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Abortion

Budget & Economy

China

Civil Rights

Crime

Defense

Drugs

Education

Environment

Families & Children

Foreign Policy

Free Trade & Immigration

Government Reform

Gun Control

Health Care

Juvenile Crime

Kosovo

Principles & Values

School Choice

Social Security

Tax Reform

Technology

Welfare & Labor
Party: Independent (elected as Republican to current Senate seat; left the Republican Party in July 1999)
Withdrew Oct. 28, 1999
Born: March 30, 1941. His father was killed during active duty in WWII two days before Bob Smith's birth.
Family:
  • Wife - Mary Jo
  • Children - Jennifer; Robert, Jr.; Jason.
  • Religion: Catholic
    Military:
  • Two years active duty (1965-67) in the Navy
  • 5 years (1962-65, 1967-69) in the Naval Reserves
  • One year active duty in Vietnam (1966-67) stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin.
  • Web Sites: SmithForPresident.org, Campaign website
    Senate.gov/~smith, Senate website

      Education:
    • B.A. in Government, Lafayette College, Easton, PA (1965)
    • Graduate work, Long Beach State College, Long Beach, CA (1968-69).
      Professional Experience:
    • Owned and managed Yankee Pedlar Real Estate in Wolfeboro, N.H. for 10 years prior to being elected to Congress
    • In the late 1960's and early 70's the Senator taught History, Civics and English, and coached Varsity and Little League Baseball, in Wolfeboro, N.H.
    • He also was a six-year member of the Governor Wentworth Regional School Board and was elected Chairman three times.
      Political Experience:
    • Senator from New Hampshire, 1991-present
    • Chairman, Vietnam War Working Group of the Joint U.S./Russia Commission on POW/MIAs
    • Congressional Youth Leadership Council Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors
    • U.S. House of Rep., 1985-90.

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    Bob Smith on Abortion
    May 19, 1999 Against all aspects of abortion; for Human Life Amendment
    May 2, 1999 Against taxpayer-funded abortions at military hospitals
    May 2, 1999 Pro-life litmus test for Supreme Court
    Jul 2, 1996 Abortions limited to endangered mother

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy
    Aug 30, 1999 Supports numerous reforms to promote small business
    Aug 30, 1999 Supports Small Business Protection Act & S-Corp reform
    Aug 30, 1999 Don’t balance budget on veterans’ shoulders
    Mar 29, 1999 Keep budget balanced; use surpluses to pay down debt
    Jul 2, 1996 Supports Balanced Budget Amendment
    Jul 2, 1996 Fund more education, enviro, Medicare, & student loans
    Jul 2, 1996 Block grants to states for most federal programs

    Bob Smith on China
    Jul 2, 1999 Maintain military presence in Asia to confront China
    Jun 14, 1999 No trade rewards to oppressive regimes like China
    May 26, 1999 Create Senate committee to investigate China spying

    Bob Smith on Civil Rights
    Aug 30, 1999 Amend Constitution for school prayer
    Jun 7, 1999 Against ambassadorship of gay activist James Hormel
    May 19, 1999 For constitutional amendment against flag burning
    May 19, 1999 Against homosexual advocacy in the classroom
    Jul 2, 1996 Supports school prayer

    Bob Smith on Crime
    Jul 2, 1999 Punish swiftly & severely; including death penalty
    Jul 2, 1999 Include violent crime victims in sentence policy-making
    Jul 2, 1999 Victim’s Bill of Rights: notification & restitution
    Jul 2, 1996 Broaden use of death penalty; limit death row appeals
    Jul 2, 1996 More prisons; more full sentences; more boot camps
    Jul 2, 1996 Stricter visas & chemical tracing to fight terrorism

    Bob Smith on Defense
    Aug 30, 1999 Don’t balance budget on veterans’ shoulders
    Aug 30, 1999 New non-VA programs for military retirees’ health care
    Jul 2, 1999 President needs knowledge & passion to inspire troops
    May 19, 1999 Cuts have been too deep; need SDI defense
    May 19, 1999 Has worked to account for all POWs and MIAs
    Mar 29, 1999 Correct shortages in military equipment & personnel
    Mar 29, 1999 Raise military pay & benefits
    Mar 29, 1999 Get answers on POWs and MIAs

    Bob Smith on Drugs
    Aug 30, 1999 Unhealthy pleasures should be decided by individuals
    Jul 2, 1996 More penalties & drug testing, more education & treatment

    Bob Smith on Education
    Aug 30, 1999 Special Ed: Feds should pay for mandates; FY99 is close
    Aug 30, 1999 Amend Constitution for school prayer
    Jul 2, 1999 Federal rules cause educational problems
    Jun 12, 1998 GOAL 2000: Shut down Department of Education

    Bob Smith on Environment
    Aug 30, 1999 ESA: more recovery & delisting; more State & private role
    Aug 30, 1999 Global climate treaty stifles US economy
    Aug 30, 1999 Protect environment andprotect property rights
    Aug 30, 1999 Clarify jurisdiction to allow property-taking disputes
    Aug 30, 1999 Superfund: involve communities in brownfield cleanup
    Jul 2, 1999 Pro-community & pro-schools trumps pro-environment
    Jul 2, 1996 Raise grazing & mining fees; more cost-benefit analysis
    Jul 2, 1996 Supports CWA, alternative fuels, & pollution credits

    Bob Smith on Families & Children
    Jul 2, 1999 Welfare reform promotes families
    Jul 2, 1996 Against Ameri-Corps National Service Program
    Jul 2, 1996 Moral rebirth begins with tax policies that help families

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy
    May 19, 1999 Against UN control of US troops and sovereignty
    May 2, 1999 Get US out of UN
    Apr 2, 1999 Against NATO expansion; if it continues, US should exit
    Jul 2, 1996 No relations with Cuba & Vietnam; keep Radio Marti & others
    Jul 2, 1996 Russia: link aid to reform
    Jul 2, 1996 Foreign aid: only for disasters or US security interests
    Jul 2, 1996 Retaliatory tariffs OK against Cuba, China

    Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration
    May 19, 1999 Tighten immigration laws; enhance border patrol
    Mar 29, 1999 No trade rewards to oppressive regimes like China
    Jul 2, 1996 Fewer immigrants; less aid; Offical English
    Jul 2, 1996 Against NAFTA, GATT, & WTO
    Jul 2, 1996 Retaliatory tariffs OK against Cuba, China

    Bob Smith on Government Reform
    Aug 30, 1999 Corporate Welfare: Against subsidies for private companies
    Jul 2, 1999 Campaign Finance: Full disclosure replace PACs & franking
    Jul 2, 1999 Campaign Finance: indepedent commission to reform rules
    Jul 2, 1999 Unfunded mandates hurt local services
    May 19, 1999 For term limits for judges; against activist Judiciary
    May 19, 1999 Strong voice in exposing fundraising & sex scandals
    May 2, 1999 Abolish unconstitutional federal agencies
    Jul 2, 1996 Supports Line Item Veto
    Jul 2, 1996 Term limits of 12 years for Senate & Congress

    Bob Smith on Gun Control
    Aug 30, 1999 No Brady Bill; problem is moral decay, not personal freedom
    May 19, 1999 Supports rights of law-abiding gun owners
    Mar 29, 1999 Repeal infringements of 2nd Amendment rights
    Jul 2, 1996 Ease ownership, registration, & concealed-carry laws

    Bob Smith on Health Care
    Aug 30, 1999 Medicare: Revise reimbursement rules for Home Health Care
    Aug 30, 1999 Tobacco bill was a $500B tax bill in disguise
    Aug 30, 1999 Supports public health measures, but supports right to smoke
    Aug 30, 1999 Unhealthy pleasures should be decided by individuals
    Aug 30, 1999 New non-VA programs for military retirees’ health care
    Jul 2, 1999 HMO cost control shouldn’t hurt patients
    Jul 2, 1999 HMOs: more info; prudent emergency care; external appeal
    Jul 2, 1996 Health-care vouchers; tax incentives; limit med.mal.

    Bob Smith on Juvenile Crime
    Jul 2, 1996 Prosecute juvenile murderers as adults

    Bob Smith on Kosovo
    Apr 2, 1999 Mistake to intervene in Yugoslavian Civil War
    Mar 29, 1999 Breaching sovereignty requires Congressional authorization
    Mar 23, 1999 Supports US intervention if war spreads across borders

    Bob Smith on Principles & Values
    Oct 28, 1999 Exiting race, returning to GOP
    Jul 18, 1999 Most reliable Republican in Senate, despite resigning GOP
    Jul 18, 1999 Smith quit because GOP was hostile to his activist causes
    Mar 29, 1999 Grass-roots campaign on Main Street, not Wall Street
    Jul 2, 1996 Moral rebirth begins with tax policies that help families
    Jul 2, 1996 Priorities: pay down debt; keep criminals in jail

    Bob Smith on School Choice
    Jul 2, 1999 Replace federal control with local accountability
    Jul 2, 1999 A+ accounts: $2000/yr to private or parochial schools
    Jul 2, 1999 Consumer choice in education will improve failing schools
    May 19, 1999 Supports school choice; abolish Dept. of Education
    Jul 2, 1996 Public, private & parochial vouchers; plus charters

    Bob Smith on Social Security
    Jul 2, 1999 No taxes on retirement benefits; no earnings test.
    Jul 2, 1999 Keep Trust Fund off-budget; adminster it independently
    Jul 2, 1999 Must act now to avoid insolvency in 2030
    Jul 2, 1999 Long-term changes needed, via bipartisan approach

    Bob Smith on Tax Reform
    Aug 30, 1999 Reduce taxes to promote small business
    Aug 30, 1999 Tobacco bill was a $500B tax bill in disguise
    Jul 2, 1999 Throw out tax code & fire IRS agents who harass citizens
    May 19, 1999 Lower taxes for individuals and businesses
    Mar 29, 1999 Overhaul the entire tax system
    Jul 2, 1996 Flat tax ok, consumption tax not.

    Bob Smith on Technology
    Feb 11, 1999 Ban local and state taxes on Internet commerce

    Bob Smith on Welfare & Labor
    Jul 2, 1999 Preserve welfare as temporary safety net
    Jul 2, 1999 Welfare reform promotes families
    May 19, 1999 Against compulsory unionism; for Right-to-Work
    Jul 2, 1996 Apartment vouchers for homeless; more charity deductions
    Jul 2, 1996 Funds for hiring homeless; more enterprise zones
    Jul 2, 1996 Fund public works & job training for unemployed

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    Bob Smith on Abortion

    Bob Smith on Abortion: May 19, 1999

    Against all aspects of abortion; for Human Life Amendment

    A consistent pro-life leader with a perfect pro-life voting record for his entire 13 years in Congress, Smith introduced legislation in 1995 to ban the procedure of infanticide, better known as partial-birth abortion. He [worked to] stop federal funding of human embryo research and to eliminate federal funding of abortions. He is the prime sponsor of the Human Life Constitutional Amendment and a bill establishing the personhood of the unborn child from the moment of conception.
    Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

    Bob Smith on Abortion: May 2, 1999

    Against taxpayer-funded abortions at military hospitals

    Smith today led the fight against repealing current law and allowing abortions to be performed at military hospitals. “Millions of American taxpayers, myself included, believe that abortion is the taking of an innocent human life. We should not be forced to pay for a procedure with our tax money that violates our fundamental and deeply held belief in the sanctity of life. [Let’s] keep the military out of the business of abortion.”
    Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Block Abortions”

    Bob Smith on Abortion: May 2, 1999

    Pro-life litmus test for Supreme Court

    As President, I would send Congress a bill protecting the unborn from the moment of fertilization. I introduced the Personhood bill this week in the Senate, and I would sign it as President. The right to life is the moral issue of OUR day, I WOULD have a litmus test for the Supreme Court. My nominees would be pro-life, pro-Constitution. I might even bring back Bork.
    Source: NH Primary Kickoff Dinner Speech

    Bob Smith on Abortion: Jul 2, 1996

    Abortions limited to endangered mother

    Sen. Smith agrees with the statement, “Abortions should be legal only when the life of the woman is endangered.”
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Aug 30, 1999

    Supports numerous reforms to promote small business

      As a former small businessman, I have sponsored many initiatives to promote small business.... I have supported:
    • oversight boards to monitor the enforcement practices of certain Federal agencies such as OSHA
    • requiring agencies to provide small businesses with simple explanations of complex regulations
    • the Family Friendly Workplace Act, which has comp time provisions for the private sector
    • Voted against a proposal that would have raised the mandatory minimum wage.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Aug 30, 1999

    Supports Small Business Protection Act & S-Corp reform

    [I support] the Small Business Protection Act, which would extend the research and experimentation tax credit, establish the work opportunity tax credit, and extend tax a credit for employer-provided educational assistance. The law also provides for “S-Corporation” reform, improving access to capital by preserving family-owned businesses and simplifying many of the outdated, unnecessary, and complex rules for S corporations.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Aug 30, 1999

    Don’t balance budget on veterans’ shoulders

    I have fought to preserve and protect the quality of benefits available to all veterans. While achieving real deficit reduction has, and will, require Congress to make difficult spending choices, I will vigorously oppose any effort to ask veterans to shoulder the burden of balancing the budget. The Senate, with my support, has recommended increasing the Veteran’s Administration’s total budget by more than $1.17 billion over last year’s appropriations level.
    Source: (X-ref defense) senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Mar 29, 1999

    Keep budget balanced; use surpluses to pay down debt

    I will present no budget to the Congress that is not in balanced, and will use all budget surpluses to pay down the debt, strengthen our military, and to implement reforms in Social Security to begin the process of allowing individuals to set up their own personal savings accounts.
    Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Jul 2, 1996

    Supports Balanced Budget Amendment

    Sen. Smith supports “amending the US Constitution to require an annual balanced federal budget.”
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Jul 2, 1996

    Fund more education, enviro, Medicare, & student loans

      Sen. Smith would “slightly increase” federal funding for:
    • Education (K-12)
    • Environmental programs
    • Law enforcement
    • Medicaid & Medicare
    • Student loan program.
    Sen. Smith would “maintain status” of federal funding for:
  • AIDS Programs
  • Arts funding
  • Housing projects
  • Job training programs
  • NASA
  • Welfare (AFDC).
  • Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Budget & Economy: Jul 2, 1996

    Block grants to states for most federal programs

      Sen. Smith supports block grants given to states, rather than federal spending, in the following areas:
    • Agriculture
    • Education
    • Farm subsidies
    • Food stamps
    • Medicaid
    • School lunches
    • Welfare.
      Sen. Smith does not support block grants in the following areas:
    • Law enforcement
    • Medicare.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on China

    Bob Smith on China: Jul 2, 1999

    Maintain military presence in Asia to confront China

    I believe a more prudent and pragmatic policy should be taken toward China. We should maintain strong alliances and a vigorous presence in Asia and confront China directly on all aspects of weapons proliferation and military policy which might threaten our interests.
    Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

    Bob Smith on China: Jun 14, 1999

    No trade rewards to oppressive regimes like China

    There will be no trade rewards to oppressive regimes like Communist China that continue to violate basic human rights and target US Cities with their missiles.
    Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

    Bob Smith on China: May 26, 1999

    Create Senate committee to investigate China spying

    [Regarding the Cox Report,] Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire is urging creation of a Senate select committee to investigate Chinese espionage. “We will get to the bottom of this,” he said. “Nobody in this Senate worth his or her salt should have any objection to that.”
    Source: Associated Press, “Republicans on China”, by K. Srinivasan

    Bob Smith on Civil Rights

    Bob Smith on Civil Rights: Aug 30, 1999

    Amend Constitution for school prayer

    Religious freedom is a bedrock constitutional right in this country. It is guaranteed by the Free Exercise of the First Amendment to the Constitution. I strongly support vigorous enforcement of every American’s right to the free exercise of religion. As an exercise of this right, I support prayer in the public schools. I am a co-sponsor of S. J. Res. 15, which is a constitutional amendment that would allow voluntary prayer in the public schools.
    Source: (X-ref Education) senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Civil Rights: Jun 7, 1999

    Against ambassadorship of gay activist James Hormel

    “Sending Hormel to Luxembourg - a 97% Catholic country - is like sending Louis Farrakhan to Israel,” says Smith on Clinton’s recess appointment of James C. Hormel, heir to the Hormel Meatpacking fortune, Democratic party donor and gay activist, who said he supported transvestites at a San Francisco parade.
    Source: Smith press release

    Bob Smith on Civil Rights: May 19, 1999

    For constitutional amendment against flag burning

    As an ardent defender of the responsibilities and liberties symbolized by the American flag, Senator Smith is a cosponsor of a proposed constitutional amendment banning the desecration of the flag.
    Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

    Bob Smith on Civil Rights: May 19, 1999

    Against homosexual advocacy in the classroom

    Senator Smith opposed the creation of Goals 2000 and led the effort to prevent the use of taxpayer funds for homosexual advocacy in the classroom.
    Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

    Bob Smith on Civil Rights: Jul 2, 1996

    Supports school prayer

    Sen. Smith supports amending the United States Constitution to allow voluntary prayer and/or moment of silence in public schools.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Crime

    Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1999

    Punish swiftly & severely; including death penalty

    America’s crime problem is one of my top concerns as a United States Senator. I believe that the best way to fight crime is with punishment that is swift, sure, and severe. I support the death penalty, and favor putting repeat violent offenders in jail and keeping them there - no parole, no early release - period.
    Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

    Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1999

    Include violent crime victims in sentence policy-making

    I introduced legislation to give victims of crime a greater voice in the sentencing of criminals. My bill requires that two of the seven seats on the United States Sentencing Commission, an independent entity within the judicial branch that establishes sentencing policies and practices for the Federal courts, be reserved for victims of violent crime.
    Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

    Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1999

    Victim’s Bill of Rights: notification & restitution

    In order to protect the rights of victims of violent crime, I have also cosponsored an amendment to the United States Constitution called the “Victim’s Bill of Rights,” which would grant victims of violent crimes the right to be notified of any public proceedings relating to the crime and to be notified of a criminal’s release or escape from custody and guarantee victims the right to seek restitution from the convicted offender.
    Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

    Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1996

    Broaden use of death penalty; limit death row appeals

    Sen. Smith supports broadening the use of the death penalty for federal crimes, and limiting the number of appeals allowed to inmates on death row.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1996

    More prisons; more full sentences; more boot camps

      Sen. Smith supports the following principles to address crime:
    • Build more federal prisons
    • Impose “truth in sentencing” for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole
    • “Boot camps” as alternative sentencing for adult first-time felons
    • Provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released
    • Deport all permanent resident aliens convicted of a felony
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Crime: Jul 2, 1996

    Stricter visas & chemical tracing to fight terrorism

      Sen. Smith support the following principles concerning terrorism:
    • Require that chemical tracing agents be added to commercially-sold products that can be used to produce explosives.
    • Grant broader authority to the US Immigration and Naturalization Service to deny entrance visas to terrorist suspects.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Defense

    Bob Smith on Defense: Aug 30, 1999

    Don’t balance budget on veterans’ shoulders

    I have fought to preserve and protect the quality of benefits available to all veterans. While achieving real deficit reduction has, and will, require Congress to make difficult spending choices, I will vigorously oppose any effort to ask veterans to shoulder the burden of balancing the budget. The Senate, with my support, has recommended increasing the Veteran’s Administration’s total budget by more than $1.17 billion over last year’s appropriations level.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Defense: Aug 30, 1999

    New non-VA programs for military retirees’ health care

    I am deeply concerned about the ability of our military retirees over the age of 65 to get access to quality health care. We have a moral obligation to assist those in need who have honorably served our country. I [support a] test program to ensure the availability of adequate health care for Medicare-eligible military retirees. The program ensures [against the VA’s problems with] geographic constraints resulting from the diminishing number of military treatment facilities.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Defense: Jul 2, 1999

    President needs knowledge & passion to inspire troops

    “We need a strong, forceful commander in chief with the background, the credibility, and the knowledge and the passion to lead and inspire our troops and someone who cares about them and appreciates their sacrifices. And I’m prepared to meet that challenge if I’m president of the United States.” Smith promised to never send troops into military action under a leader from another country.
    Source: CNN.com Campaign 2000

    Bob Smith on Defense: May 19, 1999

    Cuts have been too deep; need SDI defense

    Senator Smith, as chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, has made the protection of America’s national security a top priority and believes cuts to our nation’s military have been too deep and have cut too far in manpower, weapons and readiness. He is currently working to ensure that America is protected from the real and growing threat of ballistic missile attack.
    Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

    Bob Smith on Defense: May 19, 1999

    Has worked to account for all POWs and MIAs

    Senator Smith, as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has worked tirelessly for 15 years to gain an accounting for America’s POWs and MIAs by travelling to Communist nations and declassifying Government records.
    Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

    Bob Smith on Defense: Mar 29, 1999

    Correct shortages in military equipment & personnel

    The President has asked the military to do more with less, and the foundation of our military readiness is crumbling. Throughout the armed forces, there is a shortage of spare parts for our military equipment. As President, I will ask the Joint Chiefs for an immediate assessment of the operational needs of each of the services, and send a bill to Congress with the funding necessary to correct those shortages.
    Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

    Bob Smith on Defense: Mar 29, 1999

    Raise military pay & benefits

    I will immediately raise military pay, and restore military retirement and health care benefits which have been cut so drastically over the years. Commitments to our veterans will be honored and there will be no military personnel on food stamps.
    Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

    Bob Smith on Defense: Mar 29, 1999

    Get answers on POWs and MIAs

    Our nation’s POWs and MIAs sacrificed their own freedom to protect our freedom and were never heard from again. Their ultimate fate is still unknown. I have traveled to every corner of the world on behalf of the POW/MIA families searching for answers -- trying to end their uncertainty. I have had to bang on the doors of our own Government to open up intelligence files. Never again will these families have to beg our government and foreign governments for answers about their loved ones.
    Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

    Bob Smith on Drugs

    Bob Smith on Drugs: Aug 30, 1999

    Unhealthy pleasures should be decided by individuals

    I believe that the decision whether or not to trade one’s own long-term health for whatever short-term pleasures smoking may provide -- like the decisions to drink alcoholic beverages, eat fatty foods, or drink caffeinated products -- is one that should be left to the individual, not the Federal government.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Drugs: Jul 2, 1996

    More penalties & drug testing, more education & treatment

      Sen. Smith supports the following principles concerning illegal drugs:
    • Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs, including mandatory jail sentences
    • Capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers
    • Drug testing for federal employees in sensitive positions
    • Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances, including inhalants and commercially available pills
    • Increase federally-sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Education

    Bob Smith on Education: Aug 30, 1999

    Special Ed: Feds should pay for mandates; FY99 is close

    When I was a school board chairman, I saw first hand how important special education funds are in helping states and localities to comply with Federal special education regulations and mandates. The Federal Government must make good on its commitment to fund special education mandates. The final Education budget provides $5.1 billion for IDEA programs. While falling short of completely meeting the Government’s statutory obligation, this represents a significant effort in the context of a limited budget.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Education: Aug 30, 1999

    Amend Constitution for school prayer

    Religious freedom is a bedrock constitutional right in this country. It is guaranteed by the Free Exercise of the First Amendment to the Constitution. I strongly support vigorous enforcement of every American’s right to the free exercise of religion. As an exercise of this right, I support prayer in the public schools. I am a co-sponsor of S. J. Res. 15, which is a constitutional amendment that would allow voluntary prayer in the public schools.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Education: Jul 2, 1999

    Federal rules cause educational problems

    As the Federal role in education has grown in the last couple of decades, the state of our schools has deteriorated. The Federal Government provides seven cents out of every dollar spent on education in America, but it imposes most of the mandates and rules that hamper communities in their effort to provide the best possible education. I believe that doing that would constitute the greatest contribution to the goal of addressing problems in our schools.
    Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

    Bob Smith on Education: Jun 12, 1998

    GOAL 2000: Shut down Department of Education

      Federal control [of education means]:
    • No to home schooling, yes to national standards;
    • Values out, condoms in;
    • Teaching basics out, outcome bases education in;
    • Prayer out, drugs and gangs in.
    • I say the Department of Education out, parents in!
    I call my plan “GOAL 2000”. That’s one goal: shut down the Department of Education by the year 2000. Fire the bureaucrats, auction off the building and close the doors. Give the money back to the tax payers.
    Source: Speech to Iowa GOP Convention

    Bob Smith on Environment

    Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

    ESA: more recovery & delisting; more State & private role

    The Endangered Species Act has not been as effective as it could be. Nearly a thousand species have been listed as endangered, however only a few have been recovered to sustainable populations.
      [I support] strengthening the ESA to:
    • require use of the best scientific data available for listing and delisting of a species
    • require more effective recovery plans
    • provide a greater State role
    • and provide incentives to landowners who seek to preserve endangered species on their land.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

    Global climate treaty stifles US economy

    I am concerned about commiting to a legally binding pact which would force the US to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010, while exempting “developing nations,” such as China, India, Korea, and Mexico. I do not believe this agreement addresses American interests equitably and would force the US to “go it alone” in emissions reductions, thereby stifling our economy and relinquishing our competitive edge in the global market.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

    Protect environment andprotect property rights

    I have worked to ensure that the rights of property owners are not infringed upon by Federal mandates and regulation. I take seriously my oath to uphold the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. I also believe it is important to protect the environment for future generations and be good stewards of the land. It is not a matter of upholding one principle over the other. We should do both. We should ensure protection of the environment as well as private property rights.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

    Clarify jurisdiction to allow property-taking disputes

    Under current law, land owners who dispute the government taking of their property might be transferred repeatedly between US District Court and the US Court of Federal Claims before proper jurisdiction is determined. This back and forth process has become known as the “Tucker Act Shuffle.” I believe that the existing “shuffle” process puts the property owner through a burdensome and unfair judicial maze, and I support legislation to rectify it.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Environment: Aug 30, 1999

    Superfund: involve communities in brownfield cleanup

      As Chairman of the Superfund Subcommittee, [I worked towards] a bill that would:
    • cleanup thousands of brownfields sites nationwide which would bring economic revitalization to our nation’s inner cities
    • protect innocent landowners whose property has been contaminated by an adjacent site
    • protect land purchasers who exercised due diligence in acquiring property later found to be contaminated
    • provide States and communities a greater role in deciding how sites should be cleaned
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Environment: Jul 2, 1999

    Pro-community & pro-schools trumps pro-environment

    Today, Americans spend $200 billion dollars a year complying with environmental regulations. While I consider myself to be pro-environment, I am also pro-community, pro-schools, and pro-local government. I have had the opportunity to review many pieces of environmental legislation. I believe that the Federal Government must reassess how environmental laws are regulated to ensure that we only use the best, peer-reviewed science and the most cost-effective methods to meet our shared environmental goals.
    Source: Smith’s Senate Home Page

    Bob Smith on Environment: Jul 2, 1996

    Raise grazing & mining fees; more cost-benefit analysis

      Sen. Smith supports the following principles regarding America’s environment and natural resources:
    • Utilize cost-benefit analysis to determine economic impacts of proposed environmental protection and cleanup legislation
    • Increase fees charged to ranchers who graze cattle on federal lands
    • Revise the 1872 mining law to increase the amounts charged to mining companies using federal lands
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Environment: Jul 2, 1996

    Supports CWA, alternative fuels, & pollution credits

      Sen. Smith supports the following programs regarding America’s environment and natural resources:
    • Strengthen the Clean Water Act.
    • Encourage development of alternative fuels and electric cars to reduce pollution.
    • Promote the selling of pollution credits to encourage industries to decrease amount of pollution.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Families & Children

    Bob Smith on Families & Children: Jul 2, 1999

    Welfare reform promotes families

    The old welfare system failed welfare recipients and taxpayers alike by contributing to social problems such as family break-up and illegitimacy. The new welfare reform law promotes families by requiring deadbeat parents to pay support, teenage mothers to stay in school and live at home, and welfare recipients to help establish the paternity of their children in order to receive full benefits.
    Source: (Cross-ref to Welfare Reform) Smith for president homepage

    Bob Smith on Families & Children: Jul 2, 1996

    Against Ameri-Corps National Service Program

    Sen. Smith does not support funding the National Service Program (Ameri-Corps) in which young people receive money from the federal government for college in return for performing community service.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Families & Children: Jul 2, 1996

    Moral rebirth begins with tax policies that help families

    America continues to suffer from moral and ethical decline. Our moral and ethical rebirth must begin in the most basic organizing unit of society -- the family. Government ought to promote tax policies that help families, such as ending the marriage penalty and providing tax credits for families with children.
    Source: (X-ref Principles) Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: May 19, 1999

    Against UN control of US troops and sovereignty

    Senator Smith opposes international agreements that threaten the sovereignty of the United States. He strongly opposed Chemical Weapons Convention, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. He opposes placing U.S. Troops under U.N. command.
    Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: May 2, 1999

    Get US out of UN

    I will sign no global agreement that sacrifices United States Sovereignty. I will conduct no military action unless it is in the national security interests of the United States. No troops will serve under UN command. And speaking of the UN, let’s face it, it is time, on January 21, 2001, I will get us out of the United Nations.
    Source: NH Primary Kickoff Dinner Speech

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Apr 2, 1999

    Against NATO expansion; if it continues, US should exit

    Aiming directly at post-Cold War thinking about NATO as a force against violent instability in Europe, Smith notes that he strongly opposed the alliance’s recent expansion to include Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic. NATO’s mission, he says, should be the defense of its members, period. ‘’if this is what NATO has become - a means of dragging the US into every minor conflict around Europe’s edges - then maybe we should get out of NATO.’’
    Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/news.htm “Kosovo”

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Jul 2, 1996

    No relations with Cuba & Vietnam; keep Radio Marti & others

    Sen. Smith thinks the US should not have diplomatic relations with the government of Cuba nor the government of Vietnam. Sen. Smith concurs with continuing funding for Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, Radio Marti, TV Marti, and Radio Free Asia.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Jul 2, 1996

    Russia: link aid to reform

    Sen. Smith agrees that economic aid to Russia and the former republics should be decreased and/or eliminated. Smith says, “Aid should be specifically linked to military, economic, and political reform.”
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Jul 2, 1996

    Foreign aid: only for disasters or US security interests

    Sen. Smith concurs that foreign aid should only be given when extraordinary circumstances and disaster threaten the lives of civilian populations. Sen. Smith furhter concurs that foreign aid should be given to countries only when it is in the security interests of the United States.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Foreign Policy: Jul 2, 1996

    Retaliatory tariffs OK against Cuba, China

      Sen. Smith’s responses to questions on trade:
    • Smith does not support lifting the trade embargo imposed against Cuba.
    • Smith does support imposing tariffs on products imported from nations that maintain restrictive trade barriers on American products.
    • Smith does support considering a nation’s human rights record affect its MFN trading status with the United States.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration

    Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: May 19, 1999

    Tighten immigration laws; enhance border patrol

    Senator Smith is concerned that illegal immigration is costing taxpayers millions of dollars while closing the door to legal immigrants. He is doing his part to tighten up immigration laws through his leadership on legislation such as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1995, which would deport terrorist aliens, and the Immigration Control Act, which enhances border patrol and fights smuggling.
    Source: www.smithforpresident.org/issues.htm

    Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: Mar 29, 1999

    No trade rewards to oppressive regimes like China

    There will be no trade rewards to oppressive regimes like Communist China that continue to violate basic human rights and target US Cities with their missiles.
    Source: www.SmithForPresident.org/ “Annoucement Speech”

    Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: Jul 2, 1996

    Fewer immigrants; less aid; Offical English

      Sen. Smith supports the following principles regarding immigration:
    • Further limit the number of immigrants allowed into the country
    • Establish English as the official and recognized language of the US
    • Provide extra federal aid to states with higher numbers of immigrants for necessary medical and social services
    • Restrict the eligibility of legal immigrants for certain social programs (i.e. AFDC, HUD housing, food stamps, etc.).
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: Jul 2, 1996

    Against NAFTA, GATT, & WTO

      Sen. Smith’s responses to questions on trade organizations:
    • Smith does not support NAFTA.
    • Smith does not support broadening NAFTA to include other countries.
    • Smith does not support GATT.
    • Smith does not support the WTO.
    Source: Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Free Trade & Immigration: Jul 2, 1996

    Retaliatory tariffs OK against Cuba, China

      Sen. Smith’s responses to questions on trade:
    • Smith does not support lifting the trade embargo imposed against Cuba.
    • Smith does support imposing tariffs on products imported from nations that maintain restrictive trade barriers on American products.
    • Smith does support considering a nation’s human rights record affect its MFN trading status with the United States.
    Source: (X-ref Foreign policy) Project Vote Smart NPAT 1996

    Bob Smith on Government Reform

    Bob Smith on Government Reform: Aug 30, 1999

    Corporate Welfare: Against subsidies for private companies

    Throughout my years in Congress, I frequently have voted against subsidies for select private companies. I have opposed corporate welfare programs such as: The Market Promotion Program, which provides Federally-funded overseas advertising for private companies’ products; programs within the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce that aid the overseas expansion of select private American companies; and the peanut and sugar subsidy programs.
    Source: senate.gov/~smith “Smith on the Issues”

    Bob Smith on Government Reform: Jul 2, 1999

    Campaign Finance: Full disclosure replace PACs & franking

    Throughout my years in Congress I have supported efforts to reform campaign finance laws. I have voted to eliminate political action committees and to prohibit the use of the Congressional franking privilege for mass mailings.