Scope
Back to results

James R. Baird

U.S. Representative, IN, district 4

RepublicanHouse

Positions last updated Oct 12, 2026

In Congress since
2019
Years served
8
Age
81
Current term ends
Jan 3, 2027

Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress (via the public congress-legislators dataset). Photo: official congressional portrait.

Compare with another member

Where their record lies

Between the typical Democratic and typical Republican record

BairdClose to the typical Republican record. James R. Baird's record sits 88% of the way from the typical Democratic record to the typical Republican record. 258 Democratic and 269 Republican members are shown; 13 of 530 sit in the middle.
Democratic258 members
Middle13 members
Republican269 members

Close to the typical Republican record

James R. Baird's record sits 88% of the way from the typical Democratic record to the typical Republican record.

Built from 6 topics that divide the parties. It describes a record of votes and statements, not a person. How this is calculated.

Their record by topic

Further from the center means more agreement with the quiz statement

Web chart of James R. Baird’s positions on 8 topics; a larger shape means stronger agreement.Health careTaxes & spendingImmigrationClimate & energyGunsAbortionEducationForeign policy

Each point averages how James R. Baird votes and what they say on that topic. A topic with no data is left out, not drawn as neutral. The sources are in the sections below.

Where they stand

Each topic is a statement from the quiz. "Agree" means their votes or words line up with it.

  • Health care

    “The federal government should guarantee health coverage for every American.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Taxes & spending

    “Lowering taxes matters more than expanding government services.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Agree

  • Immigration

    “Border security should be the top priority in immigration policy.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Climate & energy

    “The federal government should require cuts to carbon emissions, even if energy costs rise.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Guns

    “Federal law should require background checks on all gun sales, including private sales.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Abortion

    “Abortion law should be decided by each state, not the federal government.”

    Votes: No data|Says: Strongly disagree

  • Education

    “Public school funding should follow students to the school their family chooses, including private schools.”

    Votes: Agree|Says: No data

  • Foreign policy

    “The U.S. should keep providing military aid to its allies abroad.”

    Votes: Neutral or unsure|Says: No data

Votes on key bills

The final vote on each bill Scope tracks (not every vote they have cast). Newest first.

Show 10 more votes

Source: House Clerk and Senate roll-call records via Congress.gov. For every vote they have cast, see GovTrack.

Words versus votes

Pro preview · free for now

No topic where votes and statements point in opposite directions (5 topics compared).

A difference is a prompt to look closer, not proof of anything. Votes come from a short list of tracked bills; statements come from speeches, press releases and bills they put their name on. See the evidence for each topic. On 4 more topics one side is neutral, so there is nothing to contrast.

Campaign money

$358,293 raised in the 2025-2026 cycle

For the 2025-2026 election cycle, through Jun 30, 2026. Who funds a campaign can shape who a member listens to, though it does not decide how they vote.

Raised
$358,293
Spent
$481,342
Cash on hand
$0

Where the money came from

  • Small donors (under $200 each)19%
  • Larger individual donors25%
  • Political action committees (PACs)55%
  • Other1%

Source: Federal Election Commission filings · see top donors on OpenSecrets.

What they work on

8 bills written, 148 signed onto. Top topic: International Affairs

In the current Congress they have written 8 bills and signed on to 148 more. A bill someone writes shows what they want to change.

Topics of the bills they wrote

  • International Affairs4
  • Energy2
  • Armed Forces and National Security1
  • Environmental Protection1

Most recent bills they wrote

  • H.R. 8648: FORGE Act (Aug 31, 2026)
  • H.R. 7936: Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act of 2026 (Aug 3, 2026)
  • H.R. 8212: Tech Diplomacy Training Act (Aug 3, 2026)
  • H.R. 9663: State Standing Committee Act (Jul 14, 2026)
  • H.R. 7194: Nicholas Dockery Medal of Honor Act (Jan 21, 2026)

Source: Sponsorship records from Congress.gov; each bill links to its page there.

Committees

3 committees: House Committee on Agriculture; House Committee on Foreign Affairs...

Committees study and rewrite bills before the full chamber votes.

Source: Committee rosters from the congress-legislators dataset (built from the House and Senate committee pages, as of 2026-10-12). Each committee name links to its official page.

Career in Congress

2019 to present
  • 2019 to presentU.S. House, IN, district 4Republican

Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Contact and learn more

Office phone, website, message form and where to read more

Contact their office

Read more about them

Source: Contact details from the member's official pages, via the congress-legislators dataset. Outside sites are not run by Scope.

The evidence, topic by topic

Every position links to the votes, quotes and bills it was built from

Health care

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 5 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.Roll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on bill

Votes behind Baird, James R.'s position on Health care

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 6538: More Affordable Care Act

Statements behind Baird, James R.'s position on Health care

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Taxes & spending

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 1 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on bill

Votes behind Baird, James R.'s position on Taxes & spending

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Agree (+1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 703: Main Street Tax Certainty Actcosponsored bill: HR 1301: Death Tax Repeal Act

Statements behind Baird, James R.'s position on Taxes & spending

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Immigration

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 3 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on Secure the Border Act of 2023

Votes behind Baird, James R.'s position on Immigration

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 1958: Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026

Statements behind Baird, James R.'s position on Immigration

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Climate & energy

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.Roll call on Lower Energy Costs Act

Votes behind Baird, James R.'s position on Climate & energy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HJRES 20: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Pcosponsored bill: HR 1651: To nullify the final rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New, Modified, and Re

Statements behind Baird, James R.'s position on Climate & energy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Guns

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019Roll call on Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Votes behind Baird, James R.'s position on Guns

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 6035: Second Amendment Restoration Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 1041: Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

Statements behind Baird, James R.'s position on Guns

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Abortion

How they vote

No data

What they say

Strongly disagree (-2)

Based on 4 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 722: Life at Conception Actcosponsored bill: HR 1525: Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Actcosponsored bill: HR 679: To nullify the modifications made by the Food and Drug Administration in January 2023 to the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy for the abortion pill mifepristone, and fcosponsored bill: HR 682: Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025

Statements behind Baird, James R.'s position on Abortion

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Education

How they vote

Agree (+1)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on bill

Votes behind Baird, James R.'s position on Education

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

No data

Foreign policy

How they vote

Neutral or unsure (0)

Calculated from 4 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024Roll call on Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024Roll call on Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

Votes behind Baird, James R.'s position on Foreign policy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

No data

Revision history

50 recorded changes
  • Foreign policy (vote): 0 to 0Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 0 to 0Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): -1 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): 1 to 1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 0 to 0Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): -1 to -1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): -1 to 0Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): 1 to 1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): 1 to 1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Abortion (statement): -2 to -2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): created at 1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Abortion (statement): created at -2Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (vote): -2 to -1Status changed: needs_review to needs_review · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (vote): 2 to 1Status changed: needs_review to needs_review · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 8, 2026