America Forward — Democratic Platform Scorecard
AMERICA FORWARD
U.S. Cong. RanksState Ranksionicons-v5-aStatistical Dataionicons-v5-aBuild Your Own PlatformAboutionicons-v5-a
Joe Sempolinski — Republican U.S. Representative for New York's 23rd Congressional District (official headshot)

Joe Sempolinski Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

US Representative from NY

District: 23 • Republican

2022 DEM Alignment:

N/A

View Member History

Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

Click Icon to Filter Table

Rep. Joe Sempolinski (R-NY-23) is tracked on the National Democrat Platform legislative scorecard. Joe Sempolinski represents New York's 23rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Title

Lawmaker Position

RC 422House 20221x

Establishing a New Spending Program for "Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants" Containing Multiple Costly and Protectionist Provisions.

Against DEMs
The "Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act" establishes a new spending program within the Department of Transportation that provides grants for drone purchases to state and local governments that follow certain protectionist "buy American" procurement mandates, if the purchase will result in lower carbon emissions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of the federal government to provide states with drones and the bill''s multiple costly and protectionist provisions unnecessarily drive-up taxpayer costs.
RC 427House 20221x

Creating Unnecessary Bureaucracy within the Department of Transportation to Establish a Duplicative Aviation Industry Pandemic Plan Already Covered by the CDC.

Against DEMs
The "National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act of 2022" requires the Department of Transportation to develop a national aviation preparedness plan that includes the identification of appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce exposure to a communicable disease and consultations with airline and labor groups. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the primary mission of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is to constantly monitor and adjust strategy to best protect the public from pandemics - it is an organization better equipped to carry out these duties than the Department of Transportation.
RC 432House 20221x

Maintaining Career Politicized Policy Positions within Government by Blocking Reforms such as Schedule F by the Trump Administration.

With DEMs
None
RC 435House 20221x

Weakening Integrity of the Census Through an Attempt to Prohibit Questions on Citizenship.

With DEMs
The "Ensuring a Fair and Accurate Census Act" provides greater decision-making authority to the Census Bureau director and limits the number of political appointees at the bureau. The bill is largely in response to the Trump Administration''s attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure provides greater power to unelected government employees who are not held accountable to voters by taking away the oversight provided by the executive branch of government. Additionally, citizenship is a legitimate line of inquiry on the census, especially since the census determines state representation in the House of Representatives and impacts a litany of other government operations.
RC 440House 20221x

Reauthorizing the Peace Corps with a Significant Hike in Spending and New Benefits Provided to Participants.

Against DEMs
The "Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2022" further increases funding for the Peace Corps while making several adjustments to the program, such as larger allowances and greater health benefits to program participants. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the Peace Corps serves as just one of many foreign aid programs of the United States and the country is not in the position to grow its foreign aid spending when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government in order to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
RC 448House 20221x

Growing Government Spending and Debt Through an Expansion of Student Loan Forgiveness via the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act.

With DEMs
The "Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act" allows two borrowers who received a joint consolidation loan (offered at one point federally and at a lower interest rate) to apply to have their loan severed into two separate loans. The bill is primarily designed to expand who is eligible for loan forgiveness initiatives of the Biden administration. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as individuals with joint consolidation loans already enjoyed lower interest rates than other borrowers and this bill shifts their costs onto other individuals and taxpayers, an especially unfair situation for individuals who paid-off their loans or chose not to pursue higher education.
RC 449House 20221x

Politicizing the Congressional Certification Process of Elections through a System Advocated by the January 6th Committee.

With DEMs
None
RC 454House 20221x

Advancing an Ineffective and Wasteful Crime Victim Bill Rather Than Supporting Law Enforcement and Preventing Crime.

With DEMs
The "Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods" (VICTIM) Act of 2022" directs $100 million in new annual spending on grants for local entities to assist victims of crime. The funds are directed to be used for food and housing and other vaguely defined initiatives called "improving relationships with communities." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill is largely politicized, with many ineffective and wasteful provisions. Instead, lawmakers should combat efforts that "defund the police" and allocate funding to proven initiatives that actually prevent crime from occurring in the first place.
RC 471House 20221x

Reauthorizing and Further Hiking Spending to $3.9 Billion Annually for Foreign Aid Surrounding Global Food Insecurity.

With DEMs
The "Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022" further grows spending by an additional $100 million for various programs at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) pertaining to global food security, resulting in annual spending of $3.9 billion. This spending program is another of many other initiatives already funded by the U.S. pertaining to food and agricultural development overseas. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as other countries in the United Nations have failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States is not in the position to grow its foreign aid spending when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government in order to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
RC 472House 20221x

Providing Foreign Aid to Additional Countries with Higher Levels of Wealth Through the Federal Millennium Challenge Corporation.

With DEMs
The "Millennium Challenge Corporation Eligibility Expansion Act" authorizes the Millennium Challenge Corporation (a bilateral U.S. foreign aid agency) to provide aid to a greater range of countries. Previously, the corporation could only provide aid to countries with per capita incomes that were amongst the lowest 75 lowest in the world. This bill now authorizes aid to any country that is within the lowest 125 in the world. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the United States is not in the position to expand its foreign aid initiatives to an even greater range of countries with higher levels of wealth when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government in order to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
RC 476House 20221x

Paving the Way for Irresponsible Spending Through a CR which Allows the Lame Duck Congress, Not the New Congress, to Set Government Funding.

With DEMs
The "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" funds the federal government through December 16, 2022, as opposed to January 2023 when a new congress will be sworn in following the November election. Such an action will result in members of congress who lost their election, but are still sitting in office (a concept commonly known as "lame duck"), to set government funding for the next year, rather than the next congress . Additionally, the bill provides $12.3 billion in funding to Ukraine, which is on top of the $53 billion congress has already spent on the country. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as allowing lame duck members of congress to set funding levels will likely result in much greater irresponsible spending than allowing the new congress to set spending levels, as they are still held accountable to voters. Additionally, the bill''s Ukraine spending includes $4.5 billion of funding directed towards helping the Ukraine government maintain operations, a specially troubling provision considering the lack of oversight and Ukraine''s long history of corruption.
RC 497House 20221x

Requiring a Study to Further Grow the Department Of Veterans Affairs to Include "Doula Services" Despite Much Needed Reforms or Privatization of the Broken System.

Against DEMs
The "Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs (DOULA) Act of 2022" requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to study the feasibility and advisability of furnishing doula services to those enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, rather than further growing the failing bureaucracy and services of the VA, lawmakers should work to streamline and shrink the department so that those who served our country can receive the highest possible quality of healthcare from the doctors of their choice within the private sector.
RC 500House 20221x

Increasing Government Dependency by Further Expanding a Federal Program Funding Maternal and Child Home Visiting.

Against DEMs
The "Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022" reauthorizes and further expands a program that funds home visits in select local communities for expectant and new parents. The congressional budget office estimates this program will cost federal taxpayers over $3 billion. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as such an initiative should not be the role of the federal government, but rather local community and non-profit groups that can judge the effectiveness of such initiatives and maximize their impact.
RC 503House 20221x

Weakening National Security by Providing Amnesty to Individuals Residing in the Country Illegally - Including those with Violent Criminal Records - if They Have Previous Military Service.

With DEMs
The "Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2022" prohibits an individual residing in the country illegally from being deported if they previously served in the U.S. military. The prohibition applies despite an individual''s criminal record (except if they committed certain aggravated felonies) and prevents the individual''s family members from being deported. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as despite the need to grow the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country, the promotion of open-border and non-merit-based immigration significantly drains taxpayer resources and creates serious national security problems.
RC 507House 20221x

Creating an Economic Moral Hazard in Government Spending Priorities Involving Community Disaster Resilience Zones and Initiatives.

With DEMs
The "Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022" makes certain programs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as the National Risk Index, permanent and adds components, such as "social vulnerability", into program calculations. Additionally, the bill hikes the amount of money the federal government contributes to local community disaster resilience initiatives from 75% to 90%, with state and local governments now only required to cover 10% of the costs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the incorporation of social vulnerability and other politized components weakens FEMA''s ability to direct taxpayer funds to the most essential resilience efforts. Furthermore, requiring states and localities to contribute a mere 10% of the proposed initiatives cost results in an economic moral hazard, which disincentivizes local governments from selecting projects that are absolutely necessary and is a poor use of taxpayer funds.
RC 513House 20221x

Weakening Religious Liberties through the Respect for Marriage Act

With DEMs
None
RC 523House 20221x

Paving the Way for Irresponsible Spending Through the Second CR which Allows the Lame Duck Congress, Not the New Congress, to Set Government Funding.

With DEMs
The "Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023" funds the federal government through December 23, 2022, as opposed to January 2023 when a new congress will be sworn in following the November election. Such an action will result in members of congress who lost their election, but are still sitting in office (a concept commonly known as "lame duck"), to set government funding for the next year, rather than the next congress. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as allowing lame duck members of congress to set funding levels - especially with a holiday deadline - will likely result in greater irresponsible spending. Budgets should be set by sitting members of congress, the individuals who are held accountable by the voters, not members who are on their way out of office.
RC 529House 20221x

Placing Enormous New Financial Liabilities on the U.S. Through a Politicized Effort to Advance Puerto Rico Statehood.

With DEMs
The "Puerto Rico Status Act" requires a plebiscite (binding vote on Congress) to be held on November 5, 2023, which would offer Puerto Rico voters a choice of independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only does this measure serve as a political tool to grow power of select parties in the U.S. but it also burdens taxpayers with enormous new financial liabilities as more than 40 percent of the population lives in poverty and the territory continues to struggle with debt.
RC 539House 20221x

Advancing a Politicized Mandate that the IRS Disclose the Tax Returns of the President.

With DEMs
None
RC 540House 20221x

Reauthorizing the "National Heritage Area" System and Hundreds of Millions in Unnecessary Spending for Initiatives that Should Be Privately Funded.

With DEMs
The "National Heritage Area Act" reauthorizes programs and funding for roughly 50 "national heritage areas." One entity funded by the act is located in the bill sponsor''s state, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership in Southeast Michigan, which is a non-profit that has a mission to preserve and promote the region''s automotive and labor heritage. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market and private sector is best equipped to fund and determine the activities and initiatives that most effectively promote national heritage, not politicians and government employees who are not subject to "profit and loss" signals like the private sector.
RC 544House 20221x

Increasing Government Spending to Establish a New Native American Language Resource Center.

Against DEMs
The "Native American Language Resource Center Act of 2022" directs the Department of Education to annually appropriate $3 million to establish a university-based center to "serve as a resource to improve the capacity to teach and learn Native American languages and further Native American language use and acquisition". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to determine investment levels and which initiatives would be the most impactful for such a center to engage in rather than university employees who are not financially held accountable for the center''s failure or success.
RC 549House 20221x

Bypassing the New Congress by Ramming Through $1.7 Trillion in Spending in the Final Days of the Lame Duck Session.

With DEMs
The "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023", which was passed on December 23, 2022 funds government through the rest of fiscal year 2023. The package is over 4,000 pages long and includes numerous earmarks, ultimately amounting to $1.7 trillion in spending. Spending increases included 5.5% in domestic spending and 10% in defense spending. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure was voted upon only days before the new congress, which would likely have significantly cut spending within the bill due to Republicans taking control of the House. The bill also contained nearly $50 billion in additional spending on Ukraine (without safeguards to prevent corruption), bringing the year''s total to $113 billion - totaling more than half the size of Ukraine''s entire pre-war economy.
RC 100House 20221x

Ensuring Taxpayer Funds within the COMPETES Act Are Not Sent to Foreign Adversaries.

Neutral
The Lucas motion to instruct the conference committee on the "America COMPETES Act of 2022" ensures that section 2502 of the version passed by the Senate is included in the final bill. This section ensures that no person or entity of concern, as defined by the Department of Defense, can receive grants or funding from the National Science Foundation, federally funded manufacturing programs, or technology hubs authorized by the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as this motion establishes guardrails to ensure taxpayer funds do not end up in the hands of foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party.
RC 102House 20221x

Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Imposing Price Controls on Insulin Co-Payments.

Neutral
The "Affordable Insulin Now Act" imposes a $35 price control on all out-pocket costs or copayments for insulin products. The bill applies to all private health insurance and Medicare prescription drug benefits. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents individuals from having the ability to select a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals opting to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
RC 109House 20221x

Establishing Additional Health Insurance Mandates Regarding Dental Birth Defects, which will Drive Up Rates and Make Healthcare Even Less Affordable.

Neutral
The "Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act" establishes a series of additional coverage mandates surrounding patient anomaly and birth defects (primarily oral treatments) that all public and private health insurers must include in all policy offerings. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents individuals from having the ability to select a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals opting to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
RC 118House 20221x

Advancing the January 6th Committee''s Political Witch Hunt by Holding Navarro and Scavino in Contempt of Congress for Defying Subpoenas

Neutral
None
RC 123House 20221x

Fueling Runaway Spending by Providing the Restaurant Industry an Additional $42 Billion in Funds Two-Years After the Start of the Pandemic.

Neutral
The "Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022" provides an additional $42 billion to the restaurant revitalization fund. The bill also requires the Small Business Administration to provide applicants with an explanation for a denied application and establish a reconsideration process for any denials. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the start of the pandemic shutdowns was over two years ago and all restaurants throughout the country have been operating at full capacity for months. Faced with a congressional Budget deficit of $1.4 trillion, the country is no longer in the position to continue to fund non-essential programs. Significant cuts must take place across government to reverse our staggering $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
RC 145House 20221x

Authorizing an Additional $40 Billion in Spending on Ukraine with Minimal Oversight to Prevent Corruption.

Neutral
The "Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022" provides $40.1 billion in additional funding to Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, which follows the $14 billion Congress sent the country a couple months prior. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, regardless of the significant question of whether or not the United States should be engaged in the conflict, this enormous sum of resources (over a quarter of the size of the entire Ukranian economy) is coupled with few safeguards to ensure accountability and proper use, a serious concern due to the significant track record of corruption within Ukraine.
RC 150House 20221x

Expanding Government Bureaucracy and Grant Issuance for "Digital Privacy Technologies" that are Best Funded through the Private Sector.

Neutral
The "Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act" would require hiring three additional government employees at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and increased grant issuance at the National Science Foundation to promote workforce development and research surrounding digital privacy technologies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position <XXX Opposed this bill> as the free market and private sector is best equipped to determine investment in the most impactful initiatives surrounding "digital privacy technology", instead of government employees, who are not financially held accountable to the success or outcomes of the grants they issue.
RC 172House 20221x

Hiking Taxpayer Costs and Weakening the Ability to Discipline Poor-Performing Employees by Unionizing 60,000 Employees within the Transporation Security Administration.

Neutral
The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act of 2022" transitions the 60,000 employees within the Transporation Security Administration (TSA) to the personnel system under Title 5 of U.S. code, which includes the General Schedule pay system and full collective bargaining rights. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only will this transition impose billions of dollars of additional costs onto taxpayers, but it makes it more difficult for the government to discipline and terminate poor-performing employees due to collective bargaining.
RC 182House 20221x

Growing Government Dependency by Expanding Eligibility and Spending Under the Community Services Block Grant Program.

Neutral
The "Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Modernization Act of 2022" grows spending under the CSBG program by over 27 percent and increases eligibility for benefits provided under the program to individuals earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level - such benefits were previously reserved for individuals at or below the federal poverty level. The CSBG is touted by proponents as a tool for the federal government to reduce poverty and is subject to less federal oversight, given funds are largely used at the discretion of state and local governments. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to fund the most impactful initiatives that reduce poverty, not government programs, such as the CSBG program, which has little oversight and a long history of waste, fraud, and abuse.
RC 184House 20221x

Expanding Bureaucracy and Spending within FEMA to Establish a Largely Politicized "Nonprofit Security Grant Program".

Neutral
The "Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022" authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to annually administer over $360 million in grants to non-profit entities to be used for improving their physical security. Such purposes include paying security guards, improving physical barriers, and remodeling their facilities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of state and local law enforcement to protect their communities and fight crime and not the role of a federal entity such as FEMA to manage such a program. Furthermore, if lawmakers are truly concerned about improving public safety, they should focus on combatting efforts to "defund the police" and address crime head-on rather than advance largely politized measures.
RC 188House 20221x

Advancing Unnecessary Spending through a Package of 11 Amendments Concerning "Workforce Development" that Should be Performed by the Private Sector.

Neutral
The "en bloc No. 1" amendment to the "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022" consists of 11 separate amendments surrounding studies and funding for a range of different workforce development initiatives. Initiatives included in the study range from increasing the number of electric vehicle automotive mechanics, to creating workforce partnerships with private entities, to marketing and raising awareness of government career centers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the best way to increase hiring and grow the workforce is through a low tax environment - not growing government involvement in workforce development, which results in higher taxation. Additionally, the free market is best equipped to determine which positions are most needed in the workforce, not ineffective government central planning practices.
RC 21House 20221x

Placing Unnecessary Requirements Surrounding "Environmental Justice" in U.S. Sanctions and Foreign Policy Operations.

Neutral
The Jayapal Amd. No. 5 to the "United States Innovation and Competition Act" requires the State Department coordinate with the Department of Energy to report on the impact of US sanctions related to innovation, emissions reduction, climate cooperation, and economic justice. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as foreign policy - especially the imposition of sanctions - are highly sensitive actions that have enormous impacts on global economic stability and United States national security. Such actions should not be further complicated through unnecessary, poorly defined, and politized requirements.
RC 211House 20221x

Reducing the Effectiveness of Taxpayer Resources Through a Greater Emphasis on Poverty Levels as Opposed to Cost/Benefit and Other Factors when Allocating Federal Funds.

Neutral
The "Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act of 2022" is designed to place an even higher emphasis on "impoverished areas" when federal agencies calculate and determine how they allocate their funding as opposed to other key factors such as need, return on investment, and cost and benefit. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all taxpayer resources should be utilized and distributed in the manner that provides the greatest returns on taxpayer investments, as opposed to politicized means such as "persistent poverty" which oftentimes is a consequence of fundamental underlying problems such as failed local management, crime, and corruption, and typically results in the waste and abuse of the federal funds.
RC 221House 20221x

Weakening Civil Liberties by Providing the Department of Justice Overreaching New Powers Through the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act.

Neutral
The "Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022" provides the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) a series of new powers and duties, including assessing the domestic terrorism threat posed by "white supremacist and neo-Nazi infiltration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and the uniformed services." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides employees within the DOJ, DHS, and FBI overreaching new surveillance and investigative powers and does not contain critical safeguards to protect civil liberties under the Fourth Amendment. Additionally, there have been numerous cases of recent politicized actions taking place within the FBI, including their support of a letter from the National School Boards Association that characterized parental engagement on school curriculums as "heinous actions" that "could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism."
RC 232House 20221x

Creating Fuel Shortages and Worsening the Energy Crises by Placing Price Controls on Consumer Fuel Prices.

Neutral
The "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" authorizes the President to declare an "energy emergency," thus prohibiting anyone who sells gasoline or other consumer fuels from charging a price that (1) is unconscionably excessive, and (2) indicates that the seller is exploiting the emergency to increase prices unreasonably. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation learned first-hand the devastation caused by price controls which were implemented by the Nixon Administration during the 1970''s energy crisis. Instead, lawmakers should work to bring down high energy prices by empowering the free market to solve the problem, including removing any regulatory barriers to energy production and distribution.
RC 245House 20221x

Weakening Second Amendment Rights Through Multiple Overreaching Bans and Mandates Concerning Ammunition Magazines, Firearm Storage, and Home-crafted Firearms.

Neutral
The "Protecting Our Kids Act" is composed of eight separate gun control measures packaged together. Among other things, the bill bans "high capacity" ammunition magazines, places several mandates on how firearms may be stored, and makes it illegal for individuals to build their own firearms or "ghost guns" without serial numbers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these "one-size-fits-all" mandates - especially those surrounding firearm storage - harm the ability of law-abiding individuals to defend themselves and weaken their Second Amendment rights while ultimately doing little, if anything, to deter criminals from continuing to engage in unlawful behavior.
RC 25House 20221x

Jeopardizing National Security by Advocating the Removal of Sanctions on the Afghan Central Bank which will Provide the Taliban with $9.5 Billion.

Neutral
The Jayapal Amd. No. 9 to the "America COMPETES Act of 2022" is largely designed to promote the removal of sanctions placed on the $9.5 billion in assets held by the Afghan central bank, which is under Taliban control following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The amendment requires the Treasury Department to examine the humanitarian impact of the sanctions, the projected increases in civilian deaths and refugees, and the resulting effect on additional Chinese Government influence in Afghanistan. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the removal of the sanctions should be based on the merits of national security and foreign policy implication, especially considering the Taliban''s ties to terrorist organizations.
RC 255House 20221x

Authorizing Seizures of Firearms Without Due Process Through the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act.

Neutral
The "Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2022" establishes a national "red flag" program whereby any individual may seek to have a firearm immediately taken away from another person through an "ex-parte" (one-sided) petition to a court if the individual alleges the person is a danger to themselves or others. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the one-sided petition violates due process under the law (an individual can''t provide their defense) and this program lacks provisions that prevent nefarious individuals from abusing the system to harass or harm law-abiding individuals, thus unduly infringing their Second Amendment protections and leaving them defenseless.
RC 256House 20221x

Expanding Government Power to Set Prices and Interfere in Private Contracting Agreements Between Companies Through the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.

Neutral
The "Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022" provides the Federal Maritime Commission new power to investigate and order refunds of "unreasonable" demurrage charges (late fees when cargo is not unloaded in contracted time frames at ports), as well as a series of other new regulatory powers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to interfere in the private contract negotiations of companies, absent fraud or criminal activity. Instead, lawmakers should empower the free market to reduce shipping costs by repealing the underlying government regulations that have led to the shipping cost crisis, such as the Jones Act and other government barriers to port construction.
RC 261House 20221x

Protecting the Legitimacy of the Supreme Court by Ensuring Police Protection for the Immediate Families of the Nine Justices.

Neutral
The "Supreme Court Police Parity Act of 2022" provides the Supreme Court Police Marshall the authority to protect any immediate family member of one of the nine justices on the Supreme Court. Support is the Limited Government Position as one of the essential roles of government is ensuring an environment of law and order. Just like the Executive and Legislative branches of government, the legitimacy of the Judiciary must be protected by ensuring judicial rulings are not swayed due to fears of threats or violence against Justices or their families.
RC 262House 20221x

Advancing Government Racial Discrimination in Contracting and Unnecessary Conservation Initiatives Through Amendments to the Wildlife Bill.

Neutral
The "en bloc No. 1" amendment to the "Recovering America''s Wildlife Act of 2022" contains a set of four amendments that pertain to various conservation initiatives and includes a mandate requiring the Secretary of the Interior to produce a report detailing the number of contracts, subcontracts, and grants that have been issued to minority-owned businesses. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as government has a duty to treat all individuals equally - especially regarding characteristics such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity - in the application of law and in contracting and granting opportunities. Furthermore, any actions that government takes that reduce competition in contracting (such as minority quotas) unnecessarily drives-up taxpayer costs.
RC 27House 20221x

Increasing Regulatory Certainty and Economic Growth by Removing the U.S. from the United Nations Climate Framework Convention.

Neutral
The Perry Amendment #167 to the ""America COMPETES Act of 2022" requires the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Climate Framework Convention, which strives to control global greenhouse gas emission levels. Support is the Limited Government Position as membership in world-wide initiatives, such as the UNCFC, nearly always result in overly-stringent environmental regulations being placed on the United States. Meanwhile, countries that are engaging in horrendous environmental practices, such as China, must meet and comply with minimal standards. As a result, the U.S. is placed at a significant competitive economic disadvantage on the national stage and Americans are faced with higher consumer costs, all while having a miniscule impact on reducing global emissions.
RC 271House 20221x

Removing Costly Data Collection Mandates Imposed on Small Business Lenders Under the Dodd-Frank Act.

Neutral
The "en bloc No. 2" amendment to the "Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act" strikes section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to issue a rule requiring banks and credit unions to collect and report demographic data on small business loan applications. Support is the Limited Government Position as this mandate unnecessarily drives up loan costs for lenders and small businesses, and largely serves as a political measure to help justify additional regulations and further growth of government involvement in the financial sector.
RC 273House 20221x

Preventing Private Businesses from Setting their Own Payment Method Policies by Mandating All Retail Establishments Accept Cash.

Neutral
The Payne amendment #227 to the "Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act" mandates that all retail establishments accept cash for transactions under $2,000. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure infringes private contracting rights while also placing a significant regulatory barrier on "automated marketplaces" and businesses in high-crime areas. While there are legitimate concerns for government attempting to eliminate cash and create its own digital and trackable currency, such issues should be addressed in targeted legislation as opposed to this overreaching mandate that harms businesses.
RC 277House 20221x

Advancing Unnecessary Spending and Regulatory Overreach in the Agricultural Industry Through Subsidies for Ethanol Fuel Expansion and a New "Special Investigator" for Competition.

Neutral
The "Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act" includes $700 million in subsidies for agricultural producers and initiatives, including $200 million to upgrade infrastructure to blend both biodiesel and ethanol fuel at higher levels (ex. E15). Additionally, the bill establishes a new special investigator of competition within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to regulate and bring civil action concerning competition and trade practices across the agricultural industry. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of the agricultural industry (or any industry) and the promotion of higher ethanol-blended fuel, which causes significant damage to older cars and trucks. Furthermore, the best mechanism to expand competition is through the free market, not through further the further expansion of government and regulations - which most often has the opposite intended result.
RC 288House 20221x

Directing $1.7 Billion in Additional Spending at the Department of Health and Human Services for the Creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health Act.

Neutral
The "Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health (ARPA-H) Act" would result in $1.7 billion in additional spending at the Department of Health and Human Services to create a new agency tasked with increasing biomedical innovation and improving disease treatment. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is far better equipped to effectively advance medical innovation, not government officials who are attempting to centrally plan research efforts without a plan to track financial accountability or measure if taxpayer funded resource are used effectively. Instead, lawmakers should work to eliminate all unnecessary regulatory barriers at the FDA so a drug isn''t stuck in regulatory limbo for decades at a cost of billions of dollars.
RC 289House 20221x

Establishing a Politicized "Active Shooter Alert System" Under the Department of Justice with No Oversight to Ensure Proper Application.

Neutral
The "Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022" establishes a communication network, which proponents tout is similar to an amber alert, that will notify individuals of an active shooter. This new network will be overseen by a new division within the Department of Justice. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as such an initiative, if carried out, should be developed and strictly overseen by local officials accountable to the people. In recent years, the Department of Justice has been significantly criticized for carrying out its work in a politicized fashion and this system could be heavily abused to promote any potential shooting event or incident involving a firearm, thus serving as an activist tool for gun control.
RC 290House 20221x

Extending "Temporary" Spending Hikes and Eligibility Waivers to the Federal School Lunch Program Implemented Under COVID-19 to 2024.

Neutral
The "Keep Kids Fed Act" of 2022 extends certain eligibility waivers and the elevated reimbursement rates provided to schools and afterschool program providers for breakfasts, lunches and snacks under the Department of Agriculture''s Child and Adult Care Food Program through 2024. These waivers and higher reimbursement rates were "temporary" measures implemented at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the country is no longer experiencing the same restrictions and challenges faced during the pandemic and the extension of this additional funding was done without other desperately needed reforms, such as restricting the free meals provided under such programs to only children from low-income families instead of to all students.
Loading more bills…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. Joe Sempolinski's voting record?

Rep. Joe Sempolinski (R-NY-23) is tracked on the National Democrat Platform legislative scorecard. Joe Sempolinski represents New York's 23rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Where does Joe Sempolinski serve?

Rep. Joe Sempolinski (R-NY-23) represents New York's 23rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican.

Institute for Legislative Analysis logo

Let's build a platform together!

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Build Your Own Platform
  • Methodology

Resources

  • Data Sources
  • Report Correction

Contact

  • Contact Page
© 2023 - 2026 Institute for Legislative Advocacy. All Rights Reserved.
Open Options