Card image cap

Angus King, Jr.'s Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

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.

Angus King, Jr. 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.

  • "By overturning Roe v. Wade, this Supreme Court has erased nearly half a century of precedent upon precedent through a dangerous, blatantly political ruling that will rob millions of women the right to make decisions about their own health, safety, and lives." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3755: "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Senator King saw the threat posed to Roe vs Wade in the Supreme Court years before its 2022 reversal, and has been outspoken about the need for women to make their own health care decisions – free of government intervention. He raised concerns about several court nominees, called out the Dobbs’ decision as a "dangerous, blatantly political ruling" and continues to seek avenues to protect American women’s personal medical choices, especially women in the armed forces." (angusformaine.com)
  • "53 years ago this week, two of our nation’s most important programs were signed into law. I’m LIVE on the Senate floor to honor more than half a century of Medicare and Medicaid, and to defend them against those who want to undermine their critical work." (x.com)
  • "I’m working to support rural healthcare however I can – including pushing to expand telehealth. That’s why I’ve cosponsored the CONNECT Act, which would increase Medicare's telehealth services." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Tax cheats are estimated to cost the U.S. up to $1 trillion per year – which means either honest taxpayers have to make up the difference, or we add to the debt we leave our children. I’ve introduced a bill with @SenSherrodBrown and @TimKaine to close this tax gap." (x.com)
  • "Tonight, I'm disappointed, and I'm angry, because the American people deserve better. For months, moderates in the Senate reached across the aisle to colleagues -- and friends -- asking them to sit down and work together on a commonsense tax reform bill that supports hardworking Americans and fosters economic growth for businesses in Maine and across the country. In other words: to govern. But instead of digging in and doing the hard work, this Senate has decided to pass a bill that helps the few instead of the many, and shifts a massive financial burden onto our children. Rather than maximize this opportunity to help working Americans and set our nation on a path to further prosperity, this bill pushes through at least $1 trillion in unfunded tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations. These cuts are not only misguided -- they're downright dangerous, and their effects will be felt by every aspect of our society, from the health of our economy to our national security interests." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 15% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1: "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Tax cheats are estimated to cost the U.S. up to $1 trillion per year – which means either honest taxpayers have to make up the difference, or we add to the debt we leave our children. I’ve introduced a bill with @SenSherrodBrown and @TimKaine to close this tax gap." (x.com)
  • "Tonight, I'm disappointed, and I'm angry, because the American people deserve better. For months, moderates in the Senate reached across the aisle to colleagues -- and friends -- asking them to sit down and work together on a commonsense tax reform bill that supports hardworking Americans and fosters economic growth for businesses in Maine and across the country. In other words: to govern. But instead of digging in and doing the hard work, this Senate has decided to pass a bill that helps the few instead of the many, and shifts a massive financial burden onto our children. Rather than maximize this opportunity to help working Americans and set our nation on a path to further prosperity, this bill pushes through at least $1 trillion in unfunded tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations. These cuts are not only misguided -- they're downright dangerous, and their effects will be felt by every aspect of our society, from the health of our economy to our national security interests." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 15% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1: "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "While small-dollar political donors are required to carefully disclose every donation they make, billionaires can pour almost unlimited anonymous, dark money into our elections – it simply makes no sense. Let’s pass the #DISCLOSEAct and create more transparent, open elections." (x.com)
  • Rated 73% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 2093: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Across the country, Americans are raising their voices to call for systemic police reforms. Yesterday, @TimKaine and I urged Senate leaders to rise to this moment, and come together around an open debate and amendment process on police reform legislation." (x.com)
  • "The events in Minneapolis this week, and across the nation in recent years, show us the flaws in our justice system. We all must do better, and commit to fighting for equal justice for citizens of every color – in the memory of George Floyd, and so many more." (x.com)
  • "Today’s verdict holds George Floyd’s killer accountable, but the work for justice is just beginning. Americans of all backgrounds must now come together to push for change, and Congress must address the inequalities that have obstructed equal justice under law for far too long." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7776: "James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 815: "National Security Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4346: "Supreme Court Security Funding Act of 2022 (CHIPS and Science Act of 2022)" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 748: "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "A shortage of affordable housing and food insecurity affects too many Maine families – and the folks at the Knox County Homeless Coalition are dedicated to help, offering resources to help Maine people in need build a better future. Grateful for their contributions to our state." (x.com)
  • "We are facing a serious affordable housing crisis. To address this, I co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to encourage the renovation of existing, historic buildings into affordable housing." (x.com)
  • "As Maine’s population grows, the supply of available housing gets more limited. While there is no silver bullet to fix this issue overnight, Senator King believes there is "silver buckshot" to attack the issue from several angles. He worked with his colleagues to advance many key provisions of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act as they were signed into law in 2020. He’s co-sponsored the Historic Tax Credit Growth & Opportunity Act as well as the Access to Credit for Our Rural Economies Act (ACRE), bipartisan efforts to encourage more housing options that would make a difference for Maine people." (angusformaine.com)
  • "Good news for Maine seniors: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, insulin is now capped at $35/month for Medicare Part D recipients. I’m proud to have supported this historic bill, which is already bringing down healthcare costs for Maine families." (x.com)
  • "Senator King supported the Inflation Reduction Act – which has already started lowering costs, making progress against climate change, and curbing the deficit." (angusformaine.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4346: "Supreme Court Security Funding Act of 2022 (CHIPS and Science Act of 2022)" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "At today's Senate hearing on election reforms, I concluded by pointing out Maine has same-day voter registration, no-excuse absentee voting, no voter ID, and no fraud. So count me as a skeptic of new state policies being considered to chase fraud claims I haven't seen validated." (x.com)
  • "In Maine, we have no voter ID laws, we have same day registration, we have no-excuse absentee voting, we have mail-in voting, we have early voting, we have 24/7 drop boxes. And we have virtually no fraud. Expanding ballot access doesn't encourage fraud; it encourages VOTING." (x.com)
  • Rated 73% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As Governor, King was responsible for conserving more acres of Maine land than in the state’s history. He’s continued his environmental leadership in the Senate, from supporting the nation’s biggest clean energy bill in history to seeking bipartisan solutions to clean energy storage technology, to being Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee, where he has sought to protect and modernize the appeal of America’s public lands for generations to come." (angusformaine.com)
  • "The Department of Energy’s FY21 Budget proposal would cut the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by nearly 75%. This is just bad policy: how can America lead the clean energy economy of the future if the folks in charge won’t invest in it?" (x.com)
  • Rated 81% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "As Governor, King was responsible for conserving more acres of Maine land than in the state’s history. He’s continued his environmental leadership in the Senate, from supporting the nation’s biggest clean energy bill in history to seeking bipartisan solutions to clean energy storage technology, to being Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee, where he has sought to protect and modernize the appeal of America’s public lands for generations to come." (angusformaine.com)
  • Rated 5% by American Energy Alliance (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For too long, communities across our country have felt the devastation and heartbreak of America’s gun violence. Today the Senate took the most significant step in decades to confront these tragedies and protect our people from the scourge of gun violence." (x.com)
  • "While every American has the right to own a firearm for self-defense or recreation, the scourge of senseless gun violence across the country tied to semi-automatic weapons is a heartbreaking crisis. After years of working to strike the appropriate balance between public safety and the 2nd Amendment, Senator King introduced the GOSAFE Act with a number of his colleagues to ban the making and selling of firearms with magazines more than ten rounds, along with creating a national gun buyback program for voluntary sellers. This proposal protects the 2nd Amendment and is consistent with the National Firearms Act of 1934, which has been legally sustained for close to a century." (angusformaine.com)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 17% by National Rifle Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I’m grateful and relieved that the ACA will stand, allowing tens of millions of Americans to continue protecting their health and their family’s health." (x.com)
  • "Today, the Supreme Court hears a case that will determine the future of the ACA. If the law is struck down, tens of millions of Americans will lose healthcare protections, in the middle of a deadly pandemic. I won't stop fighting to defend the ACA." (x.com)
  • "A few years ago, @SenatorFischer and I passed the first ever nationwide paid family leave law, which today complements Maine’s state paid family leave program. Today we're seeking to make that law permanent — and have the Maine model work for states and businesses nationwide." (x.com)
  • "No one should have to choose between caring for their family or making ends meet. I'm proud to work with @SenatorFischer in introducing bipartisan legislation that would expand & make permanent paid family leave — helping our working families in Maine, Nebraska & nationwide." (x.com)
  • "Paid family leave is not just good for families, it's good for business." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201: "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "For far too long, aging Maine people have been pinched by the rising costs of drug prices, Medicare, and healthcare services – and Senator King has been advocating for a wide range of solutions. Whether it was the $35/month cap for insulin, $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket prescriptions, or the right for Medicare to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers – using bulk discounts, as large corporations often do – Senator King continues to support efforts, like the Inflation Reduction Act, that tackle these increasingly difficult challenges for our older neighbors and friends." (angusformaine.com)
  • "Good news for Maine seniors: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, insulin is now capped at $35/month for Medicare Part D recipients. I’m proud to have supported this historic bill, which is already bringing down healthcare costs for Maine families." (x.com)
  • "Insulin is a life-sustaining necessity for millions of Americans with diabetes – but prices keep going up. Maine has led the way to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month; I’m backing a bill to expand this idea nationwide." (x.com)
  • "The high cost of prescription drugs is among the most pressing issues facing Maine people. I joined with @AARPMaine today in support of bipartisan solutions, including allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and requiring more transparency from manufacturers." (x.com)
  • "Congress’ first priority must be getting federal employees back to work – let’s reopen the government and then invest the time and energy together to find a bipartisan, cost-effective approach to border security." (x.com)
  • "I want to be very clear: I support increased border security, and I think there’s a solution to be had that works for the President, Congress, and the American people. But we can’t have this discussion with a shutdown hanging over our head. To start, let's open the government" (x.com)
  • "I’m ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen our border security in the most cost-effective fashion without another unnecessary and painful shutdown." (x.com)
  • Rated 10% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Immigrants make so many important contributions to communities throughout Maine; I'm thankful to all of the immigrants and advocates who shared their voice with me today, and I’ll keep fighting on their behalf." (x.com)
  • "Today’s #DACA ruling is welcome news – but there is still work to be done. Congress should pass legislation to take Dreamers who arrived in this country as children out of limbo, so these Americans can continue making key contributions to their communities and country." (x.com)
  • Rated 10% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "International sanctions are already making an impact on Russia’s bottom line – and even Putin’s oil oligarch friends are feeling the pain. As outrage spreads across the globe, we must continue to stand united and make Putin pay a price for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 815: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 815: "National Security Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "Curbing aid to Ukraine doesn't just empower Russia — it also signals a lack of determination to adversaries like China. In an Armed Services Committee hearing, I made it crystal clear the U.S.’ support of Ukraine is intrinsically tied to our deterrence strategy against China." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 815: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 815: "National Security Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "Social media may not seem like a national security threat, but when China’s government can potentially access your data, every swipe or tap quickly becomes a tool for spying. I'm glad @POTUS agrees with me and @SenMarcoRubio that TikTok needs to divest from China." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 815: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes." (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.
Pro-choice Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I believe that abortion should be safe, available, and rare, and I do not believe that the government should interfere in decisions that are made between a woman and her health care provider.
Unknown Position In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Unknown Position In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
I believe that we need to pass comprehensive tax reform provides targeted tax relief, increases revenues, and simplifies the tax code. Unfortunately, the tax plan that passed Congress in late 2017 failed to accomplish most of these goals and heavily tilted the benefits of the tax cuts toward the wealthy and corporations. I strongly opposed sequestration, which resulted in across-the-board cuts to defense and non-defense spending. I support making targeted investments in programs that protect our national security while always looking for ways to increase efficiency and cut wasteful or duplicative spending.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
I strongly support reforming our campaign finance laws. I cosponsored the We the People Democracy Reform Act, which would significantly reform campaign finance laws by creating a small donor, public matching funds system for presidential and congressional races; closing disclosure loopholes for outside spending groups; requiring 48-hour disclosure for large contributions to candidates and parties; providing accountability for campaign ads run by outside groups; shutting down individual-candidate Super PACs and strengthens rules prohibiting coordination; establishing a new approach for enforcing campaign finance laws; and strengthening lobbying and revolving door laws.
Unknown Position Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
I have previously supported lowering the corporate tax rate to levels that would make the U.S. competitive with other highly-developed countries - however, I am not convinced that cutting the corporate tax rate to 21%, as the 2017 Republican tax bill did, was fiscally responsible or in line with what was necessary from a competitiveness standpoint.
No Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
The federal government's investment in K-12 education is relatively limited in comparison to what state and local governments provide. Because of this, I believe that the appropriate role for the federal government is not to mandate specific curriculum standards, but to provide guardrails to ensure that all students - including students with disabilities, English language learners, and low-income students - have access to high-quality public education. I think the federal government can be a partner in education and is in the best position to fund and disseminate research on what works best in providing high-quality education to our students.
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
I believe that while we cannot guarantee complete safety through legislation, we can take steps to curb gun violence while respecting the Second Amendment rights and the rights of law-abiding gun owners. I think that Congress should act to address the mass shootings and gun violence that have become all-too-common. To that end, I support measures to expand background checks, cut down on gun trafficking, ban bump stocks, and limit magazine capacity.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
No Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
I support comprehensive reform to our nation's immigration system, and I voted in favor of the bipartisan comprehensive immigration bill before the Senate in 2013. I believe we need to take smart steps to secure our nation's borders while taking steps to provide long-term certainty for the millions of people - including many young people who were brought here as children. I support well-reasoned efforts to increase border security, but I don't think building a wall is the most effective way to get there.
Unknown Position Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
As Maine and other states have legalized marijuana use, I believe the federal government should give states the ability to make policy based on the wishes of their citizens. Attorney General Sessions has made concerning statements about increased enforcement of federal marijuana policy in states where marijuana is legal, a departure from the prior administration's policy. This ambiguity highlights the fact that a clearer solution is needed to bring certainty to businesses that are technically violating federal law. In the meantime, it would be improper for the federal government to interfere with state laws on this issue.
Unknown Position Should the United States use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a nuclear weapon?
Unknown Position Do you support increased American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts beyond air support?
I believe that using a diplomatic approach, backed by a military deterrent, is preferable to preventive military conflict. While I don't support a preemptive military strike of hostile regimes seeking a nuclear weapon, containment of such regimes does require making them understand that attacks on their neighbors will result in the U.S. deploying military force to defeat such aggression. For too long, the U.S. has used the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs to engage in warfare beyond the extent those authorities intended. I believe that Congress should instead fulfill its constitutional duty to update war authorizations in response to current conflicts.
1. Increasing prevention and treatment options for individuals struggling with opioid use. 2. Protecting and expanding access to affordable healthcare. 3. Working on rebuilding Maine?s rural economy through expanding broadband, workforce development, research and development, and avoiding the impacts of climate change.

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

arrow_upward