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Deb Fischer'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.

Deb Fischer 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.

  • "As a staunch pro-life advocate, I am appalled by Senate Dems’ decision to exclude the Hyde Amendment from their government funding bills. This important provision, which has had bipartisan support in Congress for nearly 50 years, prohibits federal dollars from going to abortions." (x.com)
  • "I have always supported pro-life policies that show compassion for women and their unborn children. Both conservative and liberal legal scholars have long questioned the legal reasoning in Roe v. Wade. The justices made the right decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Center by affirming that there is no constitutional right to abortion." (None)
  • Rated 100% by National Right to Life Committee (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 26: "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (None)
  • Rated 9% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • "Social security needs shoring up for seniors, not repurposing. The law I championed offers employees access to more fulsome paid family leave-new mothers/fathers, adoptive parents/caregivers for children & elderly parents can access up to 12 wks of PFL under my #StrongFamiliesAct" (x.com)
  • "Massive tax hikes and billions of dollars in reckless government spending are the last thing our country needs right now." (x.com)
  • "Senate Democrats are on a $4.2 trillion spending spree. This is a reckless move that will raise inflation and increase taxes on American families." (x.com)
  • Rated 87% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "It’s outrageous that Senate Democrats are pushing their reckless tax and spend plan that will burden the American people with more taxes and more national debt." (x.com)
  • "Massive tax hikes and billions of dollars in reckless government spending are the last thing our country needs right now." (x.com)
  • Rated 87% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Common Cause (None)
  • Rated 0% by End Citizens United (None)
  • Voted against HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Law enforcement retirements and resignations are climbing. Recruitment numbers are falling. The fact is anti-police rhetoric has diminished morale and made officers’ jobs more dangerous. These factors are contributing to a massive crime wave. The admin needs to act." (x.com)
  • "The constant demonization of men and women in law enforcement has taken a toll. Police departments across the US are now facing massive recruitment/retention challenges, and communities are paying the price" (x.com)
  • "We must restore trust between police and the communities they protect. I'm proud to help introduce the #JUSTICEAct to bring solid reform to our police force & ensure ALL Americans are treated equally under the law." (x.com)
  • "Modernizing our nuclear deterrent is necessary to keep this country safe from rising threats. Thank you, Sec. @EsperDod and @theJointstaff General Milley for showing your support for a robust defense budget and the need to update our nuclear warheads." (x.com)
  • Rated 93% by Center for Security Policy (None)
  • 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)
  • "It’s outrageous that Senate Democrats are pushing their reckless tax and spend plan that will burden the American people with more taxes and more national debt." (x.com)
  • "Massive tax hikes and billions of dollars in reckless government spending are the last thing our country needs right now." (x.com)
  • "Senate Democrats are on a $4.2 trillion spending spree. This is a reckless move that will raise inflation and increase taxes on American families." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "From masks to respirators to housing relief, federal funds continue to flow into Nebraska. These resources are helping our families, communities, and small businesses as they combat the effects of #COVID19." (x.com)
  • "Had a great discussion with local stakeholders in Falls City about the importance of housing access, technical education, and infrastructure. As your Senator, I’m committed to strengthening our rural communities." (x.com)
  • "Our critical access hospitals are a lifeline for communities across Nebraska, including here in Crete. In the Senate, I’ll continue pushing for policies that support critical access hospitals, including housing and workforce development." (x.com)
  • "Inflation continues to crush American families. If you haven't received 14.8% pay raise since the president took office, you've essentially received a pay cut. Yet, President Biden continues to push for more wasteful spending that'll drive up costs. It needs to stop." (x.com)
  • "Inflation remains at a near 40-year high. The economic cheerleading at the White House doesn’t help families across the country who continue to shoulder the financial burden of reckless government spending." (x.com)
  • "Senate Democrats are on a $4.2 trillion spending spree. This is a reckless move that will raise inflation and increase taxes on American families." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Biden's multi-billion-dollar student loan scheme unfairly pushes the burden of these loans onto all taxpayers, including the majority of Americans who didn't go to college. Proud to join legislation to protect taxpayers and stop this reckless proposal." (x.com)
  • "President Biden's student loan games are not only unfair – they’re unconstitutional. This is another attempt by the admin. to extend an illegal scheme that pushes the cost of loans onto the vast majority of Americans who have: Paid off their debts or Did not attend college" (x.com)
  • "This is not right. Working-class families who followed the rules and paid off their student loans, as well as the vast number of Americans who did not go to college, must now cover the cost of others who accumulated this debt." (x.com)
  • "Today Congress rightfully rejected President Biden’s student loan games. This scheme is deeply unfair — forcing American taxpayers who didn’t attend college to bear the burden of loans they didn’t take out." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by Common Cause (None)
  • "Biden’s energy policies have purposely crippled American energy production.Yet the admin. is willing to work with horrific dictatorships like Venezuela to get their oil? We should be focused on all-the-above energy solutions that boost domestic production." (x.com)
  • "The @DeptofDefense exists to keep our country safe, not carry out @POTUS's environmental agenda. This week, I cosponsored the Focus on the Mission Act to stop this administration from trying to enact its reckless Green New Deal agenda at DoD." (x.com)
  • "This is just the latest in a string of extreme regulations from a Biden EPA that is obsessed with excessive climate regulations. Make no mistake -- this admin's war on American energy will jeopardize the reliability of our grid and make electricity less affordable." (x.com)
  • Rated 6% by League of Conservation Voters (None)
  • Rated 85% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • "Biden’s energy policies have purposely crippled American energy production.Yet the admin. is willing to work with horrific dictatorships like Venezuela to get their oil? We should be focused on all-the-above energy solutions that boost domestic production." (x.com)
  • "The Lefts’ policies are hindering oil/gas production here at home and Americans are paying for it at the pump. Let’s get back to encouraging domestic production to boost energy security and get a handle on gas prices." (x.com)
  • "Today, I introduced a bill to allow for the year-round sale of E15. Unleashing the power of ethanol helps consumers at the pump, supports farmers, and boosts energy security. We’ve got oil, biofuel, ag, & transpo stakeholders on board – now is the time to get this done." (x.com)
  • "I recently met with @NSSF to hear about their efforts to promote responsible gun ownership for recreational shooting and hunting, and facilitate lawful export licensing." (x.com)
  • "I appreciate that this bill contains funding for expanded mental health services and enhanced school security -- these are important ways to help keep our kids and communities safe. However, I have serious concerns about other parts of the legislation that would infringe upon law-abiding citizens' second amendment rights and limit due process. I cannot support this bill." (None)
  • "Like all Nebraskans, I want common-sense solutions that will keep kids safe and help ensure weapons don't fall into the hands of dangerous individuals. The Fix NICS Act and the STOP School Violence Act will help accomplish these objectives by improving the existing reporting system, and empowering states and local authorities to improve safety in our schools and communities. These are bipartisan, reasonable measures to protect innocent lives" (None)
  • Rated 50% by Gun Owners of America (None)
  • "In the #GOP address, I talk about the Senate’s 1st step to repeal #ObamaCare. Let’s put this law behind us & make life easier for families." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of S Amendment 271: "Obamacare Repeal Reconciliation Act of 2017" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S Amendment 667: Health Care Freedom Act of 2017" (votesmart.org)
  • "#TaxReform bill creates the FIRST EVER nationwide paid family leave policy in U.S. history with my #StrongFamiliesAct! I've worked with families & stakeholders over the last 4 years on this historic provision that will make a huge difference for women & families." (x.com)
  • "I’m happy to have support from Nebraskans for my #PaidFamilyLeave plan. This would be the #FirstEver nationwide US #paidleave policy." (x.com)
  • "Social security needs shoring up for seniors, not repurposing. The law I championed offers employees access to more fulsome paid family leave-new mothers/fathers, adoptive parents/caregivers for children & elderly parents can access up to 12 wks of PFL under my #StrongFamiliesAct" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201: "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Check out today’s @TheIndependent editorial, which outlines 3 solutions I’m supporting to lower prescription drug prices & put patients back in control of their health care decisions." (x.com)
  • "Americans want Congress to pass legislation that secures the border to keep our nation safe. This bill falls short of that obligation. I cannot vote for a bill that funds the security of other nations while leaving our own border security in jeopardy." (x.com)
  • "For Americans, the immediate threat of an unsecured border is more urgent than the longterm risks of a Russian advance in Ukraine." (x.com)
  • "My first priority is to keep America safe ­– to secure the border." (x.com)
  • "Our border is wide open and everyone knows it, including our enemies. Biden’s public refusal to secure the border earlier this week only encourages more illegal immigration." (x.com)
  • "@CBP recently announced there were 204,561 illegal encounters at the Southern Border last month. That’s 5.5 million illegal border crossings since President Biden took office. It’s time this administration start enforcing our immigration laws." (x.com)
  • "Ever heard of the Judgment Fund? It’s the little-known government bank account the Biden admin has been considering using to provide illegal immigrants with payments up to $450k. I introduced a bill that would prevent illegal immigrants from receiving $$ through this fund." (x.com)
  • "This morning, I spoke about President Biden's preventable border catastrophe.This admin. isn’t being honest with the American people. They chose to not enforce our laws, & now they don’t even have the backbone to call unlawful actions illegal. We need to secure our border now." (x.com)
  • Signed Letter to Hon. Alejandro Mayorkas - Sen. Cramer, Colleagues Urge the Biden Administration to Extend Title 42 Order: "This massive surge of illegal immigrants would be on top of a historic influx of illegal immigrants which has occurred during the Biden Administration. These shocking numbers show that, as much as the Biden Administration would like to wish away this crisis, the Administration's policies have driven a surge to the border by illegal immigrants who believe they can illegally enter our country without consequences. The damage done by the Biden Administration's failed border policies have served to draw more illegal immigrants to our border with false promises of amnesty" (None)
  • "The administration’s latest package of sanctions offers an important new tool to crack down on North Korea’s financing of their cruel regime." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 6126: "Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against 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)
  • "For Americans, the immediate threat of an unsecured border is more urgent than the longterm risks of a Russian advance in Ukraine." (x.com)
  • "The open border has always been a national security risk—it’s now an economic disaster. Congress cannot in good conscience fund aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan without first addressing the southern border emergency." (x.com)
  • Voted against 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)
  • "There are a host of dangerous technology platforms – including TikTok – that can be manipulated by China and other foreign adversaries to threaten U.S. national security and abuse Americans’ personal data." (x.com)
  • "TikTok negatively influences an entire generation of young Americans, affecting how they act, think, and even vote. We would have never allowed the Soviet Union to have that sort of direct link to the American population." (x.com)
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.
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.
X f) Prohibit public funding of abortions and of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
g) 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.

Maintain Status a) Education (Higher)
Slightly Increase b) Education (K-12)
Maintain Status c) Environment
Maintain Status d) Health care
Maintain Status e) Law enforcement
Maintain Status f) Transportation and highway infrastructure
Slightly Decrease g) Welfare
h) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status f) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Maintain Status g) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Slightly Decrease h) Inheritance taxes
Greatly Decrease i) Property taxes
Maintain Status j) Sales taxes
Maintain Status k) Vehicle taxes
l) Other or expanded categories
No m) Should Internet sales be taxed?
No n) Do you support a limited expansion of gambling in Nebraska?
o) 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?

Yes a) Do you support the current limit of two consecutive four-year terms for Nebraska governors?
No b) Do you support the current limit of two consecutive four-year terms for Nebraska state senators?
No 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 Nebraska are closed?
Yes h) Should Nebraska create a task force to study I-300 and its effects on agriculture?
No i) Should Nebraska recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
Yes j) Should Nebraska restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
k) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
X b) Support the death penalty in Nebraska.
X c) Change the mode of inflicting capital punishment from electrocution to lethal injection.
d) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X e) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
g) Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
X h) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
X i) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
j) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
k) Increase funding for state and local emergency agencies to prevent and to respond to terrorist attacks.
l) 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.
d) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
e) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
f) Support teacher testing and reward with merit pay.
X g) Endorse voluntary prayer in public schools.
h) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
i) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
j) Increase funding for Head Start programs.
X k) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
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 in Nebraska should be funded equally by state funds and local property taxes.
b) Schools in Nebraska should be funded primarily by local property taxes.
c) Schools in Nebraska should be funded primarliy by state funds.
d) The statewide funding formula for education should provide more money for districts with large numbers of "high needs" students.
e) 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:

a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers and teach skills needed in today's job market.
X 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.
d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for children in low-income working families.
e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
f) Include sexual orientation in Nebraska's anti-discrimination laws.
g) Increase the state minimum wage.
X h) Institute broadened disclosure rules for Nebraska's corporate incentives program.
X i) Extend Nebraska's corporate incentives program to small and medium-sized businesses.
j) Obligate businesses benefiting from Nebraska's corporate incentives program to meet wage requirements.
k) Other or expanded principles
No a) Public employment
No b) State college and university admissions
No 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.
X b) Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil).
c) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
d) Support funding for open space preservation.
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.

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.
X d) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
e) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
f) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
g) Support current licensing requirements for gun possession.
h) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary.
X b) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
X c) Limit the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
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 Nebraska.
h) Allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes.
i) Other or expanded principles

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

X 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.
X d) Support current limits on benefits given to recipients if they have additional children while on welfare.
X 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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