Politics

26% Favor Use of Drones to Deliver Commercial Packages

Most voters continue to support the U.S. government’s use of unmanned drones to kill terrorists overseas but remain wary of drones in American skies, even for delivery of commercial packages.

Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, made headlines early this month with his proposal to use drones for commercial deliveries in this country. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 26% of Likely U.S. Voters favor the use of unmanned drone aircraft for commercial purposes such as package delivery, but nearly twice as many (50%) oppose that idea. Twenty-four percent (24%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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.

29% Have Favorable Opinion of Federal Government

Unfavorable views of the federal government continue to climb.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of Likely U.S. Voters now view the federal government at least somewhat unfavorably. That's up from 64% in October and 63% in November of last year. Just 29% view the feds favorably. This includes five percent (5%) who view the government Very Favorably and 29% who view it Very Unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 16-17, 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.

13% Give Senate Positive Marks, 15% Say Same of the House

The bad news for Congress is that most voters think both the Senate and the House of Representatives are doing a lousy job. The good news for them is that a surprising number don’t know which party controls each of the respective chambers.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 15% think the House is doing a good or excellent job, while 52% rate its performance as poor.

Similarly, only 13% give the Senate good or excellent marks for its job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) think the senators are doing a poor job. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 18-19, 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.

33% See China’s Moon Landing as Bad for U.S.

The Chinese landed a lunar probe earlier this week, the first landing on the moon in nearly 40 years, but U.S. voters show no greater enthusiasm for returning to the moon than they did a year ago.

Just six percent (6%) of Likely U.S. Voters think it’s good for the United States that China has landed a space vehicle on the moon, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-three percent (33%) see the Chinese lunar probe as bad for this country, but a plurality (45%) feels it has no impact. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 16-17, 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.

22% Think Federal Government Needs More Tax Money

Following the recent passage of a bipartisan budget deal by Congress, fewer voters than ever believe more taxes are needed to keep the federal government going. But the Political Class isn't so sure about that.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that only 22% of Likely U.S. Voters believe additional tax hikes are needed to fund the federal government. Sixty-two percent (62%) disagree and say no new tax hikes are needed. Sixteen percent (16%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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.

13% Think Airline Mergers Good for Fliers

Nearly half of Americans believe airline mergers are bad for consumers and that the deregulation of the airline industry has made flying more expensive. But frequent fliers are more likely to think deregulation has made flying cheaper.

Just 13% of American Adults see the merger of airlines like the recent one between American Airlines and US Airways as good for fliers. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% consider such mergers bad for fliers, while 15% say they have no impact. But a sizable 26% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted on December 15-16, 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. 

21% Favor Amnesty for NSA Leaker Snowden

Voters aren’t enthusiastic about granting NSA leaker Edward Snowden amnesty to halt his release of U.S. intelligence secrets, even though most agree the continued disclosures are hurting national security.

Just 21% of Likely U.S. Voters think the federal government should grant Snowden full amnesty from prosecution in exchange for his return of all classified information that he still possesses. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that twice as many (41%) oppose full amnesty for Snowden, although nearly as many (39%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 14-15 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% Favor Restoring Some Sequester Budget Cuts, 40% Oppose

Voters still strongly prefer a federal budget that cuts spending, but they’re closely divided over the new budget deal that would restore some of the across-the-board sequester spending cuts from earlier this year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 15% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a federal budget that increases government spending. Sixty-one percent (61%) like a federal budget that cuts spending instead. Eighteen percent (18%) prefer one that keeps spending levels about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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.

17% Expect Better U.S. Relations with Cuba

Many are wondering if President Obama's handshake with Cuban leader Raul Castro at this week's memorial service for Nelson Mandela signals a thaw in the relations between the two countries, but most voters don’t expect much of a change over the next year. 

Only 17% of Likely U.S. Voters believe America’s relationship with Cuba will be better a year from now, while 10% expect it to be worse. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% believe the U.S.-Cuban relationship will be about the same. Eighteen percent (18%) aren’t sure. These findings have changed little over the past four years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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.

60% Think U.S. Not Aggressive Enough In Deporting Illegal Immigrants

More than 20 House Democrats last week urged President Obama to halt the deportation of illegal immigrants until Congress passes a comprehensive immigration reform plan, but voters by a two-to-one margin oppose that idea. Most already think the federal government is not vigilant enough in deporting those who are in this country illegally.

Only 29% of Likely U.S. Voters think the government should stop deporting illegal immigrants until Congress passes an immigration reform plan. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% oppose a halt to deportations. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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.

A Year After Newtown, Just 31% Think More Gun Control Likely

A year after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, far fewer adults expect more gun control.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 31% of American Adults now think it is at least somewhat likely that Congress and the president will create tougher gun control laws, with 12% who think it’s Very Likely. Fifty-nine percent (59%) say stricter gun control is unlikely, including 17% who say it's Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 7-8, 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.

54% Think More Focus on Mental Health Issues Will Prevent Future Newtown Incidents

One year after the school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, more Americans than ever believe tackling mental health issues is the best way to prevent such mass murders.A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of American Adults think more action to treat mental health issues will do the most to help reduce the number of mass shootings like the one in Connecticut. That's up six points from 48% in mid-December of last year.  Twenty-three percent (23%) believe stricter gun control laws will do the most, down from 27% a year ago, while 12% call first for limits on violent movies and video games. Eleven percent (11%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 7-8, 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.

61% Expect Government Spending To Rise Under Obama

Belief that federal spending will go up under President Obama is at its highest level in three years, but most voters continue to think cuts in government spending are better for the economy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% of Likely U.S. Voters now expect government spending to rise under Obama. That's the highest finding on this question since November 2010. Just 14% think spending will go down. Twenty-one percent (21%) predict it will stay about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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.

34% Think Gays Good for Military, 31% Disagree

Most voters believe the U.S. military is the best, but they are closely divided over the impact of letting gays and lesbians serve openly in America's armed services.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States has the best military in the world. Just 13% disagree, and 15% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 2-3, 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. 

52% View China As Long-Term Threat to U.S.

Vice President Joe Biden visited Beijing this week following the latest flare-up of tensions with China, but U.S. voters are less convinced these days that China is a national security threat. They also show little enthusiasm for President Obama’s proposed “Asia pivot,” shifting the focus of U.S. foreign policy from Europe and the Middle East to China and East Asia.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters still believe China is a long-term threat to the United States, but that’s down from 62% in late September 2011.Twenty-two percent (22%) feel the Asian giant is not a threat to America. But even more (26%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 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.

59% Believe Health Law Problems Unlikely To Be Fixed in Next Year

Despite assurances from the Obama administration over the weekend that the problems with the federal health insurance exchange website have been fixed, voters need more convincing that Obamacare is on the right track.

Only 37% of Likely U.S. Voters believe it’s at least somewhat likely that the current problems with the new national health care law will be fixed within the next year. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% think that's unlikely. This includes 22% who say it's Very Likely those problems will be fixed in the coming year and 35% who say it's Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 2-3, 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.

40% Are Less Likely to Vote for an Obamacare Supporter, 38% More Likely

Voters say overwhelmingly that the new national health care law is important to how they will vote in the next congressional election, but one-in-three aren’t sure whether their representative in Congress voted for the law or not. Voters are almost evenly divided over how much influence the law will have over their upcoming vote.

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of Likely U.S. Voters say they are more likely for vote for a member of Congress who supports the health care law. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that slightly more (40%) are less likely to vote for an incumbent congressman or congresswoman who supports the law. Fifteen percent (15%) say a member’s position on the law will have no impact on their vote. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 2-3, 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.

81% Favor Repealing or Changing Health Care Law

Voters overwhelmingly want to change or repeal the new national health care law. One-out-of-two want to scrap it completely and start over again.

Given the problems associated with the law, a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters believe Congress and the president should repeal it and start again from the beginning.  That’s up from 43% support in late October. Another 31% think Congress and the president should go through the law piece by piece to improve it.

Just 16% want to leave the law the way it is, down slightly from 18% four weeks ago.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 1, 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.

51% Oppose Health Law’s Contraceptive Mandate

Half of voters now oppose a government requirement that employers provide health insurance with free contraceptives for their female employees. But they remain closely divided when asked if a business should be allowed to opt out of such a mandate for religious reasons - the subject of a legal challenge of Obamacare now before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% of Likely U.S. Voters still believe businesses should be required by law to provide health insurance that covers all government-approved contraceptives for women without co-payments or other charges to the patient.  Fifty-one percent (51%) disagree and say employers should not be required to provide health insurance with this type of coverage. Eleven percent (11%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 1, 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.

37% Believe U.S. Doesn’t Spend Enough on Military, National Security

The United States spends more on defense annually than the next 10 countries combined, but more voters than ever don’t think that’s enough.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe the United States does not spend enough on the military and national security, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s the highest level measured since tracking began in February 2011. Just 29% now say the United States spends too much money in this area, while nearly as many (27%) say it spends about the right amount. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on November 25-26, 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.