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Sherman Fights for Progressive Issues

December 1, 2011

Earns 100% Rating From Planned Parenthood, NARAL, HRC, Sierra Club & Brady Campaign

Washington DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D – Sherman Oaks, CA) released a series of statements regarding his work in Congress on the following issues: safeguarding reproductive freedom, protecting the environment, controlling guns, preventing discrimination against the LGBT community and protecting civil liberties.

Congressman Sherman has earned a 100 percent rating from the following organizations:

(1) Planned Parenthood
(2) NARAL Pro-Choice America
(3) The Sierra Club
(4) The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
(5) The Human Rights Campaign


Read Congressman Sherman’s Full Statements:

Safeguarding A Woman’s Right to Choose

Blocking Attacks on Planned Parenthood
“The Republican majority has targeted Planned Parenthood Federation of America by attempting to cut off its federal funding. None of the federal funds received by Planned Parenthood are used for abortion services, instead the federal funds are used to provide services including cancer screenings, breast exams, HIV testing and contraception. I voted against these efforts and am pleased that Planned Parenthood is still able to receive the federal funding it deserves.”

Increasing Funding for Title X Family Planning
“The Title X Family Planning Program provides grants for voluntary family planning and related preventative health services. I have consistently supported increasing funding for Title X and fought against attempts to cut its funding.”

Opposed the Stupak Amendment in Health Reform Bill
“During House consideration of the health care reform bill in 2009, Congressman Bart
Stupak offered an amendment that would bar women who receive federal health insurance subsidies from buying a health plan with abortion coverage. I voted against the Stupak amendment. A weaker version of this amendment was included in the final health care reform bill, which I will work to remove to ensure that women have full access to health care plans that cover the range of reproductive health services.”

Protecting the Environment

Supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act
(Sometimes called Cap and Trade)
“I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) which passed the House in 2009. This historic legislation was an important effort to help America achieve energy independence and fight global warming. Unfortunately, the Senate did not act on this important legislation and, given the partisan climate in the House of Representatives, it is unlikely that a new version of this bill will be considered this year.”

Improving Vehicle Mileage & Reducing Greenhouse Gasses
“I introduced the Right to Clean Vehicles Act to force the EPA to allow California to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. Shortly thereafter, the Obama administration issued new nationwide rules designed to reach reduction levels similar to those adopted by the State of California. The new rules will be phased-in beginning with model year 2012 for cars and light trucks (pickups, vans, and SUVs) and are estimated to increase fuel economy standards to as much as 35.5 miles per gallon (mpg) by model year 2016. The Obama administration also recently announced new standards to establish a fleetwide target of 54.5 mpg by 2025.”

Controlling Guns

Ensuring the Most Dangerous Weapons Stay off the Streets
“There is no legitimate reason to allow the sale of “cop-killer” handguns, assault weapons, and sniper rifles. However, instead of protecting our law enforcement personnel, Republican leadership has blocked legislation that would ban the Five-SeveN handgun – a gun which can shoot bullets to penetrate a bulletproof vest from over 200 yards. To protect our officers, I am again joining with my colleagues to introduce the Protect Law Enforcement Armor (PLEA) Act, which would ban the Five-seveN pistol and its ammunition.”

Equality for the LGBT Community

Ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
“On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act, which I strongly supported. The repeal of DADT will be fully effective on September 20, 2011. In a great victory for equality and civil rights, any qualified American who wishes to serve will finally be able to do so without fear.”

Protecting Students from Bullying
“Many LGBT students face daily harassment from their peers and even teachers. I have again joined with my colleague Rep. Jared Polis to introduce the Student Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 998). This bill would prohibit public schools from excluding students from participating in, or subjecting students to discrimination under, any federally-assisted educational program on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill is now being considered by the House Education and the Workforce Committee, and I will continue working with my colleagues to make sure that it becomes law.”

Protecting Civil Liberties

The PATRIOT Act
“On May 26, 2011, I voted against a bill (S. 990) providing for a four-year reauthorization of three troubling provisions of the PATRIOT Act, and I have voted against similar reauthorizations in the past. Unfortunately, the bill passed by 250-153, and has been signed into law.”

Preventing Torture
“I have consistently supported legislation to prevent torture. Soon, I will again be joining with my colleague Rep. Jerrold Nadler to introduce the American Anti-Torture Act, which would prohibit all employees of the U.S. government (not only our military, but also the CIA, contractors, and all other federal employees) from using torture in interrogations.”

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