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Henry Martin's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Key

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.

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

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

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

  • "Henry believes that Missouri families must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights to privacy and choice. No government should have the power to make healthcare decisions for families. Every family has different needs and a different path, and as such family planning rights must be vested into the hands of parents. Mothers know what is best for their families, not politicians." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "Only with access to legal abortion do women have the same control over their lives as men, and the same freedom - otherwise, women do not have equal freedom. We need to ensure that #Kavanaugh protects the rights of ALL Americans to choose the course of their lives" (twitter.com)
  • "There is no legal basis for overturning Roe v Wade. The people have an inalienable right to privacy, and the Supreme Court is currently trying to deny Americans their civil liberties. Reproductive rights are first: all others rights could be next." (twitter.com)
  • "Yes in many ways it's a frightening situation. Our largest creditor is actually the Social Security trust fund- money we owe to our seniors & future seniors. If the Republicans actually bankrupt us, we will default on Social Security- their plan to force a change in entitlements" (twitter.com)
  • "Social Security & Medicare were KEY PILLARS of #DemocraticCapitalism, making sure that ALL generations could participate in our economy. And it worked. Even more PROOF that Republicans have ABANDONED #DemocraticCapitalism - they are trying to DESTROY Social Security & Medicare!" (twitter.com)
  • "Short of an agreement to establish a single payer system, I will champion a consumer friendly regulatory body within the HHS department that will monitor outcomes of care vs cost." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "This budget will hurt millions of Americans with it's almost 2 trillion in cuts to social programs millions of hard working Americans rely on. This only further inspires me to work for my district. I will show Washington" (twitter.com)
  • "Giving corporations the same voice as the people of the nation is an unfortunate mistake that we need to correct in Congress." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "Our elected officials have forgotten about the people that elected them as personal promotion and corporate greed has taken them over.." (twitter.com)
  • "Our democracy continues to be compromised by our broken campaign finance system. In MO alone, dark money groups are raising and spending millions on 2018 elections. I will fight for greater accountability and integrity in our elections" (twitter.com)
  • "While corporations are not necessarily enemies, there are times that government must intervene on behalf of its citizenry and there lies a conflict as the government cannot protect both. Getting big money out of politics is paramount to people regaining a voice in their own governance." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "This budget will hurt millions of Americans with it's almost 2 trillion in cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps and other social programs millions of hard working Americans rely on. This only further inspires me to work for my district. I will show Washington #MissouriMatters" (www.facebook.com)
  • "Again with the tax cuts paying for themselves? I hope we have learned that we can neither tax our way to prosperity nor cut our way to prosperity. There is a need for government spending and not all spending is bad while at the same time a need for taxation to support services provided by the government to our most vulnerable populations." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Infrastructure spending is necessary to maintain and replace roads, bridges, sewers and the like. This used to be a softball but partisan divisions and tax cuts have left the coffers dry so a real infrastructure bill can't pass. My opponent,with his votes, has made this a critical issue. More than 3,000 bridges are structurally deficient in Missouri." (www.facebook.com)
  • "They should be used in part to pay down the debt and to establish a rainy day fund to reduce the need for future deficits. Responsible spending and taxation would go a long wan to insure that the government effectively provides services for the people long term...pt3" (twitter.com)
  • "With all of the pressure on I-70 as the country's main east/west conduit it may be useful to consider, in addition to the repair or replacement of aging bridges and roads, the upgrade of Highway 36 to interstate." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "The answer to inflation is higher wages. When we raise the minimum wage to at least $15 we will increase the buying power of the American family." (twitter.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic investment in the future of America's middle class. I applaud President Biden for accomplishing such a major victory in the face of radical Republican opposition." (twitter.com)
  • "The passage of the inflation reduction act is a major move for working families. My opponent only opposes the bill because of politics, not practicality. This bill is good for the people of the 6th District." (twitter.com)
  • "Sam Graves is against President Biden's student debt relief. That's a problem for me, because Biden's historic debt relief is going to help millions of borrowers across the United States!" (twitter.com)
  • "Student debt relief is long overdue, and the fact that so many GOP politicians are against it shows who's side they're really on. The GOP stopped supporting the working class a long time ago." (twitter.com)
  • "The President's student debt forgiveness plan is a great step in making college more affordable for everybody. The GOP politicians are against student debt forgiveness because they are against policies that make America better for working families. It's as simple as that." (twitter.com)
  • "You know what's funny. When people in Congress want to stop the President from canceling student debt but have nothing to say about the cancelation of PPP loans that many of them took. Seems pretty obvious who they are working for and it isn't us." (twitter.com)
  • "A former republican FEC Chair just wrote a letter publicly calling for democrats to pass voting rights with or without help from the GOP. I agree with him. It's time for democrats to take the gloves off and start fighting for our precious democracy." (twitter.com)
  • "John Lewis spent his life fighting the good fight and trying to make the world a better place. Let's honor his legacy and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For The People Act." (twitter.com)
  • "Our democracy is built for PARTICIPATORS, not spectators! I fought alongside thousands of brave men and women in the military to protect the right to vote. It is absolutely unamerican to infringe upon voting rights. The GOP should be ashamed for their stance on this issue!" (twitter.com)
  • "Henry believes that any serious attempt to adapt to our changing climate must include an investment in green jobs, renewable technology, and sustainable agricultural practices." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "Limiting the environmental pollutants and emissions that lead to severe flooding is a necessary condition for slowing and limiting severe flooding in the future." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "Reducing our carbon footprint must be a priority as long as it does not hurt the communities of North Missouri. We must look to upgrade buildings by adding solar panels as a source of energy as well as continue to develop wind farms throughout the region." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "To address the situation by investing in the complete development of the technology to help lower our greenhouse gas production additionally, we need to lift the restrictions in some states that limit the amount of solar panels a resident can have...pt2" (twitter.com)
  • "THANKFUL for the EPA? That's #DemocraticCapitalism Using the power of government to ensure we BENEFIT from industrialism without being KILLED by it. And it STILL MAKES SENSE!" (twitter.com)
  • "To address the situation by investing in the complete development of the technology to help lower our greenhouse gas production additionally, we need to lift the restrictions in some states that limit the amount of solar panels a resident can have...pt2" (twitter.com)
  • "We must start taking meaningful steps to address the climate change crisis. Doubling down on coal and rolling back environmental protections does nothing but benefit the fossil fuel lobby at the expense of our health, our well-being, and our planet." (www.facebook.com)
  • "As a veteran, I am a proponent of the 2nd Amendment. But, I also believe that firearms should be regulated in order to lessen the amount of gun violence. As someone who has been in the classroom for 20 years, it is imperative that we ensure that our schools are a safe place for our children." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "Background checks are supported by 97% of all Americans. They're more popular than apple pie. According to CAP, when Missouri repealed a law that required permits and background checks, gun homicides rose 25 percent. This is unacceptable." (twitter.com)
  • "I do not want the government to confiscate anyone's guns. Confiscating guns would be unrealistic, ineffective, and against Constitutional rights. I am advocating for common sense gun reform to ensure the safety of our children and loved ones." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "We need action. We need common-sense gun reform now." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "I am running a grassroots campaign to take Congress back for the people. If you support Medicare For All, the $15 minimum wage, and paid family leave please consider supporting my candidacy for Missouri's 6th Congressional seat." (twitter.com)
  • "Medicare For All benefits small businesses and entrepreneurs. It evens the playing field between corporations and family businesses because healthcare is no longer tied to employment. This gives workers more freedom and entrepreneurs more flexibility in their business model!" (twitter.com)
  • "No American family should ever go broke from the onset of a major illness or injury. It is imperative that we ensure that every American has access to quality care my goal as your representative is to get to Medicare for all. Simply put, we have problems taking care of our service members when they leave service, and Medicare for all makes sure we cover those who have covered us." (henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "We need Medicare for All: for all homeless veterans, for all children, and for all working class families. Medicare for ALL is needed desperately in this country, the pandemic has made that clear." (twitter.com)
  • "I am running a grassroots campaign to take Congress back for the people. If you support Medicare For All, the $15 minimum wage, and paid family leave please consider supporting my candidacy for Missouri's 6th Congressional seat." (twitter.com)
  • "Sam Graves is standing against paid family leave and medicare expansion. It is time to stand against Sam Graves and kick him out of office!" (twitter.com)
  • "What moms really need this Mother’s Day is simple: a national family paid leave policy that acknowledges the reality of being a working mom. And right now — despite overwhelming public support for a national paid leave program — we don’t have it." (twitter.com)
  • "If you're against lowering prescription drug prices I am immediately suspicious of your intent. Who, exactly, does that benefit? Who's interests are you serving?" (twitter.com)
  • "My opponent, Sam Graves, voted against a price cap to make insulin more affordable. Now why the heck would someone do that, unless of course they're bought and paid for by the big insurance lobbies..." (twitter.com)
  • "The GOP isn't pro-life, because pro-life parties don't vote against a $35 insulin cap. The GOP is just anti-choice, full stop." (twitter.com)
  • "Finish the WALL?! As a career politician I thought Sam would be more familiar with the concept of climbing a ladder! Let's take those billions Sam wants to spend on a useless border wall and invest them on #infrastructure in Missouri!" (twitter.com)
  • "Politicians raving about the situation at the southern border without a plan to fix it are only stoking division and fear. Currently, we have a supply chain problem and there are potential workers at the border. Let's help them become citizens so they can share in our freedom." (twitter.com)
  • "As we in America recognize father's day, we need to turn our attention to the insensitivity to families being shown along our southern border with the separation of families because of a no tolerance policy. Immigration is a people issue and the right thing is always right. Pt1" (twitter.com)
  • "Preservation of our skills specific (H1B) visa and our visa lottery system are both vital to preservation of the diversity of our nation. We need to provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients while continuing to secure our border." (www.henrymartinforcongress.com)
  • "We can fix our immigration issues without alienating people who know no other country than ours. These are people first." (twitter.com)
  • "Why are we only concerned with the southern border? Let me be clear, I want to see immigration reform and I want to see illegals held accountable and sent home when they are discovered but to think that a wall is the only way is not only short sighted but foolish making it a fools errand" (www.facebook.com)
  • "As we in America recognize father's day, we need to turn our attention to the insensitivity to families being shown along our southern border with the separation of families because of a no tolerance policy. Immigration is a people issue and the right thing is always right. Pt1" (twitter.com)
  • "We can fix our immigration issues without alienating people who know no other country than ours. These are people first." (twitter.com)
  • "Do you know the #1 most effective thing America could do to stop Russian aggression? Pass the Green New Deal & switch to renewable energy. Then we can fully sanction Russian oil & gas exports and bring their whole economy to a halt whenever they try to bully their neighbors." (twitter.com)
  • "Josh Hawley wants to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by producing more oil. How about we invest in renewable energy & just sanction Russian oil/gas instead? My goodness, this guy is insufferable." (twitter.com)
  • "The United States cannot let Ukraine fall to Russia. Ukraine is a bastion of democracy and Russia is a den of autocracy. If our sanctions don't stop Putin's aggression, we must be willing to consider a no fly zone. How many civilians must be killed before we say enough is enough?" (twitter.com)
  • "Congress needs to be doing more to stop the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Putin's war crimes must end. #UkraineUnderAttack" (twitter.com)
  • "Sam Graves was silent on Ukraine in April. A couple years ago he was loud and proud about his support for cutting military aid to Ukraine. Men like Sam Graves should not be in Congress." (twitter.com)
  • "The United States cannot let Ukraine fall to Russia. Ukraine is a bastion of democracy and Russia is a den of autocracy. If our sanctions don't stop Putin's aggression, we must be willing to consider a no fly zone. How many civilians must be killed before we say enough is enough?" (twitter.com)
  • "It's nice to see Jeff Bezos going to space. It'd be nicer to see him go to the IRS office and pay his fair share of taxes, but I guess going to space is cool too....although hasn't NASA been doing that for literal decades? And they go to ACTUAL space, not just the Kármán line!" (twitter.com)
  • "I want to raise taxes on folks like Mark Zuckerberg and the Koch brothers so that we can pay for universal healthcare. Working Americans will save money from a universal healthcare system. The most vulnerable will get consistent healthcare coverage. It's a win-win-win. #M4A" (twitter.com)
  • "Makes my blood boil! A key to #DemocraticCapitalism is everyone plays by the same set of financial & tax rules. This is part of what's wrong with our country- they've snuck in a second set of rules that allow the very wealthy to AVOID paying the taxes you and I pay." (twitter.com)
  • "My opponents silence on tariffs has created challenges for American businesses and farmers that can be reversed. It does matter that American businesses and farmers can compete in the world markets to maximize their profits. It is not OK to create obstacles where none should exist. Congress does have a voice and a responsibility." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Soooo... Our President makes the best deals huh? Trade wars are a good thing huh? The silence of Sam Graves while Missouri farmers take an L." (twitter.com)
  • "The silence of an entire branch of government as the President is off on his trade war has caused unnecessary pain to the American farmer. Where is Sam Graves' voice in advocacy for Missouri's family farms?" (www.facebook.com)
  • "This "trade war" is only going to continue to hurt our small towns. It's time we get back to working for the people!" (twitter.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?
The decision to abort or keep a child is a consequential one regardless of circumstances. It is my position that the government has no say in a personal decision regardless of my personal position. The Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade set the boundaries for a compromise on legislation that should be passed so that challenges to Roe will stop and we can move on from the ongoing cultural battle that is abortion.
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?
It is not possible to balance the budget AND reduce debt without some belt tightening and tax increases. If left alone without continual borrowing from Social Security and Medicare, these programs are solvent and it is possible to expand their functions to better serve the public. We have a responsibility to care for our seniors as they have given us so much and to those who are most in need as they are the most vulnerable.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Citizens United was an unfortunate ruling that has allowed an ever exploding amount of money into American politics from PACs and other special interests. It is important that the will of the people be done in the halls of Congress, not what is best for the bottom line of those who can essentially "purchase" the government they wish. Our government needs to work for the people and not corporate and wealthy masters.
No Do you support increasing defense spending?
We are the only nation on the planet that continues to spend more on defense in peace time. The United States outspends the next 10 nations combined on its military leaving the infrastructure and technical advances to local government and private corporations who cannot always afford to do things when necessary. The United States has proven that, when necessary, she can come alive and produce the means to go to war and win but we are at peace and it is time to reinvest in our nations interior, not just her military.
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?
No Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
It is a proven fact that every dollar spent on infrastructure or the community can bring $1.19 to $2.50 cents of economic activity to our economy while for every dollar spent on the military generates around $0.69. We have seen the direct result of tax cuts as they give a short burst but cause our deficits and debt to grow. It is important that a tax cut be revenue neutral and corporate tax cuts are not. Unfortunately, businesses are affected by the pandemic and the only ones that should receive relief are small community based businesses not corporations.
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
A uniform standard of education in core areas helps us better measure apples to apples from community to community. Absent these, there can be severe differences to the preparedness of a student from state to state, community to community which by design will leave some students behind when seeking to reach their full potential.
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?
We only have one earth and we are seeing more active storm systems year after year. In my district alone, we had two lost crop years in several places due to flooding and without intervention, it will not improve. Our government can help spur along development of renewable and alternative energy sources that will help to lower our carbon footprint to help slow if not reverse the effects of climate change. Climate change is a global problem and our government has a responsibility to respond and assist where it can.
No Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
While I don't support gun-control legislation, I do believe in the Second Amendment's provision that regulation is necessary of a militia necessary to maintain a free state. There are people who should not have access to firearms for safety reasons as well as firearms that were designed for specific use on a battlefield.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
Yes Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
The ACA needs to be fully funded and improved. I do support businesses who receive funding from the government to keep their doors open being required to provide paid medical leave during health crises because they are receiving federal dollars to keep their doors open and pay their employees.
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?
The construction of a border wall with Mexico is counter to our values as a nation. Our strength is not in our freedom but in our diversity and our willingness to embrace every group and every culture that makes up our nation and the ties that gives us to the rest of the world. Immigrants who were brought here as children or who choose to serve our nation in our military need to be granted citizenship as they have either only known our nation or are willing to die for her.
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 country should be willing to lead by example and that includes being able to flex our diplomatic muscles to achieve the goal of prevention. The United States should limit its role in the Middle East as it appears our military interventions have not improved the situation relations between nations. It is time to establish and maintain diplomatic ties within the region with the effective goal of changing the behavior of the bad actors in the region.
Yes Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
Representing the 6th district means representing farmers who have large markets overseas and tariffs can negatively affect how much product will be sold. The United States should focus it's energies on helping American businesses be competitive in the world and not taxing the American public. Tariffs are an indirect tax on consumers that hurts their ability to consume which slows the economy.
Priority one is the presentation of a bill to remove the minimum wage from the political arena by establishing an independent commission to keep the minimum wage rising with the indicators of the economy and not political will or whim. Cost of the commission will be absorbed as part of the department of labor or department of the treasury. Priority two would be to expand the ACA to include a public option to allow more persons affordable healthcare. Funding for the public option would come from premiums paid by consumers.

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