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John Garamendi — Democratic U.S. Representative for California's 8th Congressional District (official headshot)

John Garamendi Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

US Representative from CA

District: 8 • Democrat

2025 DEM Alignment:

6.71%

Lifetime Alignment:

5.39%

View Member History

Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

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Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-8) earned a 7% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. John Garamendi voted on 149 of the 175 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 4 years rated, John Garamendi's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 5%, with 527 votes recorded across 618 scored bills. John Garamendi represents California's 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Title

Lawmaker Position

H.Con.Res. 61House 20251x

Restricting the President''s Ability to Use Military Force Against Cartel Terrorists and Narco-Traffickers in the Western Hemisphere

Against DEMs
This concurrent resolution, introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), would direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities with presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere unless Congress enacted a declaration of war or specific authorization. The resolution followed the Trump administration''s designation of cartels and related groups as terrorist organizations and its military campaign against suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and nearby waters. According to opponents of the resolution, it failed to account for the extraordinary national security threat posed by violent drug trafficking cartels and narco-terrorists operating in and around the Caribbean Sea. They argued that these groups are heavily armed, increasingly organized, and directly responsible for the flow of deadly drugs into American communities, and that Congress should not move forward with a measure that limits the President''s ability to act against them. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Congress should not advance a resolution that restricts the President''s ability to carry out targeted military action against cartel terrorists and narco-traffickers threatening American lives. Protecting the country from violent foreign criminal organizations that flood the nation with deadly drugs is a core responsibility of the federal government.
H.Con.Res. 64House 20251x

Preventing the President from Using Military Force to Protect Americans from Narco-Terrorists and Drug Trafficking Threats Linked to Venezuela

Against DEMs
This concurrent resolution, introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), would direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela unless Congress enacted a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. The measure came amid the Trump administration''s expanding military campaign against suspected drug trafficking boats in and around the Caribbean and broader tensions involving Venezuela. According to opponents of the resolution, it failed to account for the extraordinary national security threat posed by violent drug trafficking cartels and narco-terrorists operating in the region, some of which may be connected to the Maduro regime. They argued that moving this resolution would restrict the President''s authority as commander in chief and make it harder to protect Americans from foreign criminal organizations driving violence and deadly drugs into the United States.
H.J. RES. 104House 20251x

Overturning a Biden Bureau of Land Management Plan that Prevents Coal Leasing on 1.7 Million Acres of Federal Land

Against DEMs
This resolution introduced by Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a Biden administration rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) relating to the "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment." Resource management plans guide how BLM-administered lands are managed, including whether and where coal leasing may be considered. The Miles City plan amendment made 1.7 million acres unavailable for future coal leasing. According to supporters, this kind of federal land "lock up" undermines local economies and energy affordability by putting Washington planners ahead of workers, communities, and responsible development. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress must rein in unelected agencies that use sweeping land-use decisions to restrict lawful resource development and centralize control over local economies. This resolution helps restore accountability and protects access to America''s domestic energy resources.
H.J. RES. 105House 20251x

Overturning a Biden Bureau of Land Management Rule that Restricts Oil, Gas, and Coal Development on Federal Lands in North Dakota.

Against DEMs
This resolution introduced by Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a Biden administration rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) relating to the "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan." Resource management plans guide how BLM-administered lands are managed, including where energy development is allowed or restricted. Biden''s North Dakota plan modified the prior 1988 plan by limiting oil and gas development in certain areas and restricting new coal leasing to areas within four miles of existing mines. According to supporters, the rule represents a federal land-use "lock up" that would limit access to domestic resources, threaten jobs and state revenues, and increase energy costs for families and businesses. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress must rein in unelected bureaucrats who use federal land plans to restrict lawful energy development and centrally plan the economy. This resolution helps protect energy affordability and strengthens American energy independence.
H.J. RES. 106House 20251x

Overturning a Biden Bureau of Land Management Plan that Blocks Mineral Extraction on Millions of Acres in Alaska''s Central Yukon Region.

Against DEMs
This resolution introduced by Rep. Nicholas Begich (R-AK) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a Biden administration rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) relating to the "Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan." Resource management plans guide how BLM-administered lands are managed, including where uses such as responsible development, access, and conservation rules will apply. The Central Yukon plan was issued on November 12, 2024, and, among other changes, designates 21 areas as "critical environmental concern" and locks up roughly 3.6 million acres. According to supporters, these designations and related restrictions amount to a federal land "lock up" that can limit multiple-use access, hinder economic opportunity, and place Washington bureaucrats in charge of decisions that should be made closer to the people most affected. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress must rein in unelected federal agencies that use sweeping land-use plans to restrict lawful activity and centralize control over local economies. This resolution helps restore accountability and protects access to America''s vast public-land resources.
H.J.Res. 117House 20251x

Denying Congress the Ability to Fulfil its Constitutional Duty of Evaluating the Imposition of a 40% Tariff (Tax) on Imports from Brazil.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) a discharge petition sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) that would allow Congress to debate and vote on the imposition of an additional 40% tariff on imports from Brazil. Specifically, the discharge petition would terminate the national emergency declared by President Trump on July 30, 2025, in Executive Order 14323, pursuant to the National Emergencies Act. President Trump''s EO imposed an additional 40% tariff on Brazilian goods, which was on top of a 10% tariff the President imposed on Brazilian goods in April of 2025. Notably, on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources v. Trump that these emergency-tariff actions are unconstitutional. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the U.S. Constitution provides Congress – not the Executive Branch – the "power of the purse" to impose taxes and appropriate funds under Article 1, Section 9. Blocking the petition obstructs the ability of duly elected officials to fulfil their constitutional duty to manage the level of taxation (tariffs) being imposed on Americans.
H.J.Res. 130House 20251x

Restoring American Energy and Jobs by Reversing the Biden-Era Plan that Shut Down Future Federal Coal Leasing.

Against DEMs
This resolution, sponsored by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a former Biden administration rule implemented at the Bureau of Land Management titled "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment" on November 20, 2024. The Biden-era rule made no federal coal available for future leasing in the Buffalo Field Office area, effectively ending future federal coal leasing in Wyoming''s Powder River Basin. By disapproving the 2024 rule, Congress would undo those restrictions and revert management back to the 2020 Trump-era plan, thus expanding the domestic energy supply. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden-era decision locked up domestic resources and unnecessarily raised consumer costs. Nullifying this rule helps unleash American energy dominance and increases taxpayer revenues.
H.J.Res. 131House 20251x

Repealing the Biden-Era ANWR Coastal Plain Leasing Restrictions to Restore Domestic Energy Production and Lower Costs.

Against DEMs
This resolution, sponsored by Rep. Nicholas Begich (R-AK), uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a former Biden administration rule implemented at the Bureau of Land Management titled "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision" on December 9, 2024. The Biden-era rule changed how oil and gas leasing can occur in the Coastal Plain program area within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Biden-era decision replaced the 2020 record of decision under the first Trump administration that had made the full 1.6 million acre program area available for leasing. The Biden-era decision made only 400,000 acres available for leasing (the statutory minimum) placing roughly 1.2 million acres off-limits. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden-era decision locked up domestic resources and unnecessarily raised consumer costs. Nullifying this rule helps unleash American energy dominance and increases taxpayer revenues.
H.J.Res. 20House 20251x

Repealing a Biden Rule at the Department of Energy that Effectively Bans Popular Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden Department of Energy rule titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters" and published on December 26, 2024. The underlying rule set new federal efficiency standards for gas-fired instantaneous (tankless) water heaters, including widely used non-condensing models. According to supporters, the rule was designed in a way that effectively pushes non-condensing units out of the market and forces homeowners and small businesses into more expensive options and complicated retrofits. They argue this is part of a broader regulatory playbook where Washington uses appliance rules to squeeze out natural gas products, shrinking consumer choice while raising costs for everyday replacements and home repairs. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should stop unelected regulators from using appliance standards as a backdoor ban that raises costs and limits consumer choice. Repealing this rule helps prevent federal bureaucrats from dictating what energy options Americans are allowed to use in their homes and businesses.
H.J.Res. 25House 20251x

Repealing a Biden IRS Rule that Grows Financial Surveillance Through Expanded Crypto "Broker" Reporting

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal an Internal Revenue Service rule titled "Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digital Asset Sales" and published on December 30, 2024. The underlying rule expands who the IRS treats as a "broker" for digital asset sales and would require covered entities to report gross proceeds and send new tax statements tied to crypto transactions. According to supporters, repealing the Biden rule would stop Washington from rewriting the definition of "broker" to sweep in parts of the digital asset economy that do not operate like traditional brokerages, including technology platforms that cannot realistically collect the personal data the rule demands. They argue the Biden rule is less about honest tax administration and more about building a new reporting regime that turns financial innovation into a compliance trap, pushing lawful activity overseas while increasing the federal government''s ability to monitor Americans'' economic lives. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should stop the IRS from expanding surveillance-style reporting mandates that go beyond clear statutory authority and punish emerging technologies. Repealing this rule helps protect financial privacy and innovation from bureaucratic overreach.
H.J.Res. 35House 20251x

Repealing Biden''s EPA Methane Fee Rule That Grows Federal Penalties and Drives Up Domestic Energy Costs

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden Environmental Protection Agency rule titled "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions" and published on November 18, 2024. The underlying rule sets the compliance framework for the federal "waste emissions charge," including how covered facilities calculate emissions, use "netting," and qualify for exemptions, with EPA positioned to assess penalties when standards are not met. According to supporters, this rule is the enforcement engine for a Washington created methane tax that punishes American oil and gas production, increases compliance burdens across the supply chain, and ultimately raises energy prices for families and job creators. They argue it hands regulators another tool to pressure domestic producers while making the U.S. less competitive and more dependent on foreign energy. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should stop the federal government from using regulatory schemes and penalty regimes to tax and micromanage domestic energy production. Repealing this rule helps block bureaucratic enforcement that would raise costs and expand Washington''s control over the energy economy.
H.J.Res. 42House 20251x

Repealing a Biden Rule at the Department of Energy that Imposed Unnecessary Labeling and Certification Mandates on Consumer Appliances.

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden Department of Energy rule titled "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment" and published on October 9, 2024. The underlying rule imposed new federal paperwork, labeling, and reporting requirements and expanded enforcement provisions across a wide range of everyday appliances and equipment. It covered roughly 20 product categories, reaching into items like dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners and heat pumps, battery chargers, light bulbs, and other common products used by families and employers. According to supporters, by nullifying the rule, the resolution would stop Washington from turning routine appliances into a compliance headache where manufacturers face more audits, more forms, and more threats of enforcement, and then pass those costs along to everyone at the checkout counter. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should rein-in unelected regulators that keep adding paperwork mandates and enforcement traps that raise prices and restrict consumer choice. Repealing this rule helps protect businesses from another round of bureaucratic micromanagement.
H.J.Res. 60House 20251x

Overturning a Draconian Biden Rule that Banned Off-Road Vehicle Usage on Miles of Trails at Glen Canyon National Park

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden National Park Service rule titled "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles" and published on January 13, 2025. The underlying rule revised special regulations for Glen Canyon to update and restrict where motor vehicles may be used on roads and off-road on designated routes and areas. According to supporters, the rule empowers federal land managers to tighten access through regulatory changes that can limit recreation, local use, and tourism-dependent communities while expanding Washington''s control over how Americans can use public lands. They argue Congress should stop this kind of federal overreach and keep access decisions from being driven by bureaucracy and pressure from activist groups rather than transparent, accountable policymaking. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should rein in agencies that use regulation to micromanage public-land access without accountability. Repealing this rule helps prevent federal managers from steadily restricting lawful use of public lands through top-down mandates.
H.J.Res. 61House 20251x

Repealing a Biden EPA Rule that Imposed Costly New Emissions Mandates on U.S. Tire Manufactures.

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden Environmental Protection Agency rule titled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing" and published on November 29, 2024. The underlying rule imposed new federal emissions standards on parts of the rubber tire manufacturing process and expanded EPA''s regulatory reach over domestic tire plants. According to supporters, repealing the Biden rule would stop Washington from piling more red tape and expensive compliance demands onto an industry that supports thousands of American jobs and produces an essential product used by nearly every household and business. They argue the mandate would raise production costs, squeeze smaller facilities the hardest, and push more manufacturing out of the United States. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should block unaccountable bureaucrats from imposing costly mandates that punish domestic manufacturing through backdoor rulemaking. Repealing this EPA action helps protect jobs, affordability, and U.S. competitiveness by reining in regulatory overreach.
H.J.Res. 78House 20251x

Reversing a Biden Endangered Listing to Protect California Water Supplies and Stop Federal Overreach

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule titled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt" and published on July 30, 2024. The underlying rule lists the San Francisco Bay-Delta distinct population segment of the longfin smelt as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. According to opponents of the Biden rule, the listing empowers federal regulators and environmental litigators to tighten water-use restrictions in the Bay-Delta and jeopardize water deliveries that families, farmers, and communities rely on, even as California already faces chronic water-management and infrastructure challenges. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should rein-in agency overreach that uses the Endangered Species Act to drive sweeping water policy without accountability. Repealing this rule helps prevent Washington from using an endangered listing to restrict livelihoods and centralize control over essential resources.
H.J.Res. 87House 20251x

Blocking a De Facto National Zero Emission Truck Mandate by Overturning the Biden EPA''s California Advanced Clean Trucks Waiver.

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. John James (R-MI), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden Environmental Protection Agency notice titled "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision" and published on April 6, 2023. The underlying action granted California a waiver to enforce regulations that drive heavy-duty vehicles and equipment toward government-directed "zero-emission" requirements and impose stricter warranty and maintenance mandates on diesel engines. By allowing one state to set the pace for manufacturers and other states, this waiver functions as a backdoor way to reshape the national truck market without Congress voting on the costs. Supporters argue the waiver raises prices for truckers and small businesses, threatens supply chain reliability, and hands regulators sweeping leverage to force an energy transition that working Americans did not choose. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should stop executive-branch maneuvers that let California and federal bureaucrats impose nationwide mandates through waivers rather than legislation. Repealing this action protects consumer choice and prevents regulators from centralizing control over the transportation economy.
H.J.Res. 88House 20251x

Blocking California''s Backdoor National EV Mandate by Overturning the Biden EPA''s Advanced Clean Cars II Waiver

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden Environmental Protection Agency action granting California a waiver of federal preemption for its "Advanced Clean Cars II" program, published on December 18, 2024. By nullifying the waiver, the resolution would prevent California from enforcing emissions standards that effectively function as an electric vehicle sales mandate and that pressure automakers and other states to conform to California''s regulatory model. The waiver approach turns a single state''s preferences into a de facto national policy without a direct vote of Congress, raising costs for families, limiting consumer choice, and empowering regulators to reshape the auto market through executive action rather than legislation. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should rein-in executive branch overreach that allows federal agencies and one state government to impose sweeping mandates nationwide. Blocking this waiver restores accountability and protects consumers from regulatory coercion disguised as environmental policy.
H.J.Res. 89House 20251x

Blocking California''s Draconian Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Mandate by Overturning a Biden EPA Action

Against DEMs
This joint resolution, introduced by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), would utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a Biden Environmental Protection Agency action titled "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The ''Omnibus'' Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision" and published on January 6, 2025. The underlying action granted California permission to enforce its Omnibus Low-NOx emissions program for heavy-duty engines and certain diesel equipment despite federal preemption under the Clean Air Act. By nullifying the waiver, the resolution would stop California from using federal approval to impose regulations that effectively drive a nationwide push toward stricter diesel requirements as manufacturers and other states are pressured to conform. According to supporters, the waiver is another example of Washington allowing one state to dictate energy and transportation policy for the entire country, raising vehicle and compliance costs, disrupting supply chains, and handing regulators more leverage to squeeze working families, truckers, farmers, and small businesses. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should prevent the executive branch from using waivers and regulatory loopholes to impose sweeping mandates without accountability. Repealing this action helps stop California and federal bureaucrats from turning climate policy into a backdoor national diesel mandate.
H.R. 1House 20251x

Extending Tax Relief but Also Worsening Cronyism and Wealth Redistribution through the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act".

Against DEMs
This vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introduced by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), is on the reconciliation package whereby the House concured with the Senate amendments. From a limited government perspective, the bill contained positive provisions that extended the lower personal and corporate tax rates, as well as key estate and business tax provisions originally enacted within the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that were set to expire. However, the bill also contained negative provisions that worsened cronyism and wealth redistribution such as no tax on tips and overtime, a larger child tax credit, a car-loan interest deduction, and "Trump Accounts" seeded with a $1,000 federal contribution. With a razor-thin Republican majority, the bill was deemed a necessary evil to lock in the core tax relief and prevent a major tax shock, even as it expanded the practice of using the tax code to pick winners and losers and invited more lobbying and cronyism into federal policy. Support is the Limited Government Position because, despite serious flaws, the bill prevents a large scheduled tax increase by extending broad-based tax relief and protecting taxpayers from a punitive expansion of Washington''s reach into private earnings.
H.R. 1047House 20251x

Preventing Blackouts and Protecting Ratepayers from Costly Grid Failures through the "Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act".

Against DEMs
The "Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act," also known as the "GRID Power Act," sponsored by Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), is designed to more quickly bring baseload power plant projects online. The bill helps expedite certain power projects by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a rule revising the prioritization and approval process for interconnection requests for dispatchable power projects. The nation''s interconnection queue has become inundated with proposed projects seeking to capitalize on the Biden Administration''s taxpayer-funded "green" energy credits. Such projects account for 97% of all projects in the queue and now result in a median weight time of 5 years for projects. This bill will help send projects such as natural gas plants to the front of the line. Support is the Limited Government Position as government should remove bottlenecks that block dependable energy resources from coming online. This bill helps lower consumer power costs by helping ensure reliable and affordable energy projects are more quickly brought online.
H.R. 1156House 20251x

Extending the Statute of Limitations to Prosecute Pandemic Unemployment Fraud and Recover Taxpayer Dollars.

Against DEMs
The "Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act," introduced by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), would extend the statute of limitations from 5 years to 10 years for federal criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions for fraud tied to several COVID-era unemployment insurance programs. This change is aimed at preventing major fraud cases from aging out as the current deadline begins to hit in 2025. According to supporters, pandemic unemployment programs were looted on a massive scale through identity theft and organized fraud schemes, and Washington should not let criminals keep stolen taxpayer dollars simply because the clock ran out. They argue the bill gives investigators and prosecutors the time needed to track down sophisticated fraud networks, pursue recovery through civil actions, and protect honest workers and small businesses from paying the price for a system that was abused. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should protect taxpayers by holding fraudsters accountable and recovering stolen public funds. Extending enforcement time helps prevent waste and abuse from becoming a permanent loss that fuels bigger government and higher costs down the road.
H.R. 1223House 20251x

Expanding NSF Climate-Research Bureaucracy Through New Mandates for Activist-Driven Ocean Programs.

Against DEMs
The "Accelerating Networking, Cyberinfrastructure, and Hardware for Oceanic Research Act" (ANCHOR Act), introduced by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA), would require the National Science Foundation to develop and carry out a plan to upgrade telecommunications and cybersecurity capabilities for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The bill directs NSF to assess vulnerabilities, set modernization priorities, and coordinate improvements for research vessels used as at-sea laboratories. According to opponents, nothing in current law prevents NSF from making improvements using existing authorities and resources, and the bill instead adds another federal mandate that can become a work around to the DOGE reforms to an agency heavily criticized for waste and politicized climate change and DEI priorities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the bill grows bureaucracy and invites wasteful spending. Federal cybersecurity priorities should focus on national defense and critical systems, not expanding activist-driven research infrastructure. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $38 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
H.R. 1326House 20251x

Fueling Cronyism and Wasteful Spending on Climate Change Initiatives through the "DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act".

Against DEMs
The "DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act," introduced by Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), would require the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture to carry out research and development activities through a formal interagency agreement. Joint initiatives include workforce development, biofuels and biobased products, and methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to opponents, these climate and energy agendas should be driven by states, markets, and private innovation – not the federal government – with this measure merely entrenching Washington''s role in picking winners and losers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill merely codifies and worsens cronyism. Congress should focus on limiting federal involvement in the private sector, not promoting a politicized climate change agenda. Lawmakers must rein-in the out-of-control spending and $38 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
H.R. 1366House 20251x

Restoring Regulatory Certainty for Domestic Mining Projects to Strengthen America''s Critical Minerals Supply Chain

Against DEMs
The bill H.R. 1366, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV), would clarify that mining operators may use federal lands for activities ancillary to mining (such as waste rock and tailings disposal) through mill site claims, regardless of whether the land itself contains valuable mineral deposits. The bill responds to the Ninth Circuit''s 2022 Rosemont decision, which created new uncertainty for mine plans by calling into question long-standing federal practice for approving these support sites. According to supporters, the bill is needed to prevent litigation-driven permitting chaos that blocks domestic mineral production and deepens America''s reliance on foreign adversaries for critical minerals. Support is the Limited Government Position because it provides clear rules that limit bureaucratic gamesmanship and reduce permitting uncertainty that can be used to stall lawful projects. It also helps strengthen domestic supply chains without expanding federal control over private industry.
H.R. 1402House 20251x

Growing the Federal Government to Impose New Mandates on Ticket Sellers Through the "TICKET Act"

Against DEMs
The "Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act" (TICKET Act), introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), would impose new federal mandates on ticket sellers and resellers for concerts, sporting events, performances, and other live events regarding how prices and fees are displayed and itemized. The bill would require up-front "all-in" price displays, additional disclosures across the purchasing process, refund requirements in specified circumstances, and new federal prohibitions aimed at resale practices such as listing tickets a seller does not actually possess. According to opponents, this approach expands the role of the Federal Trade Commission by creating new compliance and enforcement obligations that add taxpayer costs and grow the federal regulatory footprint over routine consumer transactions. They argue that if additional rules are needed, they should be carefully tailored and handled at the state level, rather than building another federal enforcement regime that can become a platform for broader regulation of pricing and marketing in the private marketplace. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure unnecessarily increases taxpayer costs and further grows the size and scope of the federal government through new mandates on private businesses. If such regulations are truly necessary, they should be carefully tailored and imposed at the state and local level, not federally.
H.R. 1442House 20251x

Imposing an Overreaching Federal Ban on Sodium Nitrite in an Ineffective Attempt to Curb Suicide Through the "Youth Poisoning Protection Act"

Against DEMs
The Youth Poisoning Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA), would classify any consumer product containing a high concentration of sodium nitrite (10 percent or more by weight) as a banned hazardous product under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The bill targets retail availability of high-concentration sodium nitrite, which is also a chemical used in lawful commercial applications such as meat curing and other industrial processes. By using an outright federal ban approach, the measure would rely on Washington to restrict access to a product based on how it might be misused by some individuals. According to opponents, while self-harm and youth mental health represent a serious crisis, banning sodium nitrite, firearms, or other products that can be misused fails to address the underlying causes, and this one-size-fits-all prohibition would raise costs and compliance burdens for small businesses and consumers while pushing markets toward workarounds rather than real solutions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as bans on products associated with self-harm do not solve the underlying mental health crisis and instead expand federal control over lawful commerce. This approach invites more regulation and higher costs while leaving the root problem unaddressed.
H.R. 1526House 20251x

Restoring Separation of Powers by Ending Nationwide Injunctions Issued by Rogue Federal Judges Through the "No Rogue Rulings Act".

Against DEMs
The "No Rogue Rulings Act" (NORRA) sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) limits the authority of federal district courts to issue injunctions. Specifically, the bill prohibits a district court from issuing an injunction unless the injunction applies only to the parties in the particular case before the court. Supporters argue this would stop a single unelected judge from unilaterally freezing federal policy nationwide and would force broad national questions to be resolved through the normal appellate process rather than through "judge-shopping." Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps rein in judicial overreach and protects the constitutional separation of powers by preventing nationwide injunctions from becoming a backdoor way to make policy from the bench.
H.R. 1534House 20251x

Advancing a Politicized Climate Change Agenda by Forcing Taxpayers to Fund "Low-Emissions" Cement, Concrete, and Asphalt Programs at the Department of Energy.

Against DEMs
The "Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies Act" (IMPACT Act), introduced by Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), would require the Department of Energy to establish a new program supporting the advanced production of "low-emissions" cement, concrete, and asphalt. The program would focus on specified technologies and processes, including carbon capture and energy-efficient production methods, and it would authorize DOE to select eligible entities – including government, nonprofit, educational, and private-sector organizations – to carry out demonstration projects. According to opponents, this is another example of the federal government picking winners and losers, using taxpayer-backed programs to advance "low-emissions" mandates that can crowd out market-driven innovation and invite future spending expansions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the bill advances a politicized climate change agenda and enriches government-favored entities while socializing the costs onto taxpayers. Lawmakers must rein-in the out-of-control spending and $38 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
H.R. 1608House 20251x

Growing Unnecessary Government Bureaucracy through More Reporting Mandates Under the "DHS Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act".

Against DEMs
This bill, introduced by Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), would require the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, to submit a report to Congress on efforts to prevent, deter, and respond to vehicular terrorism. The report would have to assess current and emerging threats, review high-risk locations, examine vulnerabilities involving technologies such as autonomous and connected vehicles, and include recommendations for research, development, and other countermeasures, followed by a congressional briefing on the findings. According to opponents of the bill, Congress should not respond to every threat by ordering another federal report and briefing requirement when DHS and its component agencies already have authority to coordinate, assess threats, and respond to terrorism. They argued that the measure risks duplicating existing responsibilities, adding another layer of bureaucracy, and shifting focus away from actual execution, while still adding taxpayer cost. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Congress should not answer every potential threat by creating another Washington reporting mandate for agencies that already possess the authority to act. Vehicular terrorism is a real danger, but lawmakers should insist on better execution of existing responsibilities rather than more bureaucracy, more paperwork, and more taxpayer expense.
H.R. 1642House 20251x

Competing with the Private Sector by Growing the Size and Scope of the Small Business Administration''s Workforce Outreach Role.

Against DEMs
The Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX), would impose new mandates on Small Business Development Centers and Women''s Business Centers to provide educational information to small businesses on hiring graduates of career and technical education programs. It would also grow the role of these Centers to now provide students and graduates with information about resources and services available to start and expand a small business. According to opponents, the measure broadens the SBA''s mission into workforce placement and training coordination, creating another federally directed outreach function that will grow over time and duplicate what states, localities, employers, and private groups already do without Washington''s involvement. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as workforce development is a private-sector responsibility, which states and localities also frequently engage in – but certainly not a role of the federal government. The federal government should reduce market distortions and regulatory burdens rather than growing new federally directed functions inside SBA-backed centers.
H.R. 1717House 20251x

Growing Government Bureaucracy through a New FCC "Security Council" that Risks Expanding Federal Control Over Communications Networks

Against DEMs
The Communications Security Act, introduced by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), would direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a communications security council to make recommendations on the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks. The new federal advisory structure would be tied to the FCC, bringing together stakeholders to develop recommendations and reports related to communications "security" and emergency preparedness. While framed as coordination, it places another layer of Washington bureaucracy and control into a sector that is already heavily regulated and constantly adapting to evolving threats. According to opponents, the measure creates a new bureaucracy that can become a vehicle for the FCC to pressure providers, shape network decisions, and justify additional regulatory mandates later, without clear evidence that existing structures are inadequate. Oppose is the Limited Government Position because the bill grows the federal footprint by creating another FCC-backed body that can be used to expand regulatory influence over private communications networks. Network security and resiliency can be advanced through voluntary industry standards and existing authorities without establishing new Washington councils that invite mission creep.
H.R. 1770House 20251x

Growing Bureaucracy and the Surveillance State through New Mandates on the Expansion of AI at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Against DEMs
The Consumer Safety Technology Act, introduced by Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a pilot program exploring how artificial intelligence could be used to support the agency''s mission. The bill mandates the pilot includes an activity such as tracking injury trends, monitoring the marketplace for recalled products, or flagging products that may not meet import requirements. The bill also includes a mandate to study how blockchain might be used for consumer protection services and directs the FTC to report on efforts involving digital tokens. According to opponents, this legislation grows bureaucracy and the reach of federal regulators by encouraging AI-driven monitoring and new federal reporting mandates that can become a stepping stone to broader enforcement, data collection, and mission creep. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure expands federal bureaucracy and incentivizes AI-driven surveillance of markets that can sweep up lawful activity and private data. Consumer protection can be pursued through clear, limited enforcement of existing law and private-sector standards without building new invasive federal monitoring programs and technology mandates.
H.R. 1917House 20251x

Growing the Size and Scope of the Federal Government through an Expansion of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services'' Great Lakes Fish Tagging Program.

Against DEMs
The bill H.R. 1917, the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), would provide statutory authority for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program that "mass marks" hatchery-produced fish in the Great Lakes basin so they can be distinguished from wild fish. The bill would also expand the federal role in fisheries management by authorizing additional equipment purchases, staffing, and ongoing tag-recovery operations to support program growth. Opponents note this legislation moves a regional fisheries issue further into Washington''s hands by locking in a federal program, increasing federal spending, and widening the scope of federal oversight in an area where states and local stakeholders should be leading. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it grows the size and scope of the federal government by codifying and expanding a federal program that is better handled by the states. Federal taxpayers should not be put on the hook for new staffing, equipment, and ongoing operations when local authorities can manage these responsibilities.
H.R. 1919House 20251x

Blocking a Federal Reserve "Digital Dollar" that Would Enable a Financial Surveillance State through the "Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act".

Against DEMs
The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, introduced by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), would prohibit a Federal Reserve bank from offering products or services directly to individuals, maintaining accounts on behalf of individuals, or issuing a central bank digital currency (a "digital dollar"). The bill would also prohibit the Federal Reserve Board from using a central bank digital currency to implement monetary policy and would restrict the Fed from testing, studying, creating, or implementing a CBDC except as specifically allowed by the bill. In effect, it would prevent Washington from building a government-controlled payment system that could bypass the private banking system and place day-to-day transactions under federal control. According to supporters of the bill, a CBDC would open the door to unprecedented monitoring, politicized control over what Americans can buy, and new pressure points for bureaucrats to punish disfavored lawful activity. Support is the Limited Government Position because it blocks the creation of a federal digital currency that could expand government power into Americans'' private financial lives. It also reinforces constitutional accountability by keeping monetary innovation in the private sector rather than in a centralized federal system.
H.R. 2035House 20251x

Expanding Protectionist Cargo Mandates That Unnecessarily Hike Taxpayer Costs in Federal Transportation Projects

Against DEMs
The American Cargo for American Ships Act, introduced by Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), would require that 100% of equipment, materials, and commodities procured, furnished, or financed by the Department of Transportation and shipped on ocean vessels be transported on U.S.-flagged commercial vessels. The mandate would apply both to DOT''s own cargo and to cargo moved by recipients using DOT funding, subject to an availability and "fair and reasonable rates" standard. Current cargo preference laws generally require a minimum percentage of federally financed cargo to move on U.S.-flagged vessels, and this bill would ratchet that requirement up to full coverage for DOT-related cargo. According to opponents, the measure is a government-imposed shipping preference that functions as corporate welfare for a favored industry, reduces competition, and increases costs for taxpayers and infrastructure projects by forcing shippers and grant recipients into higher-priced, limited-capacity options. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Washington should not use federal contracting and grant conditions to steer commerce, restrict competition, and subsidize politically connected industries. This kind of mandate drives up costs and expands federal micromanagement instead of letting projects pursue the best value for taxpayers.
H.R. 22House 20251x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote in Federal Elections.

Against DEMs
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require documentary proof of United States citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. It would prohibit states from accepting or processing a federal voter registration application unless the applicant presents approved proof of citizenship, and it directs states to create an alternative process for applicants to submit other evidence to demonstrate citizenship. The bill also requires states to take ongoing affirmative steps to ensure only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, including establishing programs to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens and removing noncitizens from voter rolls. According to supporters, the measure closes loopholes that invite error and abuse in a system that often relies on self-attestation, strengthens public confidence in elections, and ensures political power remains tied to citizenship rather than being diluted through unlawful registration. Support is the Limited Government Position as self-government depends on clear, enforceable rules that ensure only citizens participate in federal elections. Requiring proof of citizenship strengthens accountability and protects the legitimacy of elections.
H.R. 23House 20251x

Defending U.S. and Israeli Sovereignty by Sanctioning the International Criminal Court for Targeting Non-Member Nations

Against DEMs
The "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act," introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), would impose sanctions related to the International Criminal Court (ICC) when it attempts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute "protected persons" of the United States and certain U.S. allies that have not consented to ICC jurisdiction. The bill requires visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign persons who materially assist such ICC actions, and it also applies visa restrictions to certain immediate family members, while rescinding and restricting U.S. funding for the ICC. In part, the legislation responds to the ICC''s escalating actions against Israel after, in November 2024, the ICC announced arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on baseless charges of "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity." According to supporters, this is about stopping an unaccountable international tribunal from trying to police Americans and key allies from the outside, even though the United States never granted the ICC authority over our citizens and Israel is not subject to its jurisdiction either. Support is the Limited Government Position as the United States should not submit its citizens or allies to an unaccountable international court that operates beyond constitutional checks and voter control. Congress should use lawful tools to defend national sovereignty and deter foreign actors who help weaponize international institutions against Americans and Israel.
H.R. 2483 (Pettersen Amdt. 25)House 20251x

Codifying Medicaid Waiver Budget Gimmicks that Weaken Budget Neutrality and Enable Bigger Federal Spending

Against DEMs
The Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) amendment #3 to the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 would codify guidance directing that Medicaid Section 1115 waiver "budget neutrality" determinations take into account claimed downstream savings. This approach can allow waiver proposals to appear "cost neutral" on paper by crediting speculative or indirect savings, even when the waiver expands spending in the Medicaid program itself. Locking this methodology into law would make it harder for future administrations and Congress to restore stricter budget-neutrality standards and could accelerate waiver-driven expansion of Medicaid benefits and federal obligations. According to opponents, the amendment weakens a key taxpayer safeguard, invites accounting games, and increases the risk that Medicaid costs will grow while transparency and fiscal accountability decline. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as budget neutrality should be a real, enforceable guardrail, not a political accounting exercise that unlocks larger entitlements and higher taxpayer exposure. Congress should restrain waiver-driven expansions and insist on transparent, verifiable limits on federal Medicaid spending.
H.R. 2550House 20251x

Enriching Labor Unions at the Expense of Taxpayers by Overturning President Trump''s Executive Order that Limited Collective Bargaining in the Federal Workforce.

Against DEMs
The Protect America''s Workforce Act, introduced by Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), would nullify (repeal) President Trump''s executive order titled "Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs," issued on March 27, 2025. That executive order excluded specified executive agencies and subdivisions from the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, which governs federal collective bargaining and related labor-management rules. The bill would then reauthorize all the collective bargaining agreements that were terminated by President Trump. In practice, this legislation would reassert federal union bargaining across parts of the federal workforce that were carved out for mission and management reasons, limiting agency flexibility and strengthening a government union system that often protects bureaucracy over performance. Oppose is the Limited Government Position because it strengthens public-sector union power and makes it harder to manage the federal workforce in the taxpayers'' interest. Congress should prioritize efficient, accountable government, not policies that entrench bureaucracy and constrain executive branch management.
H.R. 26House 20251x

Prohibiting the Executive Branch from Enacting a Fracking Moratorium Without Congressional Approval through the "Protecting American Energy Production Act".

Against DEMs
The "Protecting American Energy Production Act," introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), would prohibit the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing unless Congress authorizes it. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that states should maintain primacy for regulating fracking for oil and natural gas production on state and private lands. According to supporters, this is a direct response to the way Washington can use "emergencies," agency pressure, and executive actions to choke off American energy even when families are already being squeezed by high costs. They argue a federal fracking moratorium would kill jobs, raise utility and fuel prices, and hand more control of U.S. energy to bureaucrats and foreign producers. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should stop unilateral executive actions that can function like a nationwide energy ban without a vote. This bill helps keep energy decisions closer to states and the people while protecting affordable, reliable domestic production.
H.R. 2659House 20251x

Growing Unnecessary Government Bureaucracy through Creation of More Task Forces Under the "Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act".

Against DEMs
The "Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act", introduced by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), would require the Department of Homeland Security, acting through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in consultation with the FBI and other federal agencies, to establish a joint interagency task force to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats posed by Chinese state-sponsored actors targeting U.S. critical infrastructure. The bill would require annual reports for the next five years, and recurring classified briefings, while the Congressional Budget Office estimated the measure would cost taxpayers about $5 million over the 2025-2030 period, with additional reporting costs on top of that. According to opponents, Congress should not respond to every potential threat by creating another federal task force and reporting mandate when existing agencies already have authority to coordinate, share intelligence, and address cybersecurity threats. They argued the bill risks duplicating ongoing efforts, expanding bureaucracy, and shifting attention away from actual execution and enforcement while adding more administrative costs for taxpayers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Congress should not create another Washington task force and reporting regime that duplicates work agencies are already authorized to perform. Cybersecurity threats from China are serious, but the answer is better execution of existing authority, not more bureaucracy and taxpayer expense.
H.R. 27House 20251x

Cracking Down on Fentanyl Trafficking by Permanently Scheduling Fentanyl Related Substances Through the HALT Fentanyl Act

Against DEMs
The "HALT Fentanyl Act," introduced by Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), would permanently place fentanyl related substances as a class into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This change is intended to stop traffickers from staying one step ahead of the law by making small chemical tweaks to create new fentanyl knockoffs that are not clearly covered under current scheduling. The bill also aligns penalties and thresholds for fentanyl related substances with existing fentanyl analogue enforcement and includes changes meant to streamline certain research registration rules. According to supporters, this is about closing a deadly loophole that cartels and dealers exploit while communities bury loved ones and first responders face a constant, toxic threat. Support is the Limited Government Position as public safety and the rule of law are core functions of government, and Congress should close loopholes that allow fentanyl traffickers to evade accountability. Stopping this pipeline of lethal drugs helps protect families and communities from criminal enterprises that profit from addiction and death.
H.R. 275House 20251x

Requiring DHS Transparency on High Risk "Special Interest Aliens" to Strengthen Border Security and National Security Oversight

Against DEMs
The "Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025", introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), would require the Department of Homeland Security to provide a monthly report on non U.S. nationals who attempt to unlawfully enter the United States and who potentially pose a national security risk. The report would include the number of such individuals, their nationalities or countries of last residence, and the locations where they were encountered. According to supporters, the bill addresses growing concerns that the federal government is not being fully transparent with Congress and the public about high-risk border encounters that may involve terrorism-related or hostile foreign actor threats. They argue that regular reporting strengthens accountability, helps lawmakers target resources and policy changes where they are most needed, and reduces the ability of unelected officials to downplay security failures behind closed doors. Support is the Limited Government Position as basic transparency and congressional oversight are essential checks on executive branch power, especially in national security matters. The bill helps ensure DHS cannot hide or obscure information about high-risk border encounters from the people''s representatives.
H.R. 276House 20251x

Renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" to Affirm American Sovereignty and National Identity

Against DEMs
The Gulf of America Act, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), would rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Board on Geographic Names, to oversee the change and would require federal agencies to update maps and documents to reflect the new name. The measure followed President Trump''s January 20, 2025 executive order titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," which directed federal action to adopt the new designation. According to supporters, the bill would reinforce American sovereignty over a region that is central to the nation''s energy production, commerce, and security, while promoting a stronger sense of national pride and recognition of the Gulf''s importance to the United States.
H.R. 28House 20251x

Protecting Women''s Sports by Codifying Sex-Based Athletic Protections

Against DEMs
The "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act," introduced by Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL), would amend Title IX to make clear that for purposes of athletics, sex is based on an individual''s reproductive biology and genetics at birth. The bill would prohibit schools that receive federal education funds from allowing males to participate on women''s and girls'' sports teams or in women''s athletic programs. According to supporters, without a clear law from Congress, federal bureaucrats and activist lawsuits will keep pressuring schools to let biological males compete in girls'' sports, undermining fairness, safety, and equal opportunity while forcing families and local communities to comply with Washington''s ideological agenda. Support is the Limited Government Position as Congress should block executive-branch attempts to impose sweeping cultural mandates through agency reinterpretations of Title IX. This vote protects women''s opportunities and prevents unelected bureaucrats from using federal funding as a weapon to force schools into gender ideology.
H.R. 2931House 20251x

Moving SBA Offices Out of Sanctuary Jurisdictions to Stop Federal Resources from Propping Up Local Defiance of Immigration Law

Against DEMs
The Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN), would require the Small Business Administration to relocate any regional, district, or local office if the SBA makes a public determination that the office is located in a sanctuary jurisdiction. The bill would require that relocation occur within 60 days and would also prohibit the SBA from establishing an office in a sanctuary jurisdiction in the future. It defines a sanctuary jurisdiction as a state or political subdivision that restricts information-sharing about citizenship or immigration status or restricts compliance with specified Department of Homeland Security requests. According to supporters, taxpayers should not be funding a federal footprint in jurisdictions that undermine lawful immigration enforcement, and relocating SBA offices is a practical accountability tool that pressures local officials to cooperate with the rule of law while keeping SBA services available in jurisdictions that do not obstruct federal enforcement. Support is the Limited Government Position as the federal government should not reward or normalize local nullification of federal law with continued federal facilities and resources. Conditioning the placement of federal offices on basic cooperation with lawful enforcement strengthens accountability and reinforces the rule of law.
H.R. 2966House 20251x

Ensuring Taxpayer-Backed SBA Loans Go Only to Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents

Against DEMs
The American Entrepreneurs First Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), would revise application requirements for the Small Business Administration''s 7(a) and 504 loan programs. It would require loan applications to include the applicant''s date of birth and a certification that the applicant, or all beneficial owners, are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents. The measure would also make certain categories of non-citizens ineligible for these taxpayer-backed loans, including asylees, refugees, visa holders, nonimmigrants, DACA recipients, and individuals without lawful status. According to supporters, federal loan programs should not subsidize illegal immigration or provide taxpayer-supported financing to individuals without permanent legal ties to the United States, and Congress must ensure limited federal resources are prioritized for Americans and those legally rooted here. Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer-backed credit programs should have clear, enforceable eligibility rules that prevent federal subsidies from flowing to unlawful or temporary statuses. If Washington is going to operate these loan programs at all, they should be tightly limited and reserved for Americans and lawful permanent residents.
H.R. 2987House 20251x

Capping SBA "Preferred Lender" Expansion to Rein in Taxpayer-Backed Credit Subsidies and Bureaucratic Favoritism

Against DEMs
The Capping Excessive Awarding of SBLC Entrants Act of 2025 (CEASE Act), introduced by Rep. Robert Bresnahan (R-PA), would limit the number of for-profit Small Business Lending Companies (SBLCs) authorized to make loans under the SBA''s 7(a) loan program to no more than 16 at any time. SBLCs are non-depository lenders that receive authority to originate government-guaranteed small business loans, placing taxpayers on the hook when loans go bad. The bill responds to the recent push to expand and license additional for-profit SBLCs, which supporters argue could widen federally subsidized lending while weakening accountability and increasing exposure to waste, fraud, and political favoritism. According to supporters, Congress should stop the SBA from turning 7(a) into a bigger pipeline of taxpayer-backed credit through hand-picked licensing decisions and instead keep tight limits on a program that already distorts markets and encourages risky lending under a federal guarantee. Support is the Limited Government Position as limiting the SBA''s ability to expand government-guaranteed lending helps restrain federal market interference and reduces the risk that bureaucrats will pick winners with taxpayer-backed credit. A hard cap is also a basic check on a program that can quietly grow outside the normal appropriations debate.
H.R. 30House 20251x

Protecting Families by Deporting Illegal Immigrants Who Have Committed Sexual and Domestic Violence Crimes.

Against DEMs
The "Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act," introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to strengthen immigration consequences for illegal immigrants who have committed sex offenses or domestic violence-related crimes. The bill establishes additional criminal grounds of inadmissibility and expands the crimes that make an illegal immigrant deportable, including cases where an individual has been convicted of or has admitted to certain conduct. It is designed to close gaps that allow dangerous offenders to remain in the country even after serious allegations or criminal findings. According to supporters, when the federal government fails to enforce immigration law, local communities pay the price, and women are left more vulnerable to repeat offenders who should never have been here in the first place. Support is the Limited Government Position as enforcing immigration law and removing violent criminals are core responsibilities of the federal government. This bill strengthens public safety by closing loopholes that let dangerous offenders remain in American communities.
H.R. 3062House 20251x

Streamlining Cross-Border Energy Permits to Stop Political Interference and Strengthen North American Energy Security.

Against DEMs
The "Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act," sponsored by Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), establishes a statutory process for authorizing cross-border energy infrastructure for the import or export of oil and natural gas and the transmission of electricity between the United States and Canada or Mexico. The bill replaces the executive order based "Presidential permit" approach by requiring a "certificate of crossing" before constructing, connecting, operating, or maintaining a border-crossing facility, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission responsible for oil and natural gas pipelines and the Department of Energy responsible for electric transmission facilities. It sets deadlines for agency action after completion of the applicable National Environmental Policy Act review and includes additional reliability-related requirements for electric transmission facilities. According to supporters, the measure is intended to reduce politically driven delays and give energy developers and investors a more predictable, transparent path to build the infrastructure needed to expand supply, strengthen grid reliability, and keep energy costs from climbing for families and employers. Support is the Limited Government Position as Washington should not use discretionary, executive-driven permitting as a choke point to block or delay private energy infrastructure. A clear, rules-based approval process helps restrain bureaucratic gamesmanship and supports affordable, reliable energy.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. John Garamendi's voting record?

Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-8) earned a 7% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. John Garamendi voted on 149 of the 175 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 4 years rated, John Garamendi's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 5%, with 527 votes recorded across 618 scored bills. John Garamendi represents California's 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

How aligned is John Garamendi with Democratic Party Platform principles?

John Garamendi earned a 7% National Democrat Platform score in 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is John Garamendi's Dem Platform score?

John Garamendi has a 7% Dem Platform score for 2025. Across 4 years rated, John Garamendi's lifetime average is 5%.

Where does John Garamendi serve?

Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-8) represents California's 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat.

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