In 2004, Carter's Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act was signed into law, increasing prison sentences for those convicted in federal court of using stolen credit cards or other information.

Carter has opposed efforts to eliminate federal subsidies to private student-loan providers on grounds that 500 people were employed at a call center for Sallie Mae in his district. Prior to the 2010 passage of legislation eliminating the subsidies, Carter repeatedly tried to block similar efforts.

Military Issues

On military issues, Carter has focused his attention on appropriations and matters involving Fort Hood in his district.

Following the 2009 shooting at the installation that killed 13 people, Carter filed legislation seeking to tag alleged shooter Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan as an enemy combatant. Carter said the event could have been avoided had authorities been further empowered to combat homegrown terrorism. "Political correctness has clearly become a part of the problem. We've become so careful about saying certain things that might hurt people's feelings that we don't recognize real threats," he said.

Spending

Though Carter has supported calls for spending cuts and backed the Republicans' 2010 earmark moratorium, he has sought federal funds for Texas projects.. "I'm not one who thinks that all earmarks are evil," Carter said in 2008. "I think earmarks that are done to line the pockets of people, those certainly should be" ended.

Though Carter voted against the 2009 stimulus bill, he advocated for $6 billion worth of Texas highway projects that could be funded by it.

Health-Care Reform

As with other House Republicans, Carter voted against the 2010 health-care reform bill while backing its repeal the following year. He said coverage mandates "do nothing but increase the cost of insurance for patients." He supports allowing small businesses to pool coverage.

Immigration

Carter touts a tough approach to immigration and border security, calling himself an advocate for the "enforcement first" approach.

In response to President Obama's May 2010 decision to add 1,200 National Guard troops to patrol the southern border, Carter said the number fell short of the 25,000 actually needed.

Carter has authored legislation that would require all U.S. workers to submit to verification via the E-Verify program.

Carter supports changes to the birthright citizenship provisions in the 14th Amendment. While he hasn't outlined what rules would determine who is a citizen, his spokesperson said that it would be up to the "federal rule-making process."

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