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Sanford Bishop, Jr.'s Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (GA) - District 2

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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.
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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.

  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297: "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "The Supreme Court has reversed over 50 years of judicial precedent and redefined the Constitution to remove a woman’s right to choose. Today's opinion undermines women's autonomy to their own bodies and personal healthcare choices." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8296: "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • "The Supreme Court has reversed over 50 years of judicial precedent and redefined the Constitution to remove a woman’s right to choose. Today's opinion undermines women's autonomy to their own bodies and personal healthcare choices." (x.com)
  • 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)
  • "I am a proud supporter of the Social Security 2100 Act. Social Security lifts more Americans out of poverty than any other program and must be kept strong for the future! #Secure2100" (x.com)
  • "Today is Social Security’s 87th anniversary. Since enacted in 1935, this vital program has supported America's seniors, those with disabilities, and surviving spouses. I will always fight to preserve and strengthen Social Security in Congress. #SocSec87" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (None)
  • Rated 94% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • "I have stated numerous times that I support tax relief for all Georgia families, but it needs to be fair, balanced, & fiscally responsible. The benefits must be shared among all income levels rather than just concentrated at the top." (x.com)
  • "Tax relief is vital to encouraging economic growth. Congressman Bishop believes that tax relief is a bi-partisan issue and has routinely crossed the aisle to do what is best for American families. For example, he strongly supported the extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, which lowered tax rates across the board for all Americans and propelled economic growth in Georgia." (sanfordbishop.com)
  • Rated 6% by National Taxpayers Union (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Tax relief is vital to encouraging economic growth. Congressman Bishop believes that tax relief is a bi-partisan issue and has routinely crossed the aisle to do what is best for American families. For example, he strongly supported the extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, which lowered tax rates across the board for all Americans and propelled economic growth in Georgia." (sanfordbishop.com)
  • "Today, I supported the Inflation Reduction Act - historic legislation that will lower the cost of prescription drugs & health care premiums while addressing climate change & energy costs. Those making $400,000 or less will not see their taxes increase." (x.com)
  • Rated 6% by National Taxpayers Union (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • Rated 90% by End Citizens United (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "H.R. 7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, would move our nation forward by curbing police misconduct, ending racial profiling, & holding law enforcement accountable. This is a good step to improving policing & it'll help make America safer & more just for everyone." (x.com)
  • "People everywhere have been crying out for justice & to stop police misconduct in the wake of George Floyd’s death. I've always supported law enforcement & continue to do so, because we need strong, competent, & well-resourced law enforcement to keep our communities safe." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Through his service on the House Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, as well as his work as Co-Chair of the Military Family Caucus, Congressman Bishop has proudly supported the men and women of United States armed forces who sacrifice to keep the nation safe and secure. He firmly believes national security and defense of our homeland can and must be done in a way that is consistent with the Constitution and values of the United States. Congressman Bishop fights to make sure our military’s men and women have the best weapons, equipment, materials, and support for their families – a reasonable expectation given the sacrifices they make for our country." (sanfordbishop.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)
  • "1 year ago, Congress passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. It's supporting projects to improve transportation & connect people with high-speed internet. These investments will be crucial to strengthen our supply chain and create good-paying jobs." (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)
  • "I visited the Plummer Home on Saturday. It provides housing to those in need, including our veterans. Congress must be a reliable partner in this effort, and I’m working hard to support programs that fight homelessness and provide workforce training for those seeking jobs." (x.com)
  • "On Tuesday, GA Dept of Community Affairs Commissioner Nunn & I discussed the importance of the partnership between GA’s DCA & the federal government in providing robust funding to build affordable housing, improve our infrastructure & spur economic development across our state." (x.com)
  • "The #115thCongress will STAND UP for affordable housing. 11.4M renters pay more than half their income for rent." (x.com)
  • "Today, I supported the Inflation Reduction Act - historic legislation that will lower the cost of prescription drugs & health care premiums while addressing climate change & energy costs. Those making $400,000 or less will not see their taxes increase." (x.com)
  • "Today, I supported the Lower Food & Fuel Costs Act, which will help get inflation under control, strengthen our agriculture & food supply chains, reduce gas prices, & increase competition in the meat & poultry sectors to lower costs for American families." (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)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (None)
  • "I joined my colleagues in urging President Biden to extend the student loan repayment pause and provide meaningful debt cancellation — and I'm happy to see he has taken the first step." (x.com)
  • "Tmrw is the 58th anniversary of the #MarchOnWashington. We remember the hard-fought victories it secured, e.g. the Voting Rights Act of 1965. H.R.4 honors that legacy by restoring the VRA’s strength to once again protect the vote for all American citizens." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • 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)
  • "Today, I supported the Inflation Reduction Act - historic legislation that will lower the cost of prescription drugs & health care premiums while addressing climate change & energy costs. Those making $400,000 or less will not see their taxes increase." (x.com)
  • Rated 94% by League of Conservation Voters (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447: "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Congressman Bishop supports initiatives that promote conservation and energy efficiency, utilize alternative energy sources, expand our domestic supplies of oil and natural gas, and above all, protect consumers." (sanfordbishop.com)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • 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)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1446: "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808: "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8: "Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "14 years ago, America passed the #AffordableCareAct, which prohibited insurers from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions & brought affordable healthcare to millions of Americans. I’ll continue to fight to lower costs & reject proposals that would take us backwards." (x.com)
  • "The Patient Protection & Affordable Care Enhancement Act builds on the ACA's progress to protect people w/ pre-existing conditions, lower costs, & expand care. Improving our healthcare system, lowering costs, & expanding Medicaid is the right move." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I was delighted to speak to the @MachinistsUnion about my efforts in Congress to protect workers’ rights/benefits & ensure that workers have respectable wages, health care, paid vacations, sick leave, access to job training, & safer workplaces." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, I supported the Inflation Reduction Act - historic legislation that will lower the cost of prescription drugs & health care premiums while addressing climate change & energy costs. Those making $400,000 or less will not see their taxes increase." (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)
  • "The administration’s policy of separating children from their families at the border is inhumane & inconsistent with our nation’s values. I urge the administration to find its humanity & to immediately cease this destructive policy of family separation." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by Federation for American Immigration Reform (None)
  • 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)
  • Rated 0% by Federation for American Immigration Reform (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333: "NO BAN Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1603: "Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6: "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 340: "Hamas International Financing Prevention Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108: "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (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 7691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S3522: "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7521: "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7520: "Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024" (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?
No Do you support the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Unknown Position Do you support a decrease in income taxes in order to balance the budget?
Unknown Position Do you support a wealth tax in order to pay for public programs?
Balancing the federal budget and ensuring that we have the necessary funds to pay for smart investments in such areas as health care, education, job training, assistance to farmers and veterans, environmental protection, and national defense will require difficult choices. We need to look at the entire spectrum of options -- from taxes to entitlement reform to federal spending -- to make sure that the federal budget stays on a sustainable path now and into the future. As a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, I have long supported such measures as a Balanced Budget constitutional amendment as well as "pay-as-you-go" budget rules to require any new spending or tax cuts be offset.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations, unions, and individuals?
No Do you support protecting government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth (e.g. grants, tax incentives)?
Yes Do you support the federal government increasing funding for affordable housing programs?
Yes Do you support the federal government taking action, beyond those of the Federal Reserve, to alleviate inflation?
Yes Do you support the forgiveness of federal student loan debt?
No Do you support requiring a government-issued identification in order to vote at the polls?
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal government allowing permits for drilling on public lands?
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation (e.g. red flag laws, boyfriend loopholes)?
As a gun owner myself, I do support sensible, responsible legislation at the federal, state, and local levels to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people and to reduce if not eliminate the scourge of gun violence. For example, I support extended background checks for firearm purchasers under the age of 21, provided funding for state red flag laws and other crisis intervention programs, further criminalized arms trafficking and straw purchases, and partially closed the so-called boyfriend loophole that allowed allows physically abusive ex-romantic partners and stalkers with previous convictions, or restraining orders to access guns.
Yes Do you support a government-run (e.g. single-payer) healthcare program, such as Medicare-for-All?
Yes Do you support expanding paid family AND/OR medical leave benefits (e.g. maternity leave)?
Yes Should the government be able to regulate the cost of prescription drugs?
Yes Do you support increasing security along the southern US border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship, regardless of their immigration status?
Yes Do you support economic intervention as a means of resolving international conflicts?
Yes Do you support the US providing increased offensive military aid to Ukraine?
Yes Do you generally support increased regulations on social media companies (e.g. Tik Tok, Facebook, etc.)?
I will continue to use my positions on both the House Appropriations Committee and the House Agriculture Committee to improve the lives of my constituents in Georgia?s Second Congressional District as well as to ensure that Georgia?s economy remains one of the strongest in the nation in terms of creating jobs and preparing our workers for the future. I have long believed in reaching across the aisle and working in a bipartisan manner on issues such as disaster assistance for Georgia farmers impacted by storms; increased deployment of broadband Internet in rural communities for telehealth; medical transportation services for the elderly and infirm who are unable to travel to their doctors; job training and health care assistance for veterans and their families; food insecurity among members of the United States military; and providing tax relief for working families and companies.

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