Bob Smith on the Issues

Candidate Headlines
(best for printing)

Candidate Grid
(best for slow modems)

Click on an issue below to see headlines by Bob Smith.
Click on the headline's date to see full quotations.

Go back
to the main page.

Support Issues2000!
(We need your donations!)

Issue Headlines
(best for printing)

Issue Grid
(best for slow modems)

Headlines by Bob Smith

Personal background on Bob Smith

Quotations by Bob Smith

Abortion

Budget & Economy

China

Civil Rights

Crime

Defense

Drugs

Education

Environment

Families & Children

Foreign Policy

Free Trade & Immigration

Government Reform

Gun Control

Health Care

Juvenile Crime

Kosovo

Principles & Values

School Choice

Social Security

Tax Reform

Technology

Welfare & Labor

Party:	Independent (elected as Republican to current Senate seat; left the Republican Party in July 1999)
Withdrew Oct. 28, 1999
Born:	March 30, 1941. His father was killed during active duty in WWII two days before Bob Smith's birth.
Family:	Wife - Mary Jo Children - Jennifer; Robert, Jr.; Jason.
Religion:	Catholic
Military:	Two years active duty (1965-67) in the Navy 5 years (1962-65, 1967-69) in the Naval Reserves One year active duty in Vietnam (1966-67) stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Web Sites:	SmithForPresident.org, Campaign website Senate.gov/~smith, Senate website

Education:

B.A. in Government, Lafayette College, Easton, PA (1965)
Graduate work, Long Beach State College, Long Beach, CA (1968-69).

Professional Experience:

Owned and managed Yankee Pedlar Real Estate in Wolfeboro, N.H. for 10 years prior to being elected to Congress
In the late 1960's and early 70's the Senator taught History, Civics and English, and coached Varsity and Little League Baseball, in Wolfeboro, N.H.
He also was a six-year member of the Governor Wentworth Regional School Board and was elected Chairman three times.

Political Experience:

Senator from New Hampshire, 1991-present
Chairman, Vietnam War Working Group of the Joint U.S./Russia Commission on POW/MIAs
Congressional Youth Leadership Council Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors
U.S. House of Rep., 1985-90.

Most recent quote by Bob Smith

Background on Bob Smith Home

Headlines by Bob Smith
Bob Smith Pop-up grid

Quotations by Bob Smith

Bob Smith on Abortion
May 19, 1999	Against all aspects of abortion; for Human Life Amendment
May 2, 1999	Against taxpayer-funded abortions at military hospitals
May 2, 1999	Pro-life litmus test for Supreme Court
Jul 2, 1996	Abortions limited to endangered mother

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy
Aug 30, 1999	Supports numerous reforms to promote small business
Aug 30, 1999	Supports Small Business Protection Act & S-Corp reform
Aug 30, 1999	Don’t balance budget on veterans’ shoulders
Mar 29, 1999	Keep budget balanced; use surpluses to pay down debt
Jul 2, 1996	Supports Balanced Budget Amendment
Jul 2, 1996	Fund more education, enviro, Medicare, & student loans
Jul 2, 1996	Block grants to states for most federal programs

Bob Smith on China
Jul 2, 1999	Maintain military presence in Asia to confront China
Jun 14, 1999	No trade rewards to oppressive regimes like China
May 26, 1999	Create Senate committee to investigate China spying

Bob Smith on Civil Rights
Aug 30, 1999	Amend Constitution for school prayer
Jun 7, 1999	Against ambassadorship of gay activist James Hormel
May 19, 1999	For constitutional amendment against flag burning
May 19, 1999	Against homosexual advocacy in the classroom
Jul 2, 1996	Supports school prayer

Bob Smith on Crime
Jul 2, 1999	Punish swiftly & severely; including death penalty
Jul 2, 1999	Include violent crime victims in sentence policy-making
Jul 2, 1999	Victim’s Bill of Rights: notification & restitution
Jul 2, 1996	Broaden use of death penalty; limit death row appeals
Jul 2, 1996	More prisons; more full sentences; more boot camps
Jul 2, 1996	Stricter visas & chemical tracing to fight terrorism

Bob Smith on Defense
Aug 30, 1999	Don’t balance budget on veterans’ shoulders
Aug 30, 1999	New non-VA programs for military retirees’ health care
Jul 2, 1999	President needs knowledge & passion to inspire troops
May 19, 1999	Cuts have been too deep; need SDI defense
May 19, 1999	Has worked to account for all POWs and MIAs
Mar 29, 1999	Correct shortages in military equipment & personnel
Mar 29, 1999	Raise military pay & benefits
Mar 29, 1999	Get answers on POWs and MIAs

Bob Smith on Drugs
Aug 30, 1999	Unhealthy pleasures should be decided by individuals
Jul 2, 1996	More penalties & drug testing, more education & treatment

Bob Smith on Education
Aug 30, 1999	Special Ed: Feds should pay for mandates; FY99 is close
Aug 30, 1999	Amend Constitution for school prayer
Jul 2, 1999	Federal rules cause educational problems
Jun 12, 1998	GOAL 2000: Shut down Department of Education

Bob Smith on Environment
Aug 30, 1999	ESA: more recovery & delisting; more State & private role
Aug 30, 1999	Global climate treaty stifles US economy
Aug 30, 1999	Protect environment andprotect property rights
Aug 30, 1999	Clarify jurisdiction to allow property-taking disputes
Aug 30, 1999	Superfund: involve communities in brownfield cleanup
Jul 2, 1999	Pro-community & pro-schools trumps pro-environment
Jul 2, 1996	Raise grazing & mining fees; more cost-benefit analysis
Jul 2, 1996	Supports CWA, alternative fuels, & pollution credits

Bob Smith on Families & Children
Jul 2, 1999	Welfare reform promotes families
Jul 2, 1996	Against Ameri-Corps National Service Program
Jul 2, 1996	Moral rebirth begins with tax policies that help families

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy
May 19, 1999	Against UN control of US troops and sovereignty
May 2, 1999	Get US out of UN
Apr 2, 1999	Against NATO expansion; if it continues, US should exit
Jul 2, 1996	No relations with Cuba & Vietnam; keep Radio Marti & others
Jul 2, 1996	Russia: link aid to reform
Jul 2, 1996	Foreign aid: only for disasters or US security interests
Jul 2, 1996	Retaliatory tariffs OK against Cuba, China

Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration
May 19, 1999	Tighten immigration laws; enhance border patrol
Mar 29, 1999	No trade rewards to oppressive regimes like China
Jul 2, 1996	Fewer immigrants; less aid; Offical English
Jul 2, 1996	Against NAFTA, GATT, & WTO
Jul 2, 1996	Retaliatory tariffs OK against Cuba, China

Bob Smith on Government Reform
Aug 30, 1999	Corporate Welfare: Against subsidies for private companies
Jul 2, 1999	Campaign Finance: Full disclosure replace PACs & franking
Jul 2, 1999	Campaign Finance: indepedent commission to reform rules
Jul 2, 1999	Unfunded mandates hurt local services
May 19, 1999	For term limits for judges; against activist Judiciary
May 19, 1999	Strong voice in exposing fundraising & sex scandals
May 2, 1999	Abolish unconstitutional federal agencies
Jul 2, 1996	Supports Line Item Veto
Jul 2, 1996	Term limits of 12 years for Senate & Congress

Bob Smith on Gun Control
Aug 30, 1999	No Brady Bill; problem is moral decay, not personal freedom
May 19, 1999	Supports rights of law-abiding gun owners
Mar 29, 1999	Repeal infringements of 2nd Amendment rights
Jul 2, 1996	Ease ownership, registration, & concealed-carry laws

Bob Smith on Health Care
Aug 30, 1999	Medicare: Revise reimbursement rules for Home Health Care
Aug 30, 1999	Tobacco bill was a $500B tax bill in disguise
Aug 30, 1999	Supports public health measures, but supports right to smoke
Aug 30, 1999	Unhealthy pleasures should be decided by individuals
Aug 30, 1999	New non-VA programs for military retirees’ health care
Jul 2, 1999	HMO cost control shouldn’t hurt patients
Jul 2, 1999	HMOs: more info; prudent emergency care; external appeal
Jul 2, 1996	Health-care vouchers; tax incentives; limit med.mal.

Bob Smith on Juvenile Crime
Jul 2, 1996	Prosecute juvenile murderers as adults

Bob Smith on Kosovo
Apr 2, 1999	Mistake to intervene in Yugoslavian Civil War
Mar 29, 1999	Breaching sovereignty requires Congressional authorization
Mar 23, 1999	Supports US intervention if war spreads across borders

Bob Smith on Principles & Values
Oct 28, 1999	Exiting race, returning to GOP
Jul 18, 1999	Most reliable Republican in Senate, despite resigning GOP
Jul 18, 1999	Smith quit because GOP was hostile to his activist causes
Mar 29, 1999	Grass-roots campaign on Main Street, not Wall Street
Jul 2, 1996	Moral rebirth begins with tax policies that help families
Jul 2, 1996	Priorities: pay down debt; keep criminals in jail

Bob Smith on School Choice
Jul 2, 1999	Replace federal control with local accountability
Jul 2, 1999	A+ accounts: $2000/yr to private or parochial schools
Jul 2, 1999	Consumer choice in education will improve failing schools
May 19, 1999	Supports school choice; abolish Dept. of Education
Jul 2, 1996	Public, private & parochial vouchers; plus charters

Bob Smith on Social Security
Jul 2, 1999	No taxes on retirement benefits; no earnings test.
Jul 2, 1999	Keep Trust Fund off-budget; adminster it independently
Jul 2, 1999	Must act now to avoid insolvency in 2030
Jul 2, 1999	Long-term changes needed, via bipartisan approach

Bob Smith on Tax Reform
Aug 30, 1999	Reduce taxes to promote small business
Aug 30, 1999	Tobacco bill was a $500B tax bill in disguise
Jul 2, 1999	Throw out tax code & fire IRS agents who harass citizens
May 19, 1999	Lower taxes for individuals and businesses
Mar 29, 1999	Overhaul the entire tax system
Jul 2, 1996	Flat tax ok, consumption tax not.

Bob Smith on Technology
Feb 11, 1999	Ban local and state taxes on Internet commerce

Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor
Jul 2, 1999	Preserve welfare as temporary safety net
Jul 2, 1999	Welfare reform promotes families
May 19, 1999	Against compulsory unionism; for Right-to-Work
Jul 2, 1996	Apartment vouchers for homeless; more charity deductions
Jul 2, 1996	Funds for hiring homeless; more enterprise zones
Jul 2, 1996	Fund public works & job training for unemployed

Most recent quote by Bob Smith

Background on Bob Smith Home

Quotations by Bob Smith
Bob Smith Pop-up grid

Headlines by Bob Smith

Please check out our advertiser:

Bob Smith on Abortion

Bob Smith on Abortion: May 19, 1999

Against all aspects of abortion; for Human Life Amendment

A consistent pro-life leader with a perfect pro-life voting record for his entire 13 years in Congress, Smith introduced legislation in 1995 to ban the procedure of infanticide, better known as partial-birth abortion. He [worked to] stop federal funding of human embryo research and to eliminate federal funding of abortions. He is the prime sponsor of the Human Life Constitutional Amendment and a bill establishing the personhood of the unborn child from the moment of conception.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Abortion: May 2, 1999

Against taxpayer-funded abortions at military hospitals

Smith today led the fight against repealing current law and allowing abortions to be performed at military hospitals. “Millions of American taxpayers, myself included, believe that abortion is the taking of an innocent human life. We should not be forced to pay for a procedure with our tax money that violates our fundamental and deeply held belief in the sanctity of life. [Let’s] keep the military out of the business of abortion.”

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Block Abortions”

Bob Smith on Abortion: May 2, 1999

Pro-life litmus test for Supreme Court

As President, I would send Congress a bill protecting the unborn from the moment of fertilization. I introduced the Personhood bill this week in the Senate, and I would sign it as President. The right to life is the moral issue of OUR day, I WOULD have a litmus test for the Supreme Court. My nominees would be pro-life, pro-Constitution. I might even bring back Bork.

Source: NH Primary Kickoff Dinner Speech

Bob Smith on Abortion: Jul 2, 1996

Abortions limited to endangered mother

Sen. Smith agrees with the statement, “Abortions should be legal only when the life of the woman is endangered.”

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Aug 30, 1999

Supports numerous reforms to promote small business

oversight boards to monitor the enforcement practices of certain Federal agencies such as OSHA
requiring agencies to provide small businesses with simple explanations of complex regulations
the Family Friendly Workplace Act, which has comp time provisions for the private sector
Voted against a proposal that would have raised the mandatory minimum wage.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Aug 30, 1999

Supports Small Business Protection Act & S-Corp reform

[I support] the Small Business Protection Act, which would extend the research and experimentation tax credit, establish the work opportunity tax credit, and extend tax a credit for employer-provided educational assistance. The law also provides for “S-Corporation” reform, improving access to capital by preserving family-owned businesses and simplifying many of the outdated, unnecessary, and complex rules for S corporations.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Aug 30, 1999

Don’t balance budget on veterans’ shoulders

I have fought to preserve and protect the quality of benefits available to all veterans. While achieving real deficit reduction has, and will, require Congress to make difficult spending choices, I will vigorously oppose any effort to ask veterans to shoulder the burden of balancing the budget. The Senate, with my support, has recommended increasing the Veteran’s Administration’s total budget by more than $1.17 billion over last year’s appropriations level.

Source: (X-ref defense) senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Mar 29, 1999

Keep budget balanced; use surpluses to pay down debt

I will present no budget to the Congress that is not in balanced, and will use all budget surpluses to pay down the debt, strengthen our military, and to implement reforms in Social Security to begin the process of allowing individuals to set up their own personal savings accounts.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Jul 2, 1996

Supports Balanced Budget Amendment

Sen. Smith supports “amending the US Constitution to require an annual balanced federal budget.”

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Jul 2, 1996

Fund more education, enviro, Medicare, & student loans

Education (K-12)
Environmental programs
Law enforcement
Medicaid & Medicare
Student loan program.

Sen. Smith would “maintain status” of federal funding for:

AIDS Programs

Arts funding

Housing projects

Job training programs

NASA

Welfare (AFDC).

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Jul 2, 1996

Block grants to states for most federal programs

Agriculture
Education
Farm subsidies
Food stamps
Medicaid
School lunches
Welfare.

Law enforcement
Medicare.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on China

Bob Smith on China: Jul 2, 1999

Maintain military presence in Asia to confront China

I believe a more prudent and pragmatic policy should be taken toward China. We should maintain strong alliances and a vigorous presence in Asia and confront China directly on all aspects of weapons proliferation and military policy which might threaten our interests.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on China: Jun 14, 1999

No trade rewards to oppressive regimes like China

There will be no trade rewards to oppressive regimes like Communist China that continue to violate basic human rights and target US Cities with their missiles.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on China: May 26, 1999

Create Senate committee to investigate China spying

[Regarding the Cox Report,] Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire is urging creation of a Senate select committee to investigate Chinese espionage. “We will get to the bottom of this,” he said. “Nobody in this Senate worth his or her salt should have any objection to that.”

Source: Associated Press, “Republicans on China”, by K. Srinivasan

Bob Smith on Civil Rights

Bob Smith on Civil Rights: Aug 30, 1999

Amend Constitution for school prayer

Religious freedom is a bedrock constitutional right in this country. It is guaranteed by the Free Exercise of the First Amendment to the Constitution. I strongly support vigorous enforcement of every American’s right to the free exercise of religion. As an exercise of this right, I support prayer in the public schools. I am a co-sponsor of S. J. Res. 15, which is a constitutional amendment that would allow voluntary prayer in the public schools.

Source: (X-ref Education) senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Civil Rights: Jun 7, 1999

Against ambassadorship of gay activist James Hormel

“Sending Hormel to Luxembourg - a 97% Catholic country - is like sending Louis Farrakhan to Israel,” says Smith on Clinton’s recess appointment of James C. Hormel, heir to the Hormel Meatpacking fortune, Democratic party donor and gay activist, who said he supported transvestites at a San Francisco parade.

Source: Smith press release

Bob Smith on Civil Rights: May 19, 1999

For constitutional amendment against flag burning

As an ardent defender of the responsibilities and liberties symbolized by the American flag, Senator Smith is a cosponsor of a proposed constitutional amendment banning the desecration of the flag.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Civil Rights: May 19, 1999

Against homosexual advocacy in the classroom

Senator Smith opposed the creation of Goals 2000 and led the effort to prevent the use of taxpayer funds for homosexual advocacy in the classroom.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Civil Rights: Jul 2, 1996

Supports school prayer

Sen. Smith supports amending the United States Constitution to allow voluntary prayer and/or moment of silence in public schools.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Crime

Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1999

Punish swiftly & severely; including death penalty

America’s crime problem is one of my top concerns as a United States Senator. I believe that the best way to fight crime is with punishment that is swift, sure, and severe. I support the death penalty, and favor putting repeat violent offenders in jail and keeping them there - no parole, no early release - period.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1999

Include violent crime victims in sentence policy-making

I introduced legislation to give victims of crime a greater voice in the sentencing of criminals. My bill requires that two of the seven seats on the United States Sentencing Commission, an independent entity within the judicial branch that establishes sentencing policies and practices for the Federal courts, be reserved for victims of violent crime.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1999

Victim’s Bill of Rights: notification & restitution

In order to protect the rights of victims of violent crime, I have also cosponsored an amendment to the United States Constitution called the “Victim’s Bill of Rights,” which would grant victims of violent crimes the right to be notified of any public proceedings relating to the crime and to be notified of a criminal’s release or escape from custody and guarantee victims the right to seek restitution from the convicted offender.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1996

Broaden use of death penalty; limit death row appeals

Sen. Smith supports broadening the use of the death penalty for federal crimes, and limiting the number of appeals allowed to inmates on death row.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1996

More prisons; more full sentences; more boot camps

Build more federal prisons
Impose “truth in sentencing” for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole
“Boot camps” as alternative sentencing for adult first-time felons
Provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released
Deport all permanent resident aliens convicted of a felony

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1996

Stricter visas & chemical tracing to fight terrorism

Require that chemical tracing agents be added to commercially-sold products that can be used to produce explosives.
Grant broader authority to the US Immigration and Naturalization Service to deny entrance visas to terrorist suspects.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Defense

Bob Smith on Defense: Aug 30, 1999

Don’t balance budget on veterans’ shoulders

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Defense: Aug 30, 1999

New non-VA programs for military retirees’ health care

I am deeply concerned about the ability of our military retirees over the age of 65 to get access to quality health care. We have a moral obligation to assist those in need who have honorably served our country. I [support a] test program to ensure the availability of adequate health care for Medicare-eligible military retirees. The program ensures [against the VA’s problems with] geographic constraints resulting from the diminishing number of military treatment facilities.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Defense: Jul 2, 1999

President needs knowledge & passion to inspire troops

“We need a strong, forceful commander in chief with the background, the credibility, and the knowledge and the passion to lead and inspire our troops and someone who cares about them and appreciates their sacrifices. And I’m prepared to meet that challenge if I’m president of the United States.” Smith promised to never send troops into military action under a leader from another country.

Source: CNN.com Campaign 2000

Bob Smith on Defense: May 19, 1999

Cuts have been too deep; need SDI defense

Senator Smith, as chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, has made the protection of America’s national security a top priority and believes cuts to our nation’s military have been too deep and have cut too far in manpower, weapons and readiness. He is currently working to ensure that America is protected from the real and growing threat of ballistic missile attack.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Defense: May 19, 1999

Has worked to account for all POWs and MIAs

Senator Smith, as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has worked tirelessly for 15 years to gain an accounting for America’s POWs and MIAs by travelling to Communist nations and declassifying Government records.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Defense: Mar 29, 1999

Correct shortages in military equipment & personnel

The President has asked the military to do more with less, and the foundation of our military readiness is crumbling. Throughout the armed forces, there is a shortage of spare parts for our military equipment. As President, I will ask the Joint Chiefs for an immediate assessment of the operational needs of each of the services, and send a bill to Congress with the funding necessary to correct those shortages.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on Defense: Mar 29, 1999

Raise military pay & benefits

I will immediately raise military pay, and restore military retirement and health care benefits which have been cut so drastically over the years. Commitments to our veterans will be honored and there will be no military personnel on food stamps.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on Defense: Mar 29, 1999

Get answers on POWs and MIAs

Our nation’s POWs and MIAs sacrificed their own freedom to protect our freedom and were never heard from again. Their ultimate fate is still unknown. I have traveled to every corner of the world on behalf of the POW/MIA families searching for answers -- trying to end their uncertainty. I have had to bang on the doors of our own Government to open up intelligence files. Never again will these families have to beg our government and foreign governments for answers about their loved ones.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on Drugs

Bob Smith on Drugs: Aug 30, 1999

Unhealthy pleasures should be decided by individuals

I believe that the decision whether or not to trade one’s own long-term health for whatever short-term pleasures smoking may provide -- like the decisions to drink alcoholic beverages, eat fatty foods, or drink caffeinated products -- is one that should be left to the individual, not the Federal government.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Drugs: Jul 2, 1996

More penalties & drug testing, more education & treatment

Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs, including mandatory jail sentences
Capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers
Drug testing for federal employees in sensitive positions
Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances, including inhalants and commercially available pills
Increase federally-sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Education

Bob Smith on Education: Aug 30, 1999

Special Ed: Feds should pay for mandates; FY99 is close

When I was a school board chairman, I saw first hand how important special education funds are in helping states and localities to comply with Federal special education regulations and mandates. The Federal Government must make good on its commitment to fund special education mandates. The final Education budget provides $5.1 billion for IDEA programs. While falling short of completely meeting the Government’s statutory obligation, this represents a significant effort in the context of a limited budget.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Education: Aug 30, 1999

Amend Constitution for school prayer

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Education: Jul 2, 1999

Federal rules cause educational problems

As the Federal role in education has grown in the last couple of decades, the state of our schools has deteriorated. The Federal Government provides seven cents out of every dollar spent on education in America, but it imposes most of the mandates and rules that hamper communities in their effort to provide the best possible education. I believe that doing that would constitute the greatest contribution to the goal of addressing problems in our schools.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on Education: Jun 12, 1998

GOAL 2000: Shut down Department of Education

No to home schooling, yes to national standards;
Values out, condoms in;
Teaching basics out, outcome bases education in;
Prayer out, drugs and gangs in.
I say the Department of Education out, parents in!

I call my plan “GOAL 2000”. That’s one goal: shut down the Department of Education by the year 2000. Fire the bureaucrats, auction off the building and close the doors. Give the money back to the tax payers.

Source: Speech to Iowa GOP Convention

Bob Smith on Environment

Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

ESA: more recovery & delisting; more State & private role

The Endangered Species Act has not been as effective as it could be. Nearly a thousand species have been listed as endangered, however only a few have been recovered to sustainable populations.

require use of the best scientific data available for listing and delisting of a species
require more effective recovery plans
provide a greater State role
and provide incentives to landowners who seek to preserve endangered species on their land.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

Global climate treaty stifles US economy

I am concerned about commiting to a legally binding pact which would force the US to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010, while exempting “developing nations,” such as China, India, Korea, and Mexico. I do not believe this agreement addresses American interests equitably and would force the US to “go it alone” in emissions reductions, thereby stifling our economy and relinquishing our competitive edge in the global market.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

Protect environment andprotect property rights

I have worked to ensure that the rights of property owners are not infringed upon by Federal mandates and regulation. I take seriously my oath to uphold the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. I also believe it is important to protect the environment for future generations and be good stewards of the land. It is not a matter of upholding one principle over the other. We should do both. We should ensure protection of the environment as well as private property rights.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

Clarify jurisdiction to allow property-taking disputes

Under current law, land owners who dispute the government taking of their property might be transferred repeatedly between US District Court and the US Court of Federal Claims before proper jurisdiction is determined. This back and forth process has become known as the “Tucker Act Shuffle.” I believe that the existing “shuffle” process puts the property owner through a burdensome and unfair judicial maze, and I support legislation to rectify it.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

Superfund: involve communities in brownfield cleanup

cleanup thousands of brownfields sites nationwide which would bring economic revitalization to our nation’s inner cities
protect innocent landowners whose property has been contaminated by an adjacent site
protect land purchasers who exercised due diligence in acquiring property later found to be contaminated
provide States and communities a greater role in deciding how sites should be cleaned

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Environment: Jul 2, 1999

Pro-community & pro-schools trumps pro-environment

Today, Americans spend $200 billion dollars a year complying with environmental regulations. While I consider myself to be pro-environment, I am also pro-community, pro-schools, and pro-local government. I have had the opportunity to review many pieces of environmental legislation. I believe that the Federal Government must reassess how environmental laws are regulated to ensure that we only use the best, peer-reviewed science and the most cost-effective methods to meet our shared environmental goals.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on Environment: Jul 2, 1996

Raise grazing & mining fees; more cost-benefit analysis

Utilize cost-benefit analysis to determine economic impacts of proposed environmental protection and cleanup legislation
Increase fees charged to ranchers who graze cattle on federal lands
Revise the 1872 mining law to increase the amounts charged to mining companies using federal lands

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Environment: Jul 2, 1996

Supports CWA, alternative fuels, & pollution credits

Strengthen the Clean Water Act.
Encourage development of alternative fuels and electric cars to reduce pollution.
Promote the selling of pollution credits to encourage industries to decrease amount of pollution.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Families & Children

Bob Smith on Families & Children: Jul 2, 1999

Welfare reform promotes families

The old welfare system failed welfare recipients and taxpayers alike by contributing to social problems such as family break-up and illegitimacy. The new welfare reform law promotes families by requiring deadbeat parents to pay support, teenage mothers to stay in school and live at home, and welfare recipients to help establish the paternity of their children in order to receive full benefits.

Source: (Cross-ref to Welfare Reform) Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Families & Children: Jul 2, 1996

Against Ameri-Corps National Service Program

Sen. Smith does not support funding the National Service Program (Ameri-Corps) in which young people receive money from the federal government for college in return for performing community service.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Families & Children: Jul 2, 1996

Moral rebirth begins with tax policies that help families

America continues to suffer from moral and ethical decline. Our moral and ethical rebirth must begin in the most basic organizing unit of society -- the family. Government ought to promote tax policies that help families, such as ending the marriage penalty and providing tax credits for families with children.

Source: (X-ref Principles) Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: May 19, 1999

Against UN control of US troops and sovereignty

Senator Smith opposes international agreements that threaten the sovereignty of the United States. He strongly opposed Chemical Weapons Convention, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. He opposes placing U.S. Troops under U.N. command.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: May 2, 1999

Get US out of UN

I will sign no global agreement that sacrifices United States Sovereignty. I will conduct no military action unless it is in the national security interests of the United States. No troops will serve under UN command. And speaking of the UN, let’s face it, it is time, on January 21, 2001, I will get us out of the United Nations.

Source: NH Primary Kickoff Dinner Speech

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Apr 2, 1999

Against NATO expansion; if it continues, US should exit

Aiming directly at post-Cold War thinking about NATO as a force against violent instability in Europe, Smith notes that he strongly opposed the alliance’s recent expansion to include Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic. NATO’s mission, he says, should be the defense of its members, period. ‘’if this is what NATO has become - a means of dragging the US into every minor conflict around Europe’s edges - then maybe we should get out of NATO.’’

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Kosovo”

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Jul 2, 1996

No relations with Cuba & Vietnam; keep Radio Marti & others

Sen. Smith thinks the US should not have diplomatic relations with the government of Cuba nor the government of Vietnam. Sen. Smith concurs with continuing funding for Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, Radio Marti, TV Marti, and Radio Free Asia.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Jul 2, 1996

Russia: link aid to reform

Sen. Smith agrees that economic aid to Russia and the former republics should be decreased and/or eliminated. Smith says, “Aid should be specifically linked to military, economic, and political reform.”

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Jul 2, 1996

Foreign aid: only for disasters or US security interests

Sen. Smith concurs that foreign aid should only be given when extraordinary circumstances and disaster threaten the lives of civilian populations. Sen. Smith furhter concurs that foreign aid should be given to countries only when it is in the security interests of the United States.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Jul 2, 1996

Retaliatory tariffs OK against Cuba, China

Smith does not support lifting the trade embargo imposed against Cuba.
Smith does support imposing tariffs on products imported from nations that maintain restrictive trade barriers on American products.
Smith does support considering a nation’s human rights record affect its MFN trading status with the United States.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration

Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: May 19, 1999

Tighten immigration laws; enhance border patrol

Senator Smith is concerned that illegal immigration is costing taxpayers millions of dollars while closing the door to legal immigrants. He is doing his part to tighten up immigration laws through his leadership on legislation such as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1995, which would deport terrorist aliens, and the Immigration Control Act, which enhances border patrol and fights smuggling.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: Mar 29, 1999

No trade rewards to oppressive regimes like China

There will be no trade rewards to oppressive regimes like Communist China that continue to violate basic human rights and target US Cities with their missiles.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: Jul 2, 1996

Fewer immigrants; less aid; Offical English

Further limit the number of immigrants allowed into the country
Establish English as the official and recognized language of the US
Provide extra federal aid to states with higher numbers of immigrants for necessary medical and social services
Restrict the eligibility of legal immigrants for certain social programs (i.e. AFDC, HUD housing, food stamps, etc.).

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: Jul 2, 1996

Against NAFTA, GATT, & WTO

Smith does not support NAFTA.
Smith does not support broadening NAFTA to include other countries.
Smith does not support GATT.
Smith does not support the WTO.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: Jul 2, 1996

Retaliatory tariffs OK against Cuba, China

Smith does not support lifting the trade embargo imposed against Cuba.
Smith does support imposing tariffs on products imported from nations that maintain restrictive trade barriers on American products.
Smith does support considering a nation’s human rights record affect its MFN trading status with the United States.

Source: (X-ref Foreign policy) Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Government Reform

Bob Smith on Government Reform: Aug 30, 1999

Corporate Welfare: Against subsidies for private companies

Throughout my years in Congress, I frequently have voted against subsidies for select private companies. I have opposed corporate welfare programs such as: The Market Promotion Program, which provides Federally-funded overseas advertising for private companies’ products; programs within the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce that aid the overseas expansion of select private American companies; and the peanut and sugar subsidy programs.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Government Reform: Jul 2, 1999

Campaign Finance: Full disclosure replace PACs & franking

Throughout my years in Congress I have supported efforts to reform campaign finance laws. I have voted to eliminate political action committees and to prohibit the use of the Congressional franking privilege for mass mailings. Full disclosure, not limitations on free speech, is the right kind of campaign finance reform.

Source: Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Government Reform: Jul 2, 1999

Campaign Finance: indepedent commission to reform rules

I have co-sponsored legislation to establish a bipartisan commission that would recommend campaign finance reforms, [known as ] the Claremont Commission Act. The Commission would establish a nine-member commission to examine campaign finance rules and propose comprehensive legislation for reform. The Commission would make recommendations based on good policy, not politics.

Source: Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Government Reform: Jul 2, 1999

Unfunded mandates hurt local services

It is my strong conviction that I was not elected to Congress to pass more regulatory legislation that will ultimately strip communities of their autonomy. As Congress continues to impose unfunded Federal mandates, I fear that towns & cities will increasingly have to cut back on other important services such as road repair, police department expenditures and the education of local children just to pay for [environmental and other] precautions that are not always appropriate or necessary.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on Government Reform: May 19, 1999

For term limits for judges; against activist Judiciary

To combat the current activist Judiciary, Senator Smith has introduced a Term Limits for Judges constitutional amendment. This bill would limit the terms of federal judges to 10 years, allowing them to be reappointed subject to confirmation by the Senate. He was one of three Senators to vote against Ruth Bader Ginsburg nomination.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Government Reform: May 19, 1999

Strong voice in exposing fundraising & sex scandals

As chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, Senator Smith has a proud record of opposition to corrupt and unaccountable government. He has been a strong voice in exposing scandals in the Clinton White House while participating in the Special Investigation of 1996 campaign fundraising scandals as a member of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Government Reform: May 2, 1999

Abolish unconstitutional federal agencies

I will abolish the Department of Education. I will rid our government of unconstitutional programs, like the National Endowment for the Arts.

Source: NH Primary Kickoff Dinner Speech

Bob Smith on Government Reform: Jul 2, 1996

Supports Line Item Veto

Sen. Smith concurs that the President should be allowed to veto certain items of legislation while signing spending or tax bills into law.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Government Reform: Jul 2, 1996

Term limits of 12 years for Senate & Congress

Sen. Smith supports amending the Constitution to limit the number of terms which members of Congress can serve. Sen. Smith says that Senators should be limite to serving 12 years and Representatives should also be limited to 12 years.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Gun Control

Bob Smith on Gun Control: Aug 30, 1999

No Brady Bill; problem is moral decay, not personal freedom

I have consistently opposed measures that infringe on our Second Amendment rights, like the Brady Bill and the semiautomatic weapons ban. Some argue that the crime problem is the result of too much personal freedom. I believe that it is the result of moral decay, the breakdown of the family, and a revolving-door criminal justice system. The solution is to punish the guilty, not the peaceful citizen who owns a gun for defensive or sporting purposes.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Gun Control: May 19, 1999

Supports rights of law-abiding gun owners

Senator Smith [supports] Second Amendment Rights. Smith continues to support the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners in America.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Gun Control: Mar 29, 1999

Repeal infringements of 2nd Amendment rights

In Washington DC, the City of Takers, they are obsessed with taking away the right to keep and bear arms from innocent gun owners. We must stop them. The Founding Fathers were certainly right when they wrote the Second Amendment, which guarantees us the right to bear arms. I have been proud for the past fifteen years to lead in battle after battle on behalf of the rights of the gun owners of America. As President, I will repeal these infringments on our Second Amendment liberties.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on Gun Control: Jul 2, 1996

Ease ownership, registration, & concealed-carry laws

Sen. Smith agrees with the following principles concerning gun issues:

Ease procedures on the purchase and registration of firearms.

Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms.

Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Health Care

Bob Smith on Health Care: Aug 30, 1999

Medicare: Revise reimbursement rules for Home Health Care

[I propose] a common sense revision of the medicare home health reimbursement formulas. The mandated formulas penalized efficient care providers and rewarded the inefficient. [My proposal] establishes a fiscally responsible framework that rewards efficiency and ensures the continuity of quality home health services for seniors. This year, I call on Medicare officials to include representatives from the home health industry in the process of formulating new rules for reimbursing providers.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Health Care: Aug 30, 1999

Tobacco bill was a $500B tax bill in disguise

The tobacco bill that failed in the Senate last year would have imposed a tax increase of at least half a trillion dollars that would have fallen disproportionately on the poorest American families. Many politicians and interest groups were relying on the revenue raised by those tax hikes to fund spending on a wide range of programs many of which have nothing at all to do with smoking; and would have lavishly enriched a small number of trial lawyers involved in state lawsuits.

Source: (X-ref Tax reform)senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Health Care: Aug 30, 1999

Supports public health measures, but supports right to smoke

Smoking is a health hazard and a bad habit. I have voted consistently to abolish taxpayer-funded subsidies for tobacco growers, to restrict smoking in public places and to strengthen existing curbs on smoking by minors. I will continue to support such common sense public health measures. And if tobacco manufacturers have engaged in corporate misconduct, they ought to be held accountable in a court of law. At the same time, I believe that adults have the right to decide whether or not to smoke.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Health Care: Aug 30, 1999

Unhealthy pleasures should be decided by individuals

Source: (X-ref Drugs) senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Health Care: Aug 30, 1999

New non-VA programs for military retirees’ health care

Source: (X-ref defense) senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Health Care: Jul 2, 1999

HMO cost control shouldn’t hurt patients

While HMOs have had a great deal of success in containing health care costs in our nation, I believe that cost control must not be achieved at the expense of the patient. I supported legislation aimed at providing basic consumer protections, expanding access to coverage, improving health care quality, and providing consumers with more coverage options.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on Health Care: Jul 2, 1999

HMOs: more info; prudent emergency care; external appeal

mandated that HMO plan enrollees be provided with detailed information about their plan’s policies & parameters;
mandated coverage of emergency care consistent with the standards of the “prudent layperson”;
required the establishment of an internal and an external appeals process;
lay down guidelines for ensuring that reviews are timely and that reviewers are independent and qualified to make determinations in the relevant area of practice.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on Health Care: Jul 2, 1996

Health-care vouchers; tax incentives; limit med.mal.

Vouchers to the working poor so they can buy into a private health care plan
Tax incentives for small businesses to help provide health care to their employees
Deducting yearly health care costs from taxable income
Limits on the amount of damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits
Tax-free medical savings accounts, which would be taxed if used for any purpose other than medical costs.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Juvenile Crime

Bob Smith on Juvenile Crime: Jul 2, 1996

Prosecute juvenile murderers as adults

Sen. Smith supports prosecuting youths accused of murder as adults.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Kosovo

Bob Smith on Kosovo: Apr 2, 1999

Mistake to intervene in Yugoslavian Civil War

The President made a grave mistake by having the US military intervene in the civil war of a sovereign nation. I support our troops, and know that they are the best in the world. However, I strongly believe the lives of these American soldiers are worth more than this risky endeavor - one which has no exit strategy and no end game.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Kosovo”

Bob Smith on Kosovo: Mar 29, 1999

Breaching sovereignty requires Congressional authorization

Another core component of Smith’s thinking involves almost a reverence for sovereignty. ‘’Kosovo is as much a part of Yugoslavia as New Hampshire is of the United States,’’ he says. He warns of dire consequences if we start using military might inside the borders of sovereign nations without some legal authorization from Congress. He also is consistent, applying his thoughts back in time to Vietnam and forward through Ronald Reagan’s disastrous blunder into the Lebanese civil war in 1983.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Kosovo”

Bob Smith on Kosovo: Mar 23, 1999

Supports US intervention if war spreads across borders

The US has no clear interests in the Balkans, Sen. Bob Smith said on the eve of today’s scheduled vote on the issue. Smith said the administration has not looked beyond air strikes. “What if it doesn’t work?” Smith said. “If we do lose pilots, are we prepared to put an armed force in there to get those people out?” Smith said he would support US intervention if the violence escalated from a civil war to one that involved surrounding countries such as Albania and Montenegro.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Kosovo”

Bob Smith on Principles & Values

Bob Smith on Principles & Values: Oct 28, 1999

Exiting race, returning to GOP

Smith said he was folding his presidential campaign, citing the prohibitive cost of running as an independent. Smith said he still believes what he said on leaving the GOP in July. “We won the revolution on issues. We won the revolution on principle,” he told his colleagues then. “But the desire to stay in power caused us to start listening to the pollsters again. I want my party to stand for something,” he said.

Source: David Espo, Associated Press

Bob Smith on Principles & Values: Jul 18, 1999

Most reliable Republican in Senate, despite resigning GOP

Smith likes to say, “I’m the most reliable Republican vote in the Senate.” You could look it up. In a compilation done annually by Congressional Quarterly, Smith [is listed as] the Republican most likely to do what most Republicans do on any given vote. Smith brought this up in the context of his decision to resign from the GOP. To borrow former Democrat Ronald Reagan’s old line, his party had left him, not the other way around.

Source: Thomas Oliphant, Boston Globe editorial, p. C7

Bob Smith on Principles & Values: Jul 18, 1999

Smith quit because GOP was hostile to his activist causes

Smith comes from the grass roots, where people with strong beliefs are most likely to be found in politics today. [When Smith ran for Congress in 1980, a member of] the Republican establishment tried to persuade him to quit the race and clear the field for a more moderate candidate. He refused, lost the primary, and won two years later. Smith is an activist who has decided that his party no longer means much of what it says, that its establishment has become downright hostile to people like him.

Source: Thomas Oliphant, Boston Globe editorial, p. C7

Bob Smith on Principles & Values: Mar 29, 1999

Grass-roots campaign on Main Street, not Wall Street

It will take a passionate, principled, grass roots crusade to restore American values and freedoms. This campaign will be conducted on Main Street, not Wall Street. I am going to fund this campaign with small contributions, and lots of them. So right now I am asking every American who is watching today who cares about the future of this country to join my campaign. Let’s take stock in America. It’s not going to be a campaign for the faint of heart.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on Principles & Values: Jul 2, 1996

Moral rebirth begins with tax policies that help families

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Principles & Values: Jul 2, 1996

Priorities: pay down debt; keep criminals in jail

My first priority is to put the Nation’s fiscal house in order by balancing the budget and paying down our national debt. Bringing down our huge annual interest payments on the debt will make more money available for fighting crime, funding education, protecting the environment, and keeping Medicare solvent. My second priority is to stop violent crime by putting repeat violent criminals in jail an keeping them there. These would be funded by balancing the budget and paying down the national debt.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on School Choice

Bob Smith on School Choice: Jul 2, 1999

Replace federal control with local accountability

Before I was elected to Congress, I was a teacher and school board chairman. Those experiences convinced me that the responsibility for education should reside not with the Federal Government in Washington, DC but with the state and local governments are better positioned to address parent and student concerns in an accountable way. I would rather see the Federal Government reduce its role and allow more local control.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on School Choice: Jul 2, 1999

A+ accounts: $2000/yr to private or parochial schools

I supported legislation to expand an existing law that allows families to set aside $500 yearly in tax-advantaged savings for each child’s college education. The bill would permit families to contribute up to $2000 yearly to an A+ savings account to be used for a child’s education at any school - private, public, sectarian or home school - from kindergarten through college.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on School Choice: Jul 2, 1999

Consumer choice in education will improve failing schools

During my tenure in Congress, I have supported legislation to provide families with expanded opportunities to select the best school for their children. I believe that providing families with real consumer choice in education will spur the competition that will force failing schools to improve.

Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

Bob Smith on School Choice: May 19, 1999

Supports school choice; abolish Dept. of Education

As a cosponsor of A+ Accounts to allow parents and guardians to contribute money to education savings accounts with tax-free interest and as a former teacher and school board chairman, Senator Smith has been a consistent supporter of local control and choice in education. He believes that the U.S. Department of Education is unconstitutional and should be completely abolished.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on School Choice: Jul 2, 1996

Public, private & parochial vouchers; plus charters

Provide parents with vouchers to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious
Implement charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools
Eliminate the Department of Education, thereby giving state and local government greater control over educational issues.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Social Security

Bob Smith on Social Security: Jul 2, 1999

No taxes on retirement benefits; no earnings test.

I voted against a budget bill proposed by President Clinton in 1993 that increased the tax on Social Security benefits for many seniors.
I have consistently voted to eliminate the Social Security earnings test, which penalizes those seniors who choose not to retire.

Source: Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Social Security: Jul 2, 1999

Keep Trust Fund off-budget; adminster it independently

In the past, I have cosponsored legislation to remove the Social Security Trust Fund from budget calculations, and I continue to support that goal.

In 1994, I supported establishing the Social Security Administration as an independent agency. Independent status has made the agency more accountable and has insulated the program from politics.

I have called for the Congress to “wall off” the Social Security surplus so that it cannot be used for any other purpose.

Source: Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Social Security: Jul 2, 1999

Must act now to avoid insolvency in 2030

When Social Security was created, 16 workers paid into the program for every retiree receiving benefits. By the year 2030, there will be just 2 workers paying taxes to support each beneficiary. The Social Security program will be bankrupt and unable to pay benefits by the year 2032 if Congress does not take action. I will not allow that to happen. I believe that it is irresponsible to “leave Social Security alone” when such a course of action would lead to the demise of the system.

Source: Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Social Security: Jul 2, 1999

Long-term changes needed, via bipartisan approach

Long-term changes are needed to secure the benefits of those in need. The Social Security program is safe for the immediate future. I am committed to ensuring that only responsible changes are made to the Social Security program so those in need may continue to rely on their benefits. Recognizing that a bipartisan approach is the best way to resolve the challenges facing Social Security, I will continue to work with my colleagues to evaluate and discuss the various options for Social Security reform

Source: Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Tax Reform

Bob Smith on Tax Reform: Aug 30, 1999

Reduce taxes to promote small business

reducing the capital gains tax
repealing the Federal estate tax, gift tax, and tax on generation-skipping transfers
extending the health benefit tax deduction to self-employed small business owners
restoring 80% deductibility for business meals.

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Tax Reform: Aug 30, 1999

Tobacco bill was a $500B tax bill in disguise

Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

Bob Smith on Tax Reform: Jul 2, 1999

Throw out tax code & fire IRS agents who harass citizens

I’d throw out the existing tax code and I’d start over. I would offer an across-the-board 10-percent tax cut for Americans, cut the capital gains tax, double the personal exemption and fire any IRS agent in America who harasses an American citizen.

Source: CNN.com Campaign 2000

Bob Smith on Tax Reform: May 19, 1999

Lower taxes for individuals and businesses

Smith has consistently been an advocate of lower taxes for individuals, families and businesses. He was a vocal supporter of the $500 per child tax credit, the reduction in the capital gains tax and the increase of the threshold of the inheritance tax, all of which allow families to keep more of what they earn to raise their own children and save for the future. Senator Smith also cosponsored the Tax Code Termination Act to eliminate the current tax code by the year 2002.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Tax Reform: Mar 29, 1999

Overhaul the entire tax system

Americans pay too much in taxes. They spend countless hours every year agonizing over complicated tax forms. I would throw out the exisiting tax code and start over. I would eliminate the marriage penalty and the inheritance tax. I would offer an across the board 10% tax cut for every American, cut the capital gains tax, and double the personal exemption, and I would fire any IRS agent that harasses an American taxpayer.

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

Bob Smith on Tax Reform: Jul 2, 1996

Flat tax ok, consumption tax not.

When asked, “Do you support replacing the US income tax structure with a flat income tax?,” Sen. Smith responded, “Yes.” When asked, “Do you support replacing the US income tax structure with a broad-based consumption tax?,” Sen. Smith responded, “No.”

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Technology

Bob Smith on Technology: Feb 11, 1999

Ban local and state taxes on Internet commerce

Smith introduced legislation that would permanently ban state and local governments from levying new taxes on Internet commerce. Currently, no new Internet taxes are allowed for the next 3 years, after which a commission would develop recommendations on how electronic catalogue business should be taxed. Smith maintained that local governments are thriving, and do not need tax revenue from the Internet. Smith also argued that taxes would “stifle the development of Internet commerce in the US”

Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/internet.htm “Campaign News”

Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor

Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor: Jul 2, 1999

Preserve welfare as temporary safety net

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, the new welfare reform law, preserves a “safety net” for those individuals who have temporarily fallen on tough times while requiring all other welfare recipients to move from welfare to work. Under the new law Congress demands personal responsibility, requiring welfare recipients to work within two years of receiving benefits and imposing a five-year lifetime limit on welfare benefits, with an exemption for hardship cases.

Source: Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor: Jul 2, 1999

Welfare reform promotes families

Source: Smith for president homepage

Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor: May 19, 1999

Against compulsory unionism; for Right-to-Work

Senator Smith [supports the] Right-to-Work. He is an ardent foe of compulsory unionism and is a cosponsor of the 1997 Paycheck Protection Act, which makes it illegal for unions to take dues from their members for political purposes without the written consent of the member.

Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor: Jul 2, 1996

Apartment vouchers for homeless; more charity deductions

Increase funding of homeless shelters and low income housing projects.
Provide homeless families with apartment vouchers they can use to supplement the cost of an apartment.
Increase the income tax deduction on individual contributions made to charities that help the poor and homeless

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor: Jul 2, 1996

Funds for hiring homeless; more enterprise zones

Provide tax incentives for hiring and training homeless people.
Increase funding of programs that help alcoholics and drug addicts recover and find steady work.
Implement enterprise zones in communities with high unemployment.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor: Jul 2, 1996

Fund public works & job training for unemployed

Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment.
Increase funding for public works projects such as the repair of roads and bridges.
Establish enterprise zones in areas with large numbers of unemployed people.
Overhaul the current unemployment system by focusing on training and education in skills needed in certain industries.

Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

Issues2000.org

Help out

Viewers of withdrawn candidates' pages since 9/29/99:

Please check out our advertiser:

All material copyright 1999 by Issues2000.org Reprinting by permission only.	E-mail: submit@issues2000.org Send donations or submit quotations to: Issues 2000 1770 Massachusetts Ave. #630 Cambridge, MA 02140	Issues 2000	Written by WebMerchants Powered by Instant Web Page
Most recent by Bob Smith	Bob Smith Pop-up Grid	Bob Smith Headlines by date	Help out