Sam Brownback Last Update: 10/17/07 Biography

republican Party Sam Brownback 2008 Candidate for President of the United States of America Campaign Website | Candidate Forum

			Issues

(Select An Issue to Jump Directly) Abortion Darfur Death Penalty Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Energy Plan Free Trade Global Warming Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp Health Care Immigration Iran Iraq Plan Line Item Veto Medical Marijuana Military Contractors Military Funding Minimum Wage Increase National Deficit Net Neutrality No Child Left Behind Act Nuclear Power Same-Sex Marriage School Vouchers Social Security Stem Cell Research Tax Reform The Military Commissions Act of 2006 The Patriot Act Welfare

	Sam Brownback on Abortion
	Stance: Pro - Life Description: Brownback believes that every life, from beginning to end, is sacred. He opposes abortion in all circumstances except to save the mother's life. He believes that even the child of a rape victim should be considered a "viable life." Brownback believes roe v. wade should be overturned and supports pro-life laws. He pledged that as president he would appoint judges who support illegalizing abortion. Citations: 1. Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/6/07) "I think it's the life issue clearly, and I'm pro-life and I'm whole life. And one of the things I'm the most -- the proudest about our party about is that we've stood for life. We've been a party that has stood for a culture of life. And it was in our platform in 1980, and it continues today. And with that respect -- and I have respect for my other colleagues -- that's why I don't think we can nominate somebody that's not pro-life in this party, because it is at our core. We believe that every life is beautiful, is sacred, is a child of a loving God from natural -- from conception to natural death. And that applies not only here and in the womb, it applies to somebody that's in poverty, it applies to the child in Darfur. And that philosophy, being pro-life and whole life, is something I think can really help move us forward as a country and as a party." 2. Republican Debate Transcript, South Carolina (7/26/07) On May 15, 2007 Fox News moderated the second debate between Republican presidential candidates running for the 2008 bid. It was held in Columbia, South Carolina. Speakers included: Sam Brownback, Member (R - KS), U.S. Senate James S. Gilmore Rudy Giuliani Duncan Hunter Mike Huckabee John McCain, Member, U.S. Senate (R-Ariz.) Ron Paul Mitt Romney Tom Tancredo Tommy Thompson 3. Brownback at CPAC: Roe v. Wade should be overturned (7/26/07) Brownback's position on Roe v. Wade 4. Brownback is Pro-Life (7/26/07) Brownback speaks about his Pro-life stance (video)

	Sam Brownback on Darfur
	Stance: Bring in a U.N. peacekeeping force, Implement a no-fly zone, protect civilians, and have economic sanctions. Description: Sen. Brownback co-sponsored a $60 million amendment allocated toward helping establish a UN peacekeeping force in the region. He also has divested his family's mutual funds from companies that conduct business with the government of Sudan. He has additionally co-sponsored bills to protect civilians and establish economic sanctions. The Genocide Intervention Network has given him an A rating on his Darfur Scorecard. Citations: 1. Sam Brownback (8/12/07) A scorecard of his actions with Darfur. He received an A . 2. Brownback Applauds Senate Passage of Darfur Aid in Supplemental Appropriations Bill (8/12/07) "There is a genocide taking place right before our very eyes and it must be stopped," Brownback said. "The U.S. must continue to press this issue at the highest levels. I want to thank my colleague Senator Corzine for offering these amendments and the more than 30 other members who cosponsored them. The Darfur Accountability Amendment provides the administration the tools they need to sanction individuals who have committed atrocities in the region, and the funding amendment puts our money where our mouth is - helping out the people of Darfur." 3. Policy Adrift on Darfur (8/12/07) Barack Obama and Sam Brownback wrote an article about how much work we need to do in Darfur. 4. Huckabee Shines As GOP Forum Truants Devastate 2008 Prospects (10/15/07) "I couldn't disagree more with that answer," said Brownback, who has often said "a child in Darfur is as sacred as a child in the womb" in making his "pro-life" case.

	Sam Brownback on Death Penalty
	Stance: Opposes death penalty except in rare cases. Description: Brownback opposes the death penalty except in rare, extreme cases. He has said that the Constitution does not mandate or prohibit the use of the death penalty but that "if we're trying to establish a culture of life, it's difficult to have the state sponsoring executions." Citations: 1. The Candidates on the Death Penalty (7/23/07) his stance on the dp 2. Q&A with Sen. Sam Brownback (10/9/07) I only support [capital punishment] in cases where we cannot protect the public from the individual. Osama bin Laden: When we catch him, we cannot protect the public from him. But outside of that, it is difficult to teach a culture of life and that you still use a death penalty. - Brownback

	Sam Brownback on Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
	Stance: Supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Description: Senator Sam Brownback supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to alleviate the cost of gasoline in the U.S.. Citations: 1. Republican Debate Transcript, South Carolina (8/4/07) "How I'd prevent that is us getting more supply in the system through biofuels for one thing, like ethanol from Kansas or maybe Iowa would be a nice state, too, for it to come from -- (laughter) -- biodiesel. Us being able to drill more at home here in the United States, and we can do this in places like ANWR safely, environmentally sound, but get the supply up here. And, we have to in the future work on more conservation here. My family, we have a hybrid car. In that car you can get up to 42, 43 miles to the gallon. Now my 17-year-old daughter does about 25 on it, so it does matter how you drive it. But the point of it is, is you can do better, and we can do better. And we can do this through technology, and we can do this through increasing supply here. And by that mixture we can become energy-secure in North America in 15 years, which I think should be one of our key objectives, so that we're not held hostage to a guy like Chavez in Venezuela or Ahmadinejad in Iran. We can do better, and we need to do better than $4-a-gallon gasoline."

	Sam Brownback on Energy Plan
	Stance: Become energy independent by reducing oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels a day in ten years Description: "This Congress, I co-sponsored the Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy (DRIVE) Act. This bill aims to reduce our oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels per day in ten years by taking an innovative, market-based approach that relies on advanced technology and an expansion of renewable fuels." - Sam Brownback Citations: 1. Energy Policy (8/7/07) Brownback talks about his bill to increase efficiency in vehicles to wean off of our foreign oil dependence. 2. Issues: Energy (8/7/07) "Due to years of neglect and short-sighted domestic policies, America is on the verge of an energy crisis. Our supply of energy has not kept pace with our demand. Today our nation produces 39% less oil than we did in 1970. This leaves us dependent on foreign suppliers, who often do not have America's best interests at heart. This Congress, I co-sponsored the Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy (DRIVE) Act. This bill aims to reduce our oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels per day in ten years by taking an innovative, market-based approach that relies on advanced technology and an expansion of renewable fuels. I will continue to fight for energy independence." - Brownback

	Sam Brownback on Free Trade
	Stance: Supports Description: The Pro-Trade Club for Growth calls Brownback "one of the most consistent supporters of free trade in the U.S. Senate," but criticizes his support for a cap on foreign wheat gluten products and for the tariff on imported ethanol. Brownback voted for the free trade agreement's with Oman, Chile, and Singapore. He also voted for CAFTA, an act which he said would likely help various industries in his state of Kansas. In 2004, he voted in favor of the U.S.-Australian Trade Act. Brownback voted for normal trade relations with China in 2000. Citations: 1. Republican Candidates on Trade (7/26/07) How Brownback <3's free trade. 2. Senator Brownback's Record Largely Pro-Growth (7/26/07) A list of Brownback's votes and how he feels about free trade.

	Sam Brownback on Global Warming
	Stance: Believes global warming is caused by greenhouse gases and needs to be addressed. Description: Brownback wants to prevent global warming by using less oil and use forms of carbon conservation. Brownback sponsored a carbon conservation bill, Domestic Carbon Conservation Incentive Act, in 2001, and has recently sponsored a bill to increase vehicle efficiencies. Citations: 1. Brownback: It's Time to Tackle Global Warming (8/7/07) Brownback talks about the need to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. 2. Brownback Talks Renewable Fuels in Perry, IA (8/6/07) Brownback's talk on how we need to use more renewable fuels and less harmful ones.

	Sam Brownback on Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp
	Stance: Supports it and supports keeping it open Description: Sen. Brownback supports keeping Guantanamo Bay's prison camp open. He is in an uncommon position for a presidential candidate because the Fort Leavenworth military prison in his state is one location where detainees may be transferred should Guantanamo close down. In response to that suggestion, Brownback said, "Given the investment we have made in a secure facility at Guantanamo, far away from U.S. residents, the administration needs to make a much more compelling case that a detainee transfer is a justifiable use of resources, that it can be completed safely, and that it can be done without significant impact on local communities." Citations: 1. What are the alternatives to Guantanamo? (8/29/07) "Americans do not want terrorists in their backyard, and we do not need them in Kansas." - Brownback

	Sam Brownback on Health Care
	Stance: Advocates market-based healthcare; established regulatory competition among states. Description: "Our health care system will thrive with increased consumer choice, consumer control and real competition. I believe it is important that we have price transparency within our health care system. "Consumers should be able to choose the from health care coverage plans that are tailored to fit their families' needs and values. Accordingly, individuals should be allowed to purchase health insurance across state lines." I will continue to work at the forefront to create a consumer-centered, not government-centered, health care model that offer both affordable coverage choices and put the consumer in the driver's seat." - Sam Brownback Citations: 1. The Presidential Candidates on Health Care (7/27/07) Brownback's stance and quotes on healthcare.

	Sam Brownback on Immigration
	Stance: Secure borders and give amnesty to current illegal residents. Description: Brownback was cosponsor of a 2005 bill of Kennedy and John McCain's which would secure borders and give amnesty to illegal immigrants already present. Brownback says that politicians "must protect our borders, enforce the law, provide legal means for people to work in the United States, and fix a broken system." On June 26, 2007, Brownback voted in favor of S. 1639, the Bush-Kennedy Immigration Amnesty Act of 2007 (officially "A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes."). Citations: 1. Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07) a collection of quotes on immigration 2. Democrats are flocking to McCain's immigration bill (7/24/07) Talks about Brownback co-sponsoring a bill to give amnesty. 3. U.S. Senate Vote on the Cloture Motion (7/24/07) Brownback votes yea on amnesty.

	Sam Brownback on Iran
	Stance: Support a transition to democracy from within Iran Description: Brownback has said that he is against opening diplomatic ties with Iran. Brownback was the sole sponsor in the Senate of the Iran Human Rights Act of 2006, which sought to "hold the current regime in Iran accountable for its human rights record and to support a transition to democracy in Iran." That bill has not been passed. In March 2007, Brownback cosponsored with Dodd the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act. Brownback has said that he supports an increase in funding for independent human rights groups in Iran, and promotes regime change "from within." Citations: 1. Interview With Sam Brownback (8/13/07) I'm in favor of the neighbor's conference. I am not in favor of diplomatic relations with either of these countries, and particularly you're going to be rewarding the Iranians at the very time that we're trying to put pressure on them to stop the nuclear weapons development, to stop the terrorism that they're doing. But I think we should have the neighbor's conference, which is hosted by Iraq. We'll see if they're going to participate (Editor's note: Iran officially agreed to attend the conference the next day.) This is the same sort of thing we did prior to going into Afghanistan. We talked with Iran about that prior to going in. Remember, Iraq is more three groups held together by exterior forces than it has so much of a country allegiance. The Kurds would rather be separate, but they're held in there by the Turks. The Sunnis would probably rather be separate - unless they could run the whole country - but they're held in there by the Gulf States. We don't know if the Iranians are trying to get the Shia to split off or take over the whole country. So the exterior forces around Iraq are significant and important on what happens for the future of Iraq. 2. Brownback Describes Iranian Threat, Outlines Plan (8/13/07) I call for $100 million to support independent human rights groups inside Iran which maintain internationally recognized human rights standards." We need a regional human rights dialogue with Iran that is modeled on the Helsinki process and engages countries in the region. The Helsinki process is one of the tools that brought human rights to the Soviet Empire." We must push aggressively with international organizations. We have worked well with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Now let's ensure we do the same at the United Nations and at the World Bank. "

	Sam Brownback on Iraq Plan
	Stance: Supports Iraq war Description: Brownback backs the White House's war efforts in Iraq and maintains that "the region and the world are safer now that Saddam Hussein has been removed from power." However, Brownback did not support the troop surge. Instead, he has called for a strong diplomatic effort in the region. Brownback supports a "three-state, one-country solution" in Iraq. Citations: 1. Republican Presidential Debate, June 5, 2007 (8/6/07) "It's not about leaving, and it's not about being defeated. It's about getting the situation to a point that we can turn it over to Iraqis, and then us pull back from the front of the line. That's why I'm putting forward tomorrow a bill, and this would be about a three-state solution in Iraq -- a Kurdish state, a Sunni state, a Shia state -- with Baghdad as the federal city, in a loose, weak, federated system; oil revenues equally divided. And it's a bipartisan bill. We will have bipartisan support. We've got to pull together here to win over there. " 2. The Candidates on Iraq (7/24/07) A summary of Brownbacks support of the war 3. The Candidates on the Iraq War (7/24/07) Brownbacks support of a 3 state system. 4. The Candidates on the Iraq War (7/24/07) Brownbacks support of a 3 state system. 5. A Question about Iraq for Senator Brownback (7/24/07) A question and answer session with brownback

	Sam Brownback on Line Item Veto
	Stance: Supports Description: "The system in Washington is built to spend, which is why I support structural reform like the line-item veto and an independent panel to review federal spending." - Brownback Citations: 1. Brownback Applauds Lowered Deficit Projection (10/14/07) "I'm pleased that strong economic growth and increased tax revenues are driving down the deficit," said Brownback. "I hope Congress builds on this good news by showing a real commitment to reducing spending. The system in Washington is built to spend, which is why I support structural reform like the line-item veto and an independent panel to review federal spending." - Brownback

	Sam Brownback on Medical Marijuana
	Stance: Continue federal raids Description: Brownback has publicly stated that he would continue federal raiding and arresting people who use medical marijuana regardless of state laws. Citations: 1. Sam Brownback on Medical Marijuana (7/23/07) This is brownback's stance on mm.

	Sam Brownback on Military Contractors
	Stance: Investigate the impact of contractor behavior to determine future actions. Description: According to the Washington Post, Sam Brownback wrote a letter to Condoleezza Rice on Thursday October 4, 2007 requesting an investigation of the impact of contractor behavior on U.S. efforts in Iraq. Citations: 1. House Acts in Wake of Blackwater Incident (10/17/07) On October 5, 2007, the Washington Post wrote: "Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.), a conservative Republican running for his party's White House nomination, wrote a letter yesterday to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, asking for a broad investigation of the impact of contractor behavior on U.S. diplomatic efforts. "The respect for and promotion of human rights are central to U.S. diplomacy in all parts of the world. The negative effects of a Blackwater security guard using excessive force are not limited to the victims of a particular incident. Such violence undermines the efforts of our diplomats to affirm the importance of human rights and advance our national interests," Brownback wrote. "

	Sam Brownback on Military Funding
	Stance: Increase funding to increase size of military Description: Brownback want to see a larger Army and Marine Corps. Citations: 1. '08 hopefuls would grow the military (8/14/07) Among the Republicans, McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.), former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Rep. Duncan Hunter (Calif.) want to see a larger Army and Marine Corps.

	Sam Brownback on Minimum Wage Increase
	Stance: Opposes Description: Brownback voted against a federal minimum wage increase in the Senate. Citations: 1. To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for an increase in the Federal minimum wage. (9/24/07) Brownback voted against minimum wage increase

	Sam Brownback on National Deficit
	Stance: Supports line-item veto, independent reviews, proposed Commission Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act Description: Brownback supports structural reform like the line-item veto and an independent panel to review federal spending. Brownback's drafted the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act. If enacted, CARFA would establish a two-year, presidentially-appointed commission to review domestic discretionary spending programs and agencies, recommending elimination or reform where waste, fraud, and abuse are found. Upon completion of its work, the commission would report back to Congress with draft legislation to implement its recommendations. Congress would subsequently be required to vote either up-or-down on the recommendations, thus eliminating the protection so often afforded to the undeserving bureaucracy. Citations: 1. Government Reform (10/8/07) The hour has come to extend accountability and fiscal soundness throughout the federal government. With the economy growing, Congress should be poised to return to a balanced budget and the budget surpluses of the late 1990's - but our success will be largely contingent upon how effective we are at eliminating federal waste, fraud, and abuse, which defraud taxpayers, undermine the government, and put an overall strain on the economy. 2. Brownback Applauds Lowered Deficit Projection (10/8/07) U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded new tax revenue figures showing that the federal budget deficit will be approximately $127 billion less than projected.

	Sam Brownback on Net Neutrality
	Stance: Opposes Description: Has opposed the Internet Freedom Preservation Act, which would add net neutrality regulations to federal law. Citations:

	Sam Brownback on No Child Left Behind Act
	Stance: In need of reform Description: Brownback, who voted for NCLB in 2001, said its difficulties stem largely from provisions that force local schools to spend money on certain things while other problems go unfixed. Brownback mentioned his plan during an educational forum at the University of Northern Iowa, where he fielded questions about college affordability, high school standards and the nation's scientific brain drain. Brownback's proposal stems from a bill known as the A PLUS Act, legislation he co-sponsored in March, allowing states to opt out of federal regulations and replace them with state regulations but still receive federal money. A state that needs more money for textbooks could, for instance, negotiate with the federal government to concentrate more of its funding there, as long as it met the NCLB standards. Citations: 1. GOP Joins the No Child Left Behind Skeptics (7/26/07) Talks about Brownback supporting and applauding Bush for NCLB. 2. Bush Faces Revolt on No Child Left Behind (10/4/07) In the Senate, Republican Conference Chairman Jon Kyl (Ariz.) has signed on, along with Sen. Sam Brownback (R.-Kan.), a 2008 presidential candidate, and Sen. Mel Martinez (R.-Fla.), who serves as general chairman of the Republican National Committee. The legislation challenges the "unworkable status quo of No Child Left Behind," said a spokesman for DeMint, who believes the five-year-old education law is a "one-size-fits-all federal approach" that often hampers, rather than assists, local school districts. The underlying goal of A-PLUS is to reduce the federal government's role in education and eliminate the bureaucracy resulting from No Child Left Behind. 3. Brownback: 'No Child' must change (10/4/07) The senator says states need more flexibility in negotiating how they can meet the education act's requirements.

	Sam Brownback on Nuclear Power
	Stance: Supports Description: "For too long our nation's foreign policy has been dictated in part by our need for foreign oil. Through increased usage of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel, enhanced domestic production of oil and natural gas, and new clean coal and nuclear technologies, the United States is taking a step towards energy independence." - Sam Brownback Citations: 1. Brownback Applauds Passage of Energy Bill (8/14/07) Brownback promotes bill with provisions to build nuclear power plants.

	Sam Brownback on Same-Sex Marriage
	Stance: Opposes same-sex marriage and supports a constitutional ban Description: Senator Sam Brownback supports a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. He believes marriage should be restricted to a man and a woman. Citations: 1. Gay Marriage Amendment Fails in Senate (8/26/07) "We're making progress, and we're not going to stop until marriage between a man and a woman is protected . . . protected in the courts, protected in the Constitution, but most of all, protected for the people and for the future of our children in this society," Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) said after the vote. 2. Defining Marriage Down: We Need to Protect Marriage (8/2/07) Statement by Senator Sam Brownback detailing his position on same-sex marriage. Senator Brownback states that the American people should support the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman in order to protect the vital institution of marriage, and ultimately, the family. 3. The Candidates on Gay Marriage (8/2/07) Summary of the Candidates' stances on same-sex marriage. 4. An Interview With Senator Sam Brownback (10/8/07) I absolutely believe we need a Constitutional Amendment to protect marriage...

	Sam Brownback on School Vouchers
	Stance: Supports School Vouchers Description: Sam Brownback is a strong supporter of school vouchers. He proposed expanding a school voucher program in Washington, D.C., that allows students to attend private schools, including religious schools, with public money. In regards to Brownback's stance on education, The Club for Growth, an organization that strongly supports the voucher program, stated, "Senator Brownback has been a reliable and outspoken champion of school choice throughout his twelve years in the U.S. Congress. He voted in favor of implementing a vouchers program in Washington D.C. and again in 2001 when Senator Judd Gregg proposed a pilot voucher program for poor children as an amendment to No Child Left Behind . These programs failed to pass, but Senator Brownback played a key role in bringing the project to fruition in 2004 . Much to his credit, he spearheaded the campaign to amend the program in 2006 to "allow participating families to remain in it even if their incomes rise above the limit of the original legislation." Citations: 1. The Candidates on Education (8/8/07) The presidential candidates' stances on the topic of education 2. Sam Brownback's Record on Economic Issues (8/7/07) Club for Growth's review of Sam Brownback's record on economic issues, including education. 3. Issues: Education (8/7/07) Sam Brownback's stance on education from his campaign website.

	Sam Brownback on Social Security
	Stance: Supports a privatized, market-based alternative to Social Security Description: Sam Brownback cosponsored of the Social Security Personal Savings Guarantee and Prosperity Act of 2004, "which will allow any worker, completely voluntarily, to redirect a portion of their payroll taxes to a private account that they will own. American workers will own their account, control the investment choices, and be able to pass unused funds on to their children. Any American that prefers the existing system and benefits can always choose to remain in the current program. And by freeing up a portion of the payroll tax, while removing Social Security from the federal budget process, we will ensure the