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Paul Tonko's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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On The Ballot: Running, Democratic, Working Families for U.S. House (NY) - District 20

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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.
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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.

  • "As we reflect on this 51st #RoevWade anniversary—the second without Roe—the need for nationwide protection of the right to abortion is ever more evident and pressing. I am committed to continue fighting with @ProChoiceCaucus to restore, expand, and protect reproductive freedom." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • 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)
  • "Today is the day millionaires hit the payroll tax cap and stop paying into Social Security. Meanwhile, most Americans contribute to Social Security all year long. As Republicans plan to cut, privatize & even end #SocialSecurity, let’s sunset the cap—NOT benefits. #ScrapTheCap" (x.com)
  • "Without Social Security, 2 in 5 older Americans would be living in poverty. @HouseDemocrats are working to strengthen Social Security and ensure every American can have a dignified, secure retirement even in uncertain times like these. #SocSec85" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 99% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The wealthy don’t need another tax cut—the middle class does. The #BuildBackBetter Act lowers costs for workers and delivers significant tax cuts for families, all while making the wealthiest pay their fair share. These are the investments the American people deserve." (x.com)
  • Rated 11% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The wealthy don’t need another tax cut—the middle class does. The #BuildBackBetter Act lowers costs for workers and delivers significant tax cuts for families, all while making the wealthiest pay their fair share. These are the investments the American people deserve." (x.com)
  • "Today is the day millionaires hit the payroll tax cap and stop paying into Social Security. Meanwhile, most Americans contribute to Social Security all year long. As Republicans plan to cut, privatize & even end #SocialSecurity, let’s sunset the cap—NOT benefits. #ScrapTheCap" (x.com)
  • Rated 11% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by End Citizens United (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks 8 yrs since the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in #CitizensUnited v. FEC to allow unlimited spending by corporations & wealthy individuals to flood our elections.It's time to overturn this wrong decision and stop wealthy special interests from corrupting our democracy!" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "House Democrats passed the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act to end police brutality, hold police accountable, improve transparency and create structural change that safeguards every American’s right to safety and justice. It's time the Senate act!" (x.com)
  • "We have seen too many lives taken and communities devastated by police brutality and racial profiling. Action is long overdue. Proud to cast my vote in support of the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act to answer the calls for justice being made by Americans across the nation." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4365: "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 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)
  • "After 4 years of Trump incompetence and ignorance of the COVID pandemic and favoring the already wealthy and well-connected, Joe Biden and Democrats have a big job ahead of us to not only build the nation back, but build it back STRONGER. As the nation begins to feel the effects of the American Rescue Act, we will continue to support those who need it." (paultonko.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)
  • "COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE DAY: $750,000 for Better Community Neighborhoods Affordable Housing in Schenectady. This project will rehabilitate 26 substandard apartments in a disadvantaged Schenectady neighborhood, increasing housing supply and affordability for low-income residents in the local community!" (x.com)
  • "These deserving projects will support affordable housing for low-income individuals and survivors of domestic violence in Schenectady, preserve new mobile workforce training labs for SUNY Schenectady, and build a new veterans’ community and resource center in Glenville." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8294: "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "For too long, corporate greed has forced millions of Americans to choose between paying for their medications and putting food on the table. Now—thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act—Americans will have their skyrocketing healthcare costs kept in check." (x.com)
  • "New York is leading the way to a cleaner, more affordable energy future! Proud to help champion these rebate programs in the Inflation Reduction Act that will help enable Americans to improve their homes, upgrade their appliances, and bring major savings in their energy bills." (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)
  • "An unprecedented wave of student debt has stifled the economic ambitions of generations of young Americans. Today's announcement offers a small dose of relief for these individuals as they seek to pursue their version of the American dream" (x.com)
  • "It is past time to take action to provide relief for individuals and families struggling under the burden of skyrocketing student debt." (x.com)
  • "The same corrupt Court that accepts luxury trips from wealthy Republican donors just ruled to deny relief to tens of millions burdened by student debt. This isn't over. This Administration—backed by Democrats—will do all in our power to fulfill the promise to #CancelStudentDebt." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We should all work to make it easier to legally vote, not harder. Yet, Republicans continue their all-out assault on voting rights, making it more difficult to vote with fewer early voting days, fewer polling places, reduced hours, hurdles to mail-in voting, and more. Paul is committed to make sure everyone who wants to cast a legal vote should have more opportunity to do so -- not less." (paultonko.com)
  • Rated 100% 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)
  • "Health care is a RIGHT, not a privilege. It's time to change the game and provide quality, affordable health care for every person living in the United States. I'm proud to join @RepJayapal and more than100 of our colleagues to co-sponsor of the #MedicareforAll Act!" (x.com)
  • "Healthcare is a human right. We need to treat it like one." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Only 20% of American workers have access to employer-provided paid family leave. The #BuildBackBetter Act brings the U.S. up to 21st century standards by establishing 4 weeks of universal parental, family caregiving and medical leave." (x.com)
  • "Paid sick days allow workers to recover at home, and keep fellow workers and our communities safe. Today I joined my colleagues in a letter to President Biden urging that paid family and medical leave be included in his #BuildBackBetter agenda." (x.com)
  • "Workers should not be forced to choose between their health and their livelihood. @SenateGOP must pass the #HeroesAct, to secure safer workplaces, deliver paid sick leave, and provide a lifeline for workers on and off the job all across the country. #LaborDay" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "For too long, corporate greed has forced millions of Americans to choose between paying for their medications and putting food on the table. Now—thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act—Americans will have their skyrocketing healthcare costs kept in check." (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)
  • "@realDonaldTrump failed to convince Mexico, the American people or Congress to pay for his massive, misguided border wall. Now he's working feverishly to undermine the rule of law that has long protected our American republic. I'm signing on to end this #FakeEmergency now." (x.com)
  • Rated 6% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • 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)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3033: "Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6015: "Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8030: "Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8035: "Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "House Republicans are shamefully turning their backs on Ukraine in its hour of greatest need. It’s time for the GOP to stop their obstruction and take up the bipartisan national security bill already passed in the Senate. The world is watching" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8035: "Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S3522: "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (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)
  • "House Republicans are shamefully turning their backs on Ukraine in its hour of greatest need. It’s time for the GOP to stop their obstruction and take up the bipartisan national security bill already passed in the Senate. The world is watching" (x.com)
  • "Despite what TikTok has incorrectly claimed to manipulate its users, H.R. 7521 is not a ban, but rather poses ByteDance – the China-based company that owns TikTok – sell the app to a company based in America or a non-adversarial country. I do not take this vote lightly, but was deeply troubled by the national security concerns of this app raised in committee. This bill protects Americans by preventing users from having their information and data wrongfully exploited. For these safety concerns, I voted yes." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7520: "Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7521: "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" (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?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Yes. We spend more on defense than the next seven countries combined (China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, France, UK, Japan). Before we look to balance the budget on our most vulnerable citizens, Congress should cut wasteful, duplicative, or obsolete programs in the Defense Department. I support legislation that ensures the wealthiest and well-connected are paying their fair share. So-called �trickle-down� economics is a plan that has been tried, failed, and tried again with the recent GOP tax law.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes. I have routinely sponsored legislation in Congress that overturns Citizens United and removes dark money from our politics.
Yes 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?
No. Corporate taxes are already inappropriately low and the 2017 Republican tax law has shown that further tax cuts only benefit the already wealthy and well connected instead of the middle class, families struggling to put food on the table, or the unemployed.
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
Yes, we should hold our schools to high standards and ensure that every child in America, no matter where they are born, is provided with the solid foundation they need to succeed in a 21st century economy. There should also be sufficient flexibility to ensure that states can meet the needs of diverse student populations and recognition that students have individual needs that may differ from one another.
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. There should also be a price on carbon.
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Yes. I support gun violence prevention. I refuse to believe that we must choose between the safety of our citizens, schools, and public places � and 2nd Amendment rights for law abiding gun owners. Congress must get out of the pocket of the D.C. gun lobby and represent their constituents.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
No. I want to work with both Republicans and Democrats to fix existing problems with the ACA and strengthen the law�s provisions that have already benefitted millions of Americans.
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?
Situations that bring immigrants here unlawfully or cause them to overstay a lawful visit are complex and difficult. Sometimes, individuals are fleeing homelands wrought in poverty and violence and, in these instances, it makes no sense to throw these individuals, often children, back into a dangerous and chaotic environment just to check a box. I support comprehensive immigration reform that ends unauthorized entry and effectively addresses the reality that 11 million undocumented immigrants are currently living here, many of whom hold jobs, make significant contributions to our economy, and have children who are American citizens without turning them away.
Yes Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
No Should the United States use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a nuclear weapon?
No Do you support increased American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts beyond air support?
1) Investing in development of renewable energies. We can do this by closing loopholes for companies that pollute and perpetuate our dependency on foreign oil. 2) Upgrading our water infrastructure. Our pipes and water systems are older than the Rutherford B. Hayes administration in many communities. Every day we don�t address this issue, we will have to spend more on repairs in the future. Acting now on this little-talked about crisis saves us money in the long run. 3) Ensuring that we are able to address mental health problems, from suicide prevention to substance use disorder, in a meaningful way.

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