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Eric Swalwell's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (CA) - District 14

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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 2024.

  • "Abortion Justice is about more than keeping abortion legal. It’s about access, freedom, equality, and justice. Today’s #RallyForAbortionJustice is to demand the future we know is possible: compassionate and affordable abortion care in our communities." (twitter.com)
  • Signed Letter to Leader Schumer: "If Roe v. Wade is overturned, we know that the ensuing laws will not affect Americans equitably. Like so many times in America's past, they will disproportionately harm low-income people and people of color, who already face barriers to healthcare. Research shows that being denied an abortion has serious consequences for a woman's health, well-being, and financial security; women denied abortion care are at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence, health problems, poverty, and ongoing financial distress, including rising debt and eviction proceedings. The elimination of abortion restrictions is essential to the pursuit of reproductive, economic, and racial justice." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297 "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Any proposal that slashes half a trillion dollars from Medicare, cuts $900 billion from Medicaid, cuts $200 billion from SNAP, and eliminates the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is not a proposal that thinks about working families. Period. #TrumpBudget" (twitter.com)
  • "I am committed to protecting our seniors and preserving the programs that have kept so many healthy and out of poverty. I am opposed to any plan that dismantles Medicare and the guarantee of health insurance for our seniors." (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Here’s the bottom line: The Inflation Reduction Act will address the climate crisis, lower Rx costs, fix parts of our broken tax system and reduce the deficit. And, it will do that without raising taxes on anyone making under 400k a year – not by one dime." (twitter.com)
  • Signed Letter to Speaker Pelosi: "The SALT cap is terrible tax policy: it upends a long tradition of fiscal federalism; it erodes incentives for home ownership and charitable contributions; it seeks to punish and defund state and local governments that pursue progressive policies, and it imposes a significant marriage penalty. Furthermore, the impact of this tax hike has not been random. It was deliberately aimed at districts like ours, where voters have chosen to fund with their taxes better schools, health care, transit, parks, and social services." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5377 "Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The Trump Tax Scam was a giveaway to the ultra-rich and biggest corporations. It's long past time that they pay their fair share to raise up our nation. #BuildBackBetter" (x.com)
  • "Any proposal that slashes half a trillion dollars from Medicare, cuts $900 billion from Medicaid, cuts $200 billion from SNAP, and eliminates the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is not a proposal that thinks about working families. Period. #TrumpBudget" (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Prevent Foreign Interference in Elections: Clarifies that the definition of a "thing of value" in the Federal Election Campaign Act prohibition on foreign donations to political campaigns and candidates includes information sought or obtained for political advantage; enhances criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition; requires that political campaigns certify that they understand the prohibition. The bill would also clarify campaign finance law to extend the ban on contributions by foreign nationals to include ballot initiatives and referendums." (None)
  • "Our campaigns and elections must hinge upon the issues Americans care most about, not on the whims of deep-pocketed corporations. We must cap the amount of money that politicians can accept and ensure that corporations do not outweigh individuals in campaigns." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "George Floyd should still be alive. Today, as we honor his life and reflect on the last year, I am thinking of his family and loved ones. We still have so much work to do, including passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the Senate. #BlackLivesMatter" (twitter.com)
  • "I'm an original co-sponsor of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, and as a Judiciary Committee member and co-chair of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, I'll do all I can to make it law. That starts with this Wednesday's Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on policing practices and law enforcement accountability." (swalwell.house.gov)
  • "The need for congressional action to reform policing in America was overdue long before the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or Tamir Rice. It was overdue before Sandra Bland, Amadou Diallo, or Rodney King. That’s why I am a proud cosponsor of the #JusticeInPolicingAct" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "-Cut defense spending from its current unsustainable path -Invest in programs that save us money in the future -Invest in AI that helps us find fraud and waste in govt spending (Medicare)" (twitter.com)
  • "We are spending more than the next 7 largest countries' militaries combined. We have no major combat operations yet we've had major increases in military spending." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I am so pleased that the Tri-Valley Cities' Valley Link project was approved by the Federal Transit Administration. This will start the process for designing and operating a critical link between BART and the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE). Approval of this project could translate to 30,000 fewer cars on the road each day. By reducing congestion and improving air quality, this would be the biggest climate rescue project ever in the Tri-Valley." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Build Back Better Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8294 "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, America was facing a shortage of qualified early childhood and K-12 teachers because they are so often underpaid and overworked, especially in low-income communities," said Swalwell. "The Educator Down Payment Assistance Act can help address these disparities by helping teachers and other educational professionals afford homes in the communities where they teach." (None)
  • "We need more affordable housing in the Tri-Valley. This Livermore project (and the court victory) is a big step in that direction. My office has also supported and secured $1m+ in funding a Veterans Park on the site." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "With today's passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, we're taking action to tackle inflation and address the biggest challenges facing our nation: the worsening climate crisis, soaring prescription drug costs, and a tax code that unfairly puts corporations and the wealthy before working Americans," said Swalwell. "This bill will address each of these issues head-on, while reducing our national debt and creating thousands of good-paying jobs. This is a game-changing piece of legislation that will ensure our continued success in the decades to come." (None)
  • "America is back to work. Our private sector has recovered all of the jobs lost during the pandemic — and added jobs on top of that. More work to do on inflation — but @HouseDemocrats and @POTUS Biden are having success in bringing pressure that’s reducing your gas prices." (x.com)
  • "I’ve heard from countless student loan borrowers who are benefiting from this pause, by finally buying a house, starting a family, or paying down their debt. That’s why I’m calling for a permanent extension of zero percent interest on student loans." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Right now, generations of Americans are struggling under the crushing burden of student debt. They are putting off buying a home, having children, and saving for retirement to pay down their student loans," Swalwell said. "A college education should come with a lifetime of knowledge and memories, not a lifetime of debt." (None)
  • "I stand w/@AFTunion & will continue to work to ensure public servants are provided the student loan forgiveness they are entitled to under federal law. My bill, the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act, would forgive student loan debt incrementally every 2 years" (x.com)
  • "I support federal laws to help ensure no voter ID law unfairly targets any group of individuals, such as minorities or the poor." (None)
  • "We must ensure that Americans are not subject to unfair and prejudiced ID laws or undue difficulty when registering to vote, and that each American -- no matter their wealth, state, or age - can easily cast a ballot. I support federal laws to help ensure no voter ID law unfairly targets any group of individuals, such as minorities or the poor." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R.Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "To compete on the global stage with countries like China, we need to ensure a reliable and stable supply of solar panels by supporting domestic solar manufacturing at every stage of the supply chain," said Swalwell. "I'm proud to help introduce this legislation, which is one of our best opportunities to create good-paying jobs, improve our infrastructure, and tackle climate change." (None)
  • Signed a letter stating: "EERE plays a key role in advancing America's "all of the above" energy strategy, leading a large network of researchers and other partners to deliver innovative technologies that will help make renewable electricity generation more cost-competitive with traditional sources of energy and create jobs right here in the United States." (votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Secretary Zinke: "We write to express our serious concerns in response to the Notice of Intent issued April 20, 2018 to initiate a planning process for oil and gas leasing on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. We strongly oppose fossil fuel development on these internationally significant public wildlands. We urge you to halt this rushed approach your department is taking to this environmental review in favor of a measured, science-driven effort that provides for robust public input and full involvemet of the American people, including the Alaska Natives who will be significantly and negatively impacted by development. A planning process conducted in accordance with federal law will make clear that drilling on the Coastal Plain will cause irreparable harm to the wildlife, wilderness, recreational opportunities, and subsistence resources the Arctic Refuge was established to protect." (None)
  • "Despite big bipartisan opposition, President Trump goes all-in on offshore fossil fuel drilling – a double threat to our environment, even as U.S. oil/gas production is already at record high. More corporate looting, courtesy of @realDonaldTrump" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 21 "Strategic Production Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808 "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today's gun safety legislation will limit the most dangerous people from accessing the most dangerous weapons," said Swalwell. "Our kids are vulnerable every day to being shot in their classrooms. We must choose, are we for our kids or their killers? Today's passage shows that House Democrats are protecting our kids." (None)
  • "We know part of the answer for ending mass shootings is to make it much less likely people can obtain and use assault weapons. My Freedom from Assault Weapons Act would do that. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill, to continuing to stand up to the NRA, and to speaking for those who value a person's right to live over all." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "We must stop undermining the Affordable Care Act, and instead work together to expand and improve it. Eventually, we should have a Medicare For All universal healthcare system." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Great news: The House just passed the #BuildBackBetterAct! This is a MAJOR investment in the well-being of Californians & all Americans. This bill establishes paid family & medical leave, lowers health care costs & combats the climate crisis. #DemocratsDeliver" (x.com)
  • Signed Letter to President Biden: "Furthermore, we cannot ignore the economic benefits of paid leave. Enacting paid leave also means that families will continue to earn some income at the very time when they need it most – when a family is growing or a member is sick and needs medical care. Workers will be able to continue to earn a portion of their wages, allowing them to continue to meet their basic needs and pay bills before returning to work. Moreover, lack of paid leave has meant that workers lose an estimated $22.5 billion in wages each year when that could have been used to keep a family afloat and spent in local economies." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "Every day, millions need insulin to control their diabetes so they can stay alive. We capped the cost of insulin at $35 for people on Medicare. #SOTU" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2 "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "I just want to get the problem solved, Neil. As you recall, we had the grand strategy that invested $18 billion in border security, doubled the amount of Border Patrol agents on the border. It had 68 votes in the Senate and never got a vote in the House. And I would support that bill if we could do that grand bill." (None)
  • "We want smart, effective border security: better staffing/tech at ports of entry & elsewhere, more immigration judges, better monitoring of mail & cargo, and humanitarian treatment of migrants & refugees. NOT a costly, ineffective, ego-project wall. #SOTU" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 6136 "Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018" (votesmart.org)
  • "My issue is, first, this does nothing to reunite the families who have already been separated, 2,000-plus kids who right now have no pathway back to finding their families. This does -- this cuts in a third the pathway for dreamers who have been in this country. This gets rid of family reunification and would actually punish three million families who have already been approved to go through that process. And it would eliminate their path to the United States. And so I have a lot of issues with it." (votesmart.org)
  • "For 10 years #DACA has enriched our economy and country. Now is the time to permanently protect #Dreamers and grant them the relief they deserve." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "We are not helpless. Through unity we can stop him. And we can do so without U.S. troops firing a single shot. On the front lines our military must give resources to the Ukrainians to assist in their defense, and our intelligence community must share actionable information. Globally, we must lead a sanctions regime that stops the flow of Russia's money, oil, and travelers." (None)
  • "Belarus is complicit in Putin’s savage attack on Ukraine. We should maximize sanctions against Belarus. It needs to be made clear that enabling Russia will come with consequences." (x.com)
  • "I applaud the Biden Administration’s decision to issue new sanctions on Iranian oil. Iran’s regime should not be profiting off oil while oppressing its own people." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Last night @HouseDemocrats passed $13 billion in military/humanitarian aid to #Ukraine. If Trump were president we would have been asked to send the aid to Russia." (x.com)
  • "We are not helpless. Through unity we can stop him. And we can do so without U.S. troops firing a single shot. On the front lines our military must give resources to the Ukrainians to assist in their defense, and our intelligence community must share actionable information. Globally, we must lead a sanctions regime that stops the flow of Russia's money, oil, and travelers." (None)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.

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