Scope
Back to results

Joe Courtney

U.S. Representative, CT, district 2

DemocraticHouse

Positions last updated Oct 12, 2026

In Congress since
2007
Years served
20
Age
73
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

CourtneyClose to the typical Democratic record. Joe Courtney's record sits -2% 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 Democratic record

Joe Courtney's record sits -2% 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 Joe Courtney’s positions on 8 topics; a larger shape means stronger agreement.Health careTaxes & spendingImmigrationClimate & energyGunsAbortionEducationForeign policy

Each point averages how Joe Courtney 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 agree|Says: Strongly agree

  • Taxes & spending

    “Lowering taxes matters more than expanding government services.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Strongly disagree

  • Immigration

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

    Votes: Disagree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Climate & energy

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

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Guns

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

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Agree

  • Abortion

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

    Votes: No data|Says: Disagree

  • Education

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

    Votes: Disagree|Says: Disagree

  • Foreign policy

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

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Agree

Votes on key bills

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

Show 12 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 (7 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 2 more topics one side is neutral, so there is nothing to contrast.

Campaign money

$755,424 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
$755,424
Spent
$508,302
Cash on hand
$0

Where the money came from

  • Small donors (under $200 each)12%
  • Larger individual donors30%
  • Political action committees (PACs)57%
  • Other1%

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

What they work on

10 bills written, 160 signed onto. Top topic: Education

In the current Congress they have written 10 bills and signed on to 160 more. A bill someone writes shows what they want to change.

Topics of the bills they wrote

  • Education6
  • Armed Forces and National Security2
  • Health2

Most recent bills they wrote

  • H.R. 10427: MAGNET Act (Sep 16, 2026)
  • H.R. 10360: Safeguarding Taxpayer Investment for Executive Airlift Act of 2026 (Sep 14, 2026)
  • H.R. 3954: Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2025 (Sep 8, 2026)
  • H.R. 9735: CLINIC Assistance Act (Jul 16, 2026)
  • H.R. 8045: Student Loan Interest Elimination Act (Jul 14, 2026)

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

Committees

2 committees: House Committee on Armed Services; House Committee on Education and Workforce

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

2007 to present
  • 2007 to presentU.S. House, CT, district 2Democrat

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 agree (+2)

Calculated from 6 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 billRoll call on American Health Care Act of 2017Roll call on billRoll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.

Votes behind Courtney, Joe'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

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill, 3 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“10 million Americans will lose their coverage, according to CBO.”

“people are going to lose their health insurance.”

“the number of people who will lose their health insurance coverage because of H.R. 1 is 10 million”

floor speech: DIMINISHED ACCESS TO HEALTHCAREfloor speech: CONGRESS' LONG TO-DO LISTfloor speech: ONE BIG, UGLY BILLcosponsored bill: HR 247: Health Care Affordability Act of 2025

Statements behind Courtney, Joe'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 disagree (-2)

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 An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

Votes behind Courtney, Joe'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

Strongly disagree (-2)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill, 2 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“It cuts taxes for American families with a yearly income above $500,000 to the tune of over a trillion dollars with a pittance for middle-class and working families.”

“this, megabill, is a tax cut, and this chart shows who benefits.”

cosponsored bill: HR 2753: Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025floor speech: BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILLfloor speech: STOP THIS INSANE ATTACK ON HEALTHCARE THAT AFFECTS EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN

Statements behind Courtney, Joe'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

Disagree (-1)

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 Secure the Border Act of 2023Roll call on bill

Votes behind Courtney, Joe'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 924: NO BAN Act

Statements behind Courtney, Joe'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 agree (+2)

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

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

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

Votes behind Courtney, Joe'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 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HRES 68: Expressing strong disapproval of the President's announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.

Statements behind Courtney, Joe'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 agree (+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 Courtney, Joe'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

Agree (+1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 18: Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 3868: Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025

Statements behind Courtney, Joe'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

Disagree (-1)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 12: Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025

Statements behind Courtney, Joe'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

Disagree (-1)

Calculated from 3 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 titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.Roll call on billRoll call on bill

Votes behind Courtney, Joe'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

Disagree (-1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HRES 94: Expressing support for the Nation's local public K-12 schools and condemning any actions that would defund public education or weaken or dismantle the Department of Educatiocosponsored bill: HR 9289: Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026

Statements behind Courtney, Joe'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.

Foreign policy

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

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

Votes behind Courtney, Joe'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

Agree (+1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 2411: UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HRES 1278: Reaffirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act and longstanding bipartisan Taiwan policy.

Statements behind Courtney, Joe'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.

Revision history

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