Socially and fiscally conservative, Aderholt ran for Congress in 1996 on the promise of restoring conservative family values to Washington. His legislative efforts have sought to do just that.
In 1997 and 1999, Aderholt sponsored legislation that would allow the Ten Commandments to be posted in public places, government offices and courthouses. A member of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, he supports prayer in public schools.
Aderholt is opposed to abortion rights and stem-cell research. In 2006, he co-sponsored legislation that would've placed additional restrictions on abortion access. Aderholt is ardently opposed to same-sex marriage; he co-sponsored 2006 legislation that would create a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
A member of the Helsinki Commission, Aderholt has been active in international humanitarian issues. He traveled to Sudan in 2006 and urged the U.S. government to intervene in the alleged genocide in the Darfur region.
"This is one of those issues that sort of gripped me when I first heard about what was happening with the genocide," Aderholt said. "I've always said I'm pro-life. I think being pro-life means you're pro-life not just on the abortion issue but with all life."
Local Issues
The congressman often votes with his district in mind. In 2005, he cast a deciding vote for the Central American Free Trade Agreement, despite initially opposing the plan. Aderholt made a deal with the White House to shield 4th district sock manufacturers from cheap imports. Such imports quickly escalated anyway, and the district's textile industry has endured heavy losses.
Aderholt vocally opposed President Obama's 2010 efforts to cut funding for NASA programs. Many 4th district residents are employed by the space industry and Aderholt supported a July 2010 NASA authorization bill that maintained funding levels.
Budget, Taxes and the Economy
Aderholt is a member of the Congressional Tea Party Caucus; he supports lower taxes and a simplified tax code. Aderholt agrees with the tea-party movement in all areas but one - earmarks. He has consistently used earmark spending to his advantage in the 4th district.
An opponent of what he calls "liberal spending policies," Aderholt voted against the 2008 bailout plan and 2009 stimulus spending, arguing the latter would disproportionately aid urban areas and provide no assistance to his rural district.
Aderholt voted for President Bush's tax cuts and President Obama's 2010 tax plan.
Energy and the Environment
A proponent of expanded U.S. drilling, Aderholt voted against offshore oil drilling regulations and for the construction of new oil refineries on American soil.
Aderholt says he supports developing alternative fuel and renewable energy, but he voted against funding for homegrown bioufuel. He also opposed loans for energy efficiency, cap-and-trade legislation, trade-in vouchers for fuel efficient cars and the enforcement of carbon-dioxide limits.
He did support the Energy Act of 2007, which increased fuel economy in motor vehicles.
Health Care
An opponent of President Obama's 2010 health-care overhaul, Aderholt co-sponsored 2011 repeal legislation.
"The passing of yet another massive expansion of government control over our individual liberty that also explodes our country's debt is not the way that America should be moving," Aderholt said.
Immigration
Aderholt is opposed to illegal immigration. He doesn't support paths to citizenship or amnesty for illegal immigrants; he voted against the 2010 DREAM Act. Aderholt believes increased border security is the key to stemming illegal immigration. He co-sponsored the 2006 Secure Fence Act and supports building a border fence.
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