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Frederica Wilson's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.

Frederica Wilson 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.

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 2024.

  • "1 year ago, the Supreme Court issued a devastating, unprecedented decision to strip a constitutional right from all Americans. The Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade triggered an avalanche of harm, chaos, and confusion, leaving millions of Americans without abortion access." (x.com)
  • "I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: The Supreme Court has no business restricting abortion. They’ll discuss doctors providing emergency abortions in life-or-death cases! This isn’t about state rights; it’s about human rights! We must secure reproductive rights." (x.com)
  • "This 50th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, I rise in solidarity with the women of the world and against attempts to control our reproductive freedom. Today and everyday, I fight for true #AbortionJustice so everyone can get the care they need without shame or punishment." (x.com)
  • "Two years ago, the Supreme Court gutted Roe v. Wade, dragging the United States back decades and letting states outlaw abortion. Today, I am reminded of the horrendous pain I experienced before Roe v. Wade was the law of the land when I almost died!" (x.com)
  • "On August 14, 1935 President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. This #SocSec85, we must recommit ourselves to protecting our country's most vulnerable and ensure retirees can live with dignity. That’s why I support #Secure2100 to #ExpandSocialSecurity!" (x.com)
  • "We must #ExpandMedicare by giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices; covering dental, vision, and hearing care; lowering the eligibility age, and more." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSM) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "@HouseDemocrats #BuildBackBetter Act includes a series of tax cuts and cost protections that will have an outsized effect on working and middle-income families with children. It’s time to put more money in working families’ pockets & ensure big corporations pay their fair share." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 16% by FreedomWorks (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 7% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It’s time tax cheats pay their fair share and that starts with ensuring tax accountability." (x.com)
  • "The #BuildBackBetter Act delivers once-in-a-generation action to lower the everyday costs that burden working families – from health care to child care & more – fully paid for by making big corporations & the wealthiest pay their fair share." (x.com)
  • "The difference between our parties couldn’t be clearer. While @HouseDemocrats have worked to protect working families, Republican’s first bill placed on the House floor helps protect wealthy tax cheats avoid paying their fair share and adds $115 billion to the federal deficit." (x.com)
  • Rated 16% by FreedomWorks (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It's Infrastructure Week! From rails and roads to bike lanes, buses, and more, Democrats have delivered in building up our nation's infrastructure. I was proud to be one of the five original cosponsors of the Infrastructure Law that has helped deliver for South Florida." (x.com)
  • "I’m always fighting for South Florida, and I’m proud to announce I’ve secured $16 million as part of Congressional appropriations. This includes money for FIU, Miami-Dade public transportation, parks, infrastructure, and much more! Together, we’re moving South Florida forward!" (x.com)
  • "Thanks to Democrats and @POTUS, airports across the country are being upgraded!✈️ Miami International Airport received millions from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade bridges and loading platforms that will help folks travel more safely and efficiently." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Last year, we accomplished so much for the people of South Florida and our nation. From improving public safety to tackling the affordable housing crisis, I've worked nonstop for our community. Here is a look back at 2022. Thank you for the honor of being your voice in Congress." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7301 "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8294 "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Gas prices are down ⬇️ Wages are rising ⬆️ Inflation is at a two-year low 📉 That’s Bidenomics in action." (x.com)
  • "Thanks to the Democrats’ historic Inflation Reduction Act, countless families are going to see extra savings in their pockets from lower drug prices. These savings can mean the difference between paying bills and sinking into debt. It’s a real game-changer!" (x.com)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct protects and expands these subsidies, bringing down costs and reducing the burden of inflation on American families." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "NEWS: Biden delivers again! $1.2 billion in student debt cancelled for nearly 153,000 borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan, staying true to his promise of delivering student loan forgiveness. Once again, Democrats have delivered and will continue to deliver!" (x.com)
  • "Thank you @POTUS for cancelling millions of student loans and reaffirming your commitment to continue cancelling student loans for borrowers across the nation." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by the National Education Association (NEA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Biden Administration and @EPA announced $20 billion to help fund projects to reduce greenhouse gases, like installing solar panels in Miami-Dade. With Florida being ground zero for climate change, it’s time we tackle it head on." (x.com)
  • "With the ever growing threat of climate change, we must make it easier to invests in clean energy, not harder. That is why I joined my colleagues to urge federal regulators to reconsider a recent hike in bank capital that endanger clean energy capital." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by the League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Over a decade ago, the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster devastated Florida’s shores, dumping over 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico and killing hundreds of thousands of marine animals. We can’t afford another environmental catastrophe caused by offshore drilling." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1146 "Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1941 "Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 823 "Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Time and time again, we've seen the devastating impact of gun violence. Enough is enough! It's time to break the cycle, pass universal background checks, and prioritize safety over politics." (x.com)
  • "Everyday, over 100 Americans are killed due to gun violence. This is outrageous and not normal! The United States is the only country in the world this happens in. This needs to stop. It’s time we ban assault weapons and close the gun loopholes." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by the NRA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808 "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • On the 59th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, it’s more important than ever to lower health care costs. (x.com)
  • "Women's needs are front & center in the #AmericanRescuePlan. It will: 👶🏻 Support the childcare industry 🏫 Safely reopen schools 🧒🏻 Expand the child tax credit 😷Expand paid family & medical leave 💵 Send stimulus checks 🏥 Ensure access to quality #Healthcare through #TitleX" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Outrageous drug prices force Americans to ration medications, go without, or exhaust their life savings. Meanwhile, Big Pharma continues to hike drug prices and rake in record profits. It’s time we allow Medicare to negotiate #LowerDrugCosts for the American people." (x.com)
  • "Starting January 1st, millions of American seniors will no longer be vulnerable to outrageous insulin price hikes. With the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats are lowering costs for Americans." (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" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We cannot in good conscience deport Haitian asylum seekers desperately seeking safety for their families back to a country suffering from an extreme security crisis." (x.com)
  • "What a surprise that immigrants actually contribute to the economy! They also pay taxes, even if undocumented, despite much misinformation. While we should address the border crisis immediately, let’s not go down the road of anti-immigrant hate and misinformation." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2494 "POLICE Act of 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "President Biden’s decision to impose additional sanctions against #Russia is a necessary consequence for its invasion of #Ukraine. Putin’s efforts to dismantle global peace and security are incredibly dangerous, and Russia must be held accountable for its aggression." (x.com)
  • "Thank you, @POTUS, for reaffirming our commitment to aiding #Ukraine during this time! Russia is responsible and, through crippling sanctions implemented by America and our NATO allies, they are being held accountable." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I stand with Israel! I stand with Ukraine! And I stand with Taiwan! Our adversaries around the world want us to fail, but we will stand up for democracy and protect our national security." (x.com)
  • "On the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, I continue to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians and remain committed to providing them with the support they need to keep Ukraine free. Democracy will prevail." (x.com)
  • "Two years ago, Putin invaded Ukraine. Today, as Republicans continue to block crucial aid, we must stand firm in support of Ukraine's fight for democracy. Let's ensure they receive the assistance necessary to secure victory, and defend freedom and democracy worldwide." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8035 "Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7521 "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" (justfacts.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) concerning abortion.

X a) Abortions should always be legally available.
b) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
c) Abortions should be legal only when pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered.
d) Abortions should be legal only when the life of the woman is endangered.
e) Abortions should always be illegal.
f) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and parental notification requirements.
g) Prohibit the late-term abortion procedure known as "partial-birth" abortion.
h) Support "buffer zones" by requiring demonstrators to stay at least 15 feet away from abortion clinic doorways and driveways.
i) Other
Yes j) Should Florida government funding be provided to clinics and medical facilities that provide abortion services?

Indicate the principles you support (if any) concerning affirmative action. State government agencies should take race and sex into account in the following sectors:

Yes a) College and university admissions
Yes b) Public employment
Yes c) State contracting
d) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
b) Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
X c) End parole for repeat violent felons.
d) Support the use of the death penalty.
e) Oppose the death penalty.
X f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X g) Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
X h) Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
i) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
j) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
k) Strengthen penalties and sentences for sex offenders.
l) Lower the blood-alcohol-content limit defining drunk driving.
m) Prosecute juveniles who commit murder or other serious violent crimes as adults.
n) Allow recording devices in execution observation rooms.
X o) Support chemical castration for convicted sexual offenders.
p) Maintain electrocution as Florida's method of execution.
X q) Adopt lethal injection as Florida's method of execution.
r) Other
Yes s) Should violent sexual offenders eligible for parole, be committed to mental hospitals until they are deemed safe to return to society?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning the economy and employment.

X a) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
c) Support limits on cash damages in lawsuits against businesses and professionals for product liability or malpractice.
X d) Increase funding for state job-training programs that retrain displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
e) Allow Native American tribes to operate gambling casinos on tribal land in Florida.
f) Other

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

X a) Increase state funds for professional development of public school teachers and administrators.
X b) Encourage private or corporate investment in public school programs.
c) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious).
d) Favor charter schools where independent groups receive state authorization and funding to establish new schools.
X e) Support sex education programs which stress abstinence.
X f) Support sex education programs which stress safe sexual practices.
X g) Increase state funds for school construction and facility maintenance.
X h) Increase state funds for hiring of additional teachers.
i) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
j) Grant merit pay raises each year to teachers who excel.
k) Other
Yes l) Should Florida require that all new state school buses be equipped with passenger seat belts?
No m) Do you support adding the Bible to high school literature or history curriculums in Florida public schools?

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

a) Require the use of cleaner burning fuels in order to prevent pollution.
b) Support "self-audit" legislation which creates incentives for industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution.
c) Require a cost/benefit analysis to determine the economic impact of proposed environmental regulations before they are implemented.
d) Require the state to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land.
e) Provide funding for recycling programs in Florida.
f) Request added flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
g) Suspend participation in unfunded, federally mandated environmental protection legislation.
h) Restructure the electric utility industry to allow consumers to choose their power company.
i) Other
j) State environmental regulations should not be stricter than federal law.
k) Do you support extending the Preservation 2000 program in Florida?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding government reform.a) Do you support limits on the number of terms of the following Florida officials?b) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

No 1) State Senators and Representatives
No 2) Governor
No 3) Members of the Cabinet
Yes 1) Individual
Yes 2) PAC
Yes 3) Corporate
Yes c) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes d) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
e) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
f) Would you vote to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring an annual balanced federal budget?
g) Do you support providing immunity from civil liability to persons who are participating in the process of government?
h) Should using payroll deductions for political contributions from union members be illegal?
i) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

X a) Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
X b) Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
X c) Maintain state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
d) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
e) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens.
f) Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.
X g) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
X h) Require a waiting period and criminal records check for weapons bought at gun shows.
i) Other
j) Should Florida visitors be permitted to carry concealed weapons if they have permits from other states?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues.

X a) Provide tax incentives to small businesses that provide health care to their employees.
X b) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care, through managed care, insurance reforms, or state funded care where necessary.
X c) Provide health care to uninsured children by designing a children's health insurance program.
d) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
X e) Use state funds to continue some Medicaid coverage for legal immigrants.
f) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
g) Guaranteeing medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
X h) Require HMOs to provide access to mental health care.
i) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding social issues.

X a) Increase state funding for programs to prevent teen pregnancy.
X b) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
X c) Increase state funds to provide child care to children in low-income working families.
X d) Deny or suspend state-issued permits and licenses to parents who are delinquent in paying court-ordered child support.
X e) Favor banning smoking in public places.
X f) Allow local municipalities in Florida to ban smoking in public places.
X g) Increase state funding for Head Start in order to serve additional children and/or increase services from a half to a full day.
X h) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X i) Support state funding of programs for at-risk youth such as guaranteed college loans and job training and placement.
X j) Require a waiting period between the time a mother consents to adoption and the time the adoption is finalized.
k) Other
Yes l) Do you believe that the Florida government should include sexual orientation in Florida's anti-discrimination laws?
Undecided m) Do you believe that the Florida government should recognize same-sex marriages?
Undecided n) Should physician-assisted suicide for the terminally ill be legal in Florida?

Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories. Select one level only.

Slightly Increase a) Agriculture
Greatly Increase b) Economic Development
Greatly Increase c) Education (K-12)
Greatly Increase d) Education (Higher)
e) Environment
Greatly Increase f) Health care
Greatly Increase g) Law enforcement
Maintain Status h) Tourism
Maintain Status i) Transportation infrastructure (highways, roads, bridges)
Maintain Status j) Welfare
k) Other
Undecided l) Do you support using state money to fund a proposed bullet train between Miami, Orlando and Tampa?

Indicate the tax levels you will support. Select one level only.

a) Alcohol taxes
b) Capital gains taxes
c) Cigarette taxes
d) Corporate taxes
e) Gas taxes
f) Property taxes
g) Sales taxes
h) Other
Undecided i) Do you support implementing a state income tax?

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

a) Maintain the four-year limit on welfare benefits.
X b) Require that able-bodied recipients participate in work-related activities in order to receive benefits.
X c) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X d) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
X e) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
X f) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
X g) Allow welfare recipients to remain eligible for benefits while saving money for education, starting a business, or buying a home.
h) Limit benefits given to recipients if they have additional children while on welfare.
i) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
j) Other
Undecided k) Do you support establishing a relocation assistance program for WAGES participants that relocate within the state as long as the relocation contributes to them attaining self-sufficiency?
Please explain what your two main legislative priorities will be if elected. Please explain how you would obtain any additional government funding needed to implement these priorities.

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