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Chris Pappas' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Chris Pappas did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "Fighting efforts to privatize Social Security and Medicare and working to strengthen these programs that are essential to the health and well-being of current and future retirees" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Support legislation that allows Americans and businesses to opt into the Medicare system for their health care coverage" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Co-sponsoring a Constitutional Amendment to overturn Citizens United" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I was proud to cast my vote today to pass this landmark bill that will strengthen our democracy," said Congressman Pappas. "By limiting the influence of big money and corporate special interests we can put the power of our democracy back in the hands of the people. This bill provides for greater transparency and accountability, ensures members of Congress are working for their constituents and not themselves, and makes it easier--not harder--to exercise your right to vote. These crucial reforms will ensure our government is truly of, by, and for the people, and I hope the Senate will take up this legislation with great speed." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 80% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act strengthens training, curtails excessive use of force, and increases accountability for bad actors. We're not immune from these problems here in New Hampshire, but I'm proud that our state is already taking action on many of the priorities proposed in this bill. In the last year, I have held regular conversations with both the law enforcement community and those individuals advocating for reform. I believe we can bring people together and offer solutions that acknowledge our shared humanity and address the issues that we face." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "As our nation addresses unprecedented challenges, I am glad that we were able to come together to pass a bipartisan National Defense Authorization that will strengthen our armed forces at home and abroad," said Congressman Pappas. "This year's authorization includes the pay raise all of our troops deserve, and it supports the health and well-being of our military by furthering efforts to clean up PFAS contamination on our bases and better understanding the long term health implications. The final package also includes $160 million for projects at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard that will allow Granite Staters to continue playing a critical role in our nation's readiness. I hope the President backs off his veto threat of this crucial bipartisan bill, and I hope the spirit of compromise that prevailed in crafting this legislation will allow us to find a way forward on government funding and COVID relief in the coming days." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act will provide for a strong national defense and keep our nation safe," said Congressman Pappas. "This year's authorization supports the men and women who serve our country by giving them a well-deserved pay raise, reforms the handling of sexual assault in the military, provides additional job training to veterans transitioning to civilian life, and cleans up PFAS on bases and strengthens DOD's PFAS standards. This legislation also takes much-needed steps to confront China and reduce our dependence on Chinese products and supply chains. Finally, I'm pleased that the authorization also includes substantial funding for ongoing projects at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. These investments will make New Hampshire and our nation safer and stronger, and I urge the Senate to quickly take up and pass this authorization." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Access to high-speed internet is essential to compete and thrive in the 21st century," said Rep. Pappas. "This initial round of funding will bring broadband for more than 15,000 New Hampshire households and small businesses who lack it, and more funding is on the way. I helped pass the American Rescue Plan and the bipartisan infrastructure law to make these investments in our communities and our future, and I will continue fighting to ensure everyone in New Hampshire can access high-speed internet." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "New Hampshire will see significant benefits from this bipartisan legislation, which will help rehabilitate our existing infrastructure while also making smart investments in our future. These investments in roads, bridges, clean water, and broadband will rebuild our country, create jobs, and restore our competitiveness. I'm pleased the President has signed this legislation into law, and I look forward to beginning the work of repairing our infrastructure." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Build Back Better Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Subsequent packages must include additional support for workers, families, small businesses, and those on the front lines. They also must include funding for our local cities and towns that have seen their budgets blown open by increased COVID-19 costs and decreased revenues. This will stave off cuts to critical services, like police, fire, and education; stop layoffs; and prevent tax hikes on working families." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today I voted for bipartisan stopgap legislation that will provide immediate relief to our small businesses, strengthen our hospitals, and invest in an urgently-needed national testing strategy," said Congressman Pappas. "While this is a crucial step, our work is far from over. From shuttered storefronts to record numbers of unemployment claims, New Hampshire families and businesses will need our full support to get through this crisis. I will continue fighting for New Hampshire's priorities as Congress continues work on a comprehensive, bipartisan package to sustain our struggling Main Street economy, assist state and local governments, and support Granite State health care workers on the frontlines of this crisis." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, more developments in NH will be able to include energy-efficient technologies - reducing energy costs for families while helping protect our environment." (twitter.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act will lower the cost of prescription drugs, create cheaper sources of clean energy, and reduce our deficit. It’s about time we got this done." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7688 “Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "The #ForThePeopleAct and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will strengthen our democracy, protect the right to vote, and ensure that power rests where it should: with the people. #HR1 #HR4" (twitter.com)
  • "Those who work in the public trust should protect the right to vote, not make it harder for Americans to cast a ballot and make their voices heard. Yet in too many places in this country voting rights are under attack." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4 “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5746 “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "Chris is a staunch supporter of developing New Hampshire's renewable energy portfolio. On the Executive Council, he has worked to secure investments for solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal projects across New Hampshire. As renewable energy technology improves and New Hampshire attracts more jobs in solar, Chris knows we must maintain incentives and tax credits to nurture the clean energy revolution that is underway." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Improving our energy storage technology is critical in building a more resilient grid, reducing our carbon footprint, and fully realizing our nation's renewable energy potential." said Representative Pappas. "Developing the ability to better harness this power will also vastly improve our national security by reducing our military's dependence on foreign fuel sources. This legislation takes a common sense step to better leverage DOD and DOE's efforts, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to improve America's energy storage capabilities and national security." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, more developments in NH will be able to include energy-efficient technologies - reducing energy costs for families while helping protect our environment." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "Chris has consistently fought against the Trump Administration's efforts to implement policies that desecrate our environment, open spaces, air, and coastlines. As many federal agencies charged with protecting public health and our shared future are run by allies of the fossil fuel industry and other special interests, it's more important than ever that we have a Congress committed to holding the administration accountable." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Climate change is not only real, it is an existential threat to the future of our planet, and we must take bold action to prevent its economic and environmental impacts here and around the globe. As this President implements policies that desecrate our environment, open spaces, air, and coastlines, Chris believes we must forcefully resist. Trump's decision to pull us out of the Paris Climate Agreement is a dangerous step that takes us backwards in our fight to curb emissions; his decision to end the Clean Power Plan undermines strategies to reduce emissions and harms air quality in New Hampshire. Proposals to allow private companies to drill for oil off the coast of New Hampshire are equally reckless and irresponsible." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Gun violence claims lives everyday in our country, but we are not powerless in our ability to save lives and keep our communities safe," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "It is long past the time to close loopholes that allow too many weapons to get into the wrong hands by enacting universal background checks. I strongly support this bipartisan bill and other common sense steps that respect the rights of responsible gun owners and will allow us to address this ongoing tragedy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by National Rifle Association (NRA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7910 "Protecting Our Kids Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "We must not turn our backs to the kind of senseless violence we see far too often across our country," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "Families should not live in fear of gun violence when we have the ability to enact meaningful, common sense legislation to keep our communities safe. The legislation we passed today will help keep deadly firearms out of the hands of those who should not have access to them while ensuring due process is respected. We have the responsibility to take reasonable steps to save lives, and federal extreme risk protection order legislation should be part of the Senate's package to address gun violence." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today we passed legislation to lower prescription drug costs, prevent junk plans from being sold, & stop the sabotage of the ACA, which is crucial to protecting health coverage. The bill included an amendment I offered to set targets to expand the number of insured Americans." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1425 “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 987 “MORE Health Education Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "We must stop the political attacks on health care. We voted to empower the House counsel to defend the ACA in court, and we have been taking action to safeguard protections for people with pre-existing conditions & bring down costs" (twitter.com)
  • "In order to create an economy that works for everyone, Granite State working families should have access to paid family leave." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act will lower the cost of prescription drugs, create cheaper sources of clean energy, and reduce our deficit. It’s about time we got this done." (twitter.com)
  • "Today we passed legislation to lower prescription drug costs, prevent junk plans from being sold, & stop the sabotage of the ACA, which is crucial to protecting health coverage. The bill included an amendment I offered to set targets to expand the number of insured Americans." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3 “Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6833 “The Affordable Insulin Now Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "New Hampshire families shouldn't have to suffer because of Washington dysfunction. That's why I voted to #EndTheShutdown for the 10th time today & increase border security by $1.6 billion. It’s time for Senate Republicans to re-open our government & allow us to get back to work." (twitter.com)
  • "Today I voted for the 10th time to re-open the government, including $1.6 for border security. We should debate immigration reform, but we can’t do it with the government closed. 800,000 workers are not a political bargaining chip." (twitter.com)
  • "We can have a robust discussion about immigration & 21st century border security once services are restored and 800,000 workers get their paychecks." (twitter.com)
  • "Over the last year, more than 200,000 DACA recipients have been identified as frontline workers in our collective fight against COVID-19. Dreamers are part of our American family," said Congressman Pappas. "These individuals enrich our communities, strengthen our economy, and call no other country but the United States home. It is time to provide the long overdue relief to the millions of immigrants who have lived in and contributed to our nation for decades and grant them pathway to citizenship and allow them to continue building their American dream." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Administration's Muslim ban, one of its very first priorities, is fundamentally un-American and was never based on any specific, credible national security threats," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "The NO BAN Act would overturn this religious discrimination and put standards in place for future travel restrictions based on credible threats to protect the security and public safety of the United States, including threats posed by communicable diseases like COVID-19. I won't stand by and allow the President to unjustly target individuals based on religion. This is the United States of America, and we are better than this." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 "NO BAN Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "This bipartisan vote will allow us to impose even harsher sanctions on Russia. I continue to urge the administration to do just that, and to support the Ukrainian people by providing additional air defense capabilities and other military equipment." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 “Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act” (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • "We must stand united against Putin and with those in harm’s way following Russia’s premeditated invasion of Ukraine. I’ve called for the sanctions, and the international community must use every tool available to hold Russia accountable." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S. 3522 “Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "This bipartisan vote will allow us to impose even harsher sanctions on Russia. I continue to urge the administration to do just that, and to support the Ukrainian people by providing additional air defense capabilities and other military equipment." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 “Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.” (votesmart.org)
  • "I just voted to lower taxes for NH families, bring down the cost of everyday expenses including child care and prescription drugs, invest in our workforce, small businesses, and manufacturers, and improve services for veterans." (twitter.com)
  • "Our small businesses need support now. That’s why I introduced legislation with @RepLaMalfa to cut taxes for small businesses, lower costs for consumers, and strengthen our supply chains and shipping infrastructure. I urge Congress to take up this bill to provide vital relief." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 6% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today I joined @TaxFoundation to discuss the Multi-State Worker Tax Fairness Act, legislation I co-sponsored. It eliminates overly complex and unfair multi-state tax codes and ensures Granite Staters working from home due to COVID-19 aren't forced to pay Massachusetts income tax." (twitter.com)
  • "I am pleased the House passed the USMCA which represents a major step forward for our workers, farmers, businesses, and economy. It was important to get the right trade deal, and the effort to make improvements on labor enforcement, environmental protection, and access to biologic drugs has produced an agreement that received broad bipartisan support today," said Congressman Pappas. "This agreement will provide New Hampshire businesses with the predictability they need to thrive and grow. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to move quickly to approve this agreement while we remain committed to further safeguarding American jobs, holding our trading partners accountable, and strengthening environmental standards." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Opposing tariffs that hurt our consumers and businesses and supporting the USMCA trade agreement, which is opening new doors and new markets to New Hampshire businesses" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act" (votesmart.org)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
X b) Abortions should always be legally available.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
g) Other or expanded principles

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels you will support.

Slightly Increase Funding a) Education (Higher)
Slightly Increase Funding b) Education (K-12)
Maintain Funding Status c) Environment
Slightly Increase Funding d) Health care
Maintain Funding Status e) Law enforcement
Slightly Increase Funding f) Transportation and Highway infrastructure
Maintain Funding Status g) Welfare
h) Other or expanded categories
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Eliminate b) Business enterprise taxes
Maintain Status c) Business profits taxes
Slightly Increase d) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status e) Inheritance taxes
Greatly Decrease f) Statewide property taxes
Slightly Increase g) Tobacco taxes
Maintain Status h) Vehicle taxes
i) Other or expanded categories
No j) Should Internet sales be taxed?
Undecided k) Should New Hampshire implement a statewide income tax?
Undecided l) Should New Hampshire implement a statewide sales tax?
Yes m) Other or expanded principles
Video Gambling at State Racetracks

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative and gubernatorial candidates?

No a) Do you support the limiting the number of terms for New Hampshire governors?
No b) Do you support limiting the number of terms for New Hampshire state senators and representatives?
Yes 1) Individual
Yes 2) PAC
Yes 3) Corporate
Yes 4) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Undecided e) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
No f) Do you support voting on-line?
Yes g) Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes?
Undecided h) Do you support prohibiting the reporting of media exit polling results until all polling locations in New Hampshire are closed?
Yes i) Do you support allowing slot machines at New Hampshire racetracks to increase state revenue?
Yes j) Should New Hampshire recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
Undecided k) Should New Hampshire restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
l) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.

X a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
b) Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
c) Support the use of the death penalty in New Hampshire.
X d) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
e) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
X f) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X g) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
h) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
i) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
X j) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation or disability be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X k) Ban the use of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.
X l) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X m) Increase state funding for additional security of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks.
n) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

a) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
b) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious).
X c) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
X d) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
e) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
X f) Support eliminating Native American mascots from public schools.
g) Support displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools.
h) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
i) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
X j) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
X k) Increase state funding to expand Head Start programs.
X l) Increase state funding to expand public kindergarten programs.
X m) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
X n) Support age-appropriate sexual education programs that teach about abstinence, contraceptives and HIV/STD prevention methods.
o) Support abstinence-only sexual education programs.
p) Other or expanded principles
Dramatically lower state property taxes, increase cigarette taxes, expand gambling at state racetracks, and implement either a low-rate sales or income tax.

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning employment.Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies' decisions on:

X a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding or relocating businesses.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
X e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children of low-income working families.
f) Other or expanded principles
Yes a) College and university admissions
Yes b) Public employment
Undecided c) State contracting
d) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
X b) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused or abandoned.
Yes c) Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
Yes d) Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?
e) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

X a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
X b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
e) Support the four-year license requirement to carry concealed weapons in New Hampshire.
X f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
X g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
h) Require a license for gun possession.
i) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues.

X a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms or state-funded care where necessary.
b) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
c) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X d) Support patients' right to sue their HMOs.
X e) Support patients' right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied by their HMO.
f) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
g) Legalize physician-assisted suicide in New Hampshire.
X h) Increase state funding for training health workers to recognize and respond to the release of biological agents.
i) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.

a) Support current time limits on welfare benefits.
X b) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X c) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
X d) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
X e) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
f) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
g) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
h) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to expand state services to include the working poor.
i) Other or expanded principles
In a total of seventy-five (75) words or less, please explain what your two main legislative priorities will be if elected. Please explain how you would obtain any additional government funding needed to implement these priorities.

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