. Until we control the ever-escalating costs of health care, we face the prospect of unaffordable care for individuals, families, small businesses and the federal treasury. Covering the uninsured is a priority and the new health care reform law offers some progress. But fixing America's health care crisis requires numerous steps such as: medical malpractice reform; eliminating the bloat and waste in administrative costs; reforming unnecessary procedures; reimbursement based on quality, not quantity; and many more." to the question: "Do you support the Affordable Care Act (health care reform)? If not, how would you fix America's health care crisis?" (www.deseretnews.com)
  • Jim Matheson. Twitter: @RepJimMatheson. 11 July 2012. "The Affordable Care Act was a flawed effort that fails to address the fundamental issue of rising health costs." (twitter.com)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Jim Matheson voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Statement On Health Care Reform Vote. 20 March 2010. "I am saddened that the year-long debate on health reform has resulted in legislation that is too expensive, contains too many special deals, does not contain health care costs and will result in increases in health insurance premiums and therefore I will vote against the legislation. Health care affects every Utahn in different but profoundly important ways. Controlling rising health care costs, increasing quality and value and improving access to health care and to affordable health insurance coverage remains critical to me. But the wrong kind of reform--reform which increases health care costs-- will leave our nation worse off. I look at lessons learned from the Massachusetts state health care reform effort. It illustrates what happens when universal coverage is extended without controlling costs: even more patients funneled into a broken system. Insufficient healthcare provider training resulted in too few healthcare providers to treat patients. Even with subsidies from the state, low-income families are not able to afford their health insurance. Going forward, I will continue to work in a bipartisan way to fix what is wrong with our health care system, to preserve what is right and to ensure all Utahns have access to the affordable, quality care and coverage they need." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issues: Health Care. 11 July 2012. "That's why Jim opposed the Obama Administration's recent health care law “ it fell far short of driving costs down. What's more, there are elements of the new law that need to change. For example, Jim believes there are many parts of the new health care law that should be repealed. Jim has supported the following repeals: Repeal a long-term care insurance program that was a financial ticking time bomb. He believes that program “known as the CLASS Act"should be repealed because it is would be a disaster for taxpayers and would add to the federal debt. Repeal the 1099 provision that piled cost and unnecessary regulation on small employers. Repeal of burdensome taxes on medical device companies, many of which have facilities in Utah, which will threaten innovation and job growth and limit treatment options for patients." (www.mathesonforcongress.com)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Statement on Supreme Court Health Care Law Ruling. 28 June 2012. "From the beginning, I voted against the Affordable Care Act because it failed to address the critical issue of rising health care costs. Increased access to health care is an important objective but that goal alone does not provide the reforms that are needed to lower costs. Today's ruling raises additional concerns about increased federal costs and also possible new taxes for modest income folks who may not be included in the law's expansion of Medicaid." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson statement on voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act. 11 July 2012. "I have voted against the health care bill at every opportunity in the legislative process. Plain and simple, the bill is a flawed effort that fails to address the critical issue of rising health costs. While increased access to health care coverage is an important objective, that goal alone does not provide the reforms that are needed to lower costs and ultimately create a sustainable health care system for all Americans. [¦] It is time for Congress to repeal this law and replace it with new legislation." (matheson.house.gov)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Health Care. 29 September 2011. "Rising health care costs are the single greatest threat to our pocketbooks, our economy and our long-term fiscal picture. I support fundamental reform that helps all American gain access to quality, affordable health care. Health care reform is morally and fiscally the right thing to do. Two overarching concerns remain for me. One, the federal spending path we are currently on, is unsustainable. It is not tenable to add millions more into an already broken system. Two, we simply cannot afford to allow health care costs to grow more rapidly than the economy as a whole. As the President has said, our health care problem is our deficit problem. I remain committed to ensuring that legislation is not only deficit neutral, but contains costs and is fiscally responsible over the long-term." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Deseret News: 14 October 2011 Candidate Survey. Responded "Immigration reform is a federal responsibility. I do not support amnesty. I support and have voted for strengthening border security and improving the E-verify system for employer use. Along with a viable guest worker program, we should raise the unrealistically low caps on visas, thereby encouraging legal immigration." to the question: "Describe your solution to the U.S. illegal immigration problem. What specifically should be done about the over 10-million illegal immigrants who are now in the United States? Do you favor or oppose some kind of pathway to legal status for the current illegal immigrants?" (www.deseretnews.com)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 67 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Jim Matheson voted Nay on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Press Release - Matheson Supports Secure Fence Act. 14 September 2006. "In a post 9-11 world, it's vital that we secure our borders. Law enforcement officials need to know who is arriving in our country and why." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Immigration. 29 September 2011. "It is vital to know who is in our country and why. Secure borders are critical to our national defense. Our current immigration system is dysfunctional. Comprehensive immigration reform focusing on our national security interests, economic and labor concerns and preventing illegal immigration is what is needed." (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 59 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Family Research Council 57 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 57 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the American Family Association 33 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Jim Matheson voted Yea on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 78 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Jim Matheson voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. In Honor of the Tenth Anniversary of September 11, 2001. 9 September 2011. "* The September 11th attacks triggered American resilience. We worked hard to return to normal--a new kind of normal. As a Nation, we have made ourselves safer and more vigilant--at airports, on trains, on subways, at ports and in cyberspace. We strengthened intelligence and information sharing, we traced the money and shut down terrorist bank accounts, and we foiled al Qaeda. The U.S. and its allies have hunted down, captured or killed over 600 U.S. targets, including the masterminds of 9/11--Khalid Sheikh Muhammad and Osama bin Laden...Ultimately, it is America's courage and America's values that defeated the terrorists." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Statement on Death of Osama bin Laden. 1 May 2011. "I commend our men and women in uniform and in the intelligence community--especially our Utah soldiers who have served--for their bravery and their sacrifice. We must remain vigilant as a country in the face of possible retribution from terrorists [¦] Ultimately the cause of peace and justice is America's cause and what we must pursue, as so many in countries throughout the world show an outpouring of desire for freedom." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Joins New Anti-Terrorism Caucus. 2 February 2007. "The ongoing terrorist threat is very real. Protecting our citizens from it is a top priority. I want to understand all that I can about the people, the ideology and the motivation behind terror attacks, in order to be smart about how the federal government can organize homeland defense." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006. 22 June 2005. "We live in an era when terrorism and national security concerns dominate the political landscape, as well they should. We should focus limited funding dollars on usable warheads that can actually make a difference in combating our enemies." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Matheson Supports Stronger Anti-Terrorism Protections. 27 July 2007. "The unanimous report by the bipartisan 9-11 Commission takes a comprehensive look at our national security and provides numerous important recommendations. With the most recent National Intelligence Estimate warning us that Al-Qaeda has regrouped and strengthened, there is no better time to take action to protect our citizens." (votesmart.org)
  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Jim Matheson supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 80 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Seniors. 1 January 2012. "Jim knows that today's seniors are part of "the greatest generation' of citizens whose patriotism and hard work built post-war America into a global superpower. He also knows that baby boomers have begun reaching retirement age and as tomorrow's seniors, will redefine aging in this country. Jim believes that keeping faith with seniors through programs such as Social Security and Medicare is critically important. Jim is committed to bipartisan solutions that will strengthen and protect these programs that improve health, safety and security for seniors." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Social Security. 1 January 2012. "Jim knows that Social Security is a vital contract with American workers. * Jim believes that those who are eligible must receive their hard-earned benefits. * Jim is committed to working in a bipartisan way to reform Social Security so that it is there when we need it. * Jim will fight proposals to privatize Social Security or gamble its secure future." (votesmart.org)
  • Jim Matheson. Issue Position: Seniors. 1 January 2011. "Senior citizens are increasingly healthier, living longer and engaged in their communities. They bring wisdom, knowledge and experience to the public discourse. A range of federal issues, from Social Security and Medicare to housing to technology and privacy affect the quality of their lives and the lives of those who love and care for them. In 2003, Matheson supported bipartisan passage of a Medicare prescription drug bill -- the most significant change to Medicare in the program's 38-year history." (votesmart.org)

Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

arrow_upward