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Suzan DelBene's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:
  • U.S. House (WA) - District 1, Democratic Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair

Key

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Suzan DelBene did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "Congress needs to stop this assault on women and make Roe the law of the land through federal statute once and for all," said DelBene. "Next week, when we head back to Washington, DC, the House will take up the Women's Health Protection Act, which would protect the right to access abortion throughout the United States no matter what state someone lives in. This is the law to protect against restrictive and medically unnecessary bans like the ones in Texas and Mississippi." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to President Biden: "As leaders of the Pro-Choice Caucus and Democratic Women's Caucus on behalf of the pro-choice majority in the House of Representatives, and Senators committed to reproductive health access, we request that you eliminate abortion coverage restrictions from your Fiscal Year 2022 budget. We are committed to ensuring all people can access reproductive health care, including abortion, no matter how much money they make, where they were born or live, their age, their immigration status, their race, or their sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "The overwhelming majority of us will need vision care as we age but these services can be costly without appropriate coverage. Expanding Medicare to include basic vision care will help improve the lives of millions of seniors. Currently, many seniors are living with undiagnosed eye problems, and providing them access to routine eye exams and other vision services will improve their overall health and save them money," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Medicare is a cornerstone of our nation's health care system. I am committed to protecting it and will fight against any efforts to privatize or dismantle Medicare. The focus instead should be on controlling the rising costs of care and improving the quality of care seniors receive. That's why I voted to allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices to bring down the costs for seniors." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Social Security has been a building block of our middle class. It's created a social safety net and a basic level of financial security for seniors. It's an investment we've all made and a promise I'm committed to protecting and strengthening for all of our seniors. Those who say Social Security is in immediate danger are using scare tactics to dismantle it. The truth is, it's a good system. It's worked so well that Social Security funds have been used for other purposes, which needs to stop. But there are long-term financial concerns, which is why I support raising the income limits, or "scrapping the cap.' I also oppose raising the retirement age and will fight any attempts to privatize Social Security." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 87% by Common Cause. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our responsibility as members of Congress is to ensure that the American people have trust in our democratic process and equitable access to the ballot box. This historic pro-democracy reform bill will curb the influence of dark money in campaign finance, hold our elected officials to a higher standard, and implement crucial voting rights protections. With state legislatures spearheading anti-democratic voter suppression laws and partisan redistricting efforts, we need to pass this legislation immediately. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to take up this measure and help restore faith in our government." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Black Americans have endured systemic racism and discrimination for too long, and this has been painfully evident in their treatment by law enforcement. The Justice in Policing Act will hold police officials accountable for abusing their power and positions of authority," said DelBene. "This is long overdue and I am proud to join the Congressional Black Caucus today in voting for this critical piece of legislation. One bill alone cannot end generations of racism but it can begin to address many of the systemic inequalities discrimination has created in our country." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "We as a nation must reckon with how our institutions continue to sustain generations-old inequality and racism. Black Americans face disproportionate violence and too often, this violence is at the hands of police. Through the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, we start the process of reimagining policing to protect all Americans through comprehensive and bold reforms. This critical legislation will ban chokeholds, increase accountability and transparency, and serve as a key first step in ending police brutality." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The 2021 NDDA includes an important provision that will support our nation's aluminum industry, which is vital to our national security," said DelBene. "This policy will encourage the federal government to propose investments in domestic aluminum production and support good-paying jobs here at home." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • "Building back better means focusing on the middle class. From helping put food on the table to producing affordable housing, these provisions will invest in middle-class families and set them up for success. I'm committed to seeing these policies through the House and Senate and getting them to President Biden's desk." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Robust investments in high-speed rail will help strengthen our national transportation system, connect our communities, support our local economy, and help decrease carbon emissions," said Congresswoman DelBene. "We have a tremendous opportunity to fund the build out of high-speed rail infrastructure in the U.S. through the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process and with it, increase economic opportunity across the country." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Build Back Better Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Speaker Pelosi: "Without Congressional action, small businesses are estimated to pay over $120 billion in taxes on forgivable PPP loans. At a time when many are struggling to keep their doors open each day, we cannot saddle small businesses with a massive surprise tax bill. For this reason, we ask that you include a fix to clarify that recipients of forgivable PPP loans can claim normal business expense deductions in any end-of-year legislation. Thank you for your consideration of this request." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 266 "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I voted for the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act this week because filling up the gas tank or putting food on the table is becoming harder for families. We are acting on inflation to lower prices for American families." - (twitter.com)
  • "We have a tremendous opportunity to fund the build out of high-speed rail infrastructure in the U.S. through the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process and with it, increase economic opportunity across the country." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • " The increasing burden of student loans is holding many Americans back from a middle-class life. That’s why I supported the student loan repayment moratorium during the pandemic." - (delbeneforcongress.com)
  • "Too many people are facing the difficult reality of raising a family as stagnating wages, higher housing costs & student loan debt make it harder for parents to give their children the opportunities they need to succeed." - (twitter.com)
  • "We also have to rein in the rising costs of college tuition and increase aid to ensure everyone gets a fair chance." - (delbeneforcongress.com)
  • "There is no time to waste. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore crucial protections in the Voting Rights Act and help ensure all American voters have equal access to the ballot box. For voters today and voters tomorrow, we must pass this legislation." (www.facebook.com)
  • "This is unacceptable. Every American deserves a voice in our elections and the freedom to cast their vote without interference. These restrictive laws and intimidation tactics make clear that it is time to put teeth back into the Voting Rights Act and counter voter disenfranchisement. We hope to work together with you to remedy widespread voter disenfranchisement across our country." - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Addressing the climate crisis, updating our crumbling infrastructure, and reigniting our economy are all connected, and this bill is a path towards collectively addressing these issues," said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). "Too often America follows others on the world stage in renewable energy innovation and decreasing carbon emissions. Now it's our turn to lead and set the standard for other nations." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019." (votesmart.org)
  • "Without a doubt, climate change is a serious threat to our way of life, our economy, and our children -- not to mention the future of our planet -- and we need to address it now," Congresswoman DelBene said. "Our nation must take meaningful steps to build a new economy based on clean and renewable energy sources. Washington has an educated workforce, advanced manufacturing, and a growing technology industry, which make us poised to lead the way in meeting the goal of more than 50 percent clean and carbon-free electricity by 2030." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am a cosponsor of a resolution that calls for the United States to remain in the Paris Climate accord and work with other countries to reduce emissions. I believe that climate change is one of the most serious threats we face, and that we need to take the necessary steps to build a new economy based on clean and renewable energy sources and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In my own district in the Pacific Northwest, we have seen the effects of climate change up close as severe winter storms and flooding have impacted our families, businesses, homes, and local economies," said NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01). "That's why since day one, New Dems have called for ambitious action in the Build Back Better Act to tackle climate change by leveraging every tool to decrease emissions, invest in resilience efforts, and transition to a cleaner economy with good-paying jobs. We need to get the job done on climate for the future success of our planet and economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Now, not after the next tragedy, is the time for Congress to act to protect our communities from this senseless cycle of gun violence. Speaker Ryan, allow us to vote at least on the ideas with bipartisan support, such as federally funded research on gun violence, background checks on all gun sales and banning bump stocks just to name a few," DelBene said. "As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to protect our communities. And while there is no one law that will prevent every single instance of violence, we can and must do more." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7910 "Protecting Our Kids Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "We know what we can do to help prevent future tragedies like Uvalde. We can pass commonsense gun safety policies like this legislation. Enough is enough. We have to end the senseless deaths of our children and our neighbors." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am committed to protecting it and will fight against any efforts to privatize or dismantle Medicare. " - (delbeneforcongress.com)
  • "That’s why I continue to vote to protect the Affordable Care Act and build on it." - (delbeneforcongress.com)
  • " That’s why I fought for increased health insurance subsidies in the American Rescue Plan and am pushing to extend them beyond 2020." - (delbeneforcongress.com)
  • "Paid emergency leave requiring employers to provide two weeks paid sick days and up to three months of paid family and medical leave, as well as enhanced unemployment insurance" - (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This week the Ways and Means Committee which I serve on held a hearing on an issue that is important to both employees and employers: paid leave. With people struggling to balance their work with caring for themselves and their families, paid leave has become more critical than ever. Hardworking people deserve the flexibility to take a step back to care for a new child, an aging loved one, or their own illness or injury, without the stress of wondering if their job will still be there for them when they come back to work. " - (delbene.house.gov)
  • Voter in favor of HR6201: "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "A major element of the law is a $35 per month out-of-pocket insulin cap for Medicare beneficiaries, which will soon start delivering much-needed relief to millions of seniors across the nation. This week, I held a roundtable with seniors, advocates, and health care providers to discuss how this historic new benefit will lower costs and improve care for seniors in Washington state." - (delbene.house.gov)
  • "That’s why I am a strong supporter of efforts to strengthen the law to expand coverage and address the high cost of prescription drugs." - (delbene.house.gov)
  • "The insulin cap will take effect in January 2023. We shouldn’t stop here. I will keep fighting to make insulin more affordable to every American who needs it. " - (delbene.house.gov)
  • "I am pleased that the House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved an amendment to stop a proposed border crossing fee from moving forward. Border crossing fees would have an immediate and detrimental impact on the local economies of our border communities, including the communities in Whatcom County. At a time when we should be trying to create jobs and spur economic growth, we shouldn’t be pursuing policies that would stifle the commerce and trade our border communities depend on." (delbene.house.gov)
  • "We need immigration reform that takes a balanced, responsible approach to securing our borders while recognizing the enormous contributions immigrants make to our nation. This means focusing our enforcement resources on those who pose a threat to public safety while honoring students and hardworking people adding value to our economy." (delbene.house.gov)
  • Signed Letter to President Trump: "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a critical program that has brought tremendous benefits to our entire country. We write to express our profound disappointment in your decision to repeal the DACA program. This repeal will impose severe harm, not only on the 800,000 DACA recipients nationally, but also the broader community. We urge you to immediately work with Congress to pass clean legislation to protect Dreamers. Rescinding the DACA program will hurt more than 17,500 Washingtonians who have been granted DACA in Washington state.[1] Like many immigrants before them, these brave young people strengthen our economy and are valued members of our communities. DACA has allowed these young people to pursue their dreams to become teachers, doctors, and entrepreneurs. In addition, the program has provided these people the ability to support themselves and their families, relieving the fear of being ripped from the country where they grew up." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "To spur job growth and drive our economy forward, we must pass comprehensive immigration reform. I helped introduce a comprehensive immigration reform bill during my first term. It creates an earned path to citizenship for those who are here and working. It would make our nation safer, while also eliminating backlogs, reuniting families and would meet the demands of our nation's economy today and into tomorrow. I will continue to keep fighting for comprehensive immigration reform." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 'NO BAN Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 'NO BAN Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Aiding the world's most vulnerable populations is not only our moral obligation but also a vital investment in addressing and preventing future crises abroad." (delbene.house.gov)
  • "America currently spends less than 1 percent of its federal budget on foreign aid, but these relatively modest investments we make in promoting health education, providing humanitarian assistance, and partnering with less developed countries advance our national security interests abroad and have a direct impact on our safety at home. As demonstrated by the rapid spread of COVID-19, what happens abroad can have dramatic consequences here at home." (delbene.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "It’s paramount that we provide economic, military, & humanitarian aid to Ukraine as Putin’s war rages on. Today, we approved $40B+ of assistance to stand up for democracy & the Ukrainian people. We must continue to #StandWithUkraine & hold Putin accountable." - (twitter.com)
  • "The U.S. has so far sent $54 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. In addition to helping deliver assistance to Ukraine, I helped lead the call to provide for the safety and security of Ukrainian orphans who are in the adoption process or have previously been hosted by American families." - (delbene.house.gov)
  • "This week, @POTUS announced an additional $800M in military aid to Ukraine. This defensive equipment shows the U.S. is committed to helping Ukrainians protect their country & democracy." - (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Continuing this historic tax cut thru the #BuildBackBetter Act will empower families, grow our economy, & help parents get back to work." (twitter.com)
  • "We need bipartisan solutions that simplify our tax code and help the millions of workers and families across America who are just looking for a fair chance, a system they can navigate, and an end to special interest tax breaks. I will continue working with both sides of the aisle to achieve these goals." (delbene.house.gov)
  • "This new agreement includes important provisions that will help our region's dairy farmers, who for years have struggled to export their products to Canada. It also eliminates a rule in British Columbia that requires imported wines to be placed in a separate part of grocery stores." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agremeent Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)

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