Score
Complete Vote History
Yemen Senate
Sen. Bernie Sanders' (I-Vt.) motion on SJR 54 Yemen (Agreed 63 to 37 on 11/28/2018, Roll Call 250). To advance Senate Joint Res. 54, which would remove U.S. Armed Forces from "hostilities" in Yemen that have "not been authorized by Congress.”
SJR 63 Short-Term Health Insurance Plans (Rejected 50 to 50 on 10/10/2018, Roll Call 226). Would nullify the rule from the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and HHS that would expand the duration of short-term health insurance plans. See U.S. Const., amend. 10.
SJR 63 Short-Term Health Insurance Plans (Rejected 50 to 50 on 10/10/2018, Roll Call 226). Would nullify the rule from the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and HHS that would expand the duration of short-term health insurance plans. See U.S. Const., amend. 10.
HR 302 FAA Reauthorization and Supplemental Disaster Appropriations (Passed 93 to 6 on 10/3/2018, Roll Call 220). Reauthorizes appropriations for the FAA and TSA, as well as $1.7 billion for Hurricane Florence disaster relief. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.
HR 302 FAA Reauthorization and Supplemental Disaster Appropriations (Passed 93 to 6 on 10/3/2018, Roll Call 220). Reauthorizes appropriations for the FAA and TSA, as well as $1.7 billion for Hurricane Florence disaster relief. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.
HR 6157 Defense-Labor-HHS-Education and Continuing Appropriations (Adopted 93 to 7 on 9/18/2018, Roll Call 212). Would provide $855.1 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2019.
Medicare and Medicaid are both unconstitutional programs. The U.S. Constitution gives no authority to the federal government to pay people’s medical expenses, no matter how poor or disabled they are. Such assistance should be handled by states, charity, or the free market. Any expansion of Medicare or Medicaid, which is what this bill authorizes, should be voted against.
Medicare and Medicaid are both unconstitutional programs. The U.S. Constitution gives no authority to the federal government to pay people’s medical expenses, no matter how poor or disabled they are. Such assistance should be handled by states, charity, or the free market. Any expansion of Medicare or Medicaid, which is what this bill authorizes, should be voted against.
Planned Parenthood Senate
Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 6157 Planned Parenthood (Rejected 45 to 48 on 8/23/2018, Roll Call 191). To prohibit federal funding of Planned Parenthood.
Much of this spending falls outside the federal government’s constitutionally delegated powers. The unconstitutional spending includes federal social-welfare programs such as food and farm subsidies and housing subsidies (under HUD). Also, lumping multiple appropriations bills together, as opposed to voting on them separately, reduces lawmakers’ accountability.
Much of this spending falls outside the federal government’s constitutionally delegated powers. The unconstitutional spending includes federal social-welfare programs such as food and farm subsidies and housing subsidies (under HUD). Also, lumping multiple appropriations bills together, as opposed to voting on them separately, reduces lawmakers’ accountability.
Spending Cuts Senate
The federal government needs to start reining in climbing federal spending (and deficits) somewhere in order to avert fiscal disaster.
NATO Senate
Sen. Jack Reed's (D-R.I.) motion on HR 5515 NATO (Agreed 97 to 2 on 7/10/2018, Roll Call 149). To reaffirm the U.S. commitment to NATO.
Farm and Food Programs Senate
The Constitution does not authorize the federal government to subsidize food or agriculture. Moreover, food subsidies have done little to lift people out of poverty, and farm subsidies have caused market distortions as the government essentially picks winners and losers in the food production industry.
The Constitution does not authorize the federal government to subsidize food or agriculture. Moreover, food subsidies have done little to lift people out of poverty, and farm subsidies have caused market distortions as the government essentially picks winners and losers in the food production industry.
Waters of the United States Senate
Sen. Mike Lee's (R-Utah) amendment to HR 5895 Waters of the United States (Tabled 62 to 34 on 6/21/2018, Roll Call 138). To repeal the Environmental Protection Agency's 2015 “Waters of the United States” rule.
Appropriations Cuts Senate
This spending falls outside the scope of constitutionally authorized federal powers, and the federal government needs to start reining in ballooning federal spending (and debt) somewhere in order to avert fiscal disaster. The cuts in this bill comprise only a fraction of one percent of total federal spending, and according to the Congressional Budget Office, most of the unspent funding targeted by the bill would not be spent anyway. Yet modest cuts are better than none at all.
This spending falls outside the scope of constitutionally authorized federal powers, and the federal government needs to start reining in ballooning federal spending (and debt) somewhere in order to avert fiscal disaster. The cuts in this bill comprise only a fraction of one percent of total federal spending, and according to the Congressional Budget Office, most of the unspent funding targeted by the bill would not be spent anyway. Yet modest cuts are better than none at all.
Indefinite Detention Senate
Sen. Mike Lee's (R-Utah) amendment to HR 5515 Indefinite Detention (Rejected Motion to Table 30 to 68 on 6/13/2018, Roll Call 122). To uphold the right to due process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents on American soil.
Haspel Nomination Senate
Haspel was complicit in the use of torture, including waterboarding, a violation of U.S. law as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment prohibition against “cruel and unusual punishments.”
Net Neutrality Senate
Regulation of the Internet is not a proper function of the federal government under the Constitution. The new FCC rule under Commissioner Pai was more of a hands-off approach to the Internet, allowing service providers to set their own rules. This is the correct approach, as any provider “throttling” service or overcharging customers will lose business to more competitive providers in a free market setting. Government, in scenarios such as these, will nearly always cause more problems than it claims to attempt to solve. Case in point: Regulations are not always applied equally, as under the Obama FCC rule some sites were forced to “play fair,” while some of the big guys, such as Netflix and Google, could still set their own rules.
Regulation of the Internet is not a proper function of the federal government under the Constitution. The new FCC rule under Commissioner Pai was more of a hands-off approach to the Internet, allowing service providers to set their own rules. This is the correct approach, as any provider “throttling” service or overcharging customers will lose business to more competitive providers in a free market setting. Government, in scenarios such as these, will nearly always cause more problems than it claims to attempt to solve. Case in point: Regulations are not always applied equally, as under the Obama FCC rule some sites were forced to “play fair,” while some of the big guys, such as Netflix and Google, could still set their own rules.
Omnibus Appropriations Senate
HR 1625 Omnibus Appropriations (Passed 65 to 32 on 3/23/2018, Roll Call 63). Would provide $1.3 trillion in wasteful and unconstitutional government spending. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.
SJR 54 U.S. Military Intervention in Yemen (Tabled 55 to 44 on 3/20/2018, Roll Call 58). Would remove U.S. Armed Forces from "hostilities" in Yemen that have "not been authorized by Congress.”
Immigration (DACA) Senate
Sen. Christopher Coon's (D-Del.) amendment to HR 2579 Immigration (Rejected 52 to 47 on 2/15/2018, Roll Call 33). To provide “conditional permanent residence” (i.e., amnesty) to DACA program recipients.
The flood of illegal immigrants into the United States has risen to the level of an invasion swamping our Republic, and political entities that provide sanctuary to illegal aliens in contravention of federal immigration laws should not expect to do so while receiving federal aid.
The flood of illegal immigrants into the United States has risen to the level of an invasion swamping our Republic, and political entities that provide sanctuary to illegal aliens in contravention of federal immigration laws should not expect to do so while receiving federal aid.
Warrantless Surveillance Senate
S 139 Warrantless Surveillance (Passed 65 to 34 on 1/18/2018, Roll Call 12). Would reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) through 2023, allowing secret FISA Court-approved surveillance of American citizens. See U.S. Const., amend. 4.
S 139 Warrantless Surveillance (Passed 65 to 34 on 1/18/2018, Roll Call 12). Would reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) through 2023, allowing secret FISA Court-approved surveillance of American citizens. See U.S. Const., amend. 4.
Tax Cuts Senate
The tax cuts in this bill will keep more money in the hands of American businesses and consumers, where it can be invested into the economy, thus spurring economic growth. Unfortunately, however, the bill does not address federal spending, which needs to be reined in via other legislation.
The tax cuts in this bill will keep more money in the hands of American businesses and consumers, where it can be invested into the economy, thus spurring economic growth. Unfortunately, however, the bill does not address federal spending, which needs to be reined in via other legislation.
Disaster Relief Senate
Federal involvement in natural disaster relief is not only unconstitutional, but also wasteful, inefficient, ineffective, and often harmful. Disaster relief is much better handled by states, counties, and local communities, coupled with volunteer efforts from across the country.
Federal involvement in natural disaster relief is not only unconstitutional, but also wasteful, inefficient, ineffective, and often harmful. Disaster relief is much better handled by states, counties, and local communities, coupled with volunteer efforts from across the country.
Budget Cut Senate
Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HCR 71 Budget Cut (Rejected 5 to 95 on 10/17/2017, Roll Call 236). Would cut $43 billion in federal budget authority in fiscal 2018. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8
More Government Healthcare Senate
The U.S. Constitution does not authorize the federal government to get involved in healthcare, and all government meddling causes more healthcare problems, such as rising healthcare costs.
Ajit Pai Nomination Senate
The U.S. Constitution does not authorize the federal government to get involved in the Internet, which operates best without intrusive government regulation.
War Authorization Senate
Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 2810 War Authorization (Tabled 61 to 36 on 9/13/2017, Roll Call 195). To repeal, six months after the bill’s enactment, the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF).
HR 3364 Sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea (Passed 98 to 2 on 7/27/2017, Roll Call 175). Would establish new sanctions and expand certain existing sanctions on Russian, Iran, and North Korea.
Repeal of ObamaCare Senate
Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 1628 Repeal of Obamacare (Rejected 45 to 55 on 7/26/2017, Roll Call 169). Would have expired the expansion of Medicaid, prohibited tax credits for healthcare plans that provide abortion coverage, banned federal funds for abortion, and repealed the ObamaCare mandates.
Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 1628 Repeal of Obamacare (Rejected 45 to 55 on 7/26/2017, Roll Call 169). Would have expired the expansion of Medicaid, prohibited tax credits for healthcare plans that provide abortion coverage, banned federal funds for abortion, and repealed the ObamaCare mandates.
John Kenneth Bush Nomination Senate
John Kenneth Bush Nomination (Passed 51 to 47 on 7/20/2017, Roll Call 164). Confirms President Trump's appointment of John Kenneth Bush to the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
S 722 Iranian and Russian Sanctions (Passed 98 to 2 on 6/15/2017, Roll Call 147). Would impose new sanctions on Iran and Russia, and codify sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on Russia.
NATO Senate
Sen. Lindsey Graham's (R-SC.) amendment to S 722 NATO (Passed 100 to 0 on 6/15/2017, Roll Call 146). To "affirm" that the U.S. remains "fully committed" to NATO.
The United States should not interject itself in foreign conflicts such as the civil war in Yemen (via arms sales to one of the combatants in that conflict -- Saudi Arabia), and should not take steps tantamount to going to war without a declaration of war by Congress.
The United States should not interject itself in foreign conflicts such as the civil war in Yemen (via arms sales to one of the combatants in that conflict -- Saudi Arabia), and should not take steps tantamount to going to war without a declaration of war by Congress.
Omnibus Appropriations Senate
HR 244 Omnibus Appropriations (Passed 79 to 18 on 5/4/2017, Roll Call 121). Would provide $1.16 trillion in discretionary appropriations through September 30, 2017. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.
Federal Family Planning Senate
HJR 43 Federal Family Planning (Passed 50 to 50 on 3/30/2017, Roll Call 101). Would nullify a HHS rule that prevents states that distribute federal family planning funding from prohibiting receipt of funds by abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood.
HJR 43 Federal Family Planning (Passed 50 to 50 on 3/30/2017, Roll Call 101). Would nullify a HHS rule that prevents states that distribute federal family planning funding from prohibiting receipt of funds by abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood.
Montenegro NATO Membership Senate
The United States should stay clear of entangling alliances such as NATO. Moreover, NATO also obligates that the United States go to war if any member of NATO is attacked, which undermines the provision in the U.S. Constitution that assigns to Congress the power to declare war. Montenegro, which was part of communist Yugoslavia during the Cold War era, is now one of 28 countries the United States is obligated to defend under NATO.
The United States should stay clear of entangling alliances such as NATO. Moreover, NATO also obligates that the United States go to war if any member of NATO is attacked, which undermines the provision in the U.S. Constitution that assigns to Congress the power to declare war. Montenegro, which was part of communist Yugoslavia during the Cold War era, is now one of 28 countries the United States is obligated to defend under NATO.
Predator Control Senate
Since the power of wildlife management was not granted to the federal government by the Constitution, it is reserved to Alaska and the other 49 states according to the 10th Amendment.
Firearms Purchases Senate
HJR 40 Firearms Purchases (Passed 57 to 43 on 2/15/2017, Roll Call 66). Would nullify a Social Security rule that outlines reporting information on individuals to the FBI's firearm background checks system (NICS).
Stream Protection Rule Senate
HJR 38 Stream Protection Rule (Passed 54 to 45 on 2/2/2017, Roll Call 43). Would nullify the "Stream Protection Rule" issued in 2016 by the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
The rapid projected growth in future spending for social "entitlement" programs under current law is unsustainable due to both the declining ratio between workers and Social Security recipients, and also the fact that people are living longer. Plus, there is no constitutional authorization for these programs. Those who genuinely want to help the needy should recognize that the best way to do it is to phase out government social-welfare programs in favor of private alternatives.
The rapid projected growth in future spending for social "entitlement" programs under current law is unsustainable due to both the declining ratio between workers and Social Security recipients, and also the fact that people are living longer. Plus, there is no constitutional authorization for these programs. Those who genuinely want to help the needy should recognize that the best way to do it is to phase out government social-welfare programs in favor of private alternatives.
Balancing the Budget Senate
Senator Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to SCR 14 Balancing the Budget (Rejected 14 to 83 on 1/9/2017, Roll Call 3). Would remove $9.7 trillion worth of new debt and balance the budget by 2024.
