EncycloReader

Tenure

2003 - Present

Term ends

2023

Years in position

Texas 277th District Court

John Carter (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Texas' 31st Congressional District. He assumed office on January 7, 2003. His current term ends on January 3, 2023.

Carter (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 31st Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Carter has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 2004. He was the chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations during the 115th Congress. Carter also serves as co-chairman of the bipartisan House Army Caucus.^[1]

In July 2004, President George W. Bush signed Carter's identity theft bill, which "lessens the burden of proof making identity theft easier to prove and prosecute and also defines and creates punishment for aggravated identity theft," according to Carter's website.^[1]

Prior to his career in the U.S. House, Carter served as a district court judge for Williamson County, Texas, for more than 20 years and as a private practice lawyer.

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Carter is one of the most reliable Republican votes, meaning he can be considered a safe vote for the Republican Party in Congress.

In 2020, Carter participated in a Candidate Conversation hosted by Ballotpedia and EnCiv. Click here to view the recording.

1 Biography
2 Career
3 Committee assignments
- 3.1 U.S. House
4 Key votes
5 Issues
- 5.1 Presidential preference
6 Elections
- 6.1 2020
- 6.2 2018
- 6.3 2016
- 6.4 2014
- 6.5 2012
- 6.6 Full history
7 Campaign themes
- 7.1 Candidate Conversations
- 7.2 2016
8 Noteworthy events
- 8.1 Electoral vote certification on January 6-7, 2021
9 Campaign donors
10 Personal Gain Index
- 10.1 PGI: Change in net worth
- 10.2 PGI: Donation Concentration Metric
11 Analysis
12 Personal
13 See also
14 External links
15 Footnotes

Biography[edit]

Carter was born in Houston, Texas. He earned his B.A. from Texas Tech University in 1964 and his J.D. from the University of Texas in 1969.^[2]

Career[edit]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Carter's academic, professional, and political career:^[3]

2003-Present: U.S. Representative from Texas' 31st Congressional District
1981-2001: District Court Judge, Williamson County, Texas
1969: Graduated from the University of Texas Law School in Austin with a J.D.
1964: Graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.A.

Committee assignments[edit]

U.S. House[edit]

2021-2022

Carter was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

House Committee on Appropriations
Defense
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, Ranking member

2019-2020

Carter was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

House Committee on Appropriations

2017-2018[edit]

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Carter was assigned to the following committees:^[4]

Committee on Appropriations

2015-2016[edit]

Carter served on the following committees:^[5]

Appropriations Committee

2013-2014[edit]

Carter served on the following committees:^[6]

House Appropriations Committee
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
- Subcommittee on Homeland Security (Chair)
- Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs

2011-2012[edit]

Carter was a member of the following House committees:^[7]

House Appropriations Committee
- Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
- Transportation Subcommittee
- Homeland Security Subcommittee

Key votes[edit]

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020[edit]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)
Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit] For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2) Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[8] Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote)) Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.^[9] Voted Yea on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760) Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018 Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.^[10] Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2) Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.^[11] Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36) Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[12] Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004) Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017 Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.^[13] Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003) Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017 Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.^[14] Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628) Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017 Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.^[15] Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157) Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[16] Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895) Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[17] Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157) Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[18] Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895) Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[19] Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155) Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018 Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act^[20] Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625) Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[21] Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892) Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[22] Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892) Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[23] Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195) Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[24] Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195) Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.^[25] Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370) Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[26] Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1) Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.^[27] Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123) Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[28] Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1) Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[29] Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71) Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)^[30] Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71) Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.^[31] Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354) Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017 Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.^[32] Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601) Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[33] Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601) Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017 Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.^[34] Voted Yea on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10) Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017 Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.^[35] Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244) Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017 Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[36] Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515) Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities^[37] Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695) Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.^[38] Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810) Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.^[39] Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219) Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017 Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.^[40] Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364) Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[41] Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote) Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[42] Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180) Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[43] Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810) Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.^[44] Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301) Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017 The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.^[45] 114th Congress[edit] The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[46]^[47] For more information pertaining to Carter's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[48] Economic and fiscal[edit] Trade Act of 2015[edit] See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Carter was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA.^[49]^[50] Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Carter was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure.^[51]^[52] Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Carter was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment.^[53]^[54] Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Carter was one of 111 Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[55]^[56] Defense spending authorization[edit] On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Carter voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill.^[57] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[58] On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[59]^[60] Carter voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.^[61] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[62] 2016 Budget proposal[edit] On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Carter voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill.^[63]^[64]^[65] 2015 budget[edit] On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[66] Carter voted with 78 Republicans and 187 Democrats in favor of the bill.^[67] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.^[68] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs[edit] Iran nuclear deal[edit] See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Carter voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill.^[69]^[70] Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Carter voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill.^[71]^[72] Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Carter voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill.^[73]^[74] Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Carter voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution.^[75]^[76] Export-Import Bank[edit] On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[77] Carter voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill.^[78] Domestic[edit] USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit] On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Carter voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[79]^[80] Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit] On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Carter voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[81]^[82] Cyber security[edit] On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[83] Carter voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.^[84] On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[85] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Carter voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill.^[86] Immigration[edit] On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[87] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Carter voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.^[88] 113th Congress[edit] The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[89] For more information pertaining to Carter's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[90] National security[edit] NDAA[edit] Carter voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[91] DHS Appropriations[edit] Carter voted for HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.^[92] CISPA (2013)[edit] Carter voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[93] Economy[edit] Farm bill[edit] On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.^[94] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.^[95]^[96] It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[96] Carter voted with 161 other Republican representatives in favor of the bill. 2014 Budget[edit] On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[97]^[98] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.^[98] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[99] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Carter voted with the majority of the Republican Party in favor of the bill.^[97] Government shutdown[edit] See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[100] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[101] Carter voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[102] The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[103] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Carter voted against HR 2775.^[104] Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination[edit] Carter voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.^[105] Immigration[edit] Morton Memos Prohibition[edit] Carter voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.^[106] The vote largely followed party lines.^[107] Healthcare[edit] Healthcare Reform Rules[edit] Carter voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[108] Social issues[edit] Abortion[edit] Carter voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.^[109] Government affairs[edit] HR 676[edit] See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit.^[110] Carter joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.^[111]^[112] Previous congressional sessions[edit] Fiscal Cliff[edit] Carter voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.^[113]

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[8]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.^[9]

Voted Yea on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.^[10]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.^[11]

Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[12]

Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.^[13]

Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.^[14]

Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.^[15]

Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[16]

Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[17]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[18]

Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[19]

Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act^[20]

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[21]

Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[22]

Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[23]

Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[24]

Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.^[25]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[26]

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.^[27]

Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[28]

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[29]

Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)^[30]

Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.^[31]

Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.^[32]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[33]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.^[34]

Voted Yea on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.^[35]

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[36]

Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities^[37]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.^[38]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.^[39]

Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.^[40]

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[41]

Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[42]

Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[43]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.^[44]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.^[45]

114th Congress[edit]

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[46]^[47] For more information pertaining to Carter's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[48]

Economic and fiscal[edit]

Trade Act of 2015[edit]

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Carter was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA.^[49]^[50]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Carter was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure.^[51]^[52]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Carter was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment.^[53]^[54]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Carter was one of 111 Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[55]^[56]

Defense spending authorization[edit]

On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Carter voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill.^[57] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[58]

On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[59]^[60] Carter voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.^[61] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[62]

2016 Budget proposal[edit]

On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Carter voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill.^[63]^[64]^[65]

2015 budget[edit]

On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[66] Carter voted with 78 Republicans and 187 Democrats in favor of the bill.^[67] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.^[68] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs[edit]

Iran nuclear deal[edit]

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Carter voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill.^[69]^[70]

Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Carter voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill.^[71]^[72]

Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Carter voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill.^[73]^[74]

Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Carter voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution.^[75]^[76]

Export-Import Bank[edit]

On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[77] Carter voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill.^[78]

Domestic[edit]

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Carter voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[79]^[80]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit]

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Carter voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[81]^[82]

Cyber security[edit]

On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[83] Carter voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.^[84]

On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[85] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Carter voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill.^[86]

Immigration[edit]

On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[87] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Carter voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.^[88]

113th Congress[edit]

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[89] For more information pertaining to Carter's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[90]

National security[edit]

NDAA[edit]

Carter voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[91]

DHS Appropriations[edit]

Carter voted for HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.^[92]

CISPA (2013)[edit]

Carter voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[93]

Economy[edit]

Farm bill[edit]

On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.^[94] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.^[95]^[96] It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[96] Carter voted with 161 other Republican representatives in favor of the bill.

2014 Budget[edit]

On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[97]^[98] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.^[98] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[99] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Carter voted with the majority of the Republican Party in favor of the bill.^[97]

Government shutdown[edit]

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[100] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[101] Carter voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[102]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[103] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Carter voted against HR 2775.^[104]

Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination[edit]

Carter voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.^[105]

Immigration[edit]

Morton Memos Prohibition[edit]

Carter voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.^[106] The vote largely followed party lines.^[107]

Healthcare[edit]

Healthcare Reform Rules[edit]

Carter voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[108]

Social issues[edit]

Abortion[edit]

Carter voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.^[109]

Government affairs[edit]

HR 676[edit]

See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration

On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit.^[110] Carter joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.^[111]^[112]

Previous congressional sessions[edit]

Fiscal Cliff[edit]

Carter voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.^[113]

Issues[edit]

Presidential preference[edit]

2012

See also: Endorsements by state officials of presidential candidates in the 2012 election

John Carter (Texas) endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.^[114] He originally endorsed Rick Perry.^[115]

Elections[edit]

2020[edit]

Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 31

Incumbent John Carter defeated Donna Imam, Clark Patterson, and Jonathan Scott in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 31 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	John Carter (R)	53.4	212,695
	Donna Imam (D)	44.3	176,293
	Clark Patterson (L)	2.2	8,922
	Jonathan Scott (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	147

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 398,057
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Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31

Donna Imam defeated Christine Eady Mann in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31 on July 14, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Donna Imam	56.6	21,026
	Christine Eady Mann	43.4	16,109

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 37,135 (100.00% precincts reporting)
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Christine Eady Mann	34.7	24,145
✔	Donna Imam	30.7	21,352
	Tammy Young	14.3	9,956
	Michael Grimes (Unofficially withdrew)	10.8	7,542
	Eric Hanke	5.9	4,117
	Dan Janjigian	3.6	2,471

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 69,583
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Incumbent John Carter defeated Mike Williams, Christopher Wall, and Abhiram Garapati in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	John Carter	82.3	53,070
	Mike Williams	8.6	5,560
	Christopher Wall	4.9	3,155
	Abhiram Garapati	4.2	2,717

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 64,502
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 31

Clark Patterson advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 21, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Clark Patterson (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2018[edit]

See also: Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 31

Incumbent John Carter defeated Mary Jennings Hegar and Jason Hope in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 31 on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	John Carter (R)	50.6	144,680
	Mary Jennings Hegar (D)	47.7	136,362
	Jason Hope (L)	1.7	4,965

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 286,007
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Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31

Mary Jennings Hegar defeated Christine Eady Mann in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31 on May 22, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mary Jennings Hegar	62.2	8,843
	Christine Eady Mann	37.8	5,371

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 14,214
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Mary Jennings Hegar and Christine Eady Mann advanced to a runoff. They defeated Mike Clark and Richard Kent Lester in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mary Jennings Hegar	44.9	13,803
✔	Christine Eady Mann	33.5	10,305
	Mike Clark	11.2	3,449
	Richard Kent Lester	10.3	3,178

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 30,735
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Incumbent John Carter defeated Mike Sweeney in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	John Carter	65.5	34,513
	Mike Sweeney	34.5	18,184

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 52,697
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2016[edit]

See also: Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent John Carter (R) defeated Mike Clark (D) and Scott Ballard (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Carter defeated Mike Sweeney in the Republican primary on March 1, 2016, while Clark faced no opposition in the Democratic primary.^[116]^[117]

U.S. House, Texas District 31 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Carter Incumbent	58.4%	166,060
	Democratic	Mike Clark	36.5%	103,852
	Libertarian	Scott Ballard	5.2%	14,676
Total Votes				284,588
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 31 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
John Carter Incumbent	71.3%	62,817
Mike Sweeney	28.7%	25,306
Total Votes		88,123
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2014[edit]

See also: Texas' 31st Congressional District elections, 2014

Carter won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He won the Republican nomination in the primary election on March 4, 2014, with no opposition. He defeated Louie Minor (D) and Scott Ballard (L) in the general election on November 4, 2014.^[118]

U.S. House, Texas District 31 General Election, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Carter Incumbent	64%	91,607
	Democratic	Louie Minor	32%	45,715
	Libertarian	Scott Ballard	4%	5,706
Total Votes				143,028
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2012[edit]

See also: Texas' 31st Congressional District elections, 2012

Carter won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Texas' 31st District. He defeated Eric Klingemann in the Republican primary on May 29, 2012. He then defeated Stephen Wyman (D) and Ethan Garofolo (L) in the general election on November 6, 2012.^[119]^[120]

U.S. House, Texas District 31 General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John R. Carter Incumbent	61.3%	145,348
	Democratic	Stephen M. Wyman	35%	82,977
	Libertarian	Ethan Garofalo	3.7%	8,862
Total Votes				237,187
Source: Texas Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

U.S. House, Texas District 31 Republican Primary, 2012
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
John Carter Incumbent	76%	32,917
Eric Klingemann	24%	10,400
Total Votes		43,317

Full history[edit]

To view the full congressional electoral history for John Carter, click [show] to expand the section.

2010

On November 2, 2010, John Carter won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bill Oliver (L) in the general election.^[121]

U.S. House, Texas District 31 General Election, 2010
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Carter incumbent	82.5%	126,384
	Libertarian	Bill Oliver	17.5%	26,735
Total Votes				153,119

2008

On November 4, 2008, John Carter won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Brian Ruiz (D) and Barry Cooper (L) in the general election.^[122]

U.S. House, Texas District 31 General Election, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Carter incumbent	60.3%	175,563
	Democratic	Brian Ruiz	36.6%	106,559
	Libertarian	Barry Cooper	3.2%	9,182
Total Votes				291,304

2006

On November 7, 2006, John Carter won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mary Beth Harrell (D) and Matt McAdoo (L) in the general election.^[123]

U.S. House, Texas District 31 General Election, 2006
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Carter incumbent	58.5%	90,869
	Democratic	Mary Beth Harrell	38.8%	60,293
	Libertarian	Matt McAdoo	2.7%	4,221
Total Votes				155,383

2004

On November 2, 2004, John Carter won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jon Porter (D) and Celeste Adams (L) in the general election.^[124]

U.S. House, Texas District 31 General Election, 2004
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Carter incumbent	64.8%	160,247
	Democratic	Jon Porter	32.5%	80,292
	Libertarian	Celeste Adams	2.8%	6,888
Total Votes				247,427

2002

On November 5, 2002, John Carter won election to the United States House. He defeated David Bagley (D), Clark Simmons (L), John Petersen (G) and R. C. Crawford (I) in the general election.^[125]

U.S. House, Texas District 31 General Election, 2002
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Carter	69.1%	111,556
	Democratic	David Bagley	27.4%	44,183
	Libertarian	Clark Simmons	1.3%	2,037
	Green	John Petersen	1.2%	1,992
	Independent	R. C. Crawford	1.1%	1,716
Total Votes				161,484

Campaign themes[edit]

Candidate Conversations[edit]

Moderated by journalist and political commentator Greta Van Susteren, Candidate Conversations is a virtual debate format that allows voters to easily get to know their candidates through a short video Q&A. Click below to watch the conversation for this race.

===2020===

Ballotpedia survey responses

John Carter did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2016[edit]

The following issues were listed on Carter's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“

Creating Jobs: The American people want to know, “Where are the jobs?” Forty-nine percent of jobs over the last decade have been created in Texas! Texas is leading our country out of this sluggish economy the President and Senate Democrats continue champion.

Obama Culture of Cover-ups: Our great country is being lead down a dangerous path. President Obama’s “Culture of Cover-ups” must be stopped. From Benghazi, the IRS, Fast and Furious, the VA and even the Fort Hood shooting, this President and those working for him continue to lie and cover-up their mistakes.

Cut Spending: Our Texas economy is a model for the rest of the country to get back to work! The President and the Democrat Senate need to cut spending, tighten the budget and demand regulators to loosen their vice-grip on our economy!

Pro-Life: I believe that life begins at conception and that all life is a precious gift from God. Just as we have fought for freedom and justice throughout our nation’s history, we must fight for the lives of the hundreds of thousands of unborn children who are aborted in the U.S. every year.

Protecting Our Borders: It’s important we fix the broken immigration system that continues to encourage the drug cartels to sneak people and drugs into this country illegally. We must create a system that encourages immigrate legally and punishes those who enter illegally!^[126]

”

—John Carter's campaign website, http://www.johncarterforcongress.com/issues/

Noteworthy events[edit]

Electoral vote certification on January 6-7, 2021[edit]

See also: Counting of electoral votes (January 6-7, 2021)

Congress convened a joint session on January 6-7, 2021, to count electoral votes by state and confirm the results of the 2020 presidential election. Carter voted against certifying the electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania. The House rejected both objections by a vote of 121-303 for Arizona and 138-282 for Pennsylvania.

Campaign donors[edit]

Comprehensive donor history[edit]

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

John Carter campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Result	Contributions
2018	U.S. House Texas District 31	✔	$1,818,993
2016	U.S. House, Texas District 31	✔	$1,032,187
2014	U.S. House (Texas, District 31)	✔	$996,110
2012	U.S. House Texas District 31	✔	$885,683
2010	U.S. House Texas District 31	✔	$997,508
2008	U.S. House Texas District 31	✔	$947,701
2006	U.S. House Texas District 31	✔	$876,895
2004	U.S. House Texas District 31	✔	$1,086,204
2002	U.S. House Texas District 31	✔	$802,789
Grand total raised			$9,444,070
Source: Follow the Money

2018[edit]

U.S. House Texas District 31 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top industry contributors to John Carter's campaign in 2018
Defense	$136,000.00
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate	$135,050.00
General Business	$122,200.00
Transportation	$97,690.00
Energy & Natural Resources	$96,350.00
Total Raised in 2018	$1,818,992.74
Source: Follow the Money

U.S. House Texas District 31 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top individual contributors to John Carter's campaign in 2018
MCLANE JR, ROBERT DRAYTON	$5,400.00
WHITE, NEEL	$5,400.00
COLLINS, RICHARD H	$5,400.00
ROSS, STEPHEN M (STEVE)	$5,400.00
NAU III, JOHN LISTON	$5,400.00
Total Raised in 2018	$1,818,992.74
Source: Follow the Money

2016[edit]

Carter won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Carter's campaign committee raised a total of $1,032,187 and spent $1,197,138.^[127] This is less than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.^[128]

Cost per vote[edit]

Carter spent $7.21 per general election vote received in 2016.

U.S. House, Texas District 31, 2016 - John Carter (Texas) Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,032,187
Total Spent	$1,197,138
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$26,967
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$26,122
Top contributors to John Carter (Texas)'s campaign committee
Edison Chouest Offshore	$21,200
Huntington Ingalls Industries	$16,000
National Auto Dealers Assn	$15,000
Triumph Group	$15,000
Bollinger Shipyards	$14,200
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Defense Aerospace	$59,000
Defense Electronics	$56,500
Air Transport	$50,250
Misc Defense	$42,250
Lawyers/Law Firms	$40,241
Source: Open Secrets

2014[edit]

Carter won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Carter's campaign committee raised a total of $996,110 and spent $862,690.^[129] This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.^[130]

Cost per vote[edit]

Carter spent $9.42 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. House, Texas District 31, 2014 - John Carter (Texas) Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$996,110
Total Spent	$862,690
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$65,373
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$65,279
Top contributors to John Carter (Texas)'s campaign committee
Bollinger Shipyards	$18,200
Berkshire Hathaway	$11,300
Dell Inc	$10,500
American Bankers Assn	$10,000
American Crystal Sugar	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Oil & Gas	$46,600
Lawyers/Law Firms	$46,600
Real Estate	$45,600
Air Transport	$43,850
Health Professionals	$40,966

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Carter's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Below are Carter's FEC reports.^[131]

John Carter (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly^[132]	April 15, 2013	$464,659.20	$91,074.99	$(59,355.70)	$496,378.49
July Quarterly^[133]	July 15, 2013	$496,378.49	$122,005.84	$(125,888.59)	$492,495.74
October Quarterly^[134]	October 15, 2013	$492,495.74	$132,477.78	$(67,757.79)	$557,215.73
Year-End^[135]	January 31, 2014	$557,215	$73,374	$(182,401)	$448,189
Pre-Primary^[136]	February 20, 2014	$448,189	$14,000	$(40,077)	$422,111
Pre-Special^[137]	February 27, 2014	$422,111	$6,100	$(6,924)	$421,287
April Quarterly^[138]	April 15, 2014	$421,287	$118,615	$(32,545)	$507,357
Pre-Special^[139]	July 8, 2014	$507,357	$135,488	$(48,237)	$594,608
July Quarterly^[140]	July 15, 2014	$594,608	$66,788	$(52,110)	$609,287
October Quarterly^[141]	October 15, 2014	$609,287	$159,555	$(160,673)	$608,169
			Running totals
			$919,478.61	$(775,969.08)

2012[edit]

Carter won election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Carter's campaign committee raised a total of $885,684 and spent $757,983.^[142] This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.^[143]

Cost per vote[edit]

Carter spent $5.21 per vote received in 2012.

U.S. House, Texas District 31, 2012 - John Carter (Texas) Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$885,684
Total Spent	$757,983
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	No reports on record for candidate
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	No reports on record for candidate
Top contributors to John Carter (Texas)'s campaign committee
Dell Inc	$20,000
American Bankers Assn	$10,000
AT&T Inc	$10,000
Koch Industries	$10,000
National Assn of Realtors	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Real Estate	$65,150
Oil & Gas	$59,800
Computers/Internet	$39,750
Health Professionals	$35,375
Lawyers/Law Firms	$33,769

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Carter's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

2010[edit]

Carter won re-election to the U.S. House in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Carter's campaign committee raised a total of $997,508 and spent $712,430.^[144]

U.S. House, Texas District 31, 2010 - John Carter (Texas) Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$997,508
Total Spent	$712,430
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$0
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$0
Top contributors to John Carter (Texas)'s campaign committee
Crow Holdings	$28,800
Dell Inc	$17,000
AT&T Inc	$11,000
Berkshire Hathaway	$10,400
American Crystal Sugar	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Real Estate	$102,440
Retired	$52,025
Health Professionals	$48,400
Computers/Internet	$33,000
Commercial Banks	$32,800

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Carter's campaign funds before the 2010 election.

Personal Gain Index[edit]

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

PGI: Change in net worth[edit]

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Carter's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $100,002 and $649,999. That averages to $375,000, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Carter ranked as the 300th most wealthy representative in 2012.^[145] Between 2004 and 2012, Carter's calculated net worth^[146] decreased by an average of 11 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.^[147]

John Carter Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$3,288,334
2012	$375,000
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	-89%
Average annual growth:	-11%^[148]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.^[149]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric[edit]

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Carter received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Real Estate industry.

From 2001-2014, 24.43 percent of Carter's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.^[150]

John Carter (Texas) Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$6,355,968
Total Spent	$5,757,515
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Real Estate	$422,980
Lawyers/Law Firms	$359,045
Oil & Gas	$272,878
Health Professionals	$256,099
Retired	$241,572
% total in top industry	6.65%
% total in top two industries	12.3%
% total in top five industries	24.43%

Analysis[edit]

Ideology and leadership[edit]

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Carter was a far-right Republican leader as of July 2014. This was the same rating Carter received in June 2013.^[151]

Like-minded colleagues[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.^[152]

Carter most often votes with:

Carter least often votes with:

Lifetime voting record[edit]

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Carter missed 452 of 9,294 roll call votes from January 2003 to September 2015. This amounted to 4.9 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.^[153]

Congressional staff salaries[edit]

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Carter paid his congressional staff a total of $911,840 in 2011. Overall, Texas ranked 27th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.^[154]

National Journal vote ratings[edit]

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013[edit]

Carter ranked 132nd in the conservative rankings in 2013.^[155]

2012[edit]

Carter ranked 101st in the conservative rankings among members of the U.S. House.^[156]

2011[edit]

Carter was tied with three other members of the U.S. House of Representatives, ranking 11th in the conservative rankings among members of the U.S. House.^[157]

Voting with party[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014[edit]

Carter voted with the Republican Party 95.1 percent of the time, which ranked 79th among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.^[158]

2013[edit]

Carter voted with the Republican Party 96.2 percent of the time, which ranked 145th among the 233 House Republican members as of June 2013.^[159]

Personal[edit]

Carter and his wife, Erika, have four children.^[160]

External links[edit]

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

U.S. House Texas District 31

Officeholder

U.S. House Texas District 31

Footnotes[edit]

Political offices
Preceded by New District	U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, District 31 2003-Present	Succeeded by '
Preceded by '	District Court Judge, Williamson County, Texas 1981-2001	Succeeded by '

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Contents

Biography[edit]

Career[edit]

Committee assignments[edit]

U.S. House[edit]

2021-2022

2019-2020

2017-2018[edit]

2015-2016[edit]

2013-2014[edit]

2011-2012[edit]

Key votes[edit]

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020[edit]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

114th Congress[edit]

Economic and fiscal[edit]

Trade Act of 2015[edit]

Defense spending authorization[edit]

2016 Budget proposal[edit]

2015 budget[edit]

Foreign Affairs[edit]

Iran nuclear deal[edit]

Export-Import Bank[edit]

Domestic[edit]

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit]

Cyber security[edit]

Immigration[edit]

113th Congress[edit]

National security[edit]

NDAA[edit]

DHS Appropriations[edit]

CISPA (2013)[edit]

Economy[edit]

Farm bill[edit]

2014 Budget[edit]

Government shutdown[edit]

Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination[edit]

Immigration[edit]

Morton Memos Prohibition[edit]

Healthcare[edit]

Healthcare Reform Rules[edit]

Social issues[edit]

Abortion[edit]

Government affairs[edit]

HR 676[edit]

Previous congressional sessions[edit]

Fiscal Cliff[edit]

Issues[edit]

Presidential preference[edit]

Elections[edit]

2020[edit]

General election for U.S. House Texas District 31

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 31

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2018[edit]

General election for U.S. House Texas District 31

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

2016[edit]

2014[edit]

2012[edit]

Full history[edit]

Campaign themes[edit]

Candidate Conversations[edit]

Ballotpedia survey responses

2016[edit]

Noteworthy events[edit]

Electoral vote certification on January 6-7, 2021[edit]

Campaign donors[edit]

Comprehensive donor history[edit]

2018[edit]

2016[edit]

Cost per vote[edit]

2014[edit]