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Tom Cole
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AK: Sullivan(R,incumbent) vs.Gross(I) vs.Blatchford(D)
AL: Jones(D,incumbent) vs.Tuberville(R) vs.Sessions(R) vs.Moore(R) vs.Rogers(D) vs.Merrill(R)
AR: Cotton(R,incumbent) vs.Harrington(L) vs.Whitfield(I) vs.Mahony(D)
AZ: McSally(R,incumbent) vs.Kelly(D)
CO: Gardner(R,incumbent) vs.Hickenlooper(D) vs.Madden(D) vs.Baer(D) vs.Walsh(D) vs.Johnston(D) vs.Romanoff(D) vs.Burnes(D) vs.Williams(D)
DE: Coons(D,incumbent) vs.Scarane(D) vs.Witzke(R) vs.DeMartino(R)
GA-2: Isakson(R,resigned) Loeffler(R,appointed) vs.Collins(R) vs.Tarver(D) vs.Warnock(D) vs.Carter(D) vs.Lieberman(D) vs.Grayson(R) vs.Buckley(L) vs.Stovall(I)
GA-6: Perdue(R,incumbent) vs.Ossoff(D) vs.Tomlinson(D) vs.Terry(D)
IA: Ernst(R,incumbent) vs.Greenfield(D) vs.Graham(D) vs.Mauro(D) vs.Franken(D)
ID: Risch(R,incumbent) vs.Jordan(D) vs.Harris(D)
IL: Durbin(D,incumbent) vs.Curran(R) vs.Stava-Murray(D)
KS: Roberts(R,retiring) vs.Marshall(R) vs.Bollier(D) vs.LaTurner(R) vs.Wagle(R) vs.Kobach(R) vs.Lindstrom(R) vs.Grissom(D)
KY: McConnell(R,incumbent) vs.McGrath(D) vs.Morgan(R) vs.Cox(D) vs.Tobin(D) vs.Booker(D)
LA: Cassidy(R,incumbent) vs.Perkins(D) vs.Pierce(D)
MA: Markey(D,incumbent) vs.O`Connor(R) vs.Ayyadurai(R) vs.Kennedy(D) vs.Liss-Riordan(D)
ME: Collins(R,incumbent) vs.Gideon(D) vs.Sweet(D) vs.Rice(D)
MI: Peters(D,incumbent) vs.James(R) vs.Squier(G)
MN: Smith(D,incumbent) vs.Lewis(R) vs.Overby(G) vs.Carlson(D)
MS: Hyde-Smith(R,incumbent) vs.Espy(D) vs.Bohren(D)
MT: Daines(R,incumbent) vs.Bullock(D) vs.Collins(D) vs.Driscoll(R) vs.Mues(D) vs.Geise(L)
NC: Tillis(R,incumbent) vs.Cunningham(D) vs.E.Smith(D) vs.S.Smith(R) vs.Tucker(R) vs.Mansfield(D)
NE: Sasse(R,incumbent) vs.Janicek(R)
NH: Shaheen(D,incumbent) vs.Messner(R) vs.Martin(D) vs.Bolduc(R) vs.O'Brien(R)
NJ: Booker(D,incumbent) vs.Mehta(R) vs.Singh(R) vs.Meissner(R)
NM: Udall(D,retiring) vs.Lujan(D) vs.Ronchetti(R) vs.Walsh(L) vs.Clarkson(R) vs.Oliver(D) vs.Rich(R)
OK: Inhofe(R,incumbent) vs.Broyles(D) vs.Workman(D)
OR: Merkley(D,incumbent) vs.Perkins(R) vs.Romero(R)
RI: Reed(D,incumbent) vs.Waters(R)
SC: Graham(R,incumbent) vs.Harrison(D) vs.Tinubu(D)
SD: Rounds(R,incumbent) vs.Ahlers(D) vs.Borglum(R)
TN: Alexander(R,retiring) vs.Hagerty(R) vs.Bradshaw(D) vs.Sethi(R) vs.Mackler(D) vs.Crim(R)
TX: Cornyn(R,incumbent) vs.Hegar(D) vs.Hernandez(D) vs.Bell(D) vs.Ramirez(D) vs.West(D)
VA: Warner(D,incumbent) vs.Taylor(R) vs.Gade(R)
WV: Capito(R,incumbent) vs.Swearengin(D) vs.Ojeda(D)
WY: Enzi(R,retiring) vs.Lummis(R) vs.Ben-David(D) vs.Ludwig(D)
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2017 House special elections
(The following members of the 115th Congress are resigning to take Cabinet positions):
Becerra(D-CA-34)
Price(R-GA-6)
Pompeo(R-KS-4)
Zinke(R-MT-0)
Mulvaney(R-SC-5)

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News coverage of 2021 House incumbents

(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates by or about Tom_Cole)
  
International Issues  Domestic Issues   Economic Issues  Social Issues 
Foreign Policy Gun Control Budget & Economy Education
Homeland Security Crime Government Reform   Civil Rights
War & Peace Drugs Tax Reform Abortion
Free Trade Health Care Social Security Families & Children
Immigration  Technology Corporations Welfare & Poverty
Energy & Oil  Environment Jobs Principles & Values
Tom Cole on Abortion
Click here for 21 full quotes on Abortion OR background on Abortion.
  • Voted YES on banning federal health coverage that includes abortion. (May 2011)
  • Voted NO on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Jan 2007)
  • Voted NO on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)
  • Voted YES on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions. (Apr 2005)
  • Voted YES on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime. (Feb 2004)
  • Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on forbidding human cloning for reproduction & medical research. (Feb 2003)
  • Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 100% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-life stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Bar funding for abortion under federal Obamacare plans. (Jul 2010)
  • Ban abortions for sex selection or race selection. (Dec 2011)
  • Prohibit federal funding for abortion. (May 2011)
  • Congress shall protect life beginning with fertilization. (Jan 2011)
  • Prohibit federal funding to groups like Planned Parenthood. (Jan 2011)
  • No family planning assistance that includes abortion. (Jan 2013)
  • No taxpayer funding of abortions via ObamaCare. (Jan 2015)
  • Ban abortion after 20 weeks, except for maternal life. (May 2015)
  • Include pre-born human beings in 14th Amendment protection. (Feb 2015)
  • Sponsored bill to protect infant survivors of abortion. (Feb 2019)
  • Grant the pre-born equal protection under 14th Amendment. (Jan 2007)
  • Declare preborn as persons under 14th amendment. (Feb 2009)
Tom Cole on Budget & Economy
Click here for 19 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.
  • Voted YES on prioritizing spending in case debt limit is reached. (May 2013)
  • Voted YES on terminating the Home Affordable mortgage Program. (Mar 2011)
  • Voted YES on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted NO on modifying bankruptcy rules to avoid mortgage foreclosures. (Mar 2009)
  • Voted NO on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package. (Jan 2009)
  • Voted NO on monitoring TARP funds to ensure more mortgage relief. (Jan 2009)
  • Voted NO on $15B bailout for GM and Chrysler. (Dec 2008)
  • Voted NO on $60B stimulus package for jobs, infrastructure, & energy. (Sep 2008)
  • Voted NO on defining "energy emergency" on federal gas prices. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted NO on revitalizing severely distressed public housing. (Jan 2008)
  • Voted NO on regulating the subprime mortgage industry. (Nov 2007)
  • Voted YES on restricting bankruptcy rules. (Jan 2004)
  • Balanced Budget Amendment with 3/5 vote to override. (Jan 2009)
  • Member of House Committee on Appropriations. (Mar 2011)
  • Member of House Budget Committee. (Mar 2011)
  • Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution. (Jan 2011)
  • Audit the Federal Reserve & its actions on mortgage loans. (Feb 2014)
  • Voted YES on $900 billion COVID relief package. (Dec 2020)
  • Opposed $1.9 trillion ARPA bill for COVID relief. (Mar 2021)
Tom Cole on Civil Rights
Click here for 13 full quotes on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.
  • Voted YES on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. (Feb 2013)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation. (Nov 2007)
  • Voted YES on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman. (Jul 2006)
  • Voted YES on making the PATRIOT Act permanent. (Dec 2005)
  • Voted YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 2004)
  • Voted YES on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Sep 2004)
  • Voted YES on constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. (Jun 2003)
  • Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Rated 22% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Amend Constitution to define traditional marriage. (Jun 2008)
  • Religious objections to GLBT services same as 1960s racism. (May 2016)
  • Respect faith-based opposition to same-sex marriage. (Jul 2015)
  • Keep deadline for ratifying Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2021)
Tom Cole on Corporations
Click here for 11 full quotes on Corporations OR background on Corporations.
  • Voted YES on workforce training by state block grants & industry partners. (Mar 2013)
  • Voted NO on letting shareholders vote on executive compensation. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted YES on more funding for nanotechnology R&D and commercialization. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted NO on allowing stockholder voting on executive compensation. (Apr 2007)
  • Voted YES on replacing illegal export tax breaks with $140B in new breaks. (Jun 2004)
  • Rated 100% by the US COC, indicating a pro-business voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Repeal ObamaCare reporting requirements for small business. (Jan 2011)
  • Rated 14% by UFCW, indicating a pro-management voting record. (May 2012)
  • Regulatory relief for smaller banks stimulates growth. (Mar 2018)
  • Reduce corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% to create jobs. (Nov 2017)
  • Voted NO on corporate transparency. (Oct 2019)
Tom Cole on Crime
Click here for 6 full quotes on Crime OR background on Crime.
  • Voted NO on enforcing against anti-gay hate crimes. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted YES on expanding services for offenders' re-entry into society. (Nov 2007)
  • Death penalty for killing police officers. (Nov 2015)
  • First step: reduce recidivism & mass incarceration. (Dec 2018)
  • Rated 69% by the NAPO, indicating a moderate stance on police issues. (Dec 2014)
  • Keep existing rules for police accountability. (Mar 2021)
Tom Cole on Drugs
Click here for 5 full quotes on Drugs OR background on Drugs.
  • Voted NO on more funding for Mexico to fight drugs. (Jun 2008)
  • Rated -20 by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Rated 25% by NORML, indicating an anti-legalization stance. (Jan 2014)
  • Rated D by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance. (Nov 2016)
  • Voted YES on combatting epidemic of synthetic drugs. (Jun 2018)
Tom Cole on Education
Click here for 8 full quotes on Education OR background on Education.
  • Voted YES on reauthorizing the DC opportunity scholarship program. (Mar 2011)
  • Voted NO on $40B for green public schools. (May 2009)
  • Voted NO on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Nov 2007)
  • Voted NO on allowing Courts to decide on "God" in Pledge of Allegiance. (Jul 2006)
  • Rated 17% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes. (Dec 2003)
  • No-strings-attached block grant will kill transparency. (Jul 2015)
  • Vouchers break link of low-income and low-quality schools. (Oct 2015)
  • Voted NO on private lawsuits for school race discrimination. (Sep 2020)
Tom Cole on Energy & Oil
Click here for 23 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.
  • Voted YES on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling. (May 2011)
  • Voted YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. (Apr 2011)
  • Voted NO on enforcing limits on CO2 global warming pollution. (Jun 2009)
  • Voted NO on tax credits for renewable electricity, with PAYGO offsets. (Sep 2008)
  • Voted NO on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (May 2008)
  • Voted NO on tax incentives for renewable energy. (Feb 2008)
  • Voted NO on investing in homegrown biofuel. (Aug 2007)
  • Voted NO on criminalizing oil cartels like OPEC. (May 2007)
  • Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jan 2007)
  • Voted NO on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on authorizing construction of new oil refineries. (Oct 2005)
  • Voted YES on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy. (Jun 2004)
  • Voted YES on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy. (Nov 2003)
  • Rated 0% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
  • Bar greenhouse gases from Clean Air Act rules. (Jan 2009)
  • Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge by AFP. (Nov 2010)
  • Require 80% fuel-choice vehicles by 2018. (May 2011)
  • Extend through 2016 the renewable energy tax credit. (Nov 2011)
  • No EPA regulation of greenhouse gases. (Jan 2011)
  • Drill the Outer Continental Shelf; & license new nuke plants. (Mar 2011)
  • Drill for oil & gas in offshore OCS & Eastern Gulf of Mexico. (Jul 2016)
  • Sponsored bill to assist rural electric renewable energy. (Sep 2020)
Tom Cole on Environment
Click here for 15 full quotes on Environment OR background on Environment.
  • Voted NO on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted NO on protecting free-roaming horses and burros. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted NO on environmental education grants for outdoor experiences. (Sep 2008)
  • Voted YES on $9.7B for Amtrak improvements and operation thru 2013. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted YES on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on barring website promoting Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species. (Sep 2005)
  • Voted YES on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003)
  • Rated 5% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
  • Make tax deduction permanent for conservation easements. (Mar 2009)
  • Stop considering manure as pollutant or hazardous. (Sep 2011)
  • Rated 0% by HSLF, indicating an anti-animal welfare voting record. (Jan 2012)
  • No EPA expansion of regulated waters. (Jul 2014)
  • Voted YES to require GMO labeling. (Jun 2016)
  • Loosen restrictions on predator control in Alaska. (Feb 2017)
Tom Cole on Families & Children
Click here for 3 full quotes on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.
  • Voted NO on four weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees. (Jun 2009)
  • Voted YES on establishing nationwide AMBER alert system for missing kids. (Apr 2003)
  • Rated 100% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-Family-Value voting record. (Dec 2003)
Tom Cole on Foreign Policy
Click here for 9 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.
  • Voted NO on supporting democratic institutions in Pakistan. (Jun 2009)
  • Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Sep 2008)
  • Voted YES on deterring foreign arms transfers to China. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted YES on reforming the UN by restricting US funding. (Jun 2005)
  • Keep sanctions against Syria until WMDs are dismantled. (May 2007)
  • Rated -2 by AAI, indicating a anti-Arab anti-Palestine voting record. (May 2012)
  • Cut World Bank funding to enforce against terrorism. (Jan 2018)
  • Voted YES to monitor forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang. (Sep 2020)
  • Commitment to unbreakable U.S.-Israel bond. (Mar 2010)
Tom Cole on Free Trade
Click here for 8 full quotes on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.
  • Voted YES on promoting free trade with Peru. (Nov 2007)
  • Voted NO on assisting workers who lose jobs due to globalization. (Oct 2007)
  • Voted YES on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted YES on implementing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement. (Jul 2004)
  • Voted YES on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement. (Jul 2003)
  • Voted YES on implementing free trade agreement with Chile. (Jul 2003)
  • Implement USMCA for improved North American trade. (Dec 2019)
  • Rated 75% by the USAE, indicating support for trade engagement. (Dec 2012)
Tom Cole on Government Reform
Click here for 17 full quotes on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.
  • Voted YES on Senate pay raise. (Jun 2009)
  • Voted YES on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations. (May 2007)
  • Voted NO on granting Washington DC an Electoral vote & vote in Congress. (Apr 2007)
  • Voted YES on protecting whistleblowers from employer recrimination. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted YES on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
  • Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
  • Voted YES on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
  • Voted YES on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)
  • Sunset Act: review every federal agency every 12 years. (Jan 2009)
  • Require Congressional certification of president's "Czars". (Jan 2011)
  • No photo IDs to vote; they suppress the vote. (Jul 2017)
  • No holiday on election day; no same-day registration. (Mar 2019)
  • Oppose expanding voter registration and voter access. (Mar 2021)
  • Don't impeach President Trump for events of Jan. 6. (Jan 2021)
  • No statehood for Washington D.C. (Apr 2021)
  • Don't restrict presidential power; don't help whistleblowers. (Dec 2021)
Tom Cole on Gun Control
Click here for 11 full quotes on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.
  • Voted YES on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers. (Oct 2005)
  • Voted YES on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse. (Apr 2003)
  • Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • National cross-state standard for concealed carry. (Jan 2009)
  • Loosen restrictions on interstate gun purchases. (Oct 2011)
  • Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad. (Apr 2011)
  • Recognize heritage of hunting & shooting on federal lands. (Sep 2011)
  • Voted NO on background check for every firearm sale. (Jan 2019)
  • Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC. (Mar 2007)
  • Allow reloading spent military small arms ammunition. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted NO on background checks for private transfers. (Mar 2021)
Tom Cole on Health Care
Click here for 20 full quotes on Health Care OR background on Health Care.
  • Voted YES on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts. (Apr 2011)
  • Voted YES on repealing the "Prevention and Public Health" slush fund. (Apr 2011)
  • Voted NO on regulating tobacco as a drug. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted NO on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Jan 2009)
  • Voted NO on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare. (Jul 2008)
  • Voted NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted NO on Veto override: Extend SCHIP to cover 6M more kids. (Jan 2008)
  • Voted NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Oct 2007)
  • Voted NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Jan 2007)
  • Voted YES on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay. (Feb 2006)
  • Voted YES on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages. (May 2004)
  • Voted YES on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003)
  • Voted NO on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs. (Jul 2003)
  • Voted YES on small business associations for buying health insurance. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits. (Mar 2003)
  • Rated 0% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Establish a national childhood cancer database. (Mar 2007)
  • Repeal any federal health care takeover. (Jul 2010)
  • Repeal the Job-Killing Health Care Law. (Jan 2011)
  • Fully repealing ObamaCare is important, but not sufficient. (Feb 2015)
Tom Cole on Homeland Security
Click here for 17 full quotes on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.
  • Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps. (Feb 2011)
  • Voted NO on requiring FISA warrants for wiretaps in US, but not abroad. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted NO on Veto override: Congressional oversight of CIA interrogations. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted YES on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
  • Voted YES on restricting no-bid defense contracts. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted YES on allowing electronic surveillance without a warrant. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight. (Apr 2006)
  • Voted YES on federalizing rules for driver licenses to hinder terrorists. (Feb 2005)
  • Voted YES on continuing military recruitment on college campuses. (Feb 2005)
  • Voted YES on supporting new position of Director of National Intelligence. (Dec 2004)
  • Voted YES on adopting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. (Oct 2004)
  • Voted YES on emergency $78B for war in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Apr 2003)
  • Rated 22% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • $515B for military plus $89B off sequester for wars. (Apr 2015)
  • Set minimum spending on defense at 4% of GDP. (Dec 2007)
  • Military spouses don't lose voting residency while abroad. (Feb 2009)
  • Voted against combating Islamophobia. (Dec 2021)
Tom Cole on Immigration
Click here for 10 full quotes on Immigration OR background on Immigration.
  • Continue construction of wall to stop border emergency. (Apr 2021)
  • Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on preventing tipping off Mexicans about Minuteman Project. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment. (May 2004)
  • Rated 0% by FAIR, indicating a voting record loosening immigration. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 92% by USBC, indicating a sealed-border stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Rated B by the ALI, indicating an acceptably anti-amnesty stance. (Nov 2010)
  • Voted YES to ban DREAMer immigrants from military service. (Jun 2016)
  • Increase both high-skill and family-based visa caps. (Feb 2019)
  • Allow immigration bans from non-cooperating countries. (Apr 2021)
Tom Cole on Jobs
Click here for 10 full quotes on Jobs OR background on Jobs.
  • Voted YES on allowing compensatory time off for working overtime. (Apr 2013)
  • Voted YES on extending unemployment benefits from 39 weeks to 59 weeks. (Oct 2008)
  • Voted YES on overriding presidential veto of Farm Bill. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted NO on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted NO on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Jan 2007)
  • Voted YES on end offshore tax havens and promote small business. (Oct 2004)
  • Rated 7% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Allow an Air Traffic Controller's Union. (Jan 2006)
  • Rated 100% by CEI, indicating a pro-workplace choice voting record. (May 2012)
  • Keep Right-to-Work laws. (Mar 2021)
Tom Cole on Principles & Values
Click here for 5 full quotes on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.
  • Member of the House Republican Young Guns. (Sep 2010)
  • Member of the Republican Study Committee. (Jan 2016)
  • Endorsed Endorsed by Donald Trump/MAGA during presidency. (Nov 2020)
  • Oppose certification of the 2020 Presidential election. (Jan 2021)
  • Opposed creating Commission to investigate Jan. 6 events. (Jun 2021)
Tom Cole on Social Security
Click here for 2 full quotes on Social Security OR background on Social Security.
  • Rated 0% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 10% by ARA, indicating a pro-privatization stance. (Jan 2013)
Tom Cole on Tax Reform
Click here for 11 full quotes on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform.
  • Voted NO on extending AMT exemptions to avoid hitting middle-income. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted NO on paying for AMT relief by closing offshore business loopholes. (Dec 2007)
  • Voted YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Dec 2005)
  • Voted YES on providing tax relief and simplification. (Sep 2004)
  • Voted YES on making permanent an increase in the child tax credit. (May 2004)
  • Voted YES on permanently eliminating the marriage penalty. (Apr 2004)
  • Rated 60% by NTU, indicating "Satisfactory" on tax votes. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 0% by the CTJ, indicating opposition to progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)
  • Taxpayer Protection Pledge: no new taxes. (Aug 2010)
  • Supports the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. (Jan 2012)
  • Death Tax is a pernicious double tax. (Apr 2015)
Tom Cole on Technology
Click here for 13 full quotes on Technology OR background on Technology.
  • Voted YES on protecting cyber security by sharing data with government. (Apr 2013)
  • Voted YES on terminating funding for National Public Radio. (Mar 2011)
  • Voted NO on delaying digital TV conversion by four months. (Mar 2009)
  • Voted YES on retroactive immunity for telecoms' warrantless surveillance. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted YES on $23B instead of $4.9B for waterway infrastructure. (Nov 2007)
  • Voted NO on establishing "network neutrality" (non-tiered Internet). (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on promoting commercial human space flight industry. (Nov 2004)
  • Voted YES on banning Internet gambling by credit card. (Jun 2003)
  • Permanent ban on state & local taxation of Internet access. (Oct 2007)
  • Award research grants based on national interest. (Feb 2016)
  • Voted NO on net neutrality: don't regulate the internet. (Apr 2019)
  • Prohibit the return of the Fairness Doctrine. (Jan 2009)
  • No performance royalties for radio music. (Mar 2009)
Tom Cole on War & Peace
Click here for 14 full quotes on War & Peace OR background on War & Peace.
  • Voted YES on banning armed forces in Libya without Congressional approval. (Jun 2011)
  • Voted NO on removing US armed forces from Afghanistan. (Mar 2011)
  • Voted NO on investigating Bush impeachment for lying about Iraq. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq starting in 90 days. (May 2007)
  • Voted YES on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on approving removal of Saddam & valiant service of US troops. (Mar 2004)
  • Strengthen sanctions on Syria & assist democratic transition. (Apr 2008)
  • Boycott & sanctions against Iran for terrorism & nukes. (May 2011)
  • Iranian nuclear weapons: prevention instead of containment. (Apr 2012)
  • Aid the Syrian opposition with training & equipment. (Sep 2014)
  • Voted NO on removing US forces from Yemen. (Feb 2019)
  • President ok to use military force against Iran. (Feb 2020)
  • Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program. (Apr 2009)
  • Sponsored resolution to repeal 2002 AUMF against Iraq. (May 2021)
Tom Cole on Welfare & Poverty
Click here for 5 full quotes on Welfare & Poverty OR background on Welfare & Poverty.
  • Voted YES on maintaining work requirement for welfare recipients. (Mar 2013)
  • Voted NO on instituting National Service as a new social invention. (Mar 2009)
  • Voted NO on providing $70 million for Section 8 Housing vouchers. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on promoting work and marriage among TANF recipients. (Feb 2003)
  • Voted YES for housing vouchers for recovering drug addicts. (Jun 2018)


VoteMatch Responses
(Click here for VoteMatch quiz)
VoteMatch Question & Answer
(Click on question for explanation and background)
Based on these stances:
(Click on topic for excerpt & citation)
Strongly Opposes topic 1:
Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right
(-5 points on Social scale)
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Rated 100% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-life stance: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Bar funding for abortion under federal Obamacare plans: Opposes topic 1
Ban abortions for sex selection or race selection: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Prohibit federal funding for abortion: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Congress shall protect life beginning with fertilization: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Prohibit federal funding to groups like Planned Parenthood: Strongly Opposes topic 1
No family planning assistance that includes abortion: Strongly Opposes topic 1
No taxpayer funding of abortions via ObamaCare: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Ban abortion after 20 weeks, except for maternal life: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Include pre-born human beings in 14th Amendment protection: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Sponsored bill to protect infant survivors of abortion: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Grant the pre-born equal protection under 14th Amendment: Opposes topic 1
Declare preborn as persons under 14th amendment: Strongly Opposes topic 1
YES on banning federal health coverage that includes abortion: Strongly Opposes topic 1
YES on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life: Strongly Opposes topic 1
YES on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime: Opposes topic 1
YES on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions: Strongly Opposes topic 1
NO on allowing human embryonic stem cell research: Opposes topic 1
NO on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines: Opposes topic 1
Strongly Opposes topic 2:
Legally require hiring women & minorities
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Rated 22% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance: Strongly Opposes topic 2
Rated Voted NO on private lawsuits for school race discrimination: Strongly Opposes topic 2
Rated Keep deadline for ratifying Equal Rights Amendment: Strongly Opposes topic 2
Rated Voted against combating Islamophobia: Opposes topic 2
YES on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act: Favors topic 2
Strongly Opposes topic 3:
Comfortable with same-sex marriage
(-5 points on Social scale)
Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance: Strongly Opposes topic 3
Amend Constitution to define traditional marriage: Strongly Opposes topic 3
Rated Religious objections to GLBT services same as 1960s racism: Strongly Favors topic 3
Respect faith-based opposition to same-sex marriage: Strongly Opposes topic 3
YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage: Strongly Opposes topic 3
YES on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman: Strongly Opposes topic 3
NO on prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation: Strongly Opposes topic 3
NO on enforcing against anti-gay hate crimes: Opposes topic 3
Strongly Favors topic 4:
Keep God in the public sphere
(-5 points on Social scale)
Rated 100% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-Family-Value voting record: Strongly Favors topic 4
YES on constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration: Favors topic 4
YES on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance: Favors topic 4
NO on allowing Courts to decide on "God" in Pledge of Allegiance: Favors topic 4
Strongly Opposes topic 5:
Expand ObamaCare
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Rated 0% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 5
Repeal any federal health care takeover: Strongly Opposes topic 5
Repeal the Job-Killing Health Care Law: Strongly Opposes topic 5
Repeal ObamaCare reporting requirements for small business: Opposes topic 5
Fully repealing ObamaCare is important, but not sufficient: Strongly Opposes topic 5
NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health: Opposes topic 5
NO on Veto override: Extend SCHIP to cover 6M more kids: Strongly Opposes topic 5
YES on repealing the "Prevention and Public Health" slush fund: Strongly Opposes topic 5
YES on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts: Opposes topic 5
NO on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs: Opposes topic 5
YES on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits: Opposes topic 5
YES on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients: Opposes topic 5
YES on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay: Strongly Opposes topic 5
NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D: Opposes topic 5
NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility: Opposes topic 5
NO on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare: Opposes topic 5
NO on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program: Opposes topic 5
NO on regulating tobacco as a drug: Opposes topic 5
Strongly Favors topic 6:
Privatize Social Security
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Rated 0% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record: Strongly Favors topic 6
Rated 10% by ARA, indicating a pro-privatization stance: Strongly Favors topic 6
Strongly Favors topic 7:
Vouchers for school choice
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Rated 17% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes: Strongly Favors topic 7
Rated No-strings-attached block grant will kill transparency: Opposes topic 7
Vouchers break link of low-income and low-quality schools: Strongly Favors topic 7
YES on reauthorizing the DC opportunity scholarship program: Strongly Favors topic 7
NO on $40B for green public schools: Favors topic 7
Favors topic 8:
Fight EPA regulatory over-reach
(-3 points on Social scale)
Rated 5% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes: Strongly Favors topic 8
Make tax deduction permanent for conservation easements: Opposes topic 8
Stop considering manure as pollutant or hazardous: Favors topic 8
No EPA expansion of regulated waters: Favors topic 8
Voted YES to require GMO labeling: Opposes topic 8
Regulatory relief for smaller banks stimulates growth: Favors topic 8
Loosen restrictions on predator control in Alaska: Strongly Favors topic 8
YES on deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species: Strongly Favors topic 8
NO on environmental education grants for outdoor experiences: Favors topic 8
NO on protecting free-roaming horses and burros: Favors topic 8
Neutral on topic 9:
Stricter punishment reduces crime
(0 points on Social scale)
Death penalty for killing police officers: Favors topic 9
First step: reduce recidivism & mass incarceration: Opposes topic 9
Rated 69% by the NAPO, indicating a moderate stance on police issues: Neutral on topic 9
Rated Keep existing rules for police accountability: Favors topic 9
YES on expanding services for offenders' re-entry into society: Opposes topic 9
Strongly Favors topic 10:
Absolute right to gun ownership
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record: Strongly Favors topic 10
National cross-state standard for concealed carry: Strongly Favors topic 10
Loosen restrictions on interstate gun purchases: Strongly Favors topic 10
Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad: Favors topic 10
Recognize heritage of hunting & shooting on federal lands: Favors topic 10
Rated Voted NO on background check for every firearm sale: Favors topic 10
Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC: Strongly Favors topic 10
Allow reloading spent military small arms ammunition: Strongly Favors topic 10
Rated Voted NO on background checks for private transfers: Opposes topic 10
YES on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers: Strongly Favors topic 10
Strongly Opposes topic 11:
Higher taxes on the wealthy
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Rated 60% by NTU, indicating "Satisfactory" on tax votes: Neutral on topic 11
Rated 0% by the CTJ, indicating opposition to progressive taxation: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Taxpayer Protection Pledge: no new taxes: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Supports the Taxpayer Protection Pledge: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Death Tax is a pernicious double tax: Strongly Favors topic 11
Reduce corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% to create jobs: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on providing tax relief and simplification: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends: Strongly Opposes topic 11
NO on paying for AMT relief by closing offshore business loopholes: Strongly Opposes topic 11
NO on extending AMT exemptions to avoid hitting middle-income: Favors topic 11
Opposes topic 12:
Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
(-3 points on Social scale)
Continue construction of wall to stop border emergency: Strongly Opposes topic 12
Rated 0% by FAIR, indicating a voting record loosening immigration: Strongly Favors topic 12
Rated 92% by USBC, indicating a sealed-border stance: Strongly Opposes topic 12
Rated B by the ALI, indicating an acceptably anti-amnesty stance: Opposes topic 12
Voted YES to ban DREAMer immigrants from military service: Strongly Opposes topic 12
Increase both high-skill and family-based visa caps: Favors topic 12
Rated Allow immigration bans from non-cooperating countries: Opposes topic 12
NO on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on preventing tipping off Mexicans about Minuteman Project: Strongly Opposes topic 12
YES on building a fence along the Mexican border: Strongly Opposes topic 12
Strongly Favors topic 13:
Support & expand free trade
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Implement USMCA for improved North American trade: Strongly Favors topic 13
Rated 75% by the USAE, indicating support for trade engagement: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on implementing free trade agreement with Chile: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on implementing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement: Favors topic 13
YES on end offshore tax havens and promote small business: Opposes topic 13
YES on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade: Strongly Favors topic 13
NO on assisting workers who lose jobs due to globalization: Favors topic 13
YES on promoting free trade with Peru: Favors topic 13
Strongly Favors topic 14:
Support American Exceptionalism
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Cut World Bank funding to enforce against terrorism: Favors topic 14
Voted YES to monitor forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang: Favors topic 14
NO on Veto override: Congressional oversight of CIA interrogations: Favors topic 14
NO on requiring FISA warrants for wiretaps in US, but not abroad: Strongly Favors topic 14
YES on reforming the UN by restricting US funding: Strongly Favors topic 14
YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight: Favors topic 14
YES on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad: Strongly Favors topic 14
Favors topic 15:
Expand the military
(-3 points on Social scale)
Rated 22% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record: Strongly Favors topic 15
$515B for military plus $89B off sequester for wars: Favors topic 15
Award research grants based on national interest: Favors topic 15
Set minimum spending on defense at 4% of GDP: Strongly Favors topic 15
YES on emergency $78B for war in Iraq & Afghanistan: Strongly Favors topic 15
YES on continuing military recruitment on college campuses: Favors topic 15
YES on restricting no-bid defense contracts: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Neutral on topic 16:
Make voter registration easier
(0 points on Social scale)
No photo IDs to vote; they suppress the vote: Favors topic 16
Rated No holiday on election day; no same-day registration: Strongly Opposes topic 16
Military spouses don't lose voting residency while abroad: Favors topic 16
Rated Oppose expanding voter registration and voter access: Opposes topic 16
YES on restricting independent grassroots political committees: Opposes topic 16
YES on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations: Strongly Favors topic 16
Strongly Opposes topic 17:
Avoid foreign entanglements
(-5 points on Social scale)
Strengthen sanctions on Syria & assist democratic transition: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Boycott & sanctions against Iran for terrorism & nukes: Opposes topic 17
Iranian nuclear weapons: prevention instead of containment: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Aid the Syrian opposition with training & equipment: Opposes topic 17
Rated Voted NO on removing US forces from Yemen: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Rated President ok to use military force against Iran: Opposes topic 17
Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program: Opposes topic 17
Sponsored resolution to repeal 2002 AUMF against Iraq: Strongly Favors topic 17
NO on removing US armed forces from Afghanistan: Strongly Opposes topic 17
YES on banning armed forces in Libya without Congressional approval: Favors topic 17
YES on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date: Strongly Opposes topic 17
NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq starting in 90 days: Strongly Opposes topic 17
NO on investigating Bush impeachment for lying about Iraq: Opposes topic 17
Strongly Opposes topic 18:
Prioritize green energy
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Rated 0% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence: Opposes topic 18
Bar greenhouse gases from Clean Air Act rules: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge by AFP: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Require 80% fuel-choice vehicles by 2018: Strongly Favors topic 18
Extend through 2016 the renewable energy tax credit: Strongly Favors topic 18
No EPA regulation of greenhouse gases: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Drill the Outer Continental Shelf; & license new nuke plants: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Rated Drill for oil & gas in offshore OCS & Eastern Gulf of Mexico: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Sponsored bill to assist rural electric renewable energy: Strongly Favors topic 18
NO on tax incentives for renewable energy: Strongly Opposes topic 18
YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases: Opposes topic 18
YES on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling: Strongly Opposes topic 18
YES on authorizing construction of new oil refineries: Strongly Opposes topic 18
YES on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries: Strongly Opposes topic 18
NO on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore: Strongly Opposes topic 18
NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies: Strongly Opposes topic 18
NO on investing in homegrown biofuel: Strongly Opposes topic 18
NO on criminalizing oil cartels like OPEC: Opposes topic 18
NO on tax incentives for energy production and conservation: Strongly Opposes topic 18
NO on tax credits for renewable electricity, with PAYGO offsets: Opposes topic 18
NO on enforcing limits on CO2 global warming pollution: Opposes topic 18
NO on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program: Opposes topic 18
Strongly Favors topic 19:
Marijuana is a gateway drug
(-5 points on Social scale)
Rated -20 by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance: Strongly Favors topic 19
Rated 25% by NORML, indicating an anti-legalization stance: Strongly Favors topic 19
Rated D by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance: Strongly Favors topic 19
Voted YES on combatting epidemic of synthetic drugs: Favors topic 19
NO on more funding for Mexico to fight drugs: Opposes topic 19
Opposes topic 20:
Stimulus better than market-led recovery
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Audit the Federal Reserve & its actions on mortgage loans: Opposes topic 20
Voted YES on $900 billion COVID relief package: Favors topic 20
Rated Opposed $1.9 trillion ARPA bill for COVID relief: Strongly Opposes topic 20
YES on prioritizing spending in case debt limit is reached: Opposes topic 20
NO on $60B stimulus package for jobs, infrastructure, & energy: Strongly Opposes topic 20
YES on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending: Strongly Favors topic 20

Tom Cole is a Hard-Core Conservative
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