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David Cicilline Voting Record & Scorecard | Institute for Legislative Analysis

US Representative from RI

District: 1 • Democrat

2023 Alignment:

N/A

Lifetime Alignment:

1.27%

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District Performance
Cook PVI Rating: D+12 (Solid D)
District Estimate: 7%
District Performance: N/A (N/A)
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Rankings of Congress

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Title

Lawmaker Position

Expressing Support for Law Enforcement and Opposing Calls to "Defund the Police" and Other Anti-Police Criminal Justice Reforms.

This concurrent resolution, sponsored by Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), recognizes local law enforcement officers and condemns calls to defund or abolish the police, as well as other anti-police criminal justice reforms. According to the sponsor, the resolution is designed "to show support for our men and women in blue after they have been "mercilessly attacked" following the 2020 George Floyd riots."
Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety through a well-staffed and protected police force serve as essential components of government.
Unfortunately, the defund the police movement and so-called criminal justice "reforms" have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.
Against
Limited
Government

Preventing Voter Disenfranchisement by Nullifying a District of Columbia Law that Provides Voting Rights to Illegal Immigrants.

This joint resolution, sponsored by Rep. James Comer (R-KY), nullifies the "Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022," enacted by the council of the District of Columbia. The DC law provides non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, the right to vote in the nation's capital.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the DC law disenfranchises American citizens by allowing their votes to be cancelled out by individuals residing in the country unlawfully.
Ensuring the ability to vote is reserved only for citizens is a critical component to ensure free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.
Against
Limited
Government

Overturning a Package of Dangerous Criminal Justice Reforms in DC which Weaken Mandatory Minimum Sentences and Fuel Greater Lawlessness.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), overturns the D.C. Council's Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. The act contained several criminal justice reforms that would cut mandatory minimum sentences and reduced penalties for a range of violent crimes, including carjackings, robberies, and homicides.
Support is the Limited Government Position as mandatory minimum sentences are critical measures that help combat the practice of "judge shopping" whereby career criminals attempt to have their cases moved to be heard by the most lenient judge to avoid significant penalties.
The D.C. Council's criminal justice "reforms" would lead to skyrocketing crime rates, which has been the case of similar reform policies which have been advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Property Rights by Overturning Biden Administration Regulations Providing the EPA Overreaching Authority under the Waters of the United States Rule.

This resolution introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". This Biden administration rule overturned the reforms implemented by the Trump administration and provides the EPA with much more expansive regulatory authority than it was initially granted under the Obama administration. As a result, the EPA's regulatory authority includes not only rivers and wetlands, but ephemeral streams and ditches under the Clean Water Act.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden and Obama administrations granted the EPA carte-blanche authority to regulate practically any standing amount of water, which resulted in property rights being infringed and enormous additional costs for landowners.
Against
Limited
Government

Overturning a Biden Administration Rule Authorizing Fiduciaries to Invest in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Factors Against their Clients Best Interests.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Department of Labor rule titled "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights". Under current law, managers of retirement plans are required to base their investment decisions on what is in the best interest of making their client's portfolios grow. Under the Biden administration rule, fiduciaries can now base their investment decisions on political environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors even if they are not in the best financial interest of their clients.
Support is the Limited Government Position as, while all individuals should have the right to have their savings invested in the manor of their choosing, this politicized ESG rule will provide countless new avenues for deviant fiduciaries to act against their unknowing clients best interests and enrich certain companies and industries.
Against
Limited
Government

Promoting Economic Growth through the "Lower Energy Costs Act", which Streamlines Regulations to Boost American Energy Production.

The "Lower Energy Costs Act", introduced by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), implements several regulatory reforms designed to boost American energy production. For example, the bill streamlines the permitting process to bring new energy projects online quicker, repeals tax and fee increases imposed by the Biden administration on energy production, and opens up a greater amount of federal lands and water for resource development.
Support is the Limited Government position as American energy dominance is critical to not only making our nation and industry competitive abroad, but to lowering consumer costs.
The Biden administration's war on American energy has unnecessarily driven up gasoline prices and costs across the U.S. economy.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Property Rights and Promoting American Energy Production by Restoring Regulatory Authority to State Legislatures Rather than the Delaware River Basin Commission.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #11 to the "Lower Energy Costs Act" prohibits the Delaware River Basin Commission (as well as the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin) from imposing more stringent regulations on hydraulic fracking than passed by the state legislature. According to the sponsor, "unaccountable bureaucrats at the Delaware River Basin Commission have instituted a hydraulic fracturing ban for a portion of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, stripping away property rights and mineral rights from Pennsylvanians in contravention of the will of their very own legislature."
Support is the Limited Government Position as state legislatures - not unaccountable commissions - should be the ones with authority to increase the stringency of regulations.
This amendment strengthens property rights while also promoting stronger economic growth through energy extraction.
Against
Limited
Government

Ensuring an "America First" Energy Agenda by Repealing an EPA Policy that Grants Bureaucrats the Power to Implement Draconian Regulations to Benefit Foreign Nations.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #12 to the "Lower Energy Costs Act" repeals section 115 of the Clean Air Act. This section gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to impose emission reductions on the States if the administrator finds that American air pollution endangers the public health and welfare of another country. According to the sponsor, "removing the broadly written language in section 115 is the only way to prevent the delegation of nearly unlimited power over State energy sectors to the EPA bureaucrats and removes the ability of international organizations to meddle in our energy sector."
Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment provides a critical safeguard against unaccountable EPA bureaucrats imposing draconian regulations on state economies to promote politicized climate change agendas.
Considering the Biden Administration has reentered the Paris climate agreement, this amendment is especially necessary to prevent the implementation of "America Last" policies.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Government Transparency by Reporting the Impact Regulations have on Energy Costs for Americans and Domestic Energy Independence.

The Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) amendment #7 to the "Lower Energy Costs Act" requires the EPA, in consultation with the DOE, to submit a report to Congress identifying and assessing existing regulations that have negatively affected domestic energy independence and increased energy cost for Americans.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps strengthen government transparency and accountability by ensuring both lawmakers and everyday Americans are made aware of the costs associated with energy regulation.
Since January 2021, the EPA has waged war on American energy and undone critical reforms implemented by the Trump administration, which boosted economic growth.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening National Security through the "Secure the Border Act", which Contains a Long List of Provisions Designed to Stop Illegal Immigration.

The "Secure the Border Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), contains a long list of provisions surrounding immigration and security at the southern border. Some of the major provisions include restarting border wall construction, hiring thousands of additional Border Patrol agents, equipping officers with better technology to detect drugs and illegal immigration, and additional E-Verify requirements.
Support is the Limited Government Position as an unsecured southern border presents a major national security risk and places an enormous strain on taxpayer-funded resources ranging from law enforcement, welfare and education.
While lawmakers should work to boost merit-based immigration to expand the U.S. workforce and economy, major policy changes must be made to curb illegal immigration and prevent dangerous individuals from entering the country.
Against
Limited
Government

Boosting American Energy Production by Prohibiting a Further Drain of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Until a Larger Percentage of Federal Lands are Leased for Oil and Gas Production.

This bill, the "Strategic Production Response Act", limits the drawdown of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) until the Department of Energy submits to Congress a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production. The bill is in response to the Biden Administration draining the Strategic Oil Reserve to its lowest level since 1983 in an attempt to drive down gas prices.
Support is the Limited Government Position as low-cost energy is essential to growing the economy and improving the quality of life for all Americans.
With renewable energy only accounting for about 20 percent of the U.S. energy supply, the country must adopt an "all of the above" approach to energy production that balances environmental concerns with the need to provide Americans with the lowest possible energy costs.
Against
Limited
Government

Harming American Energy Production by Reinforcing a Moratorium on Oil and Gas Drilling in the South Atlantic.

The Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) amendment #133 to the Strategic Production Response Act prohibits any change to the current moratorium on oil and gas leasing within the South Atlantic Planning Area. In September of 2020 President Trump issued a 10-year ban on oil and gas drilling along both coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as low-cost energy is essential to growing the economy and improving the quality of life for all Americans.
Lawmakers must open up the South Atlantic to safe and responsible energy extraction, so Americans are provided with the lowest possible energy costs.
Against
Limited
Government

Hiking Energy Prices by Banning American Oil and Gas Extraction Across All Federal Land that Could be Viable for Renewable Energy Production.

The Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) amendment #57 to the Strategic Production Response Act bans oil and gas leasing on federal land if the land is viable for renewable energy production.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment is primariy designed to shut down nearly all oil and gas extration on federal land as part of a politicized environmental agenda.
U.S. access to low-cost energy is essential to growing the economy and improving the quality of life for all Americans.
Against
Limited
Government

Obstructing North American Energy Production by Prohibiting the Procurement of Oil from Canada or Mexico for the Restocking of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) amendment #64 to the Strategic Production Response Act strikes the entire underlying bill and requires the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to be stocked with oil from the United States, thereby prohibiting the ability to restock with lower-cost oil from Canada and Mexico.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs and places barriers to restocking the Strategic Oil Reserve.
This amendment is largely designed to obstruct North American energy production and provide financial benefits to the sponsors' state.
Against
Limited
Government

Protecting Taxpayers by Rescinding $72 Billion in Funding that was Provided to Weaponize the IRS Under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The "Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act" sponsored by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) rescind roughly $72 billion from the $80 billion in additional funding provided to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under last year's Inflation Reduction Act. According to the sponsor, the "bill would simply prevent the IRS from using its massive infusion of taxpayer dollars to harass and squeeze more revenue out of American families."
Support is the Limited Government Position as the enormous cash infusion into the IRS further grows an agency with a long history of fraud and abuse, with examples ranging from the wrongful disclosure of private donor lists to the denial of organizational non-profit status due to politics.
The hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents will merely drive greater harassment and suck even more resources out of the private sector. The most effective way to ensure tax compliance is by the transition to a simple flat tax system.
Against
Limited
Government

Boosting Transparency on the Border Crisis by Publishing a Report on the Number of Illegal Immigrants Deported for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers.

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #1 to the "Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement Act of 2023 or the POLICE Act of 2023" requires the Department of Homeland Security to make publicly available on its website an annual report on the number of illegal immigrants deported for assaulting a law enforcement officer.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps strengthen government transparency and accountability.
Ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.
Against
Limited
Government

Promoting Fiscal Responsibility through the "Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023", which Makes a $1.5 Trillion Debt Limit Hike Contingent on Multiple Spending Cuts.

The "Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), lifts the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion (through March 2024) contingent on a number of conditions. Some of the major conditions include limiting increases in the federal budget to 1% per year, imposing stricter work requirements on the federal SNAP program, rescinding $70 billion in IRS funding, nullifying Biden's $20,000 per borrower student loan forgiveness, repealing spending provisions within the Inflations Reduction Act surrounding climate change, and enacting the H.R. 1 "Lower Energy Cost Act".
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a solid step in the right direction to restoring some level of fiscal order to the nation.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Against
Limited
Government

Growing Cronyism and Wealth Redistribution through Additional Scholarships and Grants to Individuals Pursuing Cybersecurity or Energy Infrastructure at Universities.

The "Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), provides grants, scholarships, and other forms of funding to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers focusing on cybersecurity and energy infrastructure. The bill also directs outreach to be targeted towards historically black colleges and universities, tribal colleges, and minority-serving institutions.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector and free market - not government - to direct research and funding into the most promising industries.
Like countless other higher education wealth redistribution schemes, this measure forces individuals who choose to pursue a trade or start a business, to subsidize the training costs of individuals who chose to enroll in higher education.
Against
Limited
Government

Increasing Government Transparency by Ensuring the Inflation-Impact Assessments Provided to Congress are also Made Available to Americans on the OMB Website.

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #3 to the "Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation Act" requires inflation-impact assessments to be published on the Office of Management and Budget's website for public review, not just reported to Congress.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps boost transparency and accountability in public policy.
Measures such as this help ensure Americans are educated on the consequences of actions by the federal reserve and government interference in the free market.
Supports
Limited
Government

Advancing a U.S. Financial Collapse by Lifting the Debt Limit without Enacting Any Significant Fiscal Restraints to Stop the Deficit Spending.

This bill, the "Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023", raises the $31.4 trillion U.S. debt ceiling through January 1, 2025. The bill is estimated to allow for $4 trillion in additional debt while providing roughly $1.5 trillion in discretionary spending reductions over ten years, which may or may not be fully realized. The bill also paves the way for a natural gas pipeline from West Virginia to Virginia and claws back some funding, which was provided to the Internal Revenue Service to hire additional employees.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the budgetary gimmicks within the bill provide little, if any, significant reduction in spending, merely continuing the country's march to a financial collapse.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Transparency and Accountability within the Education System through a "Parents Bill of Rights".

The "Parents Bill of Rights Act", sponsored by Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA), provides parents a series of new "rights" that local educational agencies and schools must provide parents. Provisions include the right to review school curriculum, the right to a list of books in school libraries, and the right to know if school restrooms or changing rooms are based on biological sex, among numerous other rights.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps boost transparency and accountability within the education system.
Lawmakers must ensure schools are held accountable to parents and measures, such as this bill, are crucial to ensure classrooms are not weaponized to advance any political or social agendas onto children.
Against
Limited
Government

Eliminating Safeguards Against Teachers being Trained in Radical Leftist Ideologies Which May be Passed Down to Students.

The Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) amendment #13 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" strikes provisions within the bill that permit parents and guardians to review professional development materials for educators. According to the sponsor, these provisions "would impact educators' and school districts' already limited time and resources without any positive gain," while opponents claim "parents need to know who is teaching the teachers, and taxpayers have a right to know what kind of professional development they are paying for."
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these provisions help boost transparency and accountability within the education system.
The provisions are especially necessary due to the fact that many professional development groups are creating materials that seek to push radical ideologies onto teachers so they are then passed onto students.
Against
Limited
Government

Restoring Education Authority Back to the State and Local Level through the Abolishment of the Department of Education.

The Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) amendment #15 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" abolishes the Department of Education effective December 31, 2023. According to the sponsor, "it is time to return the power back to the States, back to the people, and back to the school boards to allow them to make these decisions locally."
Support is the Limited Government Position as the Department of Education has become a bloated bureaucracy that goes against our Founding Father's belief in the concept of "laboratories of democracy".
This measure helps eliminate waste and restore full educational authority back to the state and local level.
Against
Limited
Government

Improving Educational Outcomes by Establishing a National School Voucher Program to Provide School Choice.

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #19 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" directs "funds to follow the student" so they can attend the school of their choice (i.e., public, private, or home school). The amendment effectively establishes a nationwide school voucher program with the funds authorized for educational and instructional materials, tutoring, tuition for private school, and extracurricular activities.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
Against
Limited
Government

Cutting Waste Within the Federal Education System by Block Granting the Funds to the States.

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #20 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" block grants funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to the states. The funds would be distributed based on the number of students in each state relative to the number of students within the United States.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the Department of Education has become a bloated bureaucracy that goes against our Founding Father's belief in the concept of "laboratories of democracy".
This measure helps eliminate waste, such as the distribution of federal funds to unnecessary and politicized initiatives, and instead helps empower state and local educational entities.
Against
Limited
Government

Granting Schools Authority to Teach Critical Race Theory and Distribute Books with Sexual and LGBTQ+ Content to Students.

The Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) amendment #5 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" substitutes the bill in its entirety to a new version. The new version contains provisions that include: protecting a schools ability to teach Critical Race Theory (CRT) and gender and LGBTQ+ ideology to students; protecting a school's library's ability to display books that may have sexual content; and hiking spending for a number of federally-funded education programs.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to introduce and discuss sensitive issues with their children and decide whether they should be introduced to CRT and other politicized content.
All school curriculum and learning materials should pertain only to core subject areas and accessible to parents for review.
Against
Limited
Government

Nullifying an Onerous Truck Emission Regulation Imposed by the Biden Administration that Results in Significant Commercial Vehicle Price Hikes.

This resolution, introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled "Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards". The rule, covering commercial trucks imposes much stricter emissions standards covering nitrogen oxides and other air pollutants, including particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. According to the sponsor, the rule "saddles the trucking industry with an onerous regulation" and that "the prices of newer vehicles will escalate, incentivizing truckers and businesses to hold onto their older, higher-emitting trucks".
Support is the Limited Government Position as the rule imposed by bureaucrats within the Biden administration represents regulatory overreach and unnecessarily hike truck prices in order to promote a politicized climate change agenda.
Against
Limited
Government

Denouncing Socialism and Opposing the Implementation of Socialist Policies in the United States.

This concurrent resolution, sponsored by Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), states that Congress denounces socialism in all its forms and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States of America.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the"Father of the Constitution", President James Madison, wrote that it "is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where the property which a man has in his personal safety and personal liberty, is violated by arbitrary seizures of one class of citizens for the service of the rest".
Neutral

Advancing Greater Taxpayer Spending on Transit Subsidies through the "One Seat Ride Act" Which Studies the Creation of Direct Rail Routes from NJ to NYC.

The "One Seat Ride Act", introduced by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ), directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the feasibility of single-seat commuter rail trips, particularly on New Jersey's Raritan Valley Line. Currently, Raritan Valley Line passengers are forced to change trains at Newark Penn Station to access New York City. A 'One-Seat-Ride' allows passengers to take a single train to NYC.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as implementation of a "one-seat-ride" would inevitably result in greater taxpayer-funded subsidies for transit.
It should not be the role of federal government to set train schedules and routes. Instead, lawmakers should work to privatize all such transit systems - especially Amtrak - to end the practice of taxpayers subsidizing travel costs of individuals who wish to utilize such systems.
Neutral

Placing Americans First by Striking Funding for a Feasibility Study on the Construction of a "Center of Excellence" Trauma Hospital in Ukraine.

The Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) amendment #23 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" strikes a provision for a feasibility study for a "center of excellence" (trauma hospital system) in Ukraine. According to the sponsor, the stated mission of the Department of Defense is to deter war and to protect our nation's national security interest, and "paying for a feasibility study on creating a center of excellence in Ukraine does not deter war, nor does that protect our national security interest".
Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of the U.
S. to serve as the world police and medical provider, especially at a time when Veterans and Americans are facing difficulties in receiving quality care. Furthermore, Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Growing the Size and Role of Government to Now Provide Education on "Capital-Raising" for Minority and Rural Businesses.

The "Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act", sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), would grow the size and role of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. It calls to provide "educational resources and host events to promote capital-raising options for underrepresented and rural small businesses".
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the size and role of government beyond its core Constitutional duties.
The private sector already provides a wealth of knowledge on capital raising options through the internet and business publications. This measure merely grows government bureaucracy and, unlike "profit and loss" signals within the private sector, provides no way to measure need or success. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Reducing Government Overreach and Providing More Americans with the Ability to Invest in Venture Capital and Hedge Funds through the "Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act".

The "Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), relaxes qualifications to become an accredited investor, giving more people the ability to invest in private markets regardless of their wealth or income levels. Unlike stocks and bonds, which are open to all individuals, only accredited investors are permitted to invest in private market vehicles, such as venture capital, private equity, and hedge funds.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill removes unnecessary regulatory barriers to provide more individuals the freedom to invest in whatever entity or security of their choosing.
This reduction in government overreach will further empower the free-market and grow the U.S. economy.
Neutral

Further Growing the Size and Spending of the National Park Service by Making a Fort in Puerto Rico a New Affiliated Area.

The "Fort San Gerónimo Preservation Act", introduced by Delegate Jenniffer González-Colón (Puerto Rico), establishes Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón in San Juan, Puerto Rico as an affiliated area of the National Park System.Under the bill, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture is made the management entity of the area, with the National Park Service (NPS) providing technical and financial assistance to the institute to assist with marketing, interpretation, and preservation efforts.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the size and spending of the National Park Service at a time when our nation has $33 trillion in national debt and has over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities.
Lawmakers must shrink, not expand, the operations of the NPS - especially in regions that are not parts of the United States.
Neutral

Cutting Wasteful Spending and Government Central Planning through the Elimination of the "Essential Air Service" Program that Forces Taxpayers to Subsidize Unprofitable Airline Flights.

The Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) amendment #62 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" strikes authorization for the "Essential Air Service" program. This program provides subsidies to airline companies for commercial flights to small airports typically in more rural regions. According to the sponsor, the program provides a "direct subsidy paid to airline companies to fly empty and near-empty planes from small airports to regional hubs with per-passenger subsidies on some flights are now nearly $1,000 per passenger".
Support is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine airline service and set routes.
This program serves as a wealth distribution scheme to individuals who choose to reside in rural regions. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Reducing Government Interference within the Energy and Aviation Industries by Striking Funding for the "CLEEN" Program which Provides Subsidies for Environmental Technology.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #73 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" strikes a provision that allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to consider expanding the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) program. This program provides financial awards to industries to develop and integrate technology that will reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government - is the best mechanism to drive investment into the technologies that provide the greatest level of benefits for their cost.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Advancing Fiscal Responsibility by Cutting Nearly $5 Billion in Runaway Spending Surrounding Airport Planning, Operations, and Research and Development.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #74 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" provides nearly $5 billion in savings by cutting the significant spending growth within sections 101, 103 and 1111 of the underlying bill, which far exceed the levels originally set by Congress in the 2018 reauthorization bill. These sections pertain to airport planning, operations, and research and development.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill contains countless runaway spending initiatives that are unnecessary.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Eliminating a Duplicative Rental Assistance Welfare Program within the USDA to Provide $1.6 Billion in Savings to Taxpayers.

The Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #43 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" would eliminate the USDA rental assistance program, providing a savings of $1.6 billion. According to the sponsor, the program is 1 of 25 duplicative housing programs across the federal government.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps reduce duplicative spending and restore fiscal sanity.
Rental assistance programs merely distort the market, ultimately bidding up prices and making housing even less affordable. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Cutting Spending to 2019 Levels within the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Redirecting the $77 Million in Savings to Deficit Reduction.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #61 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" would restore spending within the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to 2019 levels and direct the $77 million in savings to deficit reduction. The funding proposed within the underlying bill is 30 percent above the pre-COVID level.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment represents a step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Combatting Cronyism by Cutting $470 Million in Funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency, which Awards Taxpayer Cash to Select Energy Companies Favored by Government.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #20 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $470 million in funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The ARPA-E provides grants to companies for high-risk, high-reward projects, grants they are unable to receive funding for within the private sector. According to the sponsor, multiple GAO reports have found the entity is not following its guidelines: nearly half of the grants have gone towards projects that companies previously received private-sector investments or funding for.
Support is the Limited Government Position as regardless of the fact much of this agency's funding is being misused, it is not the proper role of government to provide such funding in the first place.
The free-market and private sector - not government bureaucrats - are best equipped to direct funding to the most promising initiatives. The ARPA-E merely fuels cronyism by enriching select entities which are oftentimes politically connected while also further fueling out-of-control taxpayer spending.
Neutral

Providing $17 Million in Savings to Taxpayers through the Termination of the Denali Commission - a Bureaucracy Recommended for Elimination by both the Trump and Obama Administrations.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #28 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $17 million in funding for the Denali Commission. The Denali Commission is one of seven regional commissions that help direct Federal funds to State and local projects surrounding job training and economic development. However, unlike other commissions, the Denali Commission serves only one State: Alaska. According to the sponsor, both the Obama and Trump administrations have suggested eliminating the commission as funds could instead be provided directly to Alaska for distribution rather than funding a costly additional layer of bureaucracy.
Support is the Limited Government Position as every unnecessary bureaucracy and initiative within government must be eliminated or scaled back in order to restore fiscal order in our nation.
Our $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Weakening National Security by Defunding the "Savannah River Plutonium Modernization Program", which Produces Fuel for Nuclear Weapons.

The Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) amendment #36 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" defunds the "Savannah River Plutonium Modernization Program". This project, which is roughly half-way complete, will serve as a production facility for plutonium ,which is a source of fuel for nuclear weapons. According to the sponsor, the project has experienced significant cost overruns, and the U.S. already has a significant supply of plutonium which still has many years before it ages out.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while significant steps should certainly be taken to end the cost overruns, protecting the nation from foreign adversaries and maintaining a strong military are some of the most essential roles of government.
Adapting the philosophy of "Peace Through Strength" ensures the United States has the most technologically advanced weapons in the world, which is a critical component of avoiding costly and deadly conflict.
Neutral

Protecting Taxpayers by Limiting the Level of Increased Spending for the US Army Corp of Engineers - An Entity with a Dismal Fiscal Management Track Record.

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #59 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts the appropriation for the US Army Corp of Engineers by $620 million to match the level of funding it was provided in FY 2022. This funding amount is still more than $290 million than provided in FY 2023, but less than the nearly $1 billion spending hike in the underlying bill compared to last year. According to the sponsor, the amendment is intended to promote responsibility within the Army Corp of Engineers as the entity has a long history of running over budget and out of schedule.
Support is the Limited Government Position as an entity with a long track record of poor fiscal management should undergo a significant management reform, not be bailed out with even more taxpayer funds.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Providing a Slight Cut to Wasteful Spending within the Peace Corps by Restoring Funding to Pre-COVID-19 Levels.

The Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) amendment #23 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" provides a $14.3 million cut to the Peace Corps budget to restore the agency appropriation to pre-COVID-19 levels. According to the sponsor, the Peace Corps has engaged in numerous politicized initiatives, including helping illegal immigrants at the southern border, promoting DEI amongst its volunteers, and various activities surrounding climate change.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the Peace Corps serves as just one of many foreign aid programs of the United States and the country is not in the position to grow its foreign aid spending when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.
7 trillion. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Ensuring Taxpayers Across the Country Aren't Forced to Subsidize the Commuting Costs of Individuals within the DC Region Under WMATA.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #25 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $150 million in grants from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, known as WMATA. This entity operates metro rail and bus services across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area. WMATA has faced scrutiny for years over its unsustainable budget practices. Even pre-COVID, it has relied on state and local entities for the majority of its funding rather than fares and other user-fees of passengers.
Support is the Limited Government Position as WMATA should cut unprofitable routes and adjust its user fee model to sustain itself, rather than force taxpayers from across the country to subsidize the transportation costs of local residents.
Neutral

Reducing Wasteful Spending by Lowering Funding for HUD "Fair Housing Activities" to 2019 Levels.

The Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #30 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts spending by $19.7 million at the Department of Housing and Urban Development's by reducing the "fair housing activities" appropriation amount back to the fiscal year 2019 level. According to the Congressional Research Service, only three to five percent of fair housing complaints lead to a formal charge, and between zero to one percent of complaints lead to a referral to the Department of Justice.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the vast majority of complaints directed to the fair housing division represent frivolous allegations and are primarily designed to harass landlords, which will ultimately drive up rental costs.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility through a 57% Cut in Discretionary Spending within the Transportation and HUD Appropriations Bill.

The Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) amendment #47 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts discretionary spending within the bill by 57 percent. According to the sponsor, this is the percentage of discretionary funding within the bill that is directed to entities that have their own taxing authorities (i.e. can obtain funding from their residents).
Support is the Limited Government Position as, unlike mandatory spending, which is generally directed towards primary functions of government, discretionary spending is often directed towards unnecessary initiatives or programs that can also be funded through other avenues.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Defunding the 2026 Mandate that All New Vehicles be Equipped with "Kill Switches" Based on Driver Performance.

The Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) amendment #60 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" defunds the Federal mandate that requires all new vehicles after 2026 be equipped with a kill switch that can disable a vehicle if the vehicle has monitored the driver's performance and the vehicle determines that the driver is not performing well (such as if the driver appears to be driving while intoxicated).
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, not only does this one-size-fits all federal mandate unnecessarily drive-up new vehicle costs, including for those who do not consume alcohol, this presents serious Fouth Amendment and civil liberty concerns.
Plus, like all new technology, it has the potential to misdiagnose driving habits or fail, leaving motorists stranded.
Neutral

Protecting Taxpayers through a 50% Cut in the Bloated Bureaucracy of the Bureau of Land Management.

The Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) amendment #2 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts funding for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by 50 percent. The sponsor noted BLM's operations have exceeded its stated purpose, including the establishment of conservation leases and other policies that lockout land users.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the BLM has become a bloated and wasteful entity that places unnecessary barriers to land usage.
Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Neutral

Electing Rep. Jim Jordan as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives - The Candidate with the Strongest Track Record of Adherence to Limited Government Principles.

This vote (the third attempt) elects Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives to replace previous Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the research of the Institute for Legislative Analysis confirms that Rep.
Jim Jordan has by far the strongest track record of adherence to the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution of any of the proposed candidates for Speaker.
Neutral
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