John Ratcliffe

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John Ratcliffe

Nonpartisan

Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2029

Years in position

0

Predecessor

Thomas Sylvester Jr.

Prior offices

Mayor Heath Texas

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U.S. House Texas District 4

Successor: Pat Fallon

Predecessor: Ralph Hall

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Director of National Intelligence

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Report an officeholder change

Education

Bachelor's

University of Notre Dame, 1987

Law

Southern Methodist University, 1989

Personal

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Official Twitter

Official Instagram

John Ratcliffe (Republican Party) is the director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the second term of the Donald Trump (R) administration. Ratcliffe formerly served as director of national intelligence (DNI) from 2020 to 2021. He is also a former member of the U.S. House, representing Texas' 4th Congressional District from January 6, 2015, to May 22, 2020.

Ratcliffe was born in Mount Prospect, Illinois, part of the Chicago metropolitan area. He graduated high school in Carbondale, Illinois, in the southwestern part of the state approximately 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Ratcliffe received a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1987, and a law degree from Southern Methodist University in 1989.

After law school, Ratcliffe worked as an attorney in a private practice. He won election to become the mayor of Heath, Texas, in 2004 and held that office until 2012. During this time, he also worked as an attorney and federal prosecutor in the George W. Bush (R) administration, serving as the Chief of Anti-Terrorism and National Security for the Eastern District of Texas from 2004 to 2007 and as a U.S. Attorney from 2007 to 2008. In 2008, Ratcliffe founded Ashcroft Sutton Ratcliffe LLP with former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft (R), a firm described on Ratcliffe's website as "providing strategic legal advice on national and international security issues."

In 2013, Ratcliffe declared his candidacy for Texas' 4th Congressional District, challenging 17-term-incumbent Ralph Hall (R). Ratcliffe trailed Hall by 16 percentage points after the initial primary election, but defeated Hall 52.8% to 47.2% in the primary runoff. For the primary runoff, Ratcliffe received endorsements from groups including the NRA Victory Fund and national figures including former congressman Ron Paul (R) and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee (R). Ratcliffe ran unopposed in the general election and won re-election to the seat twice, receiving 88% of the vote in 2016 and 75.7% in 2018.

While a member of congress, Ratcliffe authored bills signed into law by both President Barack Obama (D) and Donald Trump (R), including the United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act which permitted increased cooperation between the U.S. and Israel on the development of cybersecurity technologies, and the Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act that provided more resources for law enforcement to investigate and counteract cyber and electronic crime. In 2016, the Heritage Foundation ranked Ratcliffe as the second-most conservative member of congress.

Ratcliffe resigned from his third term to become Donald Trump's (R) director of national intelligence in Trump's first presidential administration Ratcliffe served in this position from 2020 to 2021. As director, Ratcliffe warned about the Chinese intelligence activities, declassified Russian intelligence reports related to Hillary Clinton (D) that had been "previously rejected by Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee as having no factual basis," and said that Iran was attempting to interfere in the 2020 election to "damage President Trump."

After leaving the first Trump administration, Ratcliffe became a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, whose website described his role as "helping Project 2025 build out policy recommendations for intelligence reform in the next presidential administration."

On November 12, 2024, Donald Trump (R) announced that he had selected Ratcliffe as his nominee for director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his second presidential term. This appointment required Senate confirmation. In a statement, Trump said, "John Ratcliffe has always been a warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American Public. ... I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our nation’s highest intelligence positions." The Senate confirmed Ratcliffe on January 23, 2025, by a 74-25 vote. Click here to read more about the confirmation process.

Biography

Ratcliffe received a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1987, and a law degree from Southern Methodist University in 1989. Before being elected to Congress, Ratcliffe served as the mayor of Heath, Texas, from 2004 to 2012. He also worked as a U.S. attorney and federal terrorism prosecutor before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ratcliffe represented Texas' 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2020. Ratcliffe resigned from his third term in office to become Donald Trump's (R) director of national intelligence in Trump's first presidential administration. Ratcliffe served in this position from 2020 to 2021.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Ratcliffe's academic, professional, and political career:

• 2025-present:Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
• 2020-2021: Director of National Intelligence
• 2015-2020: U.S. Representative from Texas' 4th Congressional District
• 2004-2012: Mayor of Heath, Texas
• 2007-2008: United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas
• 1989: Graduated from Southern Methodist University with a J.D.
• 1987: Graduated from University of Notre Dame with a B.A.

Nomination for director of the Central Intelligence Agency

See also: Donald Trump presidential transition, 2024-2025 and Confirmation process for John Ratcliffe for director of the Central Intelligence Agency

Donald Trump's Cabinet (second term)
Candidate: John Ratcliffe
Position: Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
a	Announced:	November 12, 2024
a	Hearing:	January 15, 2025
a	Committee:	Intelligence
a	Reported:	Favorable (14-3)
a	Confirmed:	January 23, 2025
a	Vote:	74-25

Trump announced on November 12, 2024, that he had selected Ratcliffe as his nominee for director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his second presidential term. Trump said of his nomination, "I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our nation’s highest intelligence positions."

The Senate Intelligence Committee held a confirmation hearing for Ratcliffe on January 15, 2025. The Senate confirmed Ratcliffe on January 23, 2025, by a vote of 74-25. Click here to read more about the confirmation process.

Summary of Senate vote on John Ratcliffe's nomination for director of the Central Intelligence Agency (January 23, 2025)
Party	Votes for	Votes against	Not voting
Democrats	20	24	1
Republicans	53	0	0
Independents	1	1	0
Totals	74	25	1

Senate vote on John Ratcliffe's nomination for director of the Central Intelligence Agency (January 23, 2025)
Angela Alsobrooks	Democratic	Maryland	Yea
Tammy Baldwin	Democratic	Wisconsin	Nay
Jim Banks	Republican	Indiana	Yea
John Barrasso	Republican	Wyoming	Yea
Michael F. Bennet	Democratic	Colorado	Yea
Marsha Blackburn	Republican	Tennessee	Yea
Richard Blumenthal	Democratic	Connecticut	Nay
Lisa Blunt Rochester	Democratic	Delaware	Nay
Cory Booker	Democratic	New Jersey	Yea
John Boozman	Republican	Arkansas	Yea
Katie Britt	Republican	Alabama	Yea
Ted Budd	Republican	North Carolina	Yea
Maria Cantwell	Democratic	Washington	Nay
Shelley Moore Capito	Republican	West Virginia	Yea
Bill Cassidy	Republican	Louisiana	Yea
Susan Collins	Republican	Maine	Yea
Chris Coons	Democratic	Delaware	Yea
John Cornyn	Republican	Texas	Yea
Catherine Cortez Masto	Democratic	Nevada	Nay
Tom Cotton	Republican	Arkansas	Yea
Kevin Cramer	Republican	North Dakota	Yea
Mike Crapo	Republican	Idaho	Yea
Ted Cruz	Republican	Texas	Yea
John Curtis	Republican	Utah	Yea
Steve Daines	Republican	Montana	Yea
Tammy Duckworth	Democratic	Illinois	Nay
Dick Durbin	Democratic	Illinois	Yea
Joni Ernst	Republican	Iowa	Yea
John Fetterman	Democratic	Pennsylvania	Not Voting
Deb Fischer	Republican	Nebraska	Yea
Ruben Gallego	Democratic	Arizona	Yea
Kirsten Gillibrand	Democratic	New York	Yea
Lindsey Graham	Republican	South Carolina	Yea
Chuck Grassley	Republican	Iowa	Yea
Bill Hagerty	Republican	Tennessee	Yea
Maggie Hassan	Democratic	New Hampshire	Yea
Josh Hawley	Republican	Missouri	Yea
Martin Heinrich	Democratic	New Mexico	Nay
John Hickenlooper	Democratic	Colorado	Yea
Mazie Hirono	Democratic	Hawaii	Nay
John Hoeven	Republican	North Dakota	Yea
Jon Husted	Republican	Ohio	Yea
Cindy Hyde-Smith	Republican	Mississippi	Yea
Ron Johnson	Republican	Wisconsin	Yea
Jim Justice	Republican	West Virginia	Yea
Tim Kaine	Democratic	Virginia	Yea
Mark Kelly	Democratic	Arizona	Yea
John Kennedy	Republican	Louisiana	Yea
Andy Kim	Democratic	New Jersey	Yea
Angus King	Independent	Maine	Yea
Amy Klobuchar	Democratic	Minnesota	Yea
James Lankford	Republican	Oklahoma	Yea
Mike Lee	Republican	Utah	Yea
Ben Ray Luján	Democratic	New Mexico	Nay
Cynthia Lummis	Republican	Wyoming	Yea
Ed Markey	Democratic	Massachusetts	Nay
Roger Marshall	Republican	Kansas	Yea
Mitch McConnell	Republican	Kentucky	Yea
David McCormick	Republican	Pennsylvania	Yea
Jeff Merkley	Democratic	Oregon	Nay
Ashley B. Moody	Republican	Florida	Yea
Jerry Moran	Republican	Kansas	Yea
Bernie Moreno	Republican	Ohio	Yea
Markwayne Mullin	Republican	Oklahoma	Yea
Lisa Murkowski	Republican	Alaska	Yea
Chris Murphy	Democratic	Connecticut	Nay
Patty Murray	Democratic	Washington	Nay
Jon Ossoff	Democratic	Georgia	Nay
Alex Padilla	Democratic	California	Nay
Rand Paul	Republican	Kentucky	Yea
Gary Peters	Democratic	Michigan	Yea
Jack Reed	Democratic	Rhode Island	Nay
Pete Ricketts	Republican	Nebraska	Yea
James E. Risch	Republican	Idaho	Yea
Jacky Rosen	Democratic	Nevada	Yea
Mike Rounds	Republican	South Dakota	Yea
Bernie Sanders	Independent	Vermont	Nay
Brian Schatz	Democratic	Hawaii	Nay
Adam Schiff	Democratic	California	Nay
Eric Schmitt	Republican	Missouri	Yea
Charles E. Schumer	Democratic	New York	Nay
Rick Scott	Republican	Florida	Yea
Tim Scott	Republican	South Carolina	Yea
Jeanne Shaheen	Democratic	New Hampshire	Yea
Tim Sheehy	Republican	Montana	Yea
Elissa Slotkin	Democratic	Michigan	Yea
Tina Smith	Democratic	Minnesota	Nay
Dan Sullivan	Republican	Alaska	Yea
John Thune	Republican	South Dakota	Yea
Thom Tillis	Republican	North Carolina	Yea
Tommy Tuberville	Republican	Alabama	Yea
Chris Van Hollen	Democratic	Maryland	Nay
Mark R. Warner	Democratic	Virginia	Yea
Raphael Warnock	Democratic	Georgia	Nay
Elizabeth Warren	Democratic	Massachusetts	Nay
Peter Welch	Democratic	Vermont	Yea
Sheldon Whitehouse	Democratic	Rhode Island	Yea
Roger Wicker	Republican	Mississippi	Yea
Ron Wyden	Democratic	Oregon	Nay
Todd Young	Republican	Indiana	Yea

Director of National Intelligence

On February 28, 2020, President Donald Trump (R) announced his intent to nominate John Ratcliffe to be the director of national intelligence (DNI). Trump had previously stated his intention to nominate Ratcliffe to the post on July 28, 2019, but subsequently announced on August 2 that Ratcliffe had decided to stay in Congress and would not be Trump's nominee.

On May 19, 2020, the Senate Intelligence Committee voted 8-7 to advance Ratcliffe's nomination to a full Senate vote. On May 21, 2020, the United States Senate voted 49-44 to confirm Ratcliffe to the position. He was sworn in on May 26, 2020. Ratcliffe replaced former DNI Dan Coats, who stepped down on August 15, 2019.

What is the DNI?

The office of the DNI was created in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks with the goal of coordinating and integrating the efforts of the country’s various intelligence agencies. The DNI is the principal adviser to the president and the national security council on all security-related intelligence matters and serves as the head of the U.S. Intelligence Community, a group of 16 government intelligence agencies that includes the CIA. The position requires Senate confirmation.

Issues

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Ratcliffe endorsed Ted Cruz for the Republican primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

See also: Endorsements for Ted Cruz

Elections

2020

See also: Texas' 4th Congressional District election, 2020

Texas' 4th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

Texas' 4th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 4

Pat Fallon defeated Russell Foster, Lou Antonelli, and Tracy Jones in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 4 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pat Fallon (R)	75.1	253,837
		Russell Foster (D)	22.6	76,326
		Lou Antonelli (L)	1.9	6,334
		Tracy Jones (Independent) (Write-in)	0.4	1,306

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 337,803
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• John Ratcliffe (R)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 4

Russell Foster advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 4 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Russell Foster	100.0	24,970

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 24,970
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 4

Incumbent John Ratcliffe advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 4 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John Ratcliffe	100.0	92,373

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 92,373
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 4

Lou Antonelli advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 4 on March 21, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Lou Antonelli (L)

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

See also: Texas' 4th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 4

Incumbent John Ratcliffe defeated Catherine Krantz and Ken Ashby in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 4 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John Ratcliffe (R)	75.7	188,667
		Catherine Krantz (D)	23.0	57,400
	Submit photo	Ken Ashby (L)	1.3	3,178

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 249,245
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 4

Catherine Krantz defeated Lander Bethel in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 4 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Catherine Krantz	68.6	8,840
		Lander Bethel	31.4	4,048

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,888
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 4

Incumbent John Ratcliffe defeated John Cooper in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 4 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John Ratcliffe	85.4	61,902
		John Cooper	14.6	10,560

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 72,462
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia 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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2016

See also: Texas' 4th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent John Ratcliffe (R) defeated Cody Wommack (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Ratcliffe defeated Lou Gigliotti and Ray Hall in the Republican primary on March 1, 2016.

U.S. House, Texas District 4 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Ratcliffe Incumbent	88%	216,643
	Libertarian	Cody Wommack	12%	29,577
Total Votes				246,220
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 4 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
John Ratcliffe Incumbent	68%	77,254
Lou Gigliotti	21.1%	23,939
Ray Hall	10.9%	12,353
Total Votes		113,546
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2014

See also: Texas' 4th Congressional District elections, 2014

Ratcliffe won the 2014 election for the U.S. House to represent Texas' 4th District. Ratcliffe and incumbent Ralph Hall advanced past the Republican primary on March 4, 2014. Ratcliffe defeated Hall in the Republican runoff primary on May 27, 2014. Ratcliffe won unopposed in the general election on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, Texas District 4 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Ratcliffe	100%	115,085
Total Votes				115,085

U.S. House, Texas District 4 Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Ralph Hall Incumbent	45.4%	29,848
John Ratcliffe	28.8%	18,917
Lou Gigliotti	16.1%	10,601
John Stacy	4.3%	2,812
Brent Lawson	3.5%	2,290
Tony Arterburn	1.9%	1,252
Total Votes		65,720
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 4 Runoff Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
John Ratcliffe	52.8%	22,271
Ralph Hall Incumbent	47.2%	19,899
Total Votes		42,170
Source: Texas Secretary of State Note: Vote totals above are unofficial and will be updated once official totals are made available.

To view more details about the 2014 election, click [show] to expand the section.

Endorsements Ratcliffe received the endorsement of State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg on March 11, 2014. She said, "I am very confident that John Ratcliffe is the person who will step up to defend liberty for this generation. I am proud to endorse John Ratcliffe for Congress." Ratcliffe also received the endorsement of the Club for Growth PAC in March. The Senate Conservatives Fund (SCF) endorsed Ratcliffe on April 11, 2014. SCF Executive Director Matt Hoskins said, "John Ratcliffe is a principled, conservative leader who will fight to stop the massive spending and debt in Washington that are bankrupting our country. He's part of a new generation of conservative Republicans, and we're excited to support him." Polls Ralph Hall vs. John Ratcliffe Poll Ralph Hall John Ratcliffe Not sure Sample size Wenzel Strategies (March 12-13, 2014) 35% 47% 17% 436 Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

John Ratcliffe did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2016

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

“	Limited Government: John is a limited government conservative with a proven record of balancing budgets and not raising taxes. In Congress, he has been a leading voice for getting government out of the way, and recently introduced legislation with Ted Cruz to eliminate Elizabeth Warren’s CFPB. Cut Spending and Balance the Budget : Reckless government spending endangers our country’s financial stability while threatening the prosperity of future generations. With record deficits and more than $18 trillion of national debt, too many politicians offer million dollar solutions to trillion dollar problems. In Congress, John has tackled our out-of-control spending head on by introducing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution which would institute a ‘no balanced budget, no pay’ mechanism for members of Congress. It’s time to hold everyone’s feet to the fire. He also voted against a reckless budget deal which would have increased the debt ceiling. Obamacare: From the second President Obama forced through a 2,300 page law that no one read, Obamacare has proved to be government at its worst – intrusive, expensive and ineffective. In Congress, one of the first votes John took was in favor of H.R. 596, to repeal Obamacare in it’s entirety. He has also voted to dismantle some of the law’s most harmful provisions including the medical device tax, and the job-killing 30 hour work week definition levied by Obamacare. Border Security and Immigration: As U.S. Attorney, John arrested over 300 illegal immigrants on a single day. As a former terrorism prosecutor, he knows the threats an unsecured border can bring to our national security. In Congress, John three times voted against funding the President’s illegal executive amnesty – standing firm for the Constitution and the rule of law. He has also introduced H.R. 1715, the Executive Amnesty Prevention Act, to stop this President from continually circumventing the law. Second Amendment: The proud holder of a Texas Concealed Handgun License, John has spent much of his career defending the Constitution under the Second Amendment. In Congress, he has continued to fight for the right of individuals bear arms. John teamed up with other conservative members of Congress in a successful effort to stop the ATF ban on 5.56mm “Green Tip” ammunition.	”
—John Ratcliffe's campaign website, http://ratcliffeforcongress.com/on-the-issues/#content

2014

Ratcliffe's campaign website listed the following issues:

• Limited Government

Excerpt: "John is a limited government conservative with a proven record of balancing budgets and not raising taxes."

• Cut Spending and Balance the Budget

Excerpt: "Reckless government spending endangers our country’s financial stability while threatening the prosperity of future generations. With record deficits and $17 trillion of national debt, Congress still offers million dollar solutions to trillion dollar problems."

• Obamacare

Excerpt: "From the second President Obama forced through a 2,300 page law that no one read, Obamacare has proved to be government at its worst – intrusive, expensive and ineffective."

• Border Security and Immigration

Excerpt: "As U.S. Attorney, John arrested over 300 illegal immigrants on a single day. As a former terrorism prosecutor, he knows the threats an unsecured border can bring to our national security."

• Second Amendment

Excerpt: "The proud holder of a Texas Concealed Handgun License, John has spent much of his career defending the Constitution under the Second Amendment."

Campaign finance summary

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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 the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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John Ratcliffe campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2020	U.S. House Texas District 4	Withdrew general	$544,358	$529,784
2018	U.S. House Texas District 4	Won general	$1,072,295	$841,903
2016	U.S. House, Texas District 4	Won	$777,304	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (Texas, District 4)	Won	$1,429,855	N/A**
Grand total			$3,823,812	$1,371,687
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Analysis

Lifetime voting record

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

According to the website GovTrack, Ratcliffe missed 0 of 532 roll call votes from January 2015 to September 2015. This amounted to 0 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Congressional tenure

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, click here.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

The 116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in the U.S. Senate (53-47). Donald Trump (R) was the president and Mike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020   The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020 (H.R. 1044) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives seeking to increase the cap on employment-based visas, establish certain rules governing such visas, and impose some additional requirements on employers hiring holders of such visas. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended.	Passed (365-65)
Not Voting	The Heroes Act   The HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to address the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $1,200 payments to individuals, extending and expanding the moratorium on some evictions and foreclosures, outlining requirements and establishing finding for contact tracing and COVID-19 testing, providing emergency supplemental appropriations to federal agencies for fiscal year 2020, and eliminating cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (208-199)
Nay	For the People Act of 2019   The For the People Act of 2019 (H.R.1) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to protect election security, revise rules on campaign funding, introduce new provisions related to ethics, establish independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions, and establish new rules on the release of tax returns for presidential and vice presidential candidates. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (234-193)
Yea	CARES Act   The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 27, 2020, that expanded benefits through the joint federal-state unemployment insurance program during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation also included $1,200 payments to certain individuals, funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and funds for businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (419-6)
Not Voting	Equality Act   The Equality Act (H.R. 5) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to ban discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity by expanding the definition of establishments that fall under public accomodation and prohibiting the denial of access to a shared facility that is in agreement with an indiviual's gender indenitity. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (236-173)
Nay	Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019   The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 8) was a bill approved by the House that sought to ban firearm transfers between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (240-190)
Nay	American Dream and Promise Act of 2019   The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R.6) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to protect certain immigrants from removal proceedings and provide a path to permanent resident status by establishing streamlined procedures for permanant residency and canceling removal proceedings against certain qualifed individuals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (237-187)
Yea	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (S. 1790) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, setting policies and appropriations for the Department of Defense. Key features of this bill include appropriations for research/development, procurement, military construction, and operation/maintenence, as well as policies for paid family leave, North Korea nuclear sanctions, limiting the use of criminal history in federal hiring and contracting, military housing privatization, and paid family leave for federal personnel. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (377-48)
Not Voting	Families First Coronavirus Response Act   The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 18, 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing access to unemployment benefits and food assistance, increasing funding for Medicaid, providing free testing for COVID-19, and requiring employers to provide paid sick time to employees who cannot work due to COVID-19. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (363-40)
Yea	Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019   The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (H.R. 1994) was a bill passed by the House Representatives that sought to change the requirements for employer provided retirement plans, IRAs, and other tax-favored savings accounts by modfying the requirements for things such as loans, lifetime income options, required minimum distributions, the eligibility rules for certain long-term, part-time employees, and nondiscrimination rules. The bill also sought to treat taxable non-tuition fellowship and stipend payments as compensation for the purpose of an IRA, repeal the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, increase penalties for failing to file tax returns, allow penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans if a child is born or adopted, and expand the purposes for which qualified tuition programs may be used. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (417-3)
Nay	Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act   The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to address the price of healthcare by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate prices for certain drugs, requiring drug manufactures to issue rebates for certain drugs covered under Medicare, requiring drug price transparency from drug manufacturers, expanding Medicare coverage, and providing funds for certain public health programs. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (230-192)
Nay	Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020   The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for federal agencies in fiscal year 2020. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (297-120)
Yea	Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019   The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (S. 1838) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on November 27, 2019, directing several federal departments to assess Hong Kong's unique treatment under U.S. law. Key features of the bill include directing the Department of State to report and certify annually to Congress as to whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous from China to justify its unique treatment, and directing the Department of Commerce to report annually to Congress on China's efforts to use Hong Kong to evade U.S. export controls and sanctions. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (417-1)
Yea	Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020   The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 6074) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 6, 2020, providing emergency funding to federal agencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Key features of the bill include funding for vaccine research, small business loans, humanitarian assistance to affected foreign countries, emergency preparedness, and grants for public health agencies and organizations. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.	Passed (415-2)
Nay	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.J.Res. 31) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 15, 2019, providing approrations for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (300 -128)
Yea	John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act   The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Doanld Trump on March 12, 2019. This bill sought to set provisions for federal land management and conservation by doing things such as conducting land exchanges and conveyances, establishing programs to respond to wildfires, and extending and reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (363-62)
Yea	Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019   The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (S.24) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on January 16, 2019, that requires federal employees who were furloughed or compelled to work during a lapse in government funding to be compensated for that time. The bill also required those employees to be compensated as soon as the lapse in funding ends, irregardless of official pay date. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.	Passed (411-7)
Nay	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (Article 1)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry. The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. The articles of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.	Guilty (230-197)
Nay	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (Article 2)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry. The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. The articles of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.	Guilty (229-198)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Nay 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Nay 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Nay 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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 Voted Nay 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. Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Nay 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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.) Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Nay 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. Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea 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 Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. Voted Yea 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. 114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Ratcliffe's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 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 with trade 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. Ratcliffe was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress 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 including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Ratcliffe was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 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 for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Ratcliffe was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Ratcliffe was one of 132 Republicans to vote against HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 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." Ratcliffe voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 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. Ratcliffe voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, 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 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Ratcliffe voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 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. Ratcliffe voted with 166 Republicans against the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack 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. Ratcliffe voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 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 approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Ratcliffe voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 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." Ratcliffe voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H 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 the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Ratcliffe voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 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. Ratcliffe voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 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 revised HR 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 the Foreign 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." Ratcliffe voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 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. Ratcliffe voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 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. Ratcliffe voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Ratcliffe voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Ratcliffe voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Ratcliffe was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Homeland Security
• Committee on Judiciary

2015-2016

Ratcliffe served on the following committees:

• Homeland Security Committee
  • Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, Chairman
  • Subcommittee on Transportation Security
• Judiciary Committee

• Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial, and Antitrust Law
• Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security

See also

• Donald Trump presidential transition, 2024-2025
• Donald Trump's Cabinet, 2025
• Donald Trump potential high-level administration appointments
• Donald Trump presidential Cabinet, 2017-2021, 2017-2021, 2017-2021

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Ralph Hall	U.S. House - Texas District 4 2015-2020	Succeeded by Pat Fallon (R)