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Chris Pappas' 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.

Chris Pappas 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.

  • "Reproductive freedom is on the ballot this year. My opponents applauded the overturning of Roe and would all be rubber stamps for a national abortion ban and other restrictions on privacy and personal freedom. We can't let that happen." (x.com)
  • "Today I joined Granite Staters to stand against overturning Roe v. Wade and safeguard the right the choose. Let’s be clear: reproductive freedom is on the ballot this November. It’s on all of us to organize and mobilize to protect the right to safe, legal abortion." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297: "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "I’ll always fight for our seniors and ensure that they have the support they need - including safeguarding their Social Security and Medicare." (x.com)
  • "Social Security is part of the American bargain that New Hampshire seniors depend on. I want to protect and strengthen Social Security. My opponent wants to write the bill to privatize it, putting our seniors’ retirements at risk. That's incredibly reckless." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by the Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, cut taxes for families, and act on climate change, and we must take on the drug companies and special interests celebrating this news." (x.com)
  • "This tax plan is a raw deal for the middle class but par for the course for this Congress—big corporations and super rich win at the expense of the rest of us. Time to go back to the drawing board." (x.com)
  • "We won’t allow cuts to these vital programs to sustain tax cuts for the super rich and biggest corporations."
  • "Social security is a foundational program - it's part of the American bargain. We've got to make sure it is there for all workers. I don't support raising the retirement age or means testing benefits. If those at the top pay their fair share, the system will be strengthened." (x.com)
  • "This tax plan is a raw deal for the middle class but par for the course for this Congress—big corporations and super rich win at the expense of the rest of us. Time to go back to the drawing board." (x.com)
  • "We won’t allow cuts to these vital programs to sustain tax cuts for the super rich and biggest corporations."
  • "In order to make America work #ForThePeople, we need to fix our broken campaign finance system. #HR1 does just that, creating stronger statutory coordination rules to shut down candidate-specific Super PACs." (x.com)
  • "Today is the 9th anniversary of the Citizens United decision & the transformation of politics as we know it. Enough is enough - now's the time to reform our broken campaign finance system & put the power back in the hands of regular people." (x.com)
  • Rated 92% by End Citizens United (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "This is a time for us to listen, learn, understand, and realize constructive change. The #JusticeInPolicingAct makes meaningful reforms that provide accountability, promote equal justice, and move our country forward." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7120: "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4365: "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "Every dollar we invest in infrastructure yields two dollars in economic activity, which is why I am proud to lead the fight for federal investment in New Hampshire’s roads, bridges, and waterways as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure." (pappas.house.gov)
  • "Heading back in tonight to cast my vote for the bipartisan infrastructure bill that is a big investment in transportation, water, broadband, jobs, and our future." (x.com)
  • "We also need to increase capital for small businesses and address onerous regulations that hamper the ability of our small businesses to thrive. We need to cut the red tape and make interactions between small businesses and federal agencies easier, support continued economic growth with creative solutions, and fight the online sales tax that is burdening New Hampshire’s small businesses.Investing in job training and apprenticeship programs is essential to building a talent pipeline, which trains and matches workers with our amazing local companies looking to hire them. We must also work to make college more affordable, so those who want to pursue post-secondary education have the ability to do so, regardless of their zip code. Together, we can ensure New Hampshire remains a great place for everyone to live and work." (pappas.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684: "Infrastructure Investment and Job Act" (2021) (votesmart.org)
  • "It was great to join @SENHH4H in Middleton today to help them build new affordable housing for Granite State families and further their mission to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness." (x.com)
  • "Key priorities: Invest in job training, CTE, & apprenticeship programs, lower cost of college & burden of student debt, and expand affordable housing." (x.com)
  • "Solving New Hampshire's housing crisis is vital for our economy and our families. We need bipartisan solutions and federal tools to help our state move forward. That's what I've done and will continue to do." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7301: "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" (votesmart.org)
  • "The House must take action to lower the rising cost of groceries and household goods, cut the gas tax, and address gaps in the supply chain. New Hampshire families can't wait." (x.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act lowers the costs of prescription drugs and health care, jumpstarts domestic energy production, and protects our planet, all while cutting the deficit and without raising taxes on middle-class Granite Staters." (x.com)
  • "Yesterday I voted to address supply chain delays and backlogs at our ports to help ease inflation. This is an important step to help lower costs for Granite State families and businesses." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4521: "America COMPETES Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Key priorities: Invest in job training, CTE, & apprenticeship programs, lower cost of college & burden of student debt, and expand affordable housing." (x.com)
  • "New Hampshire has one of the highest rates of student debt in the nation, and I am committed to doing all I can to make college more affordable and limit the burden of college loans. That’s why I am working to expand Pell grants, increase consumer protections for borrowers, and support tuition-free education at community colleges and public universities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get ahead." (pappas.house.gov)
  • "We need to crack down on predatory, for-profit colleges and also make it easier for students to get debt relief." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547: "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "John Lewis fought throughout his life for the right to vote, and today I’ll support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to ensure everyone’s voice can be heard. The Senate must follow suit. The future of our democracy depends on it." (x.com)
  • Rated 94% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746: "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "As your Representative in Congress, I am committed to combating climate change and making sure that we protect our natural resources for generations to come. On the New Hampshire Executive Council, I worked to secure investments for solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal projects across New Hampshire. I am focused on maintaining clean energy incentives and tax credits to ensure that the Granite State leads the way in developing a robust clean energy economy." (pappas.house.gov)
  • "Investing in renewable energy is so important to protect our planet, lower costs, and create jobs." (x.com)
  • Rated 97% by the League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447: "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "As your Representative in Congress, I am committed to combating climate change and making sure that we protect our natural resources for generations to come. On the New Hampshire Executive Council, I worked to secure investments for solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal projects across New Hampshire. I am focused on maintaining clean energy incentives and tax credits to ensure that the Granite State leads the way in developing a robust clean energy economy." (pappas.house.gov)
  • "The largest ever investment in American clean energy will finally allow us to tackle the existential threat of climate change and jumpstart American domestic energy production to lower costs and ensure we are no longer reliant on foreign oil sources." (x.com)
  • "We must refuse to allow for drilling off our shores here in New Hampshire. We must demand that the air we breathe and the water we drink are clean and safe." (x.com)
  • Rated 97% by the League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For the first time in thirty years, Congress is acting to address gun violence. I’m voting for the bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Passing this bill is part of our responsibility to promote public safety and put people first." (x.com)
  • "I’m honored to be named a Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action and earn the endorsement of Brady PAC and Giffords. I’ll continue working to address gun violence by taking common sense steps that will save lives and make our communities safer." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by the National Rifle Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7910: "Protecting Our Kids Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Health care should be a right, not a privilege, for all Americans. This was a principle I fought for while serving on New Hampshire’s Executive Council and one I’m fighting for in Washington. That is why I am committed to ensuring that all Granite Staters receive quality, affordable health care. The Affordable Care Act was an important step forward in the fight to improve our country’s health care system. While it is certainly not perfect, it should be built upon, not torn down, which is why I will fight all efforts to roll back crucial protections like those for people with pre-existing conditions. We should be stabilizing and expanding the ACA as we work to lower the cost of health care for everyone. As we improve upon insurance coverage, we have to ensure access to reproductive health care, improve mental health care access and rural health care access, and lower the cost of prescription drugs. We have much more work to do to focus on the health and well-being of the American people." (pappas.house.gov)
  • "Ten years ago today the ACA's Patient’s Bill of Rights went into effect – ensuring no one with a pre-existing condition can be denied care. I've stood up to attempts to roll back these protections and I'll keep fighting to protect and expand access to care." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "For 25 years, the #FMLA has provided key protections for workers. It's time to build on that progress and fight for a comprehensive paid leave program for all working families." (x.com)
  • "I believe workers shouldn’t have to choose between caring for themselves or a sick relative and losing out on a day’s work. That’s why I’m a strong supporter of creating a system of paid family and medical leave, here in NH and across the country." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201: "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The big pharmaceutical companies fought this bill tooth and nail. But we finally won this fight to allow Medicare to negotiate for cheaper drugs, cap insulin at $35 for those on Medicare, and limit out-of-pocket costs for New Hampshire’s seniors." (x.com)
  • "We should be stabilizing and expanding the ACA as we work to lower the cost of health care for everyone. As we improve upon insurance coverage, we have to ensure access to reproductive health care, improve mental health care access and rural health care access, and lower the cost of prescription drugs. We have much more work to do to focus on the health and well-being of the American people. I will continue to fight for proposals that will expand access, improve health outcomes, and lower the cost of prescription drugs for Granite Staters." (pappas.house.gov)
  • 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)
  • "America must be a beacon of democracy, human rights, & hope to the rest of the world, including immigrants & asylum seekers. The graphic scenes from the border are a new low, and we can’t be silent when families are tear gassed & our ideals are tarnished. This is not who we are." (x.com)
  • "We can't afford another #GOPShutdown over President Trump's unpopular, irresponsible border wall." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2: "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "America is for Dreamers. Proud to support this bipartisan immigration bill that recognizes the dignity of millions who know no other country than the United States. #DreamAct" (x.com)
  • "America must be a beacon of democracy, human rights, & hope to the rest of the world, including immigrants & asylum seekers. The graphic scenes from the border are a new low, and we can’t be silent when families are tear gassed & our ideals are tarnished. This is not who we are." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333: "NO BAN Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6: "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3033: "Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "My Republican opponents are so extreme they equivocate on the aid we just delivered for Ukraine. One even called me "a traitor" for voting for this bipartisan military and humanitarian support. Freedom and democracy are on the line, and I know which side I am on." (x.com)
  • "I don’t think, as former President Trump does, that Vladimir Putin is a "genius" for invading Ukraine. Putin is an autocrat and an enemy of freedom, democracy, and international law. He must face severe consequences. America stands firm on our values and united with our allies." (x.com)
  • "Putin cannot be allowed to succeed in Ukraine. The people of New Hampshire have found common cause with the people of Ukraine, and we stand with them in this fight for their freedom. We must ensure that the world remains safe for democracy." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "My Republican opponents are so extreme they equivocate on the aid we just delivered for Ukraine. One even called me "a traitor" for voting for this bipartisan military and humanitarian support. Freedom and democracy are on the line, and I know which side I am on." (x.com)
  • 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.
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.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
X b) Abortions should always be legally available.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
g) Other or expanded principles

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels you will support.

Slightly Increase Funding a) Education (Higher)
Slightly Increase Funding b) Education (K-12)
Maintain Funding Status c) Environment
Slightly Increase Funding d) Health care
Maintain Funding Status e) Law enforcement
Slightly Increase Funding f) Transportation and Highway infrastructure
Maintain Funding Status g) Welfare
h) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Eliminate b) Business enterprise taxes
Maintain Status c) Business profits taxes
Slightly Increase d) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status e) Inheritance taxes
Greatly Decrease f) Statewide property taxes
Slightly Increase g) Tobacco taxes
Maintain Status h) Vehicle taxes
i) Other or expanded categories
No j) Should Internet sales be taxed?
Undecided k) Should New Hampshire implement a statewide income tax?
Undecided l) Should New Hampshire implement a statewide sales tax?
Yes m) Other or expanded principles
Video Gambling at State Racetracks

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?

No a) Do you support the limiting the number of terms for New Hampshire governors?
No b) Do you support limiting the number of terms for New Hampshire state senators and representatives?
Yes 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?
Undecided e) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
No f) Do you support voting on-line?
Yes g) Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes?
Undecided h) Do you support prohibiting the reporting of media exit polling results until all polling locations in New Hampshire are closed?
Yes i) Do you support allowing slot machines at New Hampshire racetracks to increase state revenue?
Yes j) Should New Hampshire recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
Undecided k) Should New Hampshire restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
l) Other or expanded principles

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

X 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.
c) Support the use of the death penalty in New Hampshire.
X d) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
e) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
X f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X g) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
h) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
i) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
X j) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation or disability be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X k) Ban the use of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.
X l) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X m) Increase state funding for additional security of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks.
n) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
b) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious).
X c) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
X d) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
e) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
X f) Support eliminating Native American mascots from public schools.
g) Support displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools.
h) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
i) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
X j) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
X k) Increase state funding to expand Head Start programs.
X l) Increase state funding to expand public kindergarten programs.
X m) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
X n) Support age-appropriate sexual education programs that teach about abstinence, contraceptives and HIV/STD prevention methods.
o) Support abstinence-only sexual education programs.
p) Other or expanded principles
Dramatically lower state property taxes, increase cigarette taxes, expand gambling at state racetracks, and implement either a low-rate sales or income tax.

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning employment.Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies' decisions on:

X a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding or relocating businesses.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
X e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children of low-income working families.
f) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) College and university admissions
Yes b) Public employment
Undecided 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) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused or abandoned.
Yes c) Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
Yes d) Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?
e) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
X b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
e) Support the four-year license requirement to carry concealed weapons in New Hampshire.
X f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
X g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
h) Require a license for gun possession.
i) Other or expanded principles

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

X a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms or state-funded care where necessary.
b) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
c) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X 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 by their HMO.
f) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
g) Legalize physician-assisted suicide in New Hampshire.
X h) Increase state funding for training health workers to recognize and respond to the release of biological agents.
i) Other or expanded principles

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

a) Support current time limits on welfare benefits.
X b) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X c) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
X d) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
X e) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
f) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
g) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
h) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to expand state services to include the working poor.
i) Other or expanded principles
In a total of seventy-five (75) words or less, 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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