Creating Jobs & Economic Growth
Congressman Tom MacArthurRelying on his 30-years of experience as a successful private sector entrepreneur and businessman, Congressman MacArthur has advocated for policies that lower taxes, reduce regulation, and put Americans back to work. The result: Since Congressman MacArthur took office in January 2015, the unemployment rate in Burlington County dropped from 6.4% to 3.6% and from 7.8% to 4.4% in Ocean County – a reduction of over 40%.

Delivering Middle-Class Tax Cuts
Congressman MacArthur supported a tax reform bill that is increasing take home pay for middle-class New Jerseyans and has led to a simpler, fairer tax code, as opposed to one where the wealthy were able to pay experts to find loopholes. Even better, large companies like Comcast, Wells Fargo, and Boeing have responded to tax reform by rewarding frontline employees by doling out bonuses, voluntarily increasing their minimum wage to $15/hour, and spending more on capital projects that will create good-paying jobs for our highly skilled construction tradesmen across the state.

Heroin and Drug Addiction
Tom is proud to Co-Chair the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, and to have worked with Democrats and Republicans in Washington and back home in New Jersey to confront this epidemic head on. Tom convinced the Trump Administration to name Ocean County a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which has delivered additional federal resources, and he has been at the forefront of shaping and advancing legislation such as the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and 21st Century Cures Act, which commits over $1 billion dollars over two years to fund vital programs. He also stood up to President Trump and his own party when they tried to enact drastic cuts in funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Bringing New Missions to the Joint Base
Tom successfully led a bipartisan coalition of local, county, state and federal officials from New Jersey that secured the future of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) by convincing the Air Force to locate the new KC-46 air-to-air refueling fleet at JBMDL beginning in 2020. Tom also led the effort to secure nearly $150 million in military construction at JBMDL in support of the KC-46. This new mission will go a long way towards keeping the Joint Base off future BRAC lists, ensuring it remains critical to our national security and preparedness, and protecting the over 42,000 local jobs and $7 billion in economic investment that depend on its future growth and success.

Bipartisan Leadership & Problem-Solving
The non-partisan Lugar Center ranked Tom as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress for his willingness to work across party lines with his Democratic colleagues on important legislation. In the most recent Congress, Tom has co-sponsored and supported more than 30 bills authored by Democrats.

Standing with Seniors
Congressman Tom MacArthurTom believes Social Security is a promise that must be kept to our citizens, and that Americans who work and pay into the system should receive the benefits they earn. Tom will continue to fight to protect and strengthen Medicare so today’s seniors, as well as future generations, have access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage, as well as the ability to make healthcare choices that best fit their needs and those of their family. Tom worked across party lines to sponsor legislation aimed at preventing elder abuse. He recently fought for and won a $5 million annual increase in Medicare funding for Deborah Hospital to improve medical technology and quality of care. Last but not least, Tom will oppose plans by Democrats to destroy the Medicare program for seniors with a European-style healthcare system that will increase taxes and give expanded benefits to illegal immigrants.

Working to Fix Healthcare
While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped millions of people, it hurt many millions more by making healthcare unaffordable – many right here in Burlington and Ocean Counties. Healthcare choices dwindled, premiums skyrocketed, patients were separated from their doctors, and deductibles increased astronomically. Tom opposed his own party’s efforts at a speedy Obamacare repeal, but when that failed he rolled up his sleeves and worked to improve access to care for millions of Americans without quality care. Tom also pushed to eliminate Obamacare tax increases and expand access to care for working-class seniors, as well as calling for increased funding for new mothers, mental health care, and substance abuse care.

Securing the Border & Reforming Immigration
Tom believes we need comprehensive federal immigration reform that begins with strong and secure borders – and that any illegal immigrant who has committed a crime must be immediately returned to their country of origin. Tom supports a compassionate legislative fix that for young children who were brought here by their parents through no fault of their own, and have known no other home than America.

Promoting a Culture of Life
Tom believes good people can disagree on this issue, but it is also a deeply personal one to him. As a young couple, Tom and his wife Debbie found out in the 4th month of pregnancy that their first child would be born with special needs and might not survive. Their doctors suggested they end the pregnancy. Instead, Tom and Debbie changed doctors and chose life, raising their daughter Grace for 11 years before she passed away. They also adopted two children as infants – David now 27 and Isabella, now 20. Tom supports parental notification for minors and a ban on late-term abortions, and he opposes using taxpayer dollars to fund abortion.

Gun Safety & The 2nd Amendment
Tom believes in the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families, to hunt, to collect, and to shoot competitively or recreationally. To many people in Burlington and Ocean Counties, that right is sacrosanct and should be respected. Tom has also fought for new laws that stiffen penalties for those who commit violent crimes with guns, and recently broke with the NRA to call for universal criminal and mental health background checks for all gun purchases.

Standing with Israel
Following his visit there during the last Congress, Tom’s commitment to strengthening our relationship with Israel has only grown stronger. Israel is America’s most stable and reliable ally in all the Middle East. Tom values our shared commitment with Israel to the democratic ideals of religious, individual and economic freedom. Tom agrees with the President’s decision to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and to move the US Embassy there. Tom also secured $25 million to fund the U.S.-Israel Directed Energy Security Cooperation. This program would allow the Secretary of Defense to cooperate with the government of Israel on research, development, testing, and evaluation, to establish directed energy capabilities to detect and defeat ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, mortars, IEDs, and other explosive devices that threaten the United States and its deployed forces or Israel. Tom believes we must continue to provide both economic and military aid to Israel, and work in concert with Israel and other allies to prevent dangerous actors in the region from obtaining nuclear weapons.

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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.^[49][50] For more information pertaining to MacArthur's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[51]

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. MacArthur was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA.^[52][53]
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. MacArthur was one of 54Republicans to vote against the measure.^[54][55]
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.). MacArthur was one of 50Republicans to vote against the amendment.^[56][57]
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. MacArthur was one of 111Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[58][59]

Defense spending authorization

On May 15, 2015, theHouse passedHR 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." MacArthur voted with 227 otherRepublicans and 41Democrats to approve the bill.^[60] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. PresidentBarack Obamavetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[61]

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.^[62][63] MacArthur voted with 234 otherRepublicans and 135Democrats to approve the bill.^[64] 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.^[65]

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. MacArthur voted with 225 otherRepublicans to approve the bill.^[66][67][68]

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.^[69] MacArthur voted with 78Republicans and 187Democrats in favor of the bill.^[70] It passed theSenate on October 30, 2015.^[71] 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. MacArthur voted with 222 otherRepublicanrepresentatives to approve the bill.^[72][73]

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. MacArthur voted with 243Republicans and 25Democrats against the bill.^[74][75]

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." MacArthur voted with 244Republicans and twoDemocrats for the bill.^[76][77]

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. MacArthur voted with 244Republicans for the resolution.^[78][79]

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.^[80] MacArthur voted with 126Republicans and 186Democrats in favor of the bill.^[81]

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." MacArthur voted with 195Republicans and 142Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[82][83]

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. MacArthur voted with 237Republicans in favor of the bill.^[84][85]

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.^[86] MacArthur voted with 219Republicans and 135Democrats to approve the bill.^[87]

On April 22, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[88] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. MacArthur voted with 201Republicans and 105Democrats in favor of the bill.^[89]

Immigration

On November 19, 2015, theHouse passedHR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[90] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. MacArthur voted with 241Republicans and 47Democrats in favor of the bill.^[91]