Charlie Dent

Charles W. Dent

Republican Party

Prior offices

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

---

Pennsylvania State Senate

---

U.S. House Pennsylvania District 15

Successor: Susan Wild

Predecessor: Pat Toomey

---

Compensation

Net worth

$458,525.50

Education

Bachelor's

Pennsylvania State University, 1982

Graduate

Lehigh University, 1993

Personal

Religion

Christian: Presbyterian

Charles W. "Charlie" Dent is a former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Pennsylvania, representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. He was first elected in 2004.^[1]

Dent retired from office effective May 12, 2018. On September 7, 2017, Dent announced that he would not seek re-election in 2018.^[2][3][4]

Biography

Dent was born May 24, 1960, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State University in 1982 and Lehigh University in 1983.^[5] Before becoming a congressman, Dent served in both the Pennsylvania State Senate and State House.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Dent's academic, professional, and political career:^[6]

• 2005-2018: U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District
• 1999-2005: Served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate
• 1991-1998: Served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Dent was assigned to the following committees:^[7]

• Committee on Appropriations

2015-2016

Dent served on the following committees:^[8]

• Ethics Committee, Chairman
• Appropriations Committee
  • Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, Chairman
  • Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

2013-2014

Dent served on the following committees:^[9]

• Committee on Appropriations
  • Subcommittee on Homeland Security
  • Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations
  • Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development
• Committee on Ethics

2011-2012

Dent served on the following committees:

• Committee on Appropriations
• Committee on Ethics

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: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  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.^[10]

  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.^[11]

  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.^[12]

  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.^[13]

  Voted Nay 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.^[14]

  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.^[15]

  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.^[16]

  Voted Nay 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.^[17]

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  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.^[18]

  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.^[19]

  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.^[20]

  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.^[21]

  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^[22]

  Voted Yea 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.^[23]

  Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[24]

  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.^[25]

  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.^[26]

  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.^[27]

  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.^[28]

  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.^[29]

  Voted Yea 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.^[30]

  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.^[31]

  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.)^[32]

  Voted Nay 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.^[33]

  
  

  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.^[34]

  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.^[35]

  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.^[36]

  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.^[37]

  Voted Yea 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.^[38]

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  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^[39]

  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.^[40]

  
  

  Did not vote 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.^[41]

  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.^[42]

  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.^[43]

  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.^[44]

  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.^[45]

  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.^[46]

  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.^[47]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

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

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.[48][49] For more information pertaining to Dent's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[50] 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. Dent was one of 86 Republicans to vote in favor of TAA.[51][52] 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. Dent was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure.[53][54] 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.). Dent was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment.[55][56] 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. Dent was one of 111 Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295.[57][58] 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." Dent voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill.[59] 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.[60] 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.[61][62] Dent voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.[63] 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.[64] 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. Dent voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill.[65][66][67] 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.[68] Dent voted with 78 Republicans and 187 Democrats in favor of the bill.[69] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[70] 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. Dent voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill.[71][72] 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. Dent voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill.[73][74] 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." Dent voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill.[75][76] 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. Dent voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution.[77][78] 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.[79] Dent voted with 126 Republicans and 186 Democrats in favor of the bill.[80] 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." Dent voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[81][82] 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. Dent was one of four Republicans who voted with 180 Democrats against the bill.[83][84] 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.[85] Dent voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.[86] On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[87] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Dent voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill.[88] Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.[89] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Dent voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.[90] 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[91] For more information pertaining to Dent's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[92] National security DHS Appropriations Dent voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.[93] Keystone Pipeline Amendment Dent voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.[93] CISPA (2013) Dent voted in favor of HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities.[94] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[93] NDAA Dent voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[93] Economy Farm bill On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.[95] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[96][97] It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[97] Dent voted with 161 other Republican representatives in favor of the bill. 2014 Budget On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[98][99] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[99] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[100] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Dent voted with the majority of the Republican Party in favor of the bill.[98] Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[101] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[102] Dent voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[103] The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[104] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Dent voted for HR 2775.[105] Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Dent voted in favor of House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines.[93] Healthcare House vote on abortion ban On June 18, 2013, the House voted 228-196, mostly along party lines, to approve a ban on late-term abortions, or abortions occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy[106][107] A number of members crossed over party lines in their votes. The vote was largely symbolic as the Senate is not expected to take up the bill and the White House has threatened to veto the legislation.[108] Dent was one of six Republican members who voted against the ban. Healthcare Reform Rules Dent voted in favor of House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[93] Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act Dent voted in favor of HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines.[93] Social issues Amash amendment Dent voted against House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote.[93] Government affairs HR 676 See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit.[109] Dent joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.[110][111] Previous congressional sessions Fiscal cliff Dent voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003, while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 85 Republicans that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[112]

Issues

Presidential preference

2016

On October 8, 2016, after The Washington Post released a 2005 video of Donald Trump making comments about women that the Post described as "extremely lewd," Dent called on Trump to step down as the 2016 Republican nominee for president.^[113][114]

See also: Republican reactions to 2005 Trump tape

2012

See also: Endorsements by state officials of presidential candidates in the 2012 election

Charlie Dent endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.^[115]

Medical device tax

A bipartisan House measure to repeal the 2.3 percent medical device excise tax that helped fund the healthcare reform law had been rumored as a compromise to end the government shutdown.^[116][117] Sponsored by Dent and Ron Kind (D-Wis.), the proposal reportedly would have funded the government at the sequester cut levels for six months, repealed the device tax, and offset the nearly $30 billion revenue loss over 10 years by changing employer pension rules.^[117]

Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate said they opposed the measure because they were not willing to negotiate reform law provisions as part of the spending fight and because it would have extended the sequester cuts for six months, rather than the shorter period they wanted.^[117][116]

Elections

2016

See also: Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Charlie Dent (R) defeated Rick Daugherty (D) and Paul Rizzo (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. No candidate faced a primary opponent in April.^[118][119]

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 15 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Charlie Dent Incumbent	58.4%	190,618
	Democratic	Rick Daugherty	38%	124,129
	Libertarian	Paul Rizzo	3.6%	11,727
Total Votes				326,474
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

2014

See also: Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District elections, 2014

Dent won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on May 20, 2014.^[120]

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 15 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Charlie Dent Incumbent	100%	128,285
Total Votes				128,285
Source: Pennsylvania Secretary of State

2012

See also: Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District elections, 2012

Dent ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Pennsylvania's 15th District. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on April 24, 2012, and defeated Rick Daugherty (D), in the general election on November 6, 2012.^[121]

U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 15 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Rick Daugherty	43.2%	128,764
	Republican	Charlie Dent Incumbent	56.8%	168,960
Total Votes				297,724
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Charles W. Dent, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Charles W. Dent won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John B. Callahan (D) and Jake Towne (Towne for Congress) in the general election.[122] U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 15 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Charles W. Dent incumbent 53.5% 109,534      Democratic John B. Callahan 39% 79,766      Towne for Congress Jake Towne 7.5% 15,248 Total Votes 204,548 2008 On November 4, 2008, Charles W. Dent won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Sam Bennett (D) in the general election.[123] U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 15 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Charles W. Dent incumbent 58.6% 181,433      Democratic Sam Bennett 41.4% 128,333 Total Votes 309,766 2006 On November 7, 2006, Charles W. Dent won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Charles Dertinger (D), Greta Browne (Green) and Write-in challengers in the general election.[124] U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 15 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Charles W. Dent incumbent 53.6% 106,153      Democratic Charles Dertinger 43.5% 86,186      Green Greta Browne 2.9% 5,802      N/A Write-in 0% 32 Total Votes 198,173 2004 On November 2, 2004, Charles W. Dent won election to the United States House. He defeated Joe Driscoll (D), Richard J. Piotrowski (L) and Greta Browne (Green) in the general election.[125] U.S. House, Pennsylvania District 15 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Charles W. Dent 58.6% 170,634      Democratic Joe Driscoll 39.4% 114,646      Libertarian Richard J. Piotrowski 1.3% 3,660      Green Greta Browne 0.8% 2,194 Total Votes 291,134

Campaign themes

2016

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

2014

Dent's campaign website listed the following issues:^[127]

• Jobs and the Economy

Excerpt: "If re-elected to serve the people of the 15th District in Congress I intend to focus my efforts on supporting and leading efforts to enact pro-growth, pro-jobs legislation."

• Health Care

Excerpt: "I believe every American should have access to affordable health insurance, and no government bureaucrat should stand between you and your doctor. That’s why I voted against the President’s health care law and later to repeal it."

• Social Security & Medicare

Excerpt: "Since the creation of Social Security and Medicare, the Federal Government has made a promise not just to our senior citizens but to future generations as well. I will continue working to make sure that our government keeps its promise."

• Spending & Taxes

Excerpt: "Every dollar that Washington spends is a dollar that Washington has taken from you and your family. I have a straightforward goal in Congress – make sure that Washington takes less of your money."

• Serving our Veterans

Excerpt: "The sacrifices of the men and women who wear the uniforms of America’s Armed Forces to defend my family and yours are many and great. We owe them a measureless debt of gratitude and the appreciation they so richly deserve."

• American Energy

Excerpt: "The saying goes that small businesses are the engine of our national economy. Like all engines they need fuel. That’s why I support an energy policy that includes more domestic production of conventional and alternative sources while embracing efficiency and conservation."

Campaign finance summary

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.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Dent's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $130,051 to $787,000. That averages to $458,525.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Dent ranked as the 279th most wealthy representative in 2012.^[128] Between 2004 and 2012, Dent‘s calculated net worth^[129] decreased by an average of 2 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.^[130]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Dent received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Retired industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District was Educational services, and health care and social assistance, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.^[133]

From 2003-2014, 26.08 percent of Dent's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.^[134]

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Dent was a centrist Republican as of July 2014.^[135] This was the same rating Dent received in June 2013.^[136]

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.^[137]

Lifetime voting record

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

According to the website GovTrack, Dent missed 24 of 8,103 roll call votes from January 2005 to September 2015. This amounted to 0.3 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.^[138]

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Dent paid his congressional staff a total of $918,914 in 2011. Overall, Pennsylvania ranked 34th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.^[139]

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Dent ranked 181st in the conservative rankings in 2013.^[140]

2012

Dent ranked 227th in the conservative rankings in 2012.^[141]

2011

Dent ranked 211th in the conservative rankings in 2011.^[142]

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Charles W. Dent voted with the Republican Party 90.5 percent of the time, which ranked 202nd among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

2013

Charles W. Dent voted with the Republican Party 92.0 percent of the time, which ranked 204th among the 234 House Republican members as of June 2013.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

2011

Charles W. Dent voted with the Republican Party 86.6 percent of the time, which ranked 221st among the 242 House Republican members as of December 2011.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

See also

• Pennsylvania
• United States congressional delegations from Pennsylvania
• United States House of Representatives
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District
• Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District election, 2016

External links

Footnotes

	v • e State of Pennsylvania Harrisburg (capital)
Elections	What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2024 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures
Government	Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy