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Valerie Foushee's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (NC) - District 4

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.
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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.

  • "I woke up with a heavy heart this morning I was alive before #RoeVWade, I refuse to go back In the state senate, I've stood up to countless attempts by Republicans to attack women's reproductive rights. I've never backed down & I won't start now. Time to fight like never before" (twitter.com)
  • "Overturning #RoevWade left millions without access to essential health care. I’m proud to stand with the @ProChoiceCaucus in the fight to re-establish the right to an abortion and codify the protections of Roe into law to safeguard #ReproductiveFreedom for all." (x.com)
  • "Proud to stand in solidarity with @RepKManning, @RepDeborahRoss, & @RepAdams against the extreme NCGA abortion ban that passed this week. We will continue to fight for North Carolinians & women across the country to safeguard our reproductive freedom & to codify Roe into law." (x.com)
  • "Today would have marked the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Reproductive rights are under attack, and I refuse to let our country continue to go backwards. I am committed to restoring this fundamental right and making sure that everyone has the freedom to choose." (x.com)
  • "#OTD in 1940, the first Social Security check was issued. But now, 83 years later, the House GOP is trying to slash eligibility and benefits, putting people's financial security at risk. We must protect these vital benefits that many Americans have worked hard to earn." (x.com)
  • "Access to affordable, quality health care is a right which should be guaranteed to all Americans. Valerie is a supporter of a Medicare for All system because she believes that everyone should be able to see a doctor when they are sick." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • "Republicans want to slash Social Security benefits that hardworking Americans have paid into & rightfully earned. I’m proud to cosponsor #SocialSecurity2100 to expand these critical benefits for the first time in 50 years & to protect this vital program for generations to come." (x.com)
  • "Today, we celebrate the 58th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid being signed into law! These programs have been critical lifelines for countless Americans, providing healthcare and financial security—and we will keep fighting to ensure these programs are protected for all." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by FreedomWorks (None)
  • Rated 0% by FreedomWorks (None)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "George Floyd should be alive. But today marks 3 years since his senseless murder by the ones sworn to protect. Congress must do its part & pass the George Floyd #JusticeinPolicing Act to ensure that others do not suffer & die as he did. His life mattered. Black lives matter." (x.com)
  • "She has sponsored legislation5 in the State Senate that aims to emphasize the importance of law enforcement to keep our communities safe while also holding bad actors accountable. She will continue this work in Congress by pushing for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • "Tyre Nichols should be alive today—but his life was tragically ended by law enforcement officers who swore to protect. We must honor the memory of Tyre with action. Congress must pass the #GeorgeFloyd Justice in Policing Act to improve public safety & end these senseless deaths." (x.com)
  • "Today, I voted in favor of the bipartisan FY24 National Defense Authorization Act to strengthen our armed forces and uphold abortion access across military branches. Now more than ever, we must prioritize national and global security, and invest in the men and women who serve." (x.com)
  • 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)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "We must continue investing in federal programs that help make homeownership more accessible for all." (x.com)
  • "It was wonderful to meet with the NC Housing Finance Agency to discuss critical housing issues that are affecting folks across the state. Affordable housing is essential for the health of our communities & I remain committed to bolstering our nation's affordable housing stock." (x.com)
  • "This #FairHousingMonth we must acknowledge the ways past policies have exacerbated racial and economic disparities. Housing is a basic human right and I am committed to making housing more equitable, affordable, and accessible for all." (x.com)
  • "Great news: Today, @EPA announced that $250M of the $5B Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program are now available! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, these grants will combat climate pollution, improve public health, spur economic growth, & advance environmental justice." (x.com)
  • "Yesterday marked 14 years since the $7.25 federal minimum wage was last raised. Americans deserve a minimum wage that is reflective of the growing costs of goods & services and inflation. It's time to #RaiseTheWage to a living wage." (x.com)
  • "If you have student loans, don't forget to sign up for the SAVE plan – the most affordable student loan repayment program ever created thanks to @POTUS!" (x.com)
  • "Today’s SCOTUS decision to block student debt relief is a discouraging blow to millions of working- & middle-class families that are burdened by student loan debt. @HouseDemocrats will continue to work to close the wealth gap & ensure education is affordable & accessible for all." (x.com)
  • "As state legislatures continue to restrict voting access, the fight to protect our voting rights has never been more urgent. Today, I joined @HouseDemocrats in introducing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to protect the right to vote and safeguard our democracy." (x.com)
  • "Congress must act to protect our voting rights from discriminatory voter laws & unethical tactics that threaten our democracy. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor the #FreedomToVoteAct, which will protect our elections & ensure that every American has equal access to the ballot." (x.com)
  • "In Congress, Valerie will join the fight to expand and protect voting rights by pushing for the passage of the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which aim to limit gerrymandering, expand access to the ballot box, and strengthen our Constitutional right to vote." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • "Happy to hear that @RTI_Intl will get an @EPA grant to research green energy transitions! Understanding local impacts as we shift away from fossil-based energy is key to our renewable energy efforts & I’m proud to see this research done here in #NC04." (x.com)
  • "Today marks 1 year since @POTUS signed the #InflationReductionAct into law, which revitalized our economy for working Americans & made historic investments in green energy initiatives. @HouseDemocrats are delivering for American families & I'm working to continue that progress." (x.com)
  • "Today, I joined @EPASoutheast to highlight the $7B Solar for All Grant Competition! The climate crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our lifetime, and through @POTUS & the #InflationReductionAct, grant opportunities investing in renewable energy are finally here." (x.com)
  • "Valerie believes that we must do more to protect our planet for our children and the generations to come. She supports increased environmental regulations and funding for the EPA and increased investments into green transit. She knows that we must reduce our dependence on coal and oil and prioritize more sustainable alternatives like solar and wind energy. Passing the Green New Deal into law will be one of Valerie’s top priorities in Congress. Valerie will also continue her fight against environmental racism, something she has championed on the Orange County Board of Commissioners." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • "Happy to hear that @RTI_Intl will get an @EPA grant to research green energy transitions! Understanding local impacts as we shift away from fossil-based energy is key to our renewable energy efforts & I’m proud to see this research done here in #NC04." (x.com)
  • "Today, I joined @EPASoutheast to highlight the $7B Solar for All Grant Competition! The climate crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our lifetime, and through @POTUS & the #InflationReductionAct, grant opportunities investing in renewable energy are finally here." (x.com)
  • "Valerie believes that we must do more to protect our planet for our children and the generations to come. She supports increased environmental regulations and funding for the EPA and increased investments into green transit. She knows that we must reduce our dependence on coal and oil and prioritize more sustainable alternatives like solar and wind energy. Passing the Green New Deal into law will be one of Valerie’s top priorities in Congress. Valerie will also continue her fight against environmental racism, something she has championed on the Orange County Board of Commissioners." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • "Gun violence is a public health crisis that affects communities nationwide. This #GVSurvivorsWeek, we stand with survivors & recognize those who have been impacted by gun violence. As a member of @HouseGVP, I will keep fighting to pass bills that will keep our communities safe." (x.com)
  • "Hate & gun violence have no place in our country, and I'm proud to cosponsor bills that will enhance background checks & close the Charleston Loophole to prevent future tragedies." (x.com)
  • "Thoughts & prayers are never enough. Gun violence victims, survivors, & their loved ones deserve more—they deserve action. Yesterday, I joined @HouseGVP on the House floor to urge Congress to pass gun violence prevention measures to save lives & keep our communities safe." (x.com)
  • "Access to affordable, quality health care is a right which should be guaranteed to all Americans. Valerie is a supporter of a Medicare for All system because she believes that everyone should be able to see a doctor when they are sick." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • "Healthcare is a human right, but far too many people in our country are victims to a broken system & are unable to afford necessary care. I'm proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing #MedicareForAll. It's time for a universal healthcare system that works for ALL Americans." (x.com)
  • "She will fight to continue to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and advocate for policies that would require pharmaceutical companies to negotiate with the Federal Government to lower prescription drug prices for everyone." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • "Today, we celebrate the 58th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid being signed into law! These programs have been critical lifelines for countless Americans, providing healthcare and financial security—and we will keep fighting to ensure these programs are protected for all." (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "She will fight to continue to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and advocate for policies that would require pharmaceutical companies to negotiate with the Federal Government to lower prescription drug prices for everyone." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • "Valerie is also in favor of creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, ending privatized prisons, and reducing funding for ICE detention facilities and enforcement." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • Rated 14% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "The House GOP’s extreme "Secure the Border Act" will end asylum & humanitarian protections for those seeking help & fleeing from dangerous situations. Yesterday, I voted against this inhumane bill. We need to reform our immigration system w/ real solutions—not create more chaos." (x.com)
  • "MAGA Republicans are threatening to take federal funds from schools offering facilities to temporarily house migrants. Instead of confronting real issues facing students and immigrant families, they would rather waste time on meaningless resolutions to scapegoat asylum seekers." (x.com)
  • "Valerie is also in favor of creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, ending privatized prisons, and reducing funding for ICE detention facilities and enforcement." (valeriefoushee.com)
  • Rated 14% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "Thank you @POTUS for pledging much needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Innocent civilians must not pay the price for Hamas’s terrorist actions. It’s critical to provide aid and support to civilians caught in the crossfire on both sides." (x.com)
  • "Today marks one year since Putin illegally invaded the sovereign state of Ukraine. But despite his ongoing aggression, Ukraine is still free & democracy still prevails. The US & Congress will continue to stand by the Ukrainian people as they keep fighting for their freedom." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks one year since Putin illegally invaded the sovereign state of Ukraine. But despite his ongoing aggression, Ukraine is still free & democracy still prevails. The US & Congress will continue to stand by the Ukrainian people as they keep fighting for their freedom." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • 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 a) Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes b) Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
No c) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
d) Other or expanded principles:

1) Budget Stabilization:Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing North Carolina's budget.

No a) Reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions?
No b) Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees?
No c) Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients?
Yes d) An income tax increase on any tax bracket?
I would only support income tax increases on a temporary basis on earners in the highest income bracket to provide for necessary services such as education, public safety, etc.
Yes a) Do you support any limits on campaign contributions to state candidates?
Yes b) Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes c) Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
No d) Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
e) Other or expanded principles:
No a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes b) Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
No c) Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
No d) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
e) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support state government spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No b) Do you support lowering state taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes c) Do you support reducing state government regulations on the private sector?
Yes d) Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
No e) Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits?
Yes f) Do you support an increase of the minimum wage of North Carolina?
g) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support adopting federal education standards in North Carolina?
Yes b) Do you support state funding for charter schools?
Yes c) Should immigrants unlawfully present in the United States who graduate from North Carolina high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
Yes d) Do you support increasing funding for the state education budget?
No e) Do you support North Carolina's "Innovative School District" program?
I support funding for charter schools currently in existence with proper oversight that requires them to meet the same standards of accountability for student achievement; that requires certified teachers in every classroom; and that prohibits them from discriminating based on race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or religion.
Yes a) Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
Yes b) Do you support state government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes c) Do you support increasing state funding for clean drinking water initiatives?
d) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Yes b) Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
No c) Should teachers be allowed to bring guns into the classroom?
No d) Should a license be required for gun ownership?
e) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Should the state government increase funding for treatment facilities to combat opioid abuse?
Yes b) Do you support Medicaid expansion through North Carolina's health care programs?
Yes c) Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
Yes d) Do you support legislation that grants citizens the right to choose to die through euthanasia?
No e) Do you support eliminating religious exemptions for vaccinations?
c) I would support assistance for low wage workers who do not qualify for government sponsored coverage.
Yes a) Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in North Carolina's anti-discrimination laws?
Yes b) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in North Carolina's anti-discrimination laws?
Yes c) Do you support greater efforts by North Carolina state government in closing the pay gap between men and women?
Yes d) Do you support the removal of Confederate monuments from public spaces?
e) Other or expanded principles:
I support increased investments in public education to provide for early childhood programs, raising teacher pay and reduced class size. Additional funding for textbooks, technology, and aging facilities. I support expanding Medicaid to provide access to healthcare with the 10% state share provided by healthcare providers. I support establishing an independent redistricting commission to ensure fair voting districts and access to the ballot box.

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