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Tom Wells' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.
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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • "Codify Women’s Reproductive Rights" (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "I oppose each any every effort to overturn Roe v. Wade. We need federal judges who will uphold a woman's most fundamental right! #HerBodyHerChoice 💪" (x.com)
  • "With the present Court, it is imperative that Congress legislate Roe vs. Wade; that Congress pass an Act that defines abortion rights (and end the Hatch Act)" (x.com)
  • "Women’s reproductive rights shouldn’t be under discussion. They shouldn’t be denied preventative health services and that is why I fully support the protection and full funding of Planned Parenthood as it is an essential health provider organization. " (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "All fines should be proportional to the wealth of the person being fined or the family thereof if that person is a dependent (e.g. Don Trump was a dependent until his father died) This basic idea is used in a number of democratic countries, in oligarchies - not so much" (x.com)
  • "All fines should be proportional to the wealth of the person being fined or the family thereof if that person is a dependent (e.g. Don Trump was a dependent until his father died) This basic idea is used in a number of democratic countries, in oligarchies - not so much" (x.com)
  • "Impose Wealth Tax" (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "Raise taxes on the rich. Billionaires should never pay lower tax rates than the working class. The ultra-rich already have far too much economic power; higher taxes are fair and could create the funds for national prosperity for everyone." (x.com)
  • "Wash Post: "Think twice before changing the tax rules to soak billionaires" I've thought about it daily for years: Same answer. Everytime. If they're still B'naires, they ain't been soaked" (x.com)
  • "1873 the S Court created corporate persons; the Undead. By '76 Valeo... '10 Citizens United... gave them voice. And Fangs. Since '80 every POTUS, 90+% of Congressfolk are elected by this legalized corp bribery. Government of by and for the undead. Making USA #1 " (x.com)
  • "ACT 2: Straight Arrow Public Funding of Elections" (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "How did we come to this? The Court deconstructed the Constitution: '76 Valeo to Citizens United & beyond; trashed the Constitutional meaning of bribery. Narrowed it to quid pro quo. Today the Court normalized onerous voting restrictions. Setting us up for a soft Fascist coup." (x.com)
  • "I don't know how many millionaires, but every Billionaire is in Congress. The Supreme Court gave 'em the passkey in late '70s with the laughably specious legalization of campaign bribery. Money is not political speech. It is bribery. " (x.com)
  • "End. Qualified. Immunity." (x.com)
  • "Just now, my town, a mother in labor was jailed, denied care, the preemie died. Qualified Immunity means no one is held to account" (x.com)
  • "Neither police, elected representatives, nor judges should have Qualified Immunity" (x.com)
  • "Those were wrongly decided. Along with money is speech, corporations are people, police, prosecutors, judges, Presidents have Qualified Immunity, and the Discovery Doctrine. It is time to restore The Unprecedented Constitution." (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Basic resources needed to live are too often unattainable in our country. The housing crisis threatens millions of Americans, and reasonable investments into quality housing can address it. " (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "A first world country can supply potable water to every village - electricity, internet, housing, healthcare, and public education- free pre-K through college or trade school." (x.com)
  • "Federal per student funding for Pre-K to 12 o no Disadvantaged School Districts. o Dramatically reduce regressive property taxes. Tuition free public universities and trade schools. o GI Benefits used for living expenses. Professional salaries for all teachers. No public funding of for-profit schools. Cancel student debt." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "The Supreme Court is 'concerned' that canceling student loans is unfair to those who paid their's off, to those who concluded they couldn't afford college...I am concerned that canceling taxes on the B'naires who bought Congress Court & POTUS and devastate the Earth is suicidal" (x.com)
  • "Tuition-free from pre-K through university." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Climate Change is the critical problem of our time. Off Fossil Fuels by 2035 (HR3671) ." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "The working class is paying the price of climate change with respiratory diseases, and exposure to harmful chemicals. We need the Green New Deal now because our people are dying. #GreenNewDeal" (x.com)
  • "Today is a day of care for global citizens of all world populations. We must acknowledge pressing global issues like climate change or militaristic violence in order to combat them with policies like the Green New Deal, ending needless warfare and even Medicare for all." (x.com)
  • "We will pass the comprehensive Green New Deal developed by Bernie's team. It develops renewable energy and revolutionizes our food and farming system. It is a Marshall Plan level of effort – required around the world." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "Climate Change is the critical problem of our time. Off Fossil Fuels by 2035 (HR3671) ." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "Eliminating fossil fuels is the easy part of Climate Reparations - solar, wind, batteries offer a clear & ever cheaper alternatives. BigAg is the loss leader - loss of diversity, forest, habitat, nutrition in exchange for hybrid seed, poison, billionaires" (x.com)
  • "What must be done, which cannot be done while Trump is President, is the effective elimination of the fossil fuel industry. This begins with passing public funding of elections to reconnect the Congress to the people. Elimination of the Fossil Fuel sector cannot be achieved by negotiation with the Fossil Fuel Sector. It must be imposed by free Members in Congress representing us and our children. " (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "I'm proud to have been given the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction in recognition of our support for common-sense gun control reforms that will make our communities safer. In Congress, I will stand up to the NRA to prevent gun violence in our community." (x.com)
  • "One can truly grieve for the families who lost loved ones while at the same time wanting to honor their memories by making sure this doesn’t happen again tomorrow through comprehensive gun reform." (x.com)
  • "The #MarchForOurLives movement has shown this country and the world that, when young people stand up and participate in the political process, real change can and WILL happen. @davidhogg111 and the Parkland students are making this country safer by standing against gun violence. " (x.com)
  • "WE NEED GUN REFORM. Tools for war should not be available for sale to civilians." (x.com)
  • "Act 1 : MEDICARE FOR ALL (M4A)" (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "Healthcare is a human right! #MedicareForAll is the only way we can make sure that every single American has access to healthcare and never has to worry if they can pay for a treatment." (x.com)
  • "Health should not be a luxury, it is a right that everybody should have! #MedicareForAll" (x.com)
  • "Tom Wells has been devoted to fighting for issues that would have helped Americans during this pandemic such as #PaidSickLeave and #MedicareForAll. It's time the people of Florida's 3rd Congressional District had someone in Washington fighting for them." (x.com)
  • "Paid Vacation – 2 weeks Min. Paid family and sick leave – 12 weeks Min. " (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "The Government cannot continue to look over the working class while the corporations continue to be bailed out. #MedicareForAll #TomWellsforCongress #PaidSickLeave" (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Abolish DHS and its ICE and CBP units. These are products of the extremely problematic 2003 AUMF – the repeal of which is long overdue. Abolish immigrant detention for misdemeanor border crossing" (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "Abolish ICE Now! It was established under Bush's AUMF, designed to be a rogue agency and a conduit for contracts to for-profit prisons - which should not exist. It is a haven and training ground for racism. torture - provides a steady income for a cadre of white supremacists." (x.com)
  • "Abolish ICE, simplify paths to citizenship." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "Our immigration system is broken. We need to #AbolishICE and end the concentration camps at our border. Let's rewrite our laws, reform our immigration process, and reshape how people gain citizenship and residence in the US." (x.com)
  • "Abolish ICE, simplify paths to citizenship." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "Our immigration system is broken. We need to #AbolishICE and end the concentration camps at our border. Let's rewrite our laws, reform our immigration process, and reshape how people gain citizenship and residence in the US." (x.com)
  • "Path to citizenship. DACA / DREAMers / TPS protections." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "The current administration’s attacks on Dreamers and TPS holders must be pushed back against with permanent protections for those who have been honorable contributors in this country. This is the only way to fully ensure access to life in the United States its resources." (x.com)
  • "Albright died - long after the 'justified' starvation of 500k Iraqi children by sanctions. Same day: Un-indicted Bolton takes to Wash. Post to argue for brutal sanctions to kill Iranian children/families. Trump's sanctions have killed more Iranians than Putin Ukrainians" (x.com)
  • "End international sanctions that punish populations.The International Monetary Fund and World Bank are American controlled vehicles of unconventional warfare." (tomwellsforcongress.com)
  • "Isn't it ironic. The nation that by simple fiat blocks ALL trade with any number of other nations gets its neocolonial diaper in a wad when another impedes trade routes by which the former supplies ongoing genocide. Isn't it likewise genocidal when those sanctions kill millions?" (x.com)
  • "Sanctions kill. Murder for corporate profit. The governments of Iran, VZ, etc work for their citizens. Our government works for genocidal frackers." (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Facebook, we need to talk — and you’re not letting us. Social media must allow us to hold governments, e.g. Israel, accountable — not shield them from accountability. Sign the petition. #FacebookWeNeedToTalk " (x.com)
  • "OK Sen. Hawley doesn't want children to be corrupted by social media - while his state says they can go out and play in the street with AR-15s" (x.com)
  • "Tik Tok preoccupies Trump more than the pandemic, the systemic racism, the environmental crisis and the high unemployment rates. Every day he shows the entire world how unqualified and childish he is." (x.com)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-choice Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I support a person's right to privacy and bodily autonomy. I am uncompromisingly pro-choice - it is the woman's right to choose the path of her life as I do mine. But this does not mean that I am pro-abortion. I will work for the basic Social and Economic Justice that most democratic societies have realized with improved Medicare for All, that the cost of birthing never be a factor in a woman's choice. And in the same vein: 1 year of paid parental leave, and federally funded public education from pre-K through university
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
I support progressive taxation including taxation of unrealized capital gains at the same rate as ordinary income. In max marginal tax rate of 94% No to the general objectives of balancing the budget, and not now as we face the necessity (minimally) of a WWII level investment in Climate remediation. iM4A will reduce overall medical spending by more than $1 Trillion per year. Economic Justice, $20/hr immediately. SS benefits increased to reflect a Just wage history?
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
I support the elimination of indirect, and direct, campaign contributions from corporations and unions. The Supreme Court began a systematic attack on democracy and Constitution with the "76 Valeo and '78 Bank of Boston sophistry 'money is political speech'. We need a Court that knows money in politics is bribery. The elections of 95+ percent of both Parties in both Chambers, and all Presidents since 1980 dependent on corporate cash. The merger of State and corporate power is virtually complete. Fair elections are the only remaining impediment to outright Fascism - which is why they are so fiercely attacked now.
No Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
I support subjecting government officials, including law enforcement officers, to criminal liability for misconduct. For this to have an immediate effect on police conduct, their alleged crimes must be investigated by fully empowered, independent investigators, and prosecuted by independent prosecutors. The pressure points in this legislative transformation include state laws for police use of force laws, Police Bill of Rights, prosecutorial capture, and Qualified Immunity. The structural changes are 3 year college level training and a national police registry.
No Do you support increasing defense spending?
I support large reductions in defense spending. Specifically the elimination of all nuclear weapons work - conjoined with restoring all nuclear non-proliferation treaties (Unconstitutionally Tweeted away by Trump) - starting with the Iranian treaty. A morally critical, and cost effective demand is for the elimination of corporate contracts in war zones. That they are not subject to military code or local law gives them license to kill. The profit motive of corporate masters is sated in the blood of innocents - breeding the new terrorists needed to 'justify' endless war.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
Economic growth is a too generic term. Economic Justice is a more valid goal. 1) How federal money is spent determines whether it promotes economic growth. 2) Any economic growth from lowering corp. taxes is a growth in inequality. 3) Yes, but I was absolutely appalled at the way the money was distributed. America was the poster child for criminally ineffective Public Health response coupled with disaster profiteering
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
Yes. I support equitable full federal funding of public schools
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
The Climate Crisis demands a WWII level of investment in solar, wind, batteries, and HVDC cables. The US spent 42% of GDP in the 5 years of WWII equivalent to $8 Trillion/year for 5 years. We came out of WWII with a middle class boom that lasted 20+ years. I support federal taxation of GreenHouse Gas emissions. Specifically, a $400/ton tax on CO2e monitored at the source. CO2e denotes equivalent heat-trapping potential of the various GHGs, e.g. methane instantaneous CO2e is ~200. Economic justice demands that that revenue fund a UBI.
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Gun rights argument consistently yield results contrary to the argument. I suggest that we re-consider the plane words of the Second Amendment: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.". Our military budget is larger than that of the next 8 countries combined. Funding of our police forces is greater than that of every other country but China. And we got the National Guard, which is well-regulated! Doesn't seem like we need much else.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
No Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
I support replacing the 2010 Affordable Care Act with iM4A, improved Medicare for All I support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave normally. But a Public Health crisis, Covid in particular, can be unevenly distributed as to require intervention to mitigate local risk
No Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
I support dismantling what portions of the exist wall along the Mexican border Asylum seekers and refugees by treaty are entitled to stay in the US as honored guests until their claim is litigated under federal law. They are allowed to cross the border and turn themselves in to Customs and Border Patrol Officers. In violation of our own law we have too long and too often separated families - for the profits of a private prison system.
No Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
Yes Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
Our best hope for reducing our Middle East intervention is a Fossil-Free Green New Deal North Korea built nuclear weapons because of their awareness that those dictators who stopped nuclear weapons development are dead and their countries deconstructed. Libya and Iraq come to mind. Iran negotiated away their weapons and was punished by Trump for it. Biden has not reversed that criminal treaty retraction (nor much else Trump did). .
No Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
Border adjustments for taxes on GHGs, GreenHouse Gases, are built into (several) Free Trade Pacts. I consider such a tax essential to an effective Fossil Fuel GND. Other than that I find little positive in our Free Trade Pacts. In particular, the ISDS, Investor State Dispute Settlement Chapters, compromise national sovereignty to corporate profit. I hope to see Fair Trade Pacts negotiated openly between representatives of the Unions of the signatory nations.
Our democracy has been stretched to the breaking point. 1) Passage of an Art4 Sect4 Guarantee Clause Act to guarantee uniform voting rights across the 50 states. 2) Passage of a Voter Voucher Public Election Funding Act. 3) These reforms are essential to produce a corporate-donor free Congress capable of funding an effective Fossil-Free GND - paid for by public debt and a progressive Unrealized Capital Gains tax topping out at 94% ✔️Need a third. That has to meet an immediate need and be immediately achievable.

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