Brett Guthrie — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in Kentucky, 2026

Brett Guthrie voted in favor of H.R. 3486 in 2026, a bill designed to increase penalties for individuals who illegally enter and reenter the United States after being removed. He states that the immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. Guthrie prioritizes securing the southern border by strengthening scanning technology at ports of entry, hiring more personnel, and working to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. He also emphasizes enforcing immigration laws within the country.

“So one is: the border is secure. We've had zero illegal crossings ... essentially, people are quick coming because they know they can't get into the United States. The border is secure. The question is, though, how do we enforce immigration laws within the interior of the country? (Brett Guthrie, Spectrum News 1, February 16, 2026)”

Brett Guthrie supports initiatives to lower healthcare costs and improve affordability by increasing competition and promoting price transparency. As Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, he advances policies to bolster the healthcare workforce and improve access, especially in rural areas. He also works on legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis, strengthen the medical supply chain, and has initiated investigations into rising health insurance premiums and Medicaid fraud.

“Thank you, Chairman Griffith. And thank you to our panel of CEO witnesses for being here today. Today’s hearing will the first in a series of hearings focused on health care affordability, and we begin by hearing testimony from our nation’s top health insurance CEOs. According to CMS, America spent $5.3 trillion dollars on health care in 2024. That represents a staggering 18 percent of our country’s gross domestic product. Over 200 million people in the U.S. get their health insurance through the private marketplace. Of that total, around 178 million people receive [...] lower the cost of health care, along with improving access and quality. Yet, health care costs are increasing every year, and more and more Americans have become frustrated by the feeling that their insurance is working against their health, not for it. I want to be clear in what we expect to hear answers on today: • As some of the largest companies in our economy and amongst the companies that benefit the most from government subsidies, how do you justify the continued skyrocketing of health care costs for your beneficiaries? • What are you doing that is working to lower health care costs, what isn’t working, and what are the barriers? • What should insurance companies be doing better to live up to your promises to the American people? I thank the witnesses for their participation and — Chairman Brett Guthrie, Opening Statement Subcommittee on Health, January 22, 2026”

Brett Guthrie, a member of the Conservative Climate Caucus, acknowledges climate change as a serious threat but opposes the Green New Deal due to its projected costs, advocating instead for market-based solutions. He supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, voting for H.R. 4553 to invest in U.S. energy dominance and H.J. Res. 136 to end EPA's tailpipe emissions regulations, citing consumer choice and affordability. As Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, he emphasizes securing energy infrastructure and promoting energy independence.

“Brett Guthrie: 'I am a member of the Conservative Climate Caucus and think that climate change is a real and serious threat. However, I do not believe that radical solutions proposed in the Democrats’ “Green New Deal” are the solution. The Green New Deal is projected to cost up to $93 trillion over ten years, at an estimated cost of over $60,000 per year per household. I believe that we need innovative and market-based solutions to combat climate change.' (From guthrie.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=71998)”

Brett Guthrie voted against H.R. 3755, which would have allowed abortion on demand until birth, stating his belief that an unborn child is a "separate and distinct life" and supporting states' ability to restrict third-trimester abortions. He supported the Defund Planned Parenthood Act (H.R. 3134) and the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 3504), emphasizing that "life is a gift" and advocating for policies that prohibit federal funding for abortions.

“I will continue to stand up for the right to life, vote for polices that prohibit federal taxpayer dollars from going towards funding abortions, and always push back against congressional Democrats’ radical pro-abortion agenda for America,” said Brett Guthrie, in a statement on guthrie.house.gov following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, unspecified date.”

Brett Guthrie voted in favor of H.R. 7006, the National Security and Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, stating it codifies President Trump’s foreign policy agenda to strengthen America’s standing. He also supported the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026. He believes peace is best preserved through a strong U.S. military and robust investments in defense.

““After four years of failed Democratic leadership diminishing our standing on the world stage, peace through strength is back. Under the leadership of President Trump and House Republicans, our United States military is stronger than ever, equipped, and ready to defend our nation against any threat,” said Congressman Brett Guthrie.“As a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, I know firsthand that peace is best preserved through a strong U.S. military! This bill invests billions into the men and women who volunteer to keep our nation safe and ensures that American industries can manufacture the necessary tools to accomplish the mission.” - Congressman Brett Guthrie, following the House passage of H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026, July 18, 2025.”

Congressman Brett Guthrie sponsored the bipartisan Student Financial Clarity Act, which passed the House Committee on Education and Workforce 27-6 in December 2025. This legislation aims to provide students with transparent information regarding higher education costs and outcomes. He also advocates for improving financial literacy for students and their families through comprehensive counseling services. The National Education Association rated him 0%.

““Today, America’s young people face the daunting task of navigating an increasingly complex higher education landscape. As a result of the skyrocketing cost of education, Americans now owe nearly $1.8 trillion in student loans,” said Congressman Guthrie. “My Student Financial Clarity Act would allow students to easily access information about the costs and outcomes at institutions and individual programs so they can evaluate the program that is best suited for their academic interests and financial means. This bill will bring much-needed clarity for the American student.” (Congressman Brett Guthrie, guthrie.house.gov, December 12, 2025)”

Brett Guthrie voted in favor of H.R. 2189 in 2025, a bill designed to modernize federal firearms laws. This legislation reclassifies conducted electrical weapons (CEWs), such as tasers, as "less-than-lethal projectile devices" instead of firearms. The purpose of this change is to streamline the procurement process for law enforcement agencies. This action aims to enhance officer and community safety by providing easier access to tools that can de-escalate high-risk encounters without requiring deadly force.