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John Larson's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.
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John Larson did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

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

  • "John Larson is Social Security’s foremost guardian and champion. Because of his leadership on this important issue, John was named Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security in 2019. His landmark new bill – Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust – is cosponsored by the majority of House Democrats and is supported by numerous advocacy groups and unions." (larsonforcongress.org)
  • "Today, after years of outreach and hard work, John’s efforts have been incredibly successful in transforming the landscape of Social Security politics. His landmark new bill – Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust– cuts taxes for middle-class beneficiaries, extends program solvency, and expands benefits across the board – a drastic shift from earlier proposals. Democrats have rallied behind the bill, with nearly 200 House Democrats co-sponsoring on the very first day it was introduced. While some, like Donald Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham, continue to push to cut and privatize Social Security, John has been there at every turn to stop them. In the next few months, John looks forward to working with the Biden administration to pass Social Security 2100 and finally ensure that no American, who has paid into the system their entire life, retires into poverty." (larsonforcongress.org)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It's a shame my Republican colleagues won't support #BuildBackBetter. Affordable child care, tax cuts for the middle class, lower prescription drug prices, affordable housing & more are all coming to the American people" (x.com)
  • "Republicans are quick to support tax cuts for billionaires, but what about the millions of Americans who work every day and pay taxes on their Social Security? Social Security 2100 would cut taxes for 23 million Americans and enhance benefits for the first time in 50+ years!" (x.com)
  • Rated 8% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Billionaires stopped paying into Social Security minutes into 2024. We need to #ScrapTheCap to make the wealthy pay their fair share. I introduced Social Security 2100 to make that happen. We must act to protect and enhance benefits for the first time in more than 50 years!" (x.com)
  • "I met with Manchester residents this afternoon to discuss the need to act on #SocialSecurity. Social Security 2100 will enhance benefits and extend the program's solvency by making the wealthy pay their fair share! We need to strengthen Social Security, not cut it!" (x.com)
  • Rated 8% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "14 years ago, the disastrous Citizens United decision brought dark money into our elections, silencing the voices of voters. I'm cosponsoring a Constitutional Amendment to overturn this decision and restore confidence in our electoral process by limiting corporate influence!" (x.com)
  • Rated 92% by End Citizens United (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 94% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Almost 4 years since his death, I joined my Democratic colleagues to reintroduce the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act. This bill will take important steps to build trust between law enforcement and their communities." (x.com)
  • "For too long, systemic and structural racism has led to injustice in our communities of color. We must tackle systemic racism and reform policing. The House will be voting to pass the George Floyd #JusticeinPolicing Act next week and I'm proud to be a cosponsor." (x.com)
  • "Yesterday, I proudly voted for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Now, the Senate must act and pass this historic policing reform!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "I voted for this year’s NDAA to support the thousands of workers, jobs, and small businesses in #CT01 that power America’s defense. From our servicemembers to manufacturers & researchers right here at home, this legislation will bolster our local economy & national security!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4350: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Now is the time to invest boldly in American families and our country's future. That’s why I am proud to support @HouseDemocrats funding bill, which will create jobs, grow opportunity for the middle class, and provide a lifeline for the nation’s most vulnerable. #ForThePeople" (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)
  • "All Americans should have access to affordable housing. That’s why I'm proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which will finance nearly 2 million more homes nationwide over 10 years & help lower housing costs for families everywhere!" (x.com)
  • "I joined members of the CT delegation to send a letter to @POTUS highlighting the importance of quality, affordable housing for Americans across the nation. We must address the homelessness crisis and expand affordable housing options, regardless of zip code!" (x.com)
  • "I was in Barkhamsted today to announce $1.6 million in funding we secured to support the construction of 20 new affordable housing units & visit the Senior Center, where we celebrated a new patio and services for residents made possible with federal American Rescue Plan funds!" (x.com)
  • "It's a shame my Republican colleagues won't support #BuildBackBetter. Affordable child care, tax cuts for the middle class, lower prescription drug prices, affordable housing & more are all coming to the American people" (x.com)
  • "Because we passed the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare can now directly negotiate drug prices for consumers. About 9 million Medicare beneficiaries take the first 10 drugs selected for negotiation, and they could save thousands in the coming years." (x.com)
  • "It was a pleasure to meet with Rocky Hill and South Windsor seniors today. Seniors are seeing lower insulin costs and Medicare is negotiating lower drug prices thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, we’re working to enhance benefits & strengthen Social Security!" (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)
  • "Pursuing a higher education should not result in a lifetime of debt. Now is the time to expand programs such as public service loan forgiveness and for @POTUS to forgive up to $50,000 in student loan debt per borrower. #CancelStudentDebt" (x.com)
  • "Republicans are at the Supreme Court today to block millions of working-class Americans from debt relief, including more than 100,000 of my constituents.@POTUS used his authority to forgive student loans, and it's time to stop holding up this life-changing relief!" (x.com)
  • "We can no longer burden Americans with thousands of dollars in debt for seeking higher education. I joined my Democratic colleagues from the House & Senate urging the President to forgive $50,000 in student loan debt per borrower" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "When the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, they unleashed a wave of new laws targeting voters in states across the country. I'm cosponsoring the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to #RestoreTheVote and safeguard our democracy so every vote counts" (x.com)
  • Rated 94% 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)
  • Voted against HR 1: "Lower Energy Costs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 6285: "Alaska's Right to Produce Act of 2023" (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)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "A record 21.3 million Americans are enrolled in a health care plan through the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to the ACA, our nation has the lowest uninsured rate in history. I'm proud of our efforts to lower costs & ensure access to affordable coverage for all." (x.com)
  • "John’s efforts have helped millions get affordable health care. Just this year, he delivered real results on health care, lowering costs for thousands of policy holders in Connecticut. John won’t stop fighting until every American can afford the medication and health care they need – because health care is a human right." (larsonforcongress.org)
  • "John has continued to expand the ACA since it became law. Just this year, he helped thousands sign up for coverage through AccessHealth CT and led the passage of legislation lowering health care costs for thousands of policy holders in Connecticut. More than 30,000 CT households will see their health care costs drop to nearly $0 per month because of these efforts! John has continued to deliver real results on healthcare reform, and he’s far from done. Next up, is John’s "Medicare for All Who Want It" plan. This bold solution would create an affordable, high-quality public option through the Medicare system. Anyone who wants would be able to buy-in to Medicare and everyone, even those on private insurance, would see their premiums drop. John is fighting every day for this effective, practical solution. He’s also fighting to include hearing, dental, and vision coverage in Medicare and to lower out of control prescription drug prices. He’s already made real progress, helping pass the landmark "Build Back Better" bill in the House and thereby setting the stage for Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and cap drug costs for seniors. John won’t settle until the Build Back Better Act is across the finish line and until every American is adequately covered. Because health care is a human right." (larsonforcongress.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I wrote the nation's first #FMLA law in the CT State Senate. We've made great progress but it's past time for paid family & medical leave to be a reality for all workers. Americans must be able to take care of themselves & their families while paying their bills! #paidleaveforALL" (x.com)
  • "The pandemic has made it even more clear that we need national Paid Family & Medical Leave, and we need to invest in child care. I'm proud to be from CT where we've led the way on this issue & I'll continue my career long fight to get working families the support they deserve." (x.com)
  • "Today marks 31 years since #FMLA became law. I championed FMLA when I served in the CT State Senate, making us the first state in the nation to guarantee family and medical leave. I'm fighting to ensure everyone has access to paid leave to properly care for their loved ones!" (x.com)
  • "12 years ago the Affordable Care Act became law, and today, over 112,000 people in CT are covered thanks to it. I was proud to help lead that fight. I will continue working to strengthen this health coverage, slash the prices of prescription drugs, and bring down health costs!" (x.com)
  • "It's a shame my Republican colleagues won't support #BuildBackBetter. Affordable child care, tax cuts for the middle class, lower prescription drug prices, affordable housing & more are all coming to the American people" (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)
  • "Democrats worked in good faith to reach a bipartisan agreement that addresses our nation's border security and supports our allies across the globe. Republicans caved to Donald Trump and walked away from their own deal. Enough with the political games, we need to pass this bill!" (x.com)
  • Rated 10% 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)
  • 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)

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