2020

China

How, if at all, should China’s treatment of the Uighurs and the situation in Hong Kong affect broader U.S. policy toward China?

- China’s continued terrible treatment of ethnic Uighurs and their slow, methodical campaign of vilification of Hong Kong protesters should be seen as continued attacks on the concepts of multiculturalism and the rule of law. Throughout my career I have been sounding the alarm about an ascendant China that isn’t committed to democracy, international norms and now, after two decades of the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of the world, seems intent on flexing its muscle politically and militarily. As President, I would increase our human rights pressure on China, especially in these two areas.

Iran

Would you rejoin the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)? What changes to the existing agreement, if any, would you require before agreeing to rejoin the accord?

- At this point, it would be impossible to rejoin the JCPOA as it was written in 2015. I would absolutely support entering a new version of the JCPOA that extends restrictions even further into the future, but I would not compensate the Iranians for economic losses suffered after the U.S. left the agreement. It is in Iran’s interest to reenter the agreement in order to lift sanctions, they do not need to be compensated beyond that, especially given the possibility that this money could end up in the hands of terrorist organizations and malicious actors throughout the region.

North Korea

Would you sign an agreement with North Korea that entailed partial sanctions relief in exchange for some dismantling of its nuclear weapons program but not full denuclearization?

- Absolutely not. Without preconditions for meeting, Trump has given Kim Jung Un’s dictatorship unprecedented, international legitimacy. The international and humanitarian crimes committed by the North Korean government are well documented and cannot be ignored. I believe meeting with and negotiating an end to North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, is an inevitable and essential prerequisite for peace in the region, but such meetings must be taken in a calculated, methodical way.

Ukraine

What, if any, steps would you take to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine?

- Russia has shown that they must be contained and we will use every diplomatic tool available to us in order to prevent Russian aggression in the Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. The most successful counter to Russian hybrid war in Ukraine would be to continue to work with our Ukrainian partners to build a strong democracy and steadfast adherence to the rule of law and anti-corruption. We must also work with our European allies to ensure a credible threat of harsh sanctions against any new Russian aggression.

Afghanistan

1. Would you commit to the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of your first term, or would you require certain conditions be met before doing so?

- We must seek to bring American forces home from Afghanistan in the smartest way possible, with stated goals that are operationally feasible and diplomatically wise. Even with the bulk of American forces gone, we must work with our allies and ensure the United States maintains the ability to counteract any rebirth of terror elements within the country, through targeted military strikes when warranted. We must also remain engaged diplomatically with the Afghan government and our allies to push future governments in Afghanistan toward openness, equality, and the rule of law. By the end of my first term, the bulk of US combat troops would be sent home.

Saudi Arabia

Given the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the civil war in Yemen, what changes, if any, would you make to U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia?

- The war in Yemen is a humanitarian catastrophe that is hindering our international fight against terrorism and undercutting our need for diplomatic pragmatism. We need to stop logistical and fiscal support to Saudi Arabia immediately. We cannot continue to be complicit in the killing of innocents and we cannot be tied to crimes of the Saudi government. They’re our allies and I will support their interests, but I cannot support their war in Yemen.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Do you support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and, if so, how would you go about trying to achieve it?

- Yes. There is no moral solution to this dispute that does not involve sovereign territory for both peoples.

First, we must build trust between the parties and that starts with recognition that Israel’s right to exist must be conceded by the Palestinians. The Israelis must then address numerous aspects of its security which have made it harder for Palestinian families to have an upwardly mobile economy. Once trust begins to be rebuilt, then and ONLY then can both sides begin the process of talking.

The current administration’s blatantly one-sided policy has pushed away the Palestinian’s and hardened Israel’s resolve to take a tough stand. One of my first priorities would be to regain the trust of the Palestinians and work to bring them back into the peace process.

Venezuela

What, if any, additional steps should the United States take to remove Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela?

- The United States, along with its allies, must use its diplomatic powers to pressure President Maduro to relinquish his power in Venezuela. We should continue to use robust economic sanctions against Maduro and his supporters to weaken his position. At the same time, we need to remain vigilant in our strong support to the Guaido Government. Additionally, we must work with international and regional partners to build a strong economic plan and protect the region from further fiscal depression. A multi-government, non-military, coalition is essential to building trust and compassion with the people of Venezuela, the US can lead the coalition but we must not operate independently. Lastly, I oppose any military action against Venezuela. In a region with a history of U.S. military incursions, the United States would be hard-pressed to gain allies if it took such unilateral steps.

Africa

By 2050, Africa will account for 25 percent of the world’s population according to projections by the United Nations. What are the implications of this demographic change for the United States, and how should we adjust our policies to anticipate them?

- The United States has historically not paid nearly enough attention to Africa. It is time for this to change, for the benefit of both Africans and Americans. African population growth presents an incredible opportunity for America as we seek new markets abroad for American products. I believe that America needs to rebuild its manufacturing sector and needs to do so in a way that creates the technology and implements for the production of green energy. Africa is going to need incredible investments in infrastructure, water, sewer, power, pipelines, roads, bridges, trains and consumer products. There is no reason that America can’t be helping Africa by supplying those badly needed resources.

We also need to understand geopolitically, that if the United States doesn’t step in to invest and work with the Africans in the crucial years ahead, the Chinese will, and, in fact, already are. But, with their heavy-handedness and the fact that their economic investments don’t often bring returns for many Africans, the United States has a particular moment at hand to make inroads on the continent.

Trade

1. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support the United States joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), formerly the Trans-Pacific Partnership?

- I have spent my entire career fighting bad trade deals like NAFTA and the TPP. I am currently opposed to the CPTPP because it has been negotiated under the cover of darkness, it does nothing to protect American workers or lift the standards of workers abroad and further erodes sovereign protections that countries have to hold companies accountable for bad actions abroad. I simply couldn’t support a trade deal that does this much damage.

Climate

How would you discourage the proliferation of coal-fired power plants in developing countries?

- By turning America into the number one producer of green technologies and energy efficient products. America has a transformational opportunity to not just ensure America’s future energy needs are clean and sustainable, putting millions to work, and rebuilding our manufacturing sector-- but exporting those products abroad to encourage and build THEIR clean energy infrastructure.

U.S. Foreign Policy

What has been the greatest foreign policy accomplishment of the United States since World War II? What has been the biggest mistake?

- The greatest accomplishment was a world order that has led to the proliferation of democracy, democratic ideals and the raised standard of living for every human being alive today. It’s truly a miracle and it’s special-- never before have so many prospered or lived in relative peace and we must guard it vigilantly.

Our biggest mistakes were moves since 9/11 including the war in Iraq that undercut our moral standing in the world and allowed the relativistic worldview of men like Putin to proliferate.

Abortion

1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
- Pro-choice

Budget

1. In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
- Yes

2. Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
- Yes

Campaign Finance

1. Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
- Yes

Crime

Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
- No

Defense

Do you support increasing defense spending?
- Yes

Economy

1. Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes

2. Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes

3. Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
- Yes

Education

1. Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
- Yes

Energy and Environment

1. Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
- Yes

2. Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
- Yes

Guns

1. Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
- Yes

Health Care

1. Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
- No

2. Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
- Unknown Position

Immigration

1. Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
- No

2. Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
- No

National Security

1. Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
- No

2. Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
- Yes

Trade

1. Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
- Yes

Ohio Congressional Election 2012 Political Courage Test

Abortion

1. Women have the right to choose, and I do not support efforts to overturn the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court decision. I believe in measures that will reduce the number of abortions and support women while they are pregnant.
- "Women deserve to be able to make decisions about their own lives, bodies and futures, and todayâ??s SCOTUS decision undercuts that sacred right,"" https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1263226/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-in-favor-of-anti-abortion-pregnancy-centers#.XU2kJHU3kfI (votesmart.org) “The Hyde Amendment is a tax on millions of Americans seeking abortion. It’s wrong and should be repealed. Access to abortion care shouldn’t be limited by your zip code, income, or health care provider. It is a RIGHT” https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1365843/tweet-the-hyde-amendment-is-a-tax-on-millions-of-americans-seeking-abortion-its-wrong-and-should-be-repealed-access-to-abortion-care-shouldnt-be-limited-by-your-zip-code-income-or-health-care-provider-it-is-a-right/?search=hyde%20amendment#.XVxAzHU3kfI (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Abortions should always be legally available." Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Abortions should always be illegal." Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "f) Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions." Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion. Other or expanded principles: "Parental Notification" Tim Ryan. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Tim Ryan voted Yea on 04/27/2005. (votesmart.org) "Women have the right to choose, and I do not support efforts to overturn the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court decision. I believe in measures that will reduce the number of abortions and support women while they are pregnant." https://votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/45638/tim-ryan/#.WsJQXWe3wfI (votesmart.org) "Women have the right to choose, and I do not support efforts to overturn the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court decision. I believe in measures that will reduce the number of abortions and support women while they are pregnant." https://votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/45638/tim-ryan/#.WsJQXWe3wfI (votesmart.org) “We must trust women and families—not politicians—to make the best decision for their lives as it relates to reproductive rights & abortion.” http://www.timryanforcongress.com/issues (www.timryanforcongress.com) “This bill is dangerous in its implications and completely ignores the risks posed to women who carry pregnancies with severe and possibly fatal problems that may be discovered after twenty weeks. House Republicans are trying to remove these complex decisions with medical, spiritual, financial and emotional implications, from women and hand it to politicians where it certainly does not belong.” http://votesmart.org/public-statement/792795/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-to-oppose-20-week-abortion-ban#.VcI30XUVhHw (votesmart.org) Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/45638/tim-ryan (votesmart.org) "This bill is dangerous in its implications and completely ignores the risks posed to women who carry pregnancies with severe and possibly fatal problems that may be discovered after twenty weeks. House Republicans are trying to remove these complex decisions with medical, spiritual, financial and emotional implications, from women and hand it to politicians where it certainly does not belong." http://votesmart.org/public-statement/792795/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-to-oppose-20-week-abortion-ban#.VcI30XUVhHw (votesmart.org) Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America http://votesmart.org/interest-group/1016/rating/7720 (votesmart.org) Rated 0% by National Right to Life Committee http://votesmart.org/interest-group/252/rating/7227 (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. US News: Rep. Tim Ryan: My Plan for Common Ground on Abortion. 24 August 2009. "I am a pro-life member of Congress. I have voted in favor of parental notification laws, for the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act, against abortion in federally funded military medical facilities, for the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, against partial-birth abortion, and against human cloning. I stand by all those votes and, in addition, I have explained to Speaker Pelosi my position that healthcare reform should prohibit public funds from paying for abortions (a provision which the House Energy and Commerce Committee added to the bill)." (www.usnews.com) Tim Ryan. Congressman Tim Ryan's Statement on Recent Attacks in Ohio Against Women's Health Care. 6 December 2011. "The Ohio Senate has also insisted on pushing an abortion ban that is so expansive, even the Ohio Right to Life opposes it. The 'Heartbeat' bill is one more step in a radical direction that would prohibit women who are victims of rape or incest from making decisions about their own health care. This is wrong." (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. Issue Position: Preventing the Need for Abortions. 8 February 2012. "It's not the traditional pro-life stance, and it's not the traditional pro-choice stance. The aim is to prevent the need for females to even have an abortion." (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. MSNBC "Hardball With Chris Matthews" ? Transcript. 18 May 2009. "The debate has always consisted of pro- choice/pro-life. One side doesn't want anything to change and the other side wants to put doctors and women in prison. And I think the transformational effect of our legislation that Rosa and I have put together over the past three or four years, the speech that Barack Obama gave yesterday, puts us into a new realm. And the discussion now is going to be, 'Are you for reducing the number of abortions or are you for having the same bitter fight that we had over the last 35 years?'" (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Tim Ryan voted Yea on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org) Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Tim Ryan supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 57 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Tim Ryan voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org) National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Tim Ryan supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 16 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Tim Ryan voted Nay on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org) National Organization for Women. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the National Organization for Women attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2008, the National Organization for Women gave Tim Ryan a rating of 100 percent." (votesmart.org) Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Tim Ryan supported the interests of the Family Research Council 6 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Tim Ryan supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Tim Ryan voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Tim Ryan voted Yea on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Tim Ryan voted Nay on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. Democrats in Congress Pass Abortion Reduction Initiative. 19 July 2007. "It is our moral obligation to address those issues with which all sides agree. Whether you are pro-life like me or pro-choice like my friend Congresswoman DeLauro, the common ground we must build upon is our serious desire to reduce the rate of abortions." (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. Reps. Ryan And Delauro Bridge The Abortion Divide With New Bill. 23 July 2009. "With this legislation, we have found common ground on one of the most divisive debates in America. It's my belief that if we are really serious about reducing the need for abortions in this country, then we need to promote prevention in order to achieve that goal. People may and likely willÂ?continue to have disagreements over this issue, but we must still work together in the instances where we agree." (votesmart.org) "Tim believes that there are people of good conscience on both sides of the abortion issue, but that ultimately we must trust women, their families, and their doctors." https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1243463/issue-position-reproductive-health#.XU2jqXU3kfI (votesmart.org) "The Hyde Amendment is a tax on millions of Americans seeking abortion. Itâ??s wrong and should be repealed. Access to abortion care shouldnâ??t be limited by your zip code, income, or health care provider. It is a RIGHT" https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1365843/tweet-the-hyde-amendment-is-a-tax-on-millions-of-americans-seeking-abortion-its-wrong-and-should-be-repealed-access-to-abortion-care-shouldnt-be-limited-by-your-zip-code-income-or-health-care-provider-it-is-a-right (votesmart.org) “Women deserve to be able to make decisions about their own lives, bodies and futures, and today's SCOTUS decision undercuts that sacred right,"” https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1263226/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-in-favor-of-anti-abortion-pregnancy-centers#.XU2kJHU3kfI (votesmart.org) “Tim believes that there are people of good conscience on both sides of the abortion issue, but that ultimately we must trust women, their families, and their doctors.” https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1243463/issue-position-reproductive-health#.XU2jqXU3kfI (votesmart.org)

Afghanistan

1. Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?
- Yes

2. Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?
- Yes

Budget

1. do you support reducing defense spending?
- Yes

2. do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
- No

3. do you support reducing Medicaid spending?
- No

4. do you support reducing Medicare spending?
- No

5. Is balancing the budget a legislative priority?
- Yes

Campaign Finance

1. Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
- Yes

Capital Punishment

Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
- No Answer

Economy

1. Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes

2. Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
- Yes

3. Do you support spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
- Yes

4. Do you support the temporary extension of unemployment benefits?
- Yes

5. Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of tax relief?
- Yes

Education

1. Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
- Yes

Energy

Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
- Yes

Environment

1. Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
- Yes

2. Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
- Yes

Guns

1. I support the 2nd amendment right to bear arms and responsible gun ownership. With that right comes a responsibility to make sure we keep guns out of the hands of criminals.
- Tim Ryan. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Tim Ryan voted Yea on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows." Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns." Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns." Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Raise the minimum age for ownership of handguns from 18 to 21." Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns." Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns." Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting." Tim Ryan. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Tim Ryan voted Yea on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Tim Ryan voted Yea on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org) Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 04/18/2012. "Tim Ryan supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 0 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House)." (votesmart.org) National Rifle Association. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Rifle Association endorsed Tim Ryan in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org) Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Tim Ryan a grade of 36." (votesmart.org) Tim Ryan. Project Vote Smart: 2002 Ohio Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Require a license for gun possession."

Health Care

1. Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
- No

2. Should individuals be required to purchase health insurance, as mandated in the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
- Yes

Immigration

1. Do you support allowing illegal immigrants, who were brought to the United States as minors, to pursue citizenship without returning to their country of origin?
- Yes

2. Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?
- Yes

Marriage

Do you support same-sex marriage?
- Yes

National Security

1. Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
- Yes

2. Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon?
- Yes

Social Security

Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
- No

Spending and Taxes

1. Agriculture
- Maintain Status

2. Arts
- Maintain Status

3. Defense
- Slightly Decrease

4. Education
- Greatly Increase

5. Environment
- Slightly Increase

6. Homeland Security
- Maintain Status

7. International aid
- Maintain Status

8. Medical Research
- Greatly Increase

9. Scientific Research
- Greatly Increase

10. Space exploration
- Maintain Status

11. United Nations
- Maintain Status

12. Welfare
- Maintain Status

13. Other or expanded categories
- No Answer

14. Capital gains taxes
- Greatly Increase

15. Corporate taxes
- Slightly Decrease

16. Excise taxes (alcohol)
- Maintain Status

17. Excise taxes (cigarettes)
- Maintain Status

18. Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
- Maintain Status

19. Income taxes (low-income families)
- Slightly Decrease

20. Income taxes (middle-income families)
- Slightly Decrease

21. Income taxes (high-income families)
- Greatly Increase

22. Inheritance taxes
- No Answer

23. Payroll taxes
- No Answer

Administrative Priorities

Please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.
- No Answer