Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
In response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Presidential and Congressional candidates' public records to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These are provided below as a courtesy to voters.
| Pro-life |
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Abortion Issues: Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- John Boozman. 2010. Arkansas Right to Life: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded YES to the question: "1. Do you support the reversal of the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions, so that elected legislative bodies may once again protect unborn children by limiting or prohibiting abortion?" (www.artlpac.org)
- John Boozman. 2010. Arkansas Right to Life: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded YES to the question: "2. Would you support legislation to strictly limit abortion at least from the point in development that evidence suggest an unborn child has the capacity to experience pain?" (www.artlpac.org)
- John Boozman. 2010. Arkansas Right to Life: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded YES to the question: "3. Would you vote to renew the current Hyde Amendment policy without weakening amendments?" (www.artlpac.org)
- John Boozman. 2010. Arkansas Right to Life: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded YES to the question: "4. Would you vote against the proposed federal ERA, if it does not contain an "abortion-neutralization" amendment?" (www.artlpac.org)
- John Boozman. 2010. ArkansasVoterGuide.com: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded: OPPOSE to the question: "4. Abortion: The U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion decision." (www.arkansasvotersguide.com)
- John Boozman. H Amdt 209 to HR 1815. 109th Congress. An amendment numbered 12 printed in House Report 109-96 to lift the current ban on privately funded abortions at U.S. military facilities overseas. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted NO on 25 May 2005. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. H Amdt 509 to HR 3962. 111th Congress. An amendment printed in Part C of House Report 111-330 to codify the Hyde Amendment in H.R. 3962. The amendment prohibits federal funds for abortion services in the public option. It also prohibits individuals who receive affordability credits from purchasing a plan that provides elective abortions. However, it allows individuals, both who receive affordability credits and who do not, to separately purchase with their own funds plans that cover elective abortions. It also clarifies that private plans may still offer elective abortions. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted YES on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. HR 760. 108th Congress. To prohibit the procedure commonly known as partial-birth abortion. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted YES on 4 June 2003. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. Issue Position: Families, Marriage, and Children. "Strong families are necessary for the future of our nation and I feel strong families are founded in respect for life. As a strong believer in the dignity of all human life, I am unapologetically committed to work to defend those who cannot defend themselves. To this end, I have supported measures before Congress that promote the sanctity of life, including an immediate ban on the barbaric practice of partial birth abortion and charging criminals with a separate crime if an act of violence against a pregnant woman results in the killing or injuring of the woman's unborn child." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. S 3. 108th Congress. A bill to prohibit the procedure commonly known as partial-birth abortion. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted YES on 2 October 2003. (votesmart.org)
- NARAL Pro-Choice America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
- National Right to Life. 2010. 16 September 2010. National Right to Life endorsed John Boozman in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
- National Right to Life Committee. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 100 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
- Planned Parenthood. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 0 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
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| Yes |
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Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues: Do you support the elimination of the federal estate tax? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- John Boozman. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Arkansas Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Selected YES for: "4) Do you support permanent repeal of the federal estate tax?"
- John Boozman. Boozman Votes To Repeal Death Tax. 3 December 2009. "Death shouldn't be taxable. It should not force the sale of family farms or the closure of small businesses. Unfortunately these are both realistic under Speaker Pelosi's proposal. Hardworking Americans should be allowed to pass along the results of their success, which they were already taxed on during their lifetime, to their families without having to pay the IRS. Allowing the existing tax cuts to expire is a tax increase and is not something Washington should impose on hardworking Americans, especially in this economic climate. We need to create policies that allow us to keep the money we earn and not spend time discussing how to take more wages from taxpayers." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. HR 5638. 109th Congress. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the unified credit against the estate tax to an exclusion equivalent of $5,000,000 and to repeal the sunset provision for the estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted YES on 22 June 2006. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. HR 8. 108th Congress. To make the repeal of the estate tax permanent. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted YES on 13 April 2005. (votesmart.org)
- National Taxpayers Union. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 86 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
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| No |
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Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues: Do you support using government funds in an effort to stimulate and improve the economy? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Club for Growth. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of the Club for Growth 61 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. Boozman Opposes Permanent 'Bailout'. 13 December 2009. "'This 1300 page bill is nothing more than a government takeover of our financial institutions. The legislation undermines the free market principals and puts it in the hands of Washington. I believe that we need to end taxpayer funded bailouts, not establish permanent bailout authority. This is bad policy that allows the government to spare financial firms from the consequences of their mistakes by imposing those costs on others, including the taxpayers. Instead of commonsense reform, Congressman Barney Frank has managed to complicate and federalize, in only a way that he could, many aspects of our banking and financial institutions,' Boozman said. Boozman supported an alternative bill to modernize our financial regulatory structure, end bailouts, enhance consumer protection, rein in and audit the Federal Reserve, and protect taxpayers." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. Economic Concerns. 26 September 2008. "While no legislation has been formally introduced in the House of Representatives I see the need to restore confidence in the financial sector, which includes overseeing the practices of lending institutions. When we are considering a proposal that would double or triple our federal budget deficit, it is imperative that we discuss the proposal on the same scope or scale of its potential impact. American taxpayers need to be informed on such a proposal, especially when they will be asked to pay for it. We must also keep certain principles in mind when considering a bailout with consequences that could alter the nature of both the government and the economy. We need to protect American taxpayers. American taxpayers who have made responsible financial decisions need to be given clear reasons why the bailout will be beneficial to them and not just to Wall Street bankers who made poor financial decisions. According to Washington Watch, the proposed bailout of $700 billion will cost every household in the U.S. $6,500 in increased federal debt. If it is important enough to do, it is important enough to take the time to do it right. It is likely that the proposed bailout will be considered less than a week from its initial conception. If this action is absolutely critical to protect our economy, we should not hastily consider the proposal under an artificial timeline that says Congress must adjourn on September 26. Such a critical decision should be thoroughly examined, not made brashly or made under the umbrella of political pressure surrounding the upcoming elections. Strong oversight is needed. $700 billion is more than the annual defense budget. If approved, this plan could double or triple the budget deficit for the next two years. Any proposal must include strong reporting and oversight by Congress rather than giving one person in the government - the Secretary of the Treasury - full control over how to spend $700 billion. In fact, the initial proposal prevents any agency or court of law from reviewing the execution of this proposal. We need to demand accountability. It is fundamentally unfair for Wall Street firms who are taking advantage of tax payer-funded bailouts to provide their executives with massive compensation or 'bonus' packages. Any proposal must ensure that executives of investment banks, mortgage lenders, and government regulators are held responsible and accountable for their actions, and that they share a portion of the burden of the bailout." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. HR 1. 111th Congress. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted NO on 13 February 2009. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. HR 1424. 111th Congress. To provide authority for the Federal Government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets for the purposes of providing stability to and preventing disruption in the economy and financial system and protecting taxpayers, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted YES on 3 October 2008. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. Stop Washington Spending. 26 September 2008. "'This bill is labeled an "Economic Stimulus Package" but requiring Americans to pay more taxes to fund this isn't stimulating,' Boozman said. 'Americans know the best way to spend their own hard earned money. During tough economic times it is irresponsible for lawmakers to approve spending that forces them to pay more to Washington.' H.R. 7110 was introduced early Friday and was rushed through the house the same day. The legislation requires Washington to spend more than $60 billion in an effort to jump start the American economy through changes in infrastructure and other public programs. 'In the same week we are discussing a $700 billion bailout to help the economy it is irresponsible to continue talks of throwing even more taxpayer dollars to try and provide relief,' Boozman said." (votesmart.org)
- John N Boozman. 2010. ArkansasVoterGuide.com: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded OPPOSE: "The government created the conditions that led to the financial collapse by pushing the banks to make bad loans, and so there was a responsibility to clean up the mess that Congress created. I voted for the TARP loans, most of which have been repaid, because we were on the verge of a government created crisis and there is nothing conservative about allowing our banking system to fail. It was a vote to protect jobs, savings and pensions for Arkansans. Once it was stable, I voted AGAINST the second half of TARP, against attempts to use repaid TARP funds in the general fund and against subsequent bailouts--including cash for clunkers and the outlandish stimulus bill," to the question: "6. Taxes: Taxpayer funded bailouts for failing banks and businesses during 2008 and 2009." (www.arkansasvotersguide.com)
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| Yes |
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Business and Employment Issues: Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- John Boozman. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Arkansas Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government;" g) Social Security Issues other or expanded principles: "Want to preserve & protect soc. sec."
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| Yes |
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Crime Issues: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants. 2005-2006. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of the Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants 20 percent in 2005-2006." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Arkansas Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes."
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| Unknown Position |
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Education Issues: Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- John Boozman. Boozman Bills Benefit Students and Teachers. 4 May 2009. "I have heard from educators throughout Arkansas and all over the country on concerns they have with No Child Left Behind legislation. These pieces of legislation are the result of input and efforts from our teachers and administrators. This is a great opportunity to improve some of the areas our educators identified that will help our schools and benefit our students... State and local educators should have the authority to craft alternatives which provide students with the opportunity to succeed on the tests required by this legislation." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. Issue Position: Education Reform. "The "No Child Left Behind Act," which was passed shortly after I entered Congress, is an important step toward true reform. The bill grants state and local school officials more flexibility, funds programs that work, expands parental options and holds schools accountable for results. And, it is working. Test scores in America's urban areas are up and they are in the Third District of Arkansas as well. I promise to work with my colleagues to build on these successes and reform federal education laws with these principles in mind. I will always seek to ensure that our laws will benefit the children of Arkansas." (votesmart.org)
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| No |
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Environment and Energy Issues: Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Environment America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of Environment America 27 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Arkansas Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution."
- John Boozman. 2010. ArkansasVoterGuide.com: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded OPPOSE to the question: "3. Environment: The cap and trade bill that places a tax on fossil fuels as a means of reducing carbon emissions." (www.arkansasvotersguide.com)
- John Boozman. HR 2454. 111th Congress. To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted NO on 26 July 2009. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. Issue Position: Gas Prices and Energy Policies. "Around the world, gas prices have escalated due to increased worldwide consumption, unstable regimes, burdensome regulations and natural disasters. All of these factors have pushed the oil market to the limit. High energy prices reflect short supplies and the strong demand of a growing economy. Massive government interference in the market is not the answer to this problem, but government can help reduce the problem by 1) encouraging an increase in energy supplies, 2) promoting new technology and innovation, and 3) encouraging conservation and fuel efficiency. All Arkansans, especially low and middle-income families, are counting on government to do what it can to reduce the burden of high energy costs." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman signed the Americans For Prosperity: No Climate Tax Pledge. 2010. (www.noclimatetax.com)
- John Boozman signed the Contract from America. "Stop costly new regulations that would increase unemployment, raise consumer prices, and weaken the nation's global competitiveness with virtually no impact on global temperatures." (www.thecontract.org)
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| No |
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Gun Issues: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 2003. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 0 percent from 1988 to 2003." (votesmart.org)
- Gun Owners of America. 2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave John Boozman a grade of A+." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Arkansas Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns;" "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns;" "j) Support legislation that would protect manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and importers of firearms from civil lawsuits by crime victims."
- John Boozman. 2010. ArkansasVoterGuide.com: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded SUPPORT to the question: "1. Guns: The view that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution recognizes the right of private citizens to possess firearms." (www.arkansasvotersguide.com)
- John Boozman. Boozman Amendment Protects Veterans' Second Amendment Rights. 15 September 2010. "An amendment offered by U.S. Representative John Boozman to prevent veterans from being unjustly denied their right to possess and purchase firearms, was adopted during a House Veterans Affairs Committee markup today.
Boozman, Ranking Member of the Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, offered the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act as an amendment to reform a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) process that strips 2nd Amendment Rights of veterans and their families who receive assistance managing their financial affairs.
"Our veterans and their families sacrifice to protect the rights we are guaranteed under the Constitution. To take away their 2nd Amendment Rights because they cannot manage their finances is unjust. Our veterans deserve due process, something that is not achieved by current VA policy," Boozman said." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. HR 6842. 111th Congress. To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted YES on 17 September 2008. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. Issue Position: Second Amendment. "I know from my study of the history of the Second Amendment that the Founders intended it to protect the right of individual citizens to own, maintain, and shoot firearms. I wholeheartedly agree with protection of a very fundamental right; the right to defense of self and family. Use of firearms for hunting, shooting contests, or just collecting are all equally legitimate as well. Only those who trust government more than the people would want to see firearms removed from private hands. I am absolutely committed to keeping this right intact." (votesmart.org)
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| No |
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Health Issues: Do you support a publicly-administered health insurance option? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- American Public Health Association. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 11 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. 2010. Arkansas Right to Life: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded YES to the question: "5. Would you vote against any bill that would prohibit or limit the right to spend one's own money for health care or insurance?" (www.artlpac.org)
- John Boozman. 2010. ArkansasVoterGuide.com: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded: "I support a repeal of Obamacare. Once repealed, we need to incrementally replace it with common-sense, free market reforms such as: - allowing people to purchase insurance across state lines; - enabling small businesses to pool together to get the same break as major corporations when purchasing insurance; -portability - allowing you to transfer insurance when you leave your job; - nuisance lawsuit reform to lower health care costs," to the question: "13. What type of health care reform do you support?" (www.arkansasvotersguide.com)
- John Boozman. 2010. ArkansasVoterGuide.com: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded OPPOSE to the question: "5. Health Care: Establishing a nationwide, government-regulated health care system that guarantees accessibility to health care for every American at taxpayer expense." (www.arkansasvotersguide.com)
- John Boozman. Boozman Statement on President Address On Health Care Reform. 9 September 2009. "Ideas of associated health care plans and allowing Americans to own their health care plans much like they own their car insurance plans would greatly help improve access to quality, affordable health care. However, from discussions with my constituents there is an overwhelming point that must be made in this debate and that is to take the public option off the table. Unfortunately his proposal does not do this." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. GOP Doctors Caucus: Six Months Later and ObamaCare Still Isn't Working. 22 September 2010. "Today Members of the GOP Doctors Caucus offered the following comments on the six month anniversary of ObamaCare being signed into law: 'The more opportunity we have to examine ObamaCare and its consequences, the more the American people dislike it. Nearly everyday we're reading more bad news; the cost of our health care tab is bad for our budget, bad for senior citizens' and bad for small businesses. We're working to defund and repeal this legislation to provide Americans what they deserve, quality affordable health care,' Congressman John Boozman (R-AR) said." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. HR 3962. 111th Congress. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted NO on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman signed The Club for Growth: Repeal It Pledge. 2010. (www.repealit.org)
- John Boozman signed the Contract from America. "Defund, repeal and replace the recently passed government-run health care with a system that actually makes health care and insurance more affordable by enabling a competitive, open, and transparent free-market health care and health insurance system that isn't restricted by state boundaries." (www.thecontract.org)
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| No |
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Immigration Issues: Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- Federation for American Immigration Reform. 2007-2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 77 percent in 2007-2008." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. 2010. ArkansasVoterGuide.com: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded: "First and foremost, amnesty should be taken off the table. Rewarding those who break the rules to get in is a non-starter in my book," to the question: "11. What should be done about the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants who are in the U.S.?" (www.arkansasvotersguide.com)
- John Boozman. 2010. NumbersUSA: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded YES to: "Do you OPPOSE offering the estimated 11 million people illegally in the U.S. long-term work permits and/or a path to citizenship (whether through blanket amnesty or an "earned legalization" or other form)?" (www.numbersusa.com)
- John Boozman. Issue Position: Immigration. "I do not and will not support any amnesty provision in any legislation. We should not reward people who break the law with amnesty. I also believe that not enforcing the laws on the books is unfair to immigrants who have legally come here and to U.S.-born citizens. During my time in Congress, I have always voted against amnesty and I will continue to do so." (votesmart.org)
- National Latino Congreso. 2007-2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of the National Latino Congreso 0 percent in 2007-2010." (votesmart.org)
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| Yes |
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International Policy Issues: Do you support United States military action in Afghanistan? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- John Boozman. Boozman Statement on Increasing Troops in Afghanistan. 2 December 2009. "While deploying more troops to fight the war in Afghanistan is vital to defeating the Taliban and Al Qaeda, I am concerned about arbitrary and public timelines. Arbitrary public timelines do more harm than good and there is no sense revealing specific details about our strategy unnecessarily." (boozman.house.gov)
- John Boozman. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Limiting Afghanistan Military Funding to Withdrawal and Other Specified Purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted NO on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Requiring Timetable for Withdrawal from Afghanistan. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted NO on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
- Peace Action West. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. "John Boozman supported the interests of Peace Action West 8 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
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| Yes |
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Social Issues: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman? |
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Vote Smart's Research:
- John Boozman. 2004. Project Vote Smart: Arkansas Congressional National Political Awareness Test. Selected YES for: "k) Should marriage be restricted to a union only between a man and a woman?"
- John Boozman. 2010. ArkansasVoterGuide.com: 2010 Arkansas Primary Election Candidate Survey. Responded SUPPORT to the question: "2. Marriage: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman." (www.arkansasvotersguide.com)
- John Boozman. H J Res 88. 109th Congress. Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage. Project Vote Smart Summary: John Boozman voted YES on 18 July 2006. (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman. Issue Position: Families, Marriage, and Children. "Traditional marriage is a union between a man and woman, and is at the very foundation of our society. Strong marriages between a man and a woman produce strong families, which then result in a strong nation. In America activist judges with their own agendas are trying to change the definition of marriage. Because of this, I proudly coIntroduced and voted for the Federal Marriage Amendment. This bill would define marriage in the Constitution and protect it from unelected judges who legislate on the bench in an effort to redefine marriage. Any state's voters and legislatures could grant civil unions if they desired without affecting the rights of other states. This has not yet passed the Senate, but I will continue to support it in the House." (votesmart.org)
- John Boozman signed American Family Business Institute: Death Tax Repeal Pledge. (www.nodeathtax.org)
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