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Diane Black

Republican Party

Prior offices:

U.S. House Tennessee District 6

Years in office: 2011 - 2019

Predecessor:Bart Gordon (D)

Successor:John Rose (R)

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Tennessee State Senate

Years in office: 2005 - 2010

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Tennessee House of Representatives

Years in office: 1999 - 2005

Compensation

Net worth

$69,569,042

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 2, 2018

Education

Associates

Anne Arundel College, 1971

Bachelor's

Belmont University, 1991

Personal

Religion

Christian: Lutheran

Profession

Small businesswoman, Educator

Contact

Campaign Facebook

Personal website

Diane Black is a formerRepublican member of theU.S. House of Representatives from the state ofTennessee, representingTennessee's 6th Congressional District from 2011 to 2019.

Black ran forGovernor of Tennessee in 2018. She lost the primary on August 2, 2018.

Prior to her election to the U.S. House, Black served in theTennessee House of Representatives and theTennessee State Senate.^[1]

Biography

Black earned her associate degree from Anne Arundel College in 1971 and her bachelor's from Belmont University in 1991. Before entering politics, Black worked as a nurse.^[2]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Black's academic, professional, and political career:^[1]

• 2011-2019: U.S. Representative fromTennessee's 6th Congressional District
• 2005-2010: Served as a member ofTennessee State Senate
• 1999-2005: Served as a member ofTennessee House of Representatives
• 1992: Graduated from Belmont University, Nashville,Tennessee
• 1971: Graduated from Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold,Maryland

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the115th Congress, Black was assigned to the following committees:^[3]

• Committee on Budget, Chairwoman

• On December 27, 2017, Black announced that she would step down as chairwoman.^[4]

• Committee on Ways and Means

2015-2016

Black served on the following committees:^[5]

• Budget Committee
• Ways and Means Committee
  • Subcommittee on Health

2013-2014

Black served on the following committees:^[6]

• Committee on Budget
• Ways and Means Committee
  • Subcommittee on Oversight

2011-2012

Black served on the following committees:^[7]

• Budget Committee
• Ways and Means Committee
  • Subcommittee on Oversight
  • Subcommittee on Human Resources

Key votes

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, clickhere.

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, clickhere.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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)

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  Did not vote 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  Did not vote 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]

  VotedNay 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]

  Did not vote 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  
  

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedNay 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedNay 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)

  Did not vote 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  
  

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

  VotedYea 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]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes

114th Congress The first session of the114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[46][47] For more information pertaining to Black's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[48] Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also:The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, theHouse rejected thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure inHR 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 withtrade 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. Black was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA.[49][50] Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, theHouse passed thetrade promotion authority (TPA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives thepresident fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent toCongress 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 includingtrade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Black was one of 191Republicans to support the measure.[51][52] Trade promotion authority second vote After thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) andtrade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass theHouse together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment toHR 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 forTed Yoho (R-Fla.). Black was one of 190Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment.[53][54] Trade adjustment assistance second vote TheHouse passedHR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. TheSenate packagedtrade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along withtrade promotion authority (TPA), whichCongress passed as part ofHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Black was one of 132Republicans to vote against HR 1295.[55][56] Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1735 - 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." Black and seven otherRepublicans did not vote.[57] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. PresidentBarack Obamavetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[58] On November 5, 2015, theHouse passedS 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] Black voted with 234 otherRepublicans and 135Democrats to approve the bill.[61] On November 10, 2015, theSenate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[62] 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, theHouse voted to approveSConRes11, 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 183Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Black voted with 225 otherRepublicans to approve the bill.[63][64][65] 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, theHouse passedHR 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] Black voted with 166Republicans against the bill.[67] It passed theSenate on October 30, 2015.[68] PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also:Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required PresidentBarack 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. Black voted with 222 otherRepublicanrepresentatives to approve the bill.[69][70] Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, theHouse rejectedHR 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 approvingthe nuclear agreement with Iran. Black voted with 243Republicans and 25Democrats against the bill.[71][72] Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 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." Black voted with 244Republicans and twoDemocrats for the bill.[73][74] Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, theHouse passedH 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 theIran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. HouseRepublicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Black voted with 244Republicans for the resolution.[75][76] Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, theHouse passedHR 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] Black voted with 116Republicans and oneDemocrat against the bill.[78] Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 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 revisedHR 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 theForeign 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." Black voted with 195Republicans and 142Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[79][80] Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 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. Black voted with 237Republicans in favor of the bill.[81][82] Cyber security On April 23, 2015, theHouse passedHR 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] Black voted with 219Republicans and 135Democrats to approve the bill.[84] On April 22, 2015, theHouse passedHR 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. Black voted with 201Republicans and 105Democrats in favor of the bill.[86] Immigration On November 19, 2015, theHouse passedHR 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. Black voted with 241Republicans and 47Democrats in favor of the bill.[88] 113th Congress The second session of the113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[89] For more information pertaining to Black's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[90] National security NDAA Black voted in support of 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 Black voted in support of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.[91] Keystone Pipeline Amendment Black voted in opposition of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.[91] CISPA (2013) Black voted in support of 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.[92] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[91] Economy 2014 Farm bill On January 29, 2014, theU.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013,H.R. 2642, also known as theFarm Bill.[93] 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.[94][95] It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[95] Black voted with 161 otherRepublicanrepresentatives in favor of the bill. 2014 Budget On January 15, 2014, theRepublican-runHouse approvedH.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[96][97] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64Republicans and threeDemocrats voting against the bill.[97] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[98] 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 theInternal Revenue Service and theEnvironmental Protection Agency, and protected theAffordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Black voted with the majority of theRepublican Party in favor of the bill.[96] Government shutdown 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.[99] 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.[100] Black voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[101] The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by theSenate. 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 bySenate Democrats was to require income verification forObamacare subsidies.[102] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming fromRepublican members. Black voted against HR 2775.[103] Black declined to accept her salary while the government was shutdown.[104] 2013 Farm bill See also:United States Farm Bill 2013 Black supported the July 11, 2013 Farm Bill. The bill passed in a 216-208 vote.[105] The bill passed included farm policy, but did not include food stamps.[106] Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Black supported 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.[107] The vote largely followed party lines.[108] Healthcare Repealing Obamacare Black supported all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[109] Social issues Abortion Black supported HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[110] Government affairs HR 676 See also:Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration On July 30, 2014, theU.S. House approveda resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. FiveRepublicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky,Paul Broun of Georgia,Scott Garrett of New Jersey,Walter Jones of North Carolina andSteve Stockman of Texas—voted withDemocrats against the lawsuit.[111] Black joined the other 224Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.[112][113] Previous congressional sessions Fiscal Cliff Black 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. She 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.[114]

Issues

Presidential preference

2012

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

Diane Black endorsedMitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.^[115]

Elections

2018

See also: Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2018

General election

General election for Governor of Tennessee

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Tennessee on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Lee (R)	59.6	1,336,106
		Karl Dean (D)	38.6	864,863
	Submit photo	Sherry Clark (Independent)	0.2	5,198
	Submit photo	Mark Wright (Independent)	0.2	4,687
	Submit photo	Patrick Whitlock (Independent)	0.2	3,631
	Submit photo	Yvonne Neubert (Independent)	0.1	3,070
		Heather Scott (Independent)	0.1	2,969
	Submit photo	Mark Brown (Independent)	0.1	2,841
	Submit photo	Joe Wilmoth (Independent)	0.1	2,444
	Submit photo	George Blackwell Smith IV (Independent)	0.1	1,550
	Submit photo	Cory King (Independent)	0.1	1,502
	Submit photo	Tracy Yaste Tisdale (Independent)	0.1	1,396
	Submit photo	Justin Cornett (Independent)	0.1	1,217
		Chad Riden (Independent)	0.0	1,096
	Submit photo	Robert Sawyers Sr. (Independent)	0.0	1,059
		Vinnie Vineyard (Independent)	0.0	1,012
		Rick Tyler (Independent)	0.0	981
		Gabriel Fancher (Independent)	0.0	869
	Submit photo	Sean Fleming (Independent)	0.0	814
	Submit photo	Alfred Rapoza (Independent)	0.0	800
	Submit photo	Jessie McDonald (Independent)	0.0	755
	Submit photo	Toney Mitchell (Independent)	0.0	739
	Submit photo	Mike Toews (Independent)	0.0	726
	Submit photo	Matthew Koch (Independent)	0.0	652
	Submit photo	Jeremy Allen Stephenson (Independent)	0.0	613
	Submit photo	Tommy McAnally (Independent)	0.0	609
	Submit photo	Jaron Weidner (Independent)	0.0	588
	Submit photo	William Helmstetter (Independent)	0.0	496
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	11

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	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,243,294
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Tennessee

Karl Dean defeatedCraig Fitzhugh andMezianne Vale Payne in the Democratic primary for Governor of Tennessee on August 2, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Karl Dean	75.1	279,324
		Craig Fitzhugh	19.4	72,263
		Mezianne Vale Payne	5.4	20,253

---

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 371,840
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Tennessee

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Tennessee on August 2, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Lee	36.7	289,699
		Randy Boyd	24.3	191,940
		Diane Black	23.0	181,719
		Beth Harwell	15.3	120,910
		Kay White	0.4	3,181
	Submit photo	Basil Marceaux	0.2	1,270

---

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 788,719
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

2016

See also:Tennessee's 6th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpediarated this race as safely Republican. IncumbentDiane Black (R) defeatedDavid Kent (D) andDavid Ross (independent) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Black defeatedJoe Carr,Tommy Hay, andDonald Strong in the Republican primary, while Kent defeatedFlo Matheson to win the Democratic nomination. The primary elections took place on August 4, 2016.^{[116][117][118]}

U.S. House, Tennessee District 6 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Diane BlackIncumbent	71.1%	202,234
	Democratic	David Kent	21.8%	61,995
	Independent	David Ross	7.1%	20,261
Total Votes				284,490
Source:Tennessee Secretary of State

U.S. House, Tennessee District 6 Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
David Kent	67%	7,551
Flo Matheson	33%	3,714
Total Votes		11,265
Source:Tennessee Secretary of State

U.S. House, Tennessee District 6 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Diane BlackIncumbent	63.7%	33,215
Joe Carr	31.9%	16,665
Donald Strong	2.6%	1,354
Tommy Hay	1.8%	945
Total Votes		52,179
Source:Tennessee Secretary of State

2014

See also:Tennessee's 6th Congressional District elections, 2014

Black ran in the2014 election for theU.S. House to representTennessee's6th District. Black defeatedJerry Lowery in theRepublican primary on August 7, 2014. She defeatedAmos Powers (D) and independent candidateMike Winton in the general election.^[119][120]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 6 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Diane BlackIncumbent	71.1%	115,190
	Democratic	Amos Powers	23%	37,215
	Independent	Mike Winton	5.9%	9,630
Total Votes				162,035
Source:Tennessee Secretary of State

U.S. House, Tennessee District 6 Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Diane BlackIncumbent	76.7%	67,881
Jerry Lowery	23.3%	20,660
Total Votes		88,541
Source:Results via Associated Press

2012

See also:Tennessee's 6th Congressional District elections, 2012

Black ran for re-election in the2012 election for theU.S. House, representingTennessee's6th District. She defeatedLou Ann Zelenik in the August 2 Republican primary. She the defeatedScott Beasley (I) in the general election on November 6, 2012.^[121][122]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 6 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Diane BlackIncumbent	76.4%	184,383
	Green	Pat Riley	9%	21,633
	Independent	Scott Beasley	14.4%	34,766
	Write-In	N/A	0.2%	459
Total Votes				241,241
Source:Tennessee Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

U.S. House, Tennessee's 6th Congressional District Republican Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Diane BlackIncumbent	69.4%	44,949
Lou Ann Zelenik	30.6%	19,836
Total Votes		64,785

2010

On November 2, 2010, Diane Black won election to theUnited States House. She defeated Brett Carter (R) in the general election.^[123]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 6 General Election, 2010
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Diane Black	69.6%	128,517
	Democratic	Brett Carter	30.4%	56,145
Total Votes				184,662

Black defeated Zelenik in the 2010 primary election.^[124]

Tennessee's 6th Congressional District Republican Primary, 2010
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Diane Black	50.3%	24,374
Lou Ann Zelenik	49.7%	24,091
Total Votes		48,465

Campaign themes

2016

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

2012

According to Black's website, her campaign themes included:^[126]

• Jobs: "The real way to grow the economy is to get government out of the way, and let the real job creators, American small businesses, create jobs."
• Taxes: "For far too long, hard-working families have sent their tax dollars to Washington only to see them squandered away by Congress."
• Immigration: "By failing to secure our border, the federal government has failed to perform its most basic function –providing for the safety and security of its citizens."

Campaign finance summary

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 theFEC website. Clickhere for more on federal campaign finance law andhere for more on state campaign finance law.

Personal Gain Index

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

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

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

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

Based oncongressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available byOpenSecrets.org, Black's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $3,443,087 to $135,694,997. That averages to$69,569,042, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Black ranked as the 8th most wealthy representative in 2012.^[127] Between 2009 and 2012, Black‘s calculated net worth^[128] increased 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.^[129]

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

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

Filings required by theFederal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated byOpenSecrets.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). Black received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by theHealth Professionals industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer inTennessee's 6th Congressional District wasManufacturing, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.^[132]

From 2009-2014,20.83 percent of Black's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.^[133]

Analysis

Like-minded colleagues

The websiteOpenCongress 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.^[134]

Ideology and leadership

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

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship byGovTrack, Black was a "moderate Republican leader," as of July 30, 2014.^[135] This was the same rating Black received in June 2013.^[136]

Lifetime voting record

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

According to the websiteGovTrack, Black missed 69 of 3,358 roll call votes from January 2011 to September 2015. This amounted to 2.1 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.^[137]

Congressional staff salaries

See also:Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The websiteLegistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Black paid her congressional staff a total of $787,942 in 2011. Overall,Tennessee ranked 39th in average salary for representative staff. The averageU.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.^[138]

National Journal vote ratings

See also:National Journal vote ratings

Each yearNational 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

Black ranked 14th in the conservative rankings in 2013.^[139]

2012

Black was one of three members who ranked 26th in the conservative rankings in 2012.^[140]

2011

Black was one of 10 members of congress who ranked 1st in the conservative rankings in 2011.^[141]

Voting with party

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

2014

Black voted with the Republican Party96.1 percent of the time, which ranked 26th among the 233 House Republican members as of July 2014.Cite error: Invalid<ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

2013

Black voted with the Republican Party97.8 percent of the time, which ranked 34th among the 234 House Republican members as of June 2013.Cite error: Invalid<ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the termDiane + Black + Tennessee + House

See also

Tennessee	State Executive Elections	News and Analysis
Tennessee State Executive OfficesTennessee State LegislatureTennessee Courts	2026 •2025 •2024 •2023 •2022 •2021 •2020 •2019 •2018 •2017 •2016Tennessee elections:2026 •2025 •2024 •2023 •2022 •2021 •2020 •2019 •2018 •2017 •2016	Party control of state governmentState government trifectasState of the state addressesPartisan composition of governors

• Governor of Tennessee
• Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2018
• United States House of Representatives
• Tennessee's 6th Congressional District elections, 2014
• Tennessee's 6th Congressional District

External links

Suggest a link

• Search Google News for this topic
• Governor of Tennessee

Footnotes

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