Cory Scott Gardner
Gardner served one Senate term (2015-2021), losing to Hickenlooper in 2020 by 9 points. This profile grades his single term, including his pivotal role on marijuana banking and outdoor-recreation legislation.
Cory Scott Gardner
- among Republican senators9th of 60
- among all senators14th of 115
All tracked promises
Confirm conservative federal judges.
Gardner voted yes on Gorsuch (April 7, 2017), Kavanaugh (Oct 6, 2018), and Barrett (Oct 26, 2020).
Defend Colorado marijuana industry from federal interference.
Gardner placed a hold on DOJ nominees in April 2018 after AG Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo; he reached a public commitment from Trump in April 2018 that Colorado's industry would not be targeted. The SAFE Banking Act passed the House but never reached a Senate floor vote during his term.
Pass permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Gardner co-authored the Great American Outdoors Act (Pub.L. 116-152), signed Aug 4, 2020. It permanently funded LWCF at $900M/year and provided $1.9B/year for national park maintenance.
Repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Gardner voted yes on the skinny repeal (failed 49-51, July 28, 2017). The ACA remained in force at end-of-term.
Confirm Amy Coney Barrett.
Gardner voted yes on Barrett's confirmation Oct 26, 2020 (52-48). He had publicly committed to filling the Ginsburg vacancy when it opened.
Move the U.S. Space Command headquarters to Colorado Springs.
The Air Force announced on Jan 13, 2021 that Huntsville, Alabama would host U.S. Space Command headquarters, not Colorado. The decision was later reviewed and reversed under the Biden administration in 2023, but during Gardner's term the decision went against him.
Vote against the TCJA tax bill — initial concerns.
Gardner ultimately voted yes on TCJA (Dec 20, 2017, 51-48) despite earlier expressed concerns about state-and-local-tax deduction caps affecting Colorado homeowners.
Support COVID relief.
Gardner voted yes on CARES Act (96-0, March 25, 2020), PPP Health Care Enhancement Act (April 21, 2020), and Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 (Dec 21, 2020).
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