Martha Roby: Political Positions and Legislative Record
Martha Roby has established a legislative record defined by strong conservative principles and a high degree of alignment with her party. As of January 2019, Roby voted with her party in 92.4% of votes during the 116th United States Congress and aligned with President Trump's positions in 93.8% of votes. Her commitment to conservative values is further reflected in a 58% rating from Heritage Action.
Analysis from the non-partisan research organization Vote Smart indicates that Roby generally supports abortion restrictions, lower taxes, and the Keystone Pipeline. Conversely, she opposes federal spending as a tool for economic growth, federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, and gun-control legislation.
Key Facts
- Party Alignment: Voted with her party 92.4% of the time in the 116th Congress.
- Pro-Life Stance: Describes herself as "unapologetically pro-life" and holds a 0% rating from Planned Parenthood.
- Economic View: Supports abolishing the federal minimum wage and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Healthcare: Consistently voted to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
- Environmental Record: Holds a lifetime score of 4% from the League of Conservation Voters.
Social Issues and Civil Rights
Roby is a staunch advocate for pro-life policies. She supports the Hyde Amendment (which prohibits federal funding for most abortions) and opposes abortion providers' access to Title X funds. Her efforts include co-sponsoring the Sanctity of Human Life Act and supporting the inclusion of "preborn human person[s]" in the Fourteenth Amendment.
On civil rights and LGBTQ issues, Roby has faced criticism from advocacy groups. She holds a 3% rating from the ACLU and a 9% rating from the NAACP. She has expressed strong opposition to Obama-era guidance allowing transgender students to choose school bathrooms and has a zero rating from the Human Rights Campaign.
Regarding the Violence Against Women Act, Roby voted against it, arguing that allowing non-Native Americans to prosecute Native Americans in tribal courts for domestic violence violates due process.
Economic Policy and Governance
Roby's economic platform emphasizes deregulation and tax reduction. She supports the abolition of the estate tax and signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge. She was a supporter of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, asserting that such cuts encourage businesses to remain in the U.S.
Her approach to labor and wages is strictly anti-interventionist; she opposes increasing the federal minimum wage, arguing that government interference stifles growth. This stance is reflected in her low ratings from the AFL-CIO (10%) and the AFSCME (0%), while she maintains an 89% rating from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Budget and Education
Roby has pledged to reduce government spending and supports a Balanced Budget Agreement and a line-item veto. In the realm of education, she has stated she would abolish the Department of Education, though she would maintain federal grants to states. She also supports voluntary prayer in schools.
Defense, Energy, and Foreign Policy
In matters of national security, Roby pledged to maintain defense spending at a minimum of 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports missile defense programs. Her foreign policy has included supporting increased American intervention in Iraq and Syria beyond air support.
On energy, Roby supports drilling on the outer continental shelf and opposes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulating greenhouse gases. She opposes "cap and trade" systems and taxes designed to combat climate change.
Healthcare and Social Security
Roby has been a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act, voting for its repeal in favor of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which she describes as a patient-centered system. She also opposes the use of federal funding for research involving human embryos.
Regarding Social Security, Roby opposes raising the retirement age, reducing benefits, or increasing payroll taxes. However, she has faced criticism for supporting market-based reforms and privatization, receiving a 0% score from the Alliance for Retired Americans in 2013.
Summary of Policy Positions
| Issue | Position | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Abortion | Oppose | Supports Hyde Amendment; "unapologetically pro-life" |
| Taxes | Lower | Supports abolishing estate tax and the IRS |
| Healthcare | Repeal ACA | Supports the American Health Care Act (AHCA) |
| Environment | Oppose Regulation | Opposes EPA regulation of greenhouse gases |
| Cannabis | Oppose | Opposes medical, recreational, and hemp legalization |
| Immigration | Restrictive | Opposes amnesty; supports border wall |
Relationship with Donald Trump
Roby's relationship with Donald Trump has evolved over time. In October 2016, she withdrew her endorsement of his candidacy, citing his behavior as unacceptable. However, following his election, she sought to make amends and eventually received his endorsement for her reelection campaign.
While she voted against Trump's impeachment, stating the bar for impeaching a sitting president had not been met, she did vote for a resolution condemning his decision to remove U.S. military forces from Syria in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martha Roby's position on the Affordable Care Act?
Martha Roby strongly opposes the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), describing it as a "failed law," and has repeatedly voted to repeal it in favor of the American Health Care Act.
How does Roby view the federal minimum wage?
Roby opposes increasing the federal minimum wage and supports its abolition, arguing that the federal government should "get out of the way" to allow wages to increase naturally without stifling growth.
What are Roby's views on cannabis legalization?
Roby opposes the legalization of marijuana for medical, recreational, and veterans' use, and she also opposes the legalization of hemp.
What is Roby's stance on the Department of Education?
Roby has stated that she would abolish the Department of Education, although she believes federal grants to states should remain intact.
How has Roby voted regarding the environment?
Roby opposes the EPA's regulation of greenhouse gases, opposes cap and trade, and supports oil drilling on the outer continental shelf, resulting in a 4% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters.