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Adriano Espaillat's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (NY) - District 13

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.
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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • "Overturning #RoevWade left millions without access to essential health care. Proud to stand w/@ProChoiceCaucus in the fight to re-establish a nationwide right to abortion, enshrine the protections of Roe into law, and safeguard #ReproductiveFreedom for all." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8296: "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297: "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks the 84th anniversary of the first-ever #SocialSecurity check, and Republicans are celebrating by trying to cut your benefits. I am determined to protect and expand the program American workers earn and pay into with each and every paycheck." (x.com)
  • "Unlike Republicans who are only focused on tax cuts, @POTUS is committed to closing tax loopholes for billionaires. When the top 1% pay their fair share, we are all able to support essential programs like Medicare and Social Security." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Allliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Unlike Republicans who are only focused on tax cuts, @POTUS is committed to closing tax loopholes for billionaires. When the top 1% pay their fair share, we are all able to support essential programs like Medicare and Social Security." (x.com)
  • Rated 13% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "It's time for the wealthiest 1% to pay their fair share. I endorse @POTUS's push for a more equitable tax system, holding corporations and the ultra-wealthy accountable. Let's prioritize fairness and shared responsibility." (x.com)
  • "Unlike Republicans who are only focused on tax cuts, @POTUS is committed to closing tax loopholes for billionaires. When the top 1% pay their fair share, we are all able to support essential programs like Medicare and Social Security." (x.com)
  • Rated 13% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "This past election, Americans witnessed rampant voter suppression, extreme partisan gerrymandering & a torrent of special interest dark money. #HR1 will change this & ensure our political system serves in the interest of the American people." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by End Citizens United (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "It’s been just over a month since the House passed the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act, and Senate Republicans refuse to take action. RT if you agree that’s unacceptable." (x.com)
  • "Today, marks 30 years since the brutal beating of Rodney King. This evening, I presided over House proceedings as we considered H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (x.com)
  • "We uplift the family and loved ones of Trye Nichols and will never cease fighting for all those we have lost to senseless police violence. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act cannot wait." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4350: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4365: "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 7900: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Our country needs a massive infrastructure investment. Not just to connect people to work and school, but to create jobs — in my district, and around the country." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2: "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "@HUDgov is expanding affordable housing and improving housing quality. Congress must fully support these efforts that keep safe roofs over the heads of so many." (x.com)
  • "Grateful to welcome @HUDgov Acting Secretary Todman to @NYCHA properties in my district today to reaffirm the Biden Administration's relentless collaboration to ensure New Yorkers have safe, accessible, and reliable public housing." (x.com)
  • "I'm proud to secure over $16 million in community project funding in FY 2024 Appropriations! These funds directly benefit my constituents to support housing projects, infrastructure renovations, community organizations, youth programs and so much more." (x.com)
  • "House Democrats and @POTUS delivered the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, & the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to grow the middle class with good-paying jobs. Our plan is working — with the help of these laws our economy added another 175,000 jobs last month." (x.com)
  • "On the Inflation Reduction Act's 1-year anniversary, I’m proud to recognize its incredible benefits for our communities and planet! Already, the affordable clean energy plan has spurred 170,000+ good new jobs, $278 billion in climate investments, and we're just getting started." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7688: "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I commend @POTUS for his ongoing commitment to tackling student debt despite many challenges. Together, we're working to provide relief to over 30 million Americans, including many in my district. Let's continue to ensure a brighter future for borrowers in across the nation!" (x.com)
  • "Student loan debt threatens the generational well-being of families of color. @POTUS can change this with the stroke of a pen 🖊 #CancelStudentDebt" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Voting rights are fundamental and protecting our most basic freedoms should not be partisan in the least. We stand united in our efforts to restore voting rights and to ensure the voices of all New Yorkers are heard!" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "On the Inflation Reduction Act's 1-year anniversary, I’m proud to recognize its incredible benefits for our communities and planet! Already, the affordable clean energy plan has spurred 170,000+ good new jobs, $278 billion in climate investments, and we're just getting started." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "GOOD NEWS: @HouseDemocrats are voting to #ProtectTheArctic from Big Oil drilling & the Trump administration. I’m voting YES because wilderness is #ForThePeople, not an ATM for oil and gas companies." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1146: "Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1941: "Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I’m sorry, but you’re not pro-life if you’re anti-vaxx, anti-Medicare for All, and anti-gun control." (x.com)
  • "The ACA is here to stay — and now it’s time to go bigger and bolder. But don’t ever forget that Republicans spent the past 11 years trying to steal your healthcare." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Don't tell me you're "pro-life" if you’re against Medicare for All." (x.com)
  • "#Paidleave is essential for Americans to raise strong families. That’s why I sponsored the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act." (x.com)
  • "#Paidleave means the freedom to start a family if, when and how you choose. And it should be available to all women and working people, no matter where you live or work." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Don’t tell me we ‘can’t afford’ to lower the price of insulin when billionaires can afford evading $163,000,000,000 in taxes every year." (x.com)
  • "Thanks to @POTUS's work on the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare has the power to negotiate lower drug prices, and insulin has been capped at $35 per month. Let's continue to work to ensure that all Americans can afford life-saving medication." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "We will not allow the MAGA Republican playbook to fearmonger to become the norm. Migrants come to our border in search of the American dream. They are mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters—families seeking asylum, which is a legal right!" (x.com)
  • Rated 5% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2: "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5525: "Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3033: "Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6015: "Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8030: "Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8035: "Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8035: "Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S3522: "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "It's about time we hold Big Tech monopolies accountable in this country. I look forward to seeing the House Judiciary Committee advance this comprehensive antitrust package — it's long past due." (x.com)
  • "Support for tech antitrust enforcement is a bipartisan effort and taking on #BigTech is a good way for @POTUS Biden to continue efforts to unite our nation. AGs from both parties, including @NewYorkStateAG, support it too!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7520: "Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 7521: "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" (votesmart.org)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
X b) Abortions should always be legal.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
X d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
X e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Prohibit public funding of abortions and of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
X g) Authorize pharmacists and nurses to dispense emergency contraception (“morning-after” pill).
h) Other or expanded principles

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels (#1-6) you will support for the following general categories. Select one level per category.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels (#1-6) you will support. Select one level per tax.

Greatly Increase a) Education (Higher)
Greatly Increase b) Education (K-12)
Slightly Increase c) Environment
Slightly Increase d) Health care
Greatly Increase e) Law enforcement
Maintain Status f) Transportation and highway infrastructure
Maintain Status g) Welfare
h) Other or expanded categories
Yes i) Should the Assembly adopt a contingency budget when a budget is not approved for the new fiscal year?
j) Other or expanded principles
Greatly Increase a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Greatly Increase c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Slightly Increase e) Estate taxes
Greatly Decrease f) Gasoline taxes
Slightly Decrease g) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Greatly Increase h) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Maintain Status i) Property taxes
Eliminate j) Sales taxes
Greatly Decrease k) Vehicle taxes
l) Other or expanded categories
Yes m) Should Internet sales be taxed?
n) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative and gubernatorial candidates?

No a) Do you support limiting the number of terms for New York governors?
No b) Do you support limiting the number of terms for New York state senators and representatives?
Yes 1) Individual
Yes 2) PAC
Yes 3) Corporate
Yes 4) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes e) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
Yes f) Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying, and ensuring accuracy of votes?
Yes g) Do you support prohibiting the reporting of media exit polling results until all polling locations in New York are closed?
Yes h) Should New York recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
Undecided i) Should New York restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
j) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding crime.Drug Law Issues: Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding drug laws in New York.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
b) Support the death penalty in New York.
X c) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
d) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
e) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
X f) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X g) Increase funding for state and local emergency agencies to prevent and to respond to terrorist attacks.
h) Allow prosecutors to try an accused terrorist based solely on the testimony of an accomplice.
i) Let prosecutors get a single warrant to tap every telephone used by a suspected terrorist.
j) Prevent judges from tossing terror evidence out of court if the authorities seized it in good faith under a warrant that later proved defective.
X k) Give prosecutors the right to obtain state tax information about suspected terrorists.
l) Other or expanded principles
a) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
X b) Strengthen penalties for those convicted of distributing drugs while armed.
X c) Strengthen penalties for those convicted of distributing drugs to, or with the aid of, minors.
X d) Send first time non-violent drug offenders to rehabilitation treatment centers, not correctional facilities.
e) Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
X f) Expand the degree of judicial discretion in drug law sentencing.
g) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.Education Funding Issues: Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education funding.

a) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
b) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any public school.
c) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school.
X d) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
X e) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
X f) Support teacher testing and reward with merit pay.
g) Endorse voluntary prayer in public schools.
h) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
X i) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
X j) Increase funding for Head Start programs.
X k) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
X l) Support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods.
m) Support abstinence-only sexual education programs.
n) Other or expanded principles
X a) Schools should be funded equally by state funds and local property taxes.
b) Schools should be funded primarily by local property taxes.
c) Schools should be funded primarily by state funds.
d) Funds from affluent school districts should be redirected to meet the needs of poorer districts.
e) New York should increase the number of video lottery machines to help pay for education.
f) Other or expanded principles

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding employment.Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity, or gender be taken into account in state agencies’ decisions on:

X a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers and teach skills needed in today’s job market.
b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for children in low-income working families.
X e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
X f) Increase the state minimum wage.
g) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) Public employment
Yes b) State college and university admissions
Yes c) State contracting
d) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
b) Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil).
X c) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
X d) Support funding for open space preservation.
X e) Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.
f) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns.

X a) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
b) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
X e) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
X f) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
X g) Support current licensing requirements for gun possession.
X h) Ban .50-caliber rifles.
i) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health.Medicaid Funding Issues: Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Medicaid funding.

X a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary.
X b) Require insurance companies to provide mental health services at parity with physical health services.
c) Limit the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X d) Support patients' right to sue their HMOs.
X e) Support patients' right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied.
f) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
g) Legalize physician assisted suicide in New York.
h) Allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes.
i) Other or expanded principles
X a) Funding for Medicaid should come primarily from the state government.
b) Funding for Medicaid should come exclusively from the state government.
X c) Funding for Medicaid should come from both the state and county governments.
d) Shift long-term care Medicaid payments currently made by individual counties to the state.
e) Cap every county’s portion of Medicaid payments at present levels.
f) Create a preferred drug list to reduce Medicaid costs.
g) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
h) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare and poverty.

a) Support increased work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients.
b) Increase funding for employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
c) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
d) Limit benefits given to recipients if they have additional children while on welfare.
e) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
f) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to extend health and child care subsidies to the working poor.
g) Support marriage promotion programs for welfare recipients.
h) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
i) Other or expanded principles
Please explain in a total of 75 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.

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