Current Events

5% Think Feds Very Likely to Seal Border if New Immigration Law Passes

Most voters continue to put more border control first in any immigration reform plan, but fewer than ever trust the federal government to actually control the border if a new plan is passed. Voters also lean toward a go-slow piece-by-piece approach to immigration reform over a comprehensive bill.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is even somewhat likely that the federal government will actually secure the border and prevent illegal immigration if that’s part of new immigration legislation. Sixty-five percent (65%) consider it unlikely. This includes only five percent (5%) who say the government is Very Likely to secure the border if it’s part of legislation that would give legal status to those already here illegally and 24% who feel it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

New Low: 19% Believe U.S. Can Still Win War in Afghanistan

As the war in Afghanistan continues into its 13th year, voter confidence in U.S. efforts there is lower than ever. Most voters now want U.S. troops out of the embattled country immediately.

Just 19% of Likely U.S. Voters believe it’s still possible for the United States to win the war in Afghanistan, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-four percent (54%) don’t think it’s possible for the United States to win the war. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 10-11, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

39% View EPA Favorably, 39% Unfavorably

Voters remain evenly divided in their opinions of the Environmental Protection Agency, but a sizable number still believe the agency’s regulations and actions hurt the economy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 39% of Likely Voters have a favorable opinion of the EPA, while just as many (39%) view it unfavorably. Twenty-two percent (22%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

45% Think Children of Illegal Immigrants Should Be Able to Attend Public School

Currently, any child living in the United States legally or illegally is entitled to a free public education. Voters are closely divided over whether they agree with that policy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of Likely U.S. Voters say if a family is not in the country legally, their children should still be allowed to attend public school. That's a 13-point increase from the 32% who felt that way in August 2011. Forty-two percent (42%) disagree and think the children of illegal immigrants should not be allowed to go to public schools. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 4-5, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

Fewer Report Paying More for Drugs, Delaying Medical Visits to Save Money

Fewer Americans say they are paying more for drugs these days. The number who say they’ve postponed a medical procedure due to cost is also down from past years. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% of American Adults are paying more for prescription drugs than they were six months ago, but that's down from 37% in November 2011 and 36% in March 2010. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 3-4, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

43% Favor Waiting Period Before Abortion, 43% Oppose

Voters for the first time are evenly divided over whether there should be a waiting period before a woman can get an abortion, but the importance of abortion as a voting issue has fallen to its lowest level in a year-and-a-half.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters continue to favor a waiting period before an abortion, but that's down from 47% in July and an all-time high of 56% in February, 2011. Forty-three percent (43%) now also oppose a waiting period requirement, a six-point jump from July and a new high. Fourteen percent (14%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 6-7, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

48% Say Private Sector Best Way to Keep Health Costs Down, 35% Say Government

As lawmakers in Washington, D.C. continue to fight over the president’s health care law, half of Americans say they are paying more for health care than they were last year, but just as many think the private sector, not the federal government, is the way to keep those costs down.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of American Adults say they are paying more for health care now than they were a year ago. Forty-two percent (42%) are not. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 3-4, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

68% Oppose Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

California last week became the latest – and biggest – state to authorize driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants. But most voters still strongly oppose letting illegal immigrants drive legally in their state.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Likely U.S. Voters think illegal immigrants should not be eligible for driver’s licenses in their state.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 22% favor allowing illegal immigrants to get licenses in their home state. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 4-5, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

73% Favor Stricter Enforcement of Existing Gun Laws

Voters are evenly divided over the need for stricter gun control but continue to believe strongly that more enforcement of existing gun laws is needed.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely Voters say the United States needs stricter gun control laws, while 47% disagree.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 26-27, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology

57% Support Building Keystone Pipeline

The Keystone XL pipeline that would run from Canada to Texas has already been mentioned as a potential bargaining chip in upcoming debt ceiling negotiations in Washington, as voter support for building the pipeline remains strong. However, belief that the structure can be built without significant environmental damage has softened a bit.

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Likely Voters nationwide favor building the Keystone XL pipeline, including 35% who Strongly Favor. A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 29% oppose building the pipeline, with 14% who Strongly Oppose. Another 15% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 26-27, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

66% Think Iran Unlikely To Slow or Stop Its Nuclear Program

The new president of Iran has signaled that he is looking for a less hostile relationship with the United States, although most U.S. voters still think that country is unlikely to halt its nuclear development efforts. But voters are even more opposed to U.S. military action against Iran.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is at least somewhat likely that Iran will slow or stop its nuclear program in the next year in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. Sixty-six percent (66%) consider this unlikely. This includes four percent (4%) who say Iran is Very Likely to slow or stop its nuclear efforts in exchange for the lifting of sanctions and 23% who think it is Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 22-23, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

23% Use Social Media To Follow Unfolding News Events

Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook are playing an increasing role in how people consume information worldwide, and nearly a quarter of Americans now say they regularly use social media to follow major news events in real time.

Forty-three percent (43%) of American Adults say that social media keep more people informed of major news events, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Twenty-nine percent (29%) don’t believe social media keep people more informed of major stories, but just as many (28%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 21-22, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

84% Think Most Major News Organizations More Concerned With Speed Than Accuracy

Americans strongly believe that news outlets should be more concerned with getting stories right than getting them first but feel it works the opposite way in most cases. An overwhelming 86% of American Adults believe that when it comes to reporting of news events, it is more important for the media to get the story right than to get it first. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just eight percent (8%) believe it’s more important for the news media to get the story first instead. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 21-22, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Most Still Favor Stricter Controls on Coal Plants Despite Higher Energy Costs

Most voters agree with the Obama administration’s decision to go ahead with tougher controls on coal plant emissions even though they recognize it will drive up energy costs. A sizable number, however, overestimate the importance of coal to the production of electricity.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of Likely U.S. Voters favor new environmental regulations to place stricter limits on carbon dioxide emissions from new power plants. Thirty-three percent (33%) are opposed, while 14% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

On Health Care, 43% Trust GOP More, 42% Democrats

While some Republicans in Congress hope to stop President Obama’s national health care law by defunding it, voters are evenly divided over which political party they trust more to handle health care.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters trust Republicans more to handle issues related to health care, but just as many (42%) trust Democrats more. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 12-13, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

54% Think Media Cover Mass Shootings Too Much

Most Americans think the media overdo it when it comes to coverage of shooting incidents like the one Monday at the Washington Navy Yard.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of American Adults believe the media offer too much coverage of mass shootings like the one in Washington, DC. Just five percent (5%) think the media do not cover these incidents enough. Thirty-six percent (36%) rate the level of coverage about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 17-18, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

62% Don't Trust Government to Fairly Enforce Gun Control Laws

Americans strongly believe it is not possible to entirely prevent mass shootings like the one in Washington, DC on Monday but think help for the mentally ill will do much more than gun control to reduce the number of incidents of this kind. Perhaps in part that's because most do not trust the government to fairly enforce gun control laws.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 16% of American Adults think it is possible to completely prevent mass shootings like the one in Washington. Seventy-one percent (71%) say it is not possible to fully stop shootings like this. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 17-18, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

59% Think U.S. More Exceptional Than Other Nations

Most U.S. voters still subscribe to the view that there is something special about America.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the United States is more exceptional than other nations. Just 27% disagree, with 14% more who are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 12-13, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

Just 23% Think U.S. Should Be UN’s Biggest Financial Contributor

U.S. voters are more critical of the United Nations these days and strongly believe the United States should not be the UN’s chief source of money. But the Political Class firmly disagrees.

The United States currently gives more money by far to the UN than any other nation, providing 22% of the international organization’s budget and 27% of its peacekeeping budget. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 23% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States should continue to give more money to the UN than any other country in the world. Sixty percent (60%) disagree and believe America should not be the UN’s chief source of funds. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 10-11, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

19% Think UN Control of Syria’s Chemical Weapons Very Likely to Prevent U.S. Attack

Americans are fairly confident that international control of Syria’s chemical weapons will prevent a U.S. military attack on the Syrian government.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of Likely U.S. Voters think that United Nations control of Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal will prevent future U.S. military action against Syria, although that includes just 19% who say it’s Very Likely. Thirty-one percent (31%) feel UN control of these weapons is unlikely to stop a U.S. attack, but only seven percent (7%) say it’s Not At All Likely to prevent it. Sixteen percent (16%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 10-11, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.