Bernie Sander's Positions

Here is a sampling of how Rep. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., voted on some high-profile issues that came before the House during the past two years. The votes were compiled by Project Vote Smart, a nonpartisan voter education group, and confirmed by Sanders' office.

ABORTION

Sanders voted to overturn an executive order by President Bush that restricted federal funding to international family planning groups that provide abortion services, counseling or advocacy. The House upheld Bush's order, which remains in effect.

ACCOUNTING REFORM

Sanders voted for a bill to require more comprehensive disclosure of corporate finances and overhaul regulation of the accounting industry in the wake of corporate scandals at Enron and other large companies. The House passed the bill, which became law.

BANKRUPTCY

Sanders voted against legislation to make it easier for courts to change debtors from Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which allows most debts to be dismissed, to Chapter 13, which requires a repayment plan. The House passed a preliminary version of the bill but has not approved final legislation.

EDUCATION

Sanders voted against the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, a White House-backed bill that authorizes $22.8 billion in education funding, a 29 percent increase from the previous year. The bill requires states to test elementary and junior high students in math and reading each year. The House passed the bill, which became law.

ENERGY

Sanders voted against a sweeping energy bill that would have allowed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The House passed the bill, which still must be reconciled with a Senate version.

FARM BILL

Sanders voted for a massive farm aid bill, which included a new $1 billion dairy program. The House passed the bill, which became law.

FLAG DESECRATION

Sanders voted against a resolution to propose a Constitutional amendment to give Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag. The House passed the resolution.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Sanders voted against the creation of a new Cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security. The House passed the bill, which is still awaiting action by the Senate.

IRAQ

Sanders voted against a resolution supporting U.S. military action against Iraq. The House passed the resolution.

PRAYER IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Sanders voted against a resolution that public schools should allow children to pray for the country during the war on terrorism. The House passed the resolution.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Sanders voted against a Republican plan to allow Medicare recipients to cover prescription drug costs through private insurance policies. The House passed the bill but the Senate did not take it up.

TAX CUTS

Sanders voted against the 2001 income tax cuts. The House approved the tax cuts, which became law.

TRADE

Sanders voted against fast-track trade legislation, which gives the president the power to negotiate trade agreements that cannot be changed by Congress. The House passed the bill, which became law.

VETERANS' BENEFITS

Sanders voted for a cost-of-living raise for various veterans' benefits and to expand disability compensation for gulf war veterans with undiagnosed illnesses. The House passed the bill, which became law.
-- Erin Kelly,
Free Press Washington writer