U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger
Democrat | Virginia | 7th District
Detailed Vote Record Analysis
A vote record analysis conducted by the Institute for Legislative Analysis – the most comprehensive ever performed on the U.S. Congress – reveals this lawmaker holds “Democratic Socialist” views with an ideological rating of 13.75 on a 100 point scale.
View Lawmaker Votes by Policy Category
- Regulations
- Crime
- Environmental Protection
- Immigration
- Spending
- National Security
- Energy
- Government Control
Regulations: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on regulations based on her voting that is Further Left than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Progressive Caucus Squad members.
1. H.R. 277 Amd. 12– Hiking Costly Regulations on the U.S. Economy by allowing far more new regulations to be imposed without congressional oversight or approval under the “REINS Act”. Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than self-described socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez who holds some of the farthest-Left views in all of Congress.
2. H.R. 1435 – Outlawing Gas-Powered Vehicles (including in Virginia) by opposing the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act” which prevents states from imposing all-electric vehicle mandates. Spanberger’s stance is further Left than the Democrat from California Rep. Jim Costa who represents one of the most heavily regulated and farthest-Left states in the nation.
3. H.R. 4368 Amd. 76 – Weakening Oversight on Costly Regulations by opposing bi-partisan reforms to commodity check-off programs that strengthen oversight of regulations in the agricultural sector. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than Progressive “Squad” member Rep. Ilhan Omar who holds some of the farthest-Left views in all of Congress.
Crime: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on crime based on her voting that is Further Left than Democrats from High Crime States like New York and California and President Joe Biden – considered “soft on crime”.
1. H.R. 7530 – Allowing Violent Criminals to Avoid Prosecution as adults by opposing a bill defining the maximum age of a “youth offender” as 18 which halts a lawless Washington DC policy mandating violent criminals up to age 25 be considered “juveniles” and avoid adult prosecution. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat from California Rep. Jimmy Panetta who represents one of the most “soft-on-crime” states in the nation.
2. H.J. Res 42 – Empowering Anti-Police Activists and stripping law enforcement officers of certain rights by opposing the repeal of a series of crime-wave invoking policies enacted in Washington DC in 2022. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Democrat from New York Rep. Patrick Ryan who represents one of the most “soft-on-crime” states in the nation.
3. H.J. Res 26 – Reducing Penalties for Violent Crimes including carjacking, robbery and homicide by blocking the repeal of multiple Washington DC’s crime-wave invoking policies pertaining to criminal sentencing. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than President Joe Biden who is known as “soft-on crime” considering the national crime wave during his Presidency.
Environmental Protection: Moderate
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “moderate” views on environmental protection based on her mixed record that includes Voting Alignment with MAGA Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene on Climate Change Issues but Further Left than Progressive Caucus Democrats on recreational activity regulations.
1. H.R. 4521 Amd. 5 – Obstructing Environmental Justice and Emission Reporting in the State Department by opposing a Democratic climate coordination initiative. Spanberger’s stance was further Right than Virginia Democrat Don Beyer and aligned with Marjorie Taylor Greene who noted human-caused climate change is a “scam”.
2. H.R. 7900 Amd. 273 – Eliminating Climate Change Officers and Climate Training at U.S. Embassies by opposing a Democratic climate provision to the NDAA budget. Spanberger’s stance was further Right than Virginia Democrat Don Beyer and aligned with Marjorie Taylor Greene who noted human-caused climate change is a “scam”.
3. H.R. 615 – Banning Usage of Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle by opposing the “Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act” which protects usage of lead in recreational activities (alternatives are four to ten times more costly). Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia who made “defending our oceans, beaches and wetlands” one of his top legislative priorities.
Immigration: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on immigration based on her voting that is Further Left than Progressive Caucus Democrats from Pro-Illegal Immigration States like California and New York.
1. H.R. 7511 – Prohibiting Detainment of Illegal Immigrants Who Commit Burglary and other violent crimes and transferring them to federal authorities under the Laken Riley Act. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat from California Rep. Mike Levin who represents one of the most pro-illegal immigration states in the nation.
2. H.R. 3941 – Housing Adult Illegal Immigrants in Local Schools Around Vulnerable Children by opposing the “Schools Not Shelters Act” that safeguarded children from potentially dangerous individuals. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Democrat from New York Rep. Patrick Ryan who represents one of the most pro-illegal immigration states in the nation.
3. H.R. 5283 – Fueling the Open Border Crisis of 2023-2024 by opposing the “Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act” which prohibited federal funds from housing illegal immigrants. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Democrat from Washington Rep. Marie Perez who previously caucused for self-described socialist Bernie Sanders.
Spending: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on spending based on her voting that is Further Left than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Progressive Caucus Squad members.
1. H.R. 6572 – Growing the Size and Scope of Government to Benefit Corporate Interests by mandating the Dept. of Commerce grow its bureaucracy and hike spending on initiatives that benefit private companies within the blockchain industry. Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than self-described socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez who holds some of the farthest-Left views in all of Congress.
2. H.R. 8774 Amd. 1075 – Fueling Out-of-Control Government Spending by opposing a fiscal restraint within the defense bill that ensured taxpayer funds aren’t used to create a “wish list” of unnecessary spending initiatives that total billions of dollars. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than Progressive “Squad” member Rep. Pramila Jayapal who previously led the farthest-Left Progressive Caucus.
3. H.R. 6276 – Wasting $2 Billion of Taxpayer Funds on Vacant Government Buildings by opposing a bipartisan cost saving measure that would sell government buildings with off space utilization rates below 60%. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Andrea Salinas who holds far-Left view on government spending and opposed to other cost saving measures.
National Security: Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “progressive” views on national security based on her mixed record that includes Further Right voting than Virginia Democrats on Terrorism designation but Further Left than Progressive Caucus Democrats on safeguarding the U.S. from the Chinese Communist Party.
1. H.R. 6046 – Designating the Houthis (Attacked Israel and U.S. Carrier Strike Groups) a Foreign Terrorist Organization by supporting the “Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act” which imposes sanctions. Spanberger’s stance was further Right than Virginia Democrat Don Beyer who opposed the terrorist designation and sanctions.
2. H.R. 1398 – Obstructing U.S. National Security Protections Against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by opposing the China Initiative at the DOJ which curbs spying by the CCP and protects U.S. critical infrastructure from foreign threats. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell who holds far-Left views on China and known for his relationship with Chinese spy Fang Fang.
3. H.R. 1516 – Fueling Chinese Espionage by Channeling Taxpayer Funds to Colleges Associated with the Chinese Communist Party by opposing the “DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act” that counters Chinese intellectual property theft and the funneling of sensitive information to the People’s Liberation Army. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Donald Norcross who holds far-Left views such as providing loan subsidies to Chinese companies.
Energy: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on energy production based on her voting that is Further Left than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Progressive Caucus members.
1. H.R. 1640 – Outlawing the Majority of Gas Stoves Sold in the U.S. by opposing the bipartisan “Save our Gas Stoves Act” which protects consumer choice in cooking options. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Steven Horsford who holds far-Left views on energy such as draconian efficiency mandates on dishwashers.
2. H.R. 21 Amd. 58 – Obstructing North American Energy Production by Banning Oil Procurement from Canada and Mexico to restock the Strategic Oil Reserve. Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than self-described socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez who advocated for the Green New Deal.
3. H.R. 21 Amd. 29 – Shutting Down Oil and Gas Production on Nearly All Federal Lands if renewable energy production could be viable (nearly all land). Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Chris Deluzio who holds far-Left views on energy such as banning fracking and drilling in the Atlantic.
Government Control: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on government control over citizens based on her voting that is Further Left than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Progressive Caucus members.
1. H.R. 7521 – Banning the TikTok Accounts of 170 Million American Users by supporting a draconian government shutdown of the popular social media company. Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than self-described socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and action opposed by Republicans and Democrats across the political spectrum.
2. H.R. 7888 Amd. 6 – Expanding Warrantless Government Surveillance of Americans by significantly expanding the size and scope of the Federal FISA program. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than Progressive Caucus Democrat from California Rep. Maxine Waters who represents one of the most pro-government control states in the nation.
3. H.R. 4366 Amd. 35 – Revoking the Second Amendment of Every Veteran Seeking Assistance with Managing their Finances at the VA by opposing bipartisan reforms to prevent the automatic disarming of U.S. veterans who pose no safety risk. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Democrat from Washington Rep. Marie Perez who previously caucused for self-described socialist Bernie Sanders.
- Regulations
- Crime
- Environmental Protection
- Immigration
- Spending
- National Security
- Energy
- Government Control
Regulations: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on regulations based on her voting that is Further Left than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Progressive Caucus Squad members.
1. H.R. 277 Amd. 12 – Hiking Costly Regulations on the U.S. Economy by allowing far more new regulations to be imposed without congressional oversight or approval under the “REINS Act”. Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than self-described socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez who holds some of the farthest-Left views in all of Congress.
2. H.R. 1435 – Outlawing Gas-Powered Vehicles (including in Virginia) by opposing the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act” which prevents states from imposing all-electric vehicle mandates. Spanberger’s stance is further Left than the Democrat from California Rep. Jim Costa who represents one of the most heavily regulated and farthest-Left states in the nation.
3. H.R. 4368 Amd. 76 – Weakening Oversight on Costly Regulations by opposing bi-partisan reforms to commodity check-off programs that strengthen oversight of regulations in the agricultural sector. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than Progressive “Squad” member Rep. Ilhan Omar who holds some of the farthest-Left views in all of Congress.
Crime: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on crime based on her voting that is Further Left than Democrats from High Crime States like New York and California and President Joe Biden – considered “soft on crime”.
1. H.R. 7530 – Allowing Violent Criminals to Avoid Prosecution as adults by opposing a bill defining the maximum age of a “youth offender” as 18 which halts a lawless Washington DC policy mandating violent criminals up to age 25 be considered “juveniles” and avoid adult prosecution. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat from California Rep. Jimmy Panetta who represents one of the most “soft-on-crime” states in the nation.
2. H.J. Res 42 – Empowering Anti-Police Activists and stripping law enforcement officers of certain rights by opposing the repeal of a series of crime-wave invoking policies enacted in Washington DC in 2022. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Democrat from New York Rep. Patrick Ryan who represents one of the most “soft-on-crime” states in the nation.
3. H.J. Res 26 – Reducing Penalties for Violent Crimes including carjacking, robbery and homicide by blocking the repeal of multiple Washington DC’s crime-wave invoking policies pertaining to criminal sentencing. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than President Joe Biden who is known as “soft-on crime” considering the national crime wave during his Presidency.
Environmental Protection: Moderate
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “moderate” views on environmental protection based on her mixed record that includes Voting Alignment with MAGA Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene on Climate Change Issues but Further Left than Progressive Caucus Democrats on recreational activity regulations.
1. H.R. 4521 Amd. 5 – Obstructing Environmental Justice and Emission Reporting in the State Department by opposing a Democratic climate coordination initiative. Spanberger’s stance was further Right than Virginia Democrat Don Beyer and aligned with Marjorie Taylor Greene who noted human-caused climate change is a “scam”.
2. H.R. 7900 Amd. 273 – Eliminating Climate Change Officers and Climate Training at U.S. Embassies by opposing a Democratic climate provision to the NDAA budget. Spanberger’s stance was further Right than Virginia Democrat Don Beyer and aligned with Marjorie Taylor Greene who noted human-caused climate change is a “scam”.
3. H.R. 615 – Banning Usage of Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle by opposing the “Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act” which protects usage of lead in recreational activities (alternatives are four to ten times more costly). Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia who made “defending our oceans, beaches and wetlands” one of his top legislative priorities.
Immigration: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on immigration based on her voting that is Further Left than Progressive Caucus Democrats from Pro-Illegal Immigration States like California and New York.
1. H.R. 7511 – Prohibiting Detainment of Illegal Immigrants Who Commit Burglary and other violent crimes and transferring them to federal authorities under the Laken Riley Act. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat from California Rep. Mike Levin who represents one of the most pro-illegal immigration states in the nation.
2. H.R. 3941 – Housing Adult Illegal Immigrants in Local Schools Around Vulnerable Children by opposing the “Schools Not Shelters Act” that safeguarded children from potentially dangerous individuals. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Democrat from New York Rep. Patrick Ryan who represents one of the most pro-illegal immigration states in the nation.
3. H.R. 5283 – Fueling the Open Border Crisis of 2023-2024 by opposing the “Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act” which prohibited federal funds from housing illegal immigrants. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Democrat from Washington Rep. Marie Perez who previously caucused for self-described socialist Bernie Sanders.
Spending: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on spending based on her voting that is Further Left than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Progressive Caucus Squad members.
1. H.R. 6572 – Growing the Size and Scope of Government to Benefit Corporate Interests by mandating the Dept. of Commerce grow its bureaucracy and hike spending on initiatives that benefit private companies within the blockchain industry. Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than self-described socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez who holds some of the farthest-Left views in all of Congress.
2. H.R. 8774 Amd. 1075 – Fueling Out-of-Control Government Spending by opposing a fiscal restraint within the defense bill that ensured taxpayer funds aren’t used to create a “wish list” of unnecessary spending initiatives that total billions of dollars. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than Progressive “Squad” member Rep. Pramila Jayapal who previously led the farthest-Left Progressive Caucus.
3. H.R. 6276 – Wasting $2 Billion of Taxpayer Funds on Vacant Government Buildings by opposing a bipartisan cost saving measure that would sell government buildings with off space utilization rates below 60%. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Andrea Salinas who holds far-Left views on government spending and opposed to other cost saving measures.
National Security: Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “progressive” views on national security based on her mixed record that includes Further Right voting than Virginia Democrats on Terrorism designation but Further Left than Progressive Caucus Democrats on safeguarding the U.S. from the Chinese Communist Party.
1. H.R. 6046 – Designating the Houthis (Attacked Israel and U.S. Carrier Strike Groups) a Foreign Terrorist Organization by supporting the “Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act” which imposes sanctions. Spanberger’s stance was further Right than Virginia Democrat Don Beyer who opposed the terrorist designation and sanctions. (note: Align with Kiggans)
2. H.R. 1398 – Obstructing U.S. National Security Protections Against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by opposing the China Initiative at the DOJ which curbs spying by the CCP and protects U.S. critical infrastructure from foreign threats. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell who holds far-Left views on China and known for his relationship with Chinese spy Fang Fang.
3. H.R. 1516 – Fueling Chinese Espionage by Channeling Taxpayer Funds to Colleges Associated with the Chinese Communist Party by opposing the “DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act” that counters Chinese intellectual property theft and the funneling of sensitive information to the People’s Liberation Army. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Donald Norcross who holds far-Left views such as providing loan subsidies to Chinese companies.
Energy: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on energy production based on her voting that is Further Left than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Progressive Caucus members.
1. H.R. 1640 – Outlawing the Majority of Gas Stoves Sold in the U.S. by opposing the bipartisan “Save our Gas Stoves Act” which protects consumer choice in cooking options. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Steven Horsford who holds far-Left views on energy such as draconian efficiency mandates on dishwashers.
2. H.R. 21 Amd. 58 – Obstructing North American Energy Production by Banning Oil Procurement from Canada and Mexico to restock the Strategic Oil Reserve. Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than self-described socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez who advocated for the Green New Deal.
3. H.R. 21 Amd. 29 – Shutting Down Oil and Gas Production on Nearly All Federal Lands if renewable energy production could be viable (nearly all land). Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than the Progressive Caucus Democrat Rep. Chris Deluzio who holds far-Left views on energy such as banning fracking and drilling in the Atlantic.
Government Control: Extreme Progressive
Key Findings: Spanberger holds “extreme progressive” views on government control over citizens based on her voting that is Further Left than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Progressive Caucus members.
1. H.R. 7521 –Banning the TikTok Accounts of 170 Million American Users by supporting a draconian government shutdown of the popular social media company. Spanberger “supported” – a stance further Left than self-described socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and action opposed by Republicans and Democrats across the political spectrum.
2. H.R. 7888 Amd. 6 – Expanding Warrantless Government Surveillance of Americans by significantly expanding the size and scope of the Federal FISA program. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than Progressive Caucus Democrat from California Rep. Maxine Waters who represents one of the most pro-government control states in the nation.
3. H.R. 4366 Amd. 35 – Revoking the Second Amendment of Every Veteran Seeking Assistance with Managing their Finances at the VA by opposing bipartisan reforms to prevent the automatic disarming of U.S. veterans who pose no safety risk. Spanberger’s stance was further Left than the Democrat from Washington Rep. Marie Perez who previously caucused for self-described socialist Bernie Sanders.
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