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Barbara Lee's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
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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.

  • "Today, on the somber anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, I shared my abortion story on @weekendcapehart to illustrate the fear and danger people are experiencing in a post-Roe America" (twitter.com)
  • "Before the days of Roe, I had to cross the border into Mexico to receive an abortion. I could have died—and Dobbs puts millions of women in the same position. That’s why I won’t stop fighting until Roe v. Wade is the law of the land once more. #CASenateDebate24" (twitter.com)
  • "Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?" "Pro-Choice, I strongly support a women's constitutionally protected right to chose and Roe v. Wade." (None)
  • "When I was a teenager, I got pregnant and decided to get an abortion. But it was illegal nearly everywhere in the US. So, I took my first-ever flight from California to Texas, crossed the border into Mexico, and received a back-alley abortion. I was lucky to survive. Too many women and girls in my shoes died from unregulated, unsafe procedures. Abortion is health care. It should be safe and legal. And we will fight until it is a constitutional right once again." (twitter.com)
  • "Imagine trying to push a policy so unpopular that the only way you can think to get it done is by threatening to crash the entire economy. That’s what Republicans are doing right now: threatening default for the first time in history in order to gut Social Security and Medicare." (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats are fighting to strengthen Social Security. Republicans want to slash benefits. Democrats passed legislation to lower drug costs. Republicans want to repeal it. Democrats are fighting to protect reproductive rights. Republicans want to ban abortion in every state." (twitter.com)
  • "For generations, Social Security has been a sacred promise to people who have earned their retirement through decades of hard work. I know how much our seniors and their families rely on Social Security & I refuse to allow extreme MAGA Republicans end it. #ProtectSocialSecurity" (twitter.com)
  • "It’s been 56 years since Medicare was signed into law. Let’s finally lower the eligibility age & expand it to cover dental, vision, and hearing." (twitter.com)
  • "Yet another tax season has come and gone with teachers and nurses paying more income tax than billionaires. Let’s make it the last." (twitter.com)
  • "In 2016, Trump paid $750 in income taxes. In 2017, Trump gave large corporations and the wealthy nearly $1.5 trillion in tax breaks. In 2020, it’s time for Trump and his rich golf buddies to pay their fair share in taxes." (twitter.com)
  • "Millions of teachers and essential workers will pay more income tax on #TaxDay than most billionaires. It’s long past time to tax the rich." (twitter.com)
  • "Avoiding federal income taxes isn’t "smart," it’s a betrayal of hard-working Americans." (twitter.com)
  • "The #GOPTaxScam steals from everyday Americans in order to line the pockets of millionaires, billionaires and corporate insiders. Americans deserve a tax code that makes the wealthiest pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
  • "Extreme wealth disparity is destabilizing our democracy. As the rich get richer, they’re using their money to buy even greater political influence. By implementing my wealth tax, we can combat inequality and return the power to the people." (twitter.com)
  • "Something to bear in mind this #TaxDay: 86 million Americans will see their taxes go up so that the #GOPTaxScam can give huge tax breaks to Millionaires, Billionaires, Wealthy Corporations, GOP Donors" (twitter.com)
  • "The Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act would produce at least $3 trillion dollars in revenue to fund child care, education, infrastructure, & critical resources to support our communities." (twitter.com)
  • "RT if you agree: corporations are NOT people. It’s past time we overturn the disastrous SCOTUS decision made 13 years ago in Citizens United—and finally get dark money out of our elections." (twitter.com)
  • "Congress introduced the For The People Act — a bill that will reform our campaign finance, strengthen our election laws, and expand voting rights for everyone. Let’s pass it. It’s time to restore our democracy and fulfill the legacy of my dear friend John R. Lewis." (twitter.com)
  • "Our politicians must not be for sale. The new Congress must deal with campaign finance reform." (twitter.com)
  • "When we allow our elections to be controlled by a few wealthy donors, we compromise the agency of the American people in choosing our leaders. We need to restore our democracy and overturn #CitizensUnited." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against H Con Res 40 "Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies" (None)
  • "Enough is enough. The Senate must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act NOW. #BlackLivesMatter" (twitter.com)
  • "Let’s not get it twisted, George Floyd did not sacrifice his life for any cause or movement. His life was brutally taken in the act of murder. He should be alive today, with his family and loved ones. We will never have justice, and we will never forget." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (None)
  • Voted against HR 4365 "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024" (None)
  • "Let’s be clear: $1 billion spent on clean energy would create twice as many jobs as $1 billion spent on defense. It’s time to put the needs of the people over wasteful spending at the Pentagon." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 2670 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (None)
  • Voted against HR 7900 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2 "Moving Forward Act" (None)
  • "Build Back Better is about helping everyday Americans get the necessary relief they deserve. Killing President Biden’s agenda — right before the holidays no less — is downright wrong. We need to help people, not hurt them." (twitter.com)
  • "I proudly voted YES on President Biden’s Build Back Better Act because it’s our blueprint for lowering costs and fighting inflation on behalf of working families. I urge the Senate to pass this legislation and build back bolder for the people." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (None)
  • "Mr. President — The Pentagon does not need an additional $13 billion in funding, on top of the $740 billion already allocated. Let’s spend that money on housing assistance, health care programs, and climate solutions." (twitter.com)
  • "753 billion dollars should go toward priorities like housing, education, and public health initiatives — not endless wars and weaponry." (twitter.com)
  • "It’s past time to put more money into housing, education, and health care instead of weapons and military bases." (twitter.com)
  • "Repeat after me: housing is a human right and public health issue." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7688 "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (None)
  • "Just a reminder: The Inflation Reduction Act will cap prescription drug costs for seniors starting January 1st. Another reminder: Every Republican voted against it." (twitter.com)
  • "I proudly voted YES on President Biden’s Build Back Better Act because it’s our blueprint for lowering costs and fighting inflation on behalf of working families." (twitter.com)
  • "Corporate greed is fueling inflation and working folks are bearing the brunt. Plain and simple. We cannot allow CEOs to continue to line their pockets at the expense of working families. Enough is enough. These corporations must be held accountable." (twitter.com)
  • "Student debt is a racial and economic justice issue. Extending the pause on payments is a good step, but it’s time for @POTUS to use his authority to cancel it." (twitter.com)
  • ".@POTUS has the authority to cancel student debt up to $50,000, which could help millions struggling to get by during this crisis. It's time to act." (twitter.com)
  • "Cancel student loan debt." (twitter.com)
  • "I am an original cosponsor of The College For All Act, groundbreaking legislation to make public colleges free and eliminate $1.6 trillion in student debt for 45 million Americans." (barbaraleeforca.com)
  • "Voter ID laws are disenfranchising Americans. It’s past time to #RestoreTheVRA!" (twitter.com)
  • "On this day in 2013, the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This has led to polls closing, voter ID laws, and discriminatory voting practices that disenfranchise Black and Brown communities. Enough." (twitter.com)
  • "Voter ID laws are deliberately created to keep low-income communities and people of color from the ballot box. I’ll keep fighting to end these discriminatory policies and expand voting rights for all." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (None)
  • "In Congress, she is working to combat and prevent climate change and she has long opposed taxpayer-funded giveaways to Big Oil and other major polluters. Instead, she has advocated for increased investments in clean, renewable energy technologies. Congresswoman Lee is fighting to ensure that the good-paying jobs created by the growing green energy sector are open to all, especially people of color, women and veterans." (lee.house.gov)
  • "Don't let the big oil execs fool you: renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, creates better jobs, and doesn’t kill the planet." (twitter.com)
  • "I am an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, which can kickstart a clean energy revolution and generate millions of high-wage jobs, and a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal For Cities Act, which would provide $1 trillion in federal funding for state and local governments to respond to the climate crisis." (barbaraleeforca.com)
  • "Let’s be clear: $1 billion spent on clean energy would create twice as many jobs as $1 billion spent on defense. It’s time to put the needs of the people over wasteful spending at the Pentagon." (twitter.com)
  • "Make no mistake: Zinke is stepping down in disgrace - with at least 15 corruption investigations into his conduct at the Interior Department. He will be remembered for snatching public lands from the American people for the benefit of oil, gas & mining interests. Good riddance." (twitter.com)
  • "Don't let the big oil execs fool you: renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, creates better jobs, and doesn’t kill the planet." (twitter.com)
  • "In Congress, she is working to combat and prevent climate change and she has long opposed taxpayer-funded giveaways to Big Oil and other major polluters. Instead, she has advocated for increased investments in clean, renewable energy technologies. Congresswoman Lee is fighting to ensure that the good-paying jobs created by the growing green energy sector are open to all, especially people of color, women and veterans." (lee.house.gov)
  • "Simply put, we must rapidly transition away from dirty fuels NOW or face dire consequences." (barbaraleeforca.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808 "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (None)
  • "Gun violence is a national public health crisis that endangers every community in our nation. It’s time for Congress to get off the sidelines and take action to prevent these all too frequent and avoidable tragedies." (lee.house.gov)
  • "To that end, Congresswoman Lee is working in Congress to take a comprehensive approach to addressing this violence, including common-sense gun reforms to ensure thorough background checks, close loopholes, and get weapons of war off the street. No family in America should have to live in fear of gun violence." (lee.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" (None)
  • "I am the only candidate who knows what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck. I am the only candidate who has co-sponsored Medicare for All every single time it’s been introduced. And I am the only candidate who has called for a ceasefire to protect Palestinian and Israeli civilians. I’m proud to be the progressive in this race. And together with the @CA_Dem Progressive Caucus, we will get our priorities passed in the US Senate." (twitter.com)
  • "Guess which country doesn’t have universal health care? We need Medicare for All." (twitter.com)
  • "I'm done with patients having to fight insurance companies alongside their illnesses. With Americans dying from rationing prescription meds. With the richest country in the world failing to guarantee health care. That's why today, I'm proud to co-sponsor Medicare For All." (twitter.com)
  • "Raise the minimum wage. Legalize marijuana. Cancel student debt. Pass Medicare for All." (twitter.com)
  • "While we might have lost Tuesday's battle, 2022 is right around the corner and our progressive values like paid family leave and action on climate change are on the ballot. We must keep organizing, volunteering, and voting." (twitter.com)
  • "Becoming a parent and raising kids doesn’t happen in a vacuum. There are bills, health care appointments, and the day-to-day worries of our world. Our country's workers need to know that we see them and that we're here for them. Let's get federal paid family leave passed." (twitter.com)
  • "If the pro-life movement was really about family values, the GOP would also support paid child leave, social services like Medicaid, ending maternity deaths — and they sure wouldn’t stand for ripping families apart at the border. Hypocrisy at its finest." (twitter.com)
  • "Until our country guarantees paid family leave, affordable child care, and equal pay for equal work, we cannot pride ourselves on family values. Plain and simple." (twitter.com)
  • "Too many Americans are being forced to choose between life-saving prescription drugs and putting food on the table. Our pharmaceutical industry is outrageous." (twitter.com)
  • "All Americans deserve quality, affordable health care. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for a prescription. That’s why I support Medicare for All." (twitter.com)
  • "As a Senator, I will push to require that we negotiate the cost of every drug that is sold – ALL of them, not just a few – and that we make those lower prices available to all consumers, whether they are insured through a government program or not." (barbaraleeforca.com)
  • "I stood shoulder to shoulder with the Biden Administration’s effort to finally allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. As Senator, I will fight to continue lowering the cost of prescription drugs, taking on the greed and price gouging of Big Pharma." (barbaraleeforca.com)
  • "Customs and Border Protection is arresting doctors for trying to give free flu vaccinations to migrant children. There is no reason for this cruelty." (twitter.com)
  • "America is, has been and always will be a nation of immigrants. Our nation’s diversity enriches our culture, grows our economy and spurs innovation. Sadly, our current immigration system is broken and unfairly tears many families apart. As a pro-family advocate, Congresswoman Lee is working to pass comprehensive immigration reform that keeps families together" (lee.house.gov)
  • "This Christmas Eve, I can’t help but think about all the immigrant families who can’t be together because the Trump administration separated them at the border, locked their children in cages, or raided their communities. Let’s not forget their stories." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (None)
  • Voted against HR 340 "Hamas International Financing Prevention Act" (None)
  • Voted against HR 3774 "Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act"
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108 "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692 "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (None)
  • "Cluster bombs pose a fatal threat to civilians YEARS after wars end. Sending them to Ukraine is the wrong decision." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (None)
  • "I am alarmed to hear @POTUS is considering sending cluster bombs to Ukraine. Many people are unaware of these dangerous weapons." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-choice Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I strongly support a women's constitutionally protected right to chose and Roe v. Wade.
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
I support fairness in taxation in order to help fund vital investments in our nation's future. We should close loop holes for Big Oil and ensure that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share. I have authored legislation to audit the Pentagon and believe there is substantial savings we could realize from eliminating waste, fraud and abuse at the Penatgon. There is also billions in savings that we could achieve with common sense cuts to outdated weapons and equipment - all without harming our national security.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
No Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support lowering taxes as a way of promoting growth in the economy?
Yes Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Yes Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
This approach is flawed, and depends on the specifics.
No Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?
No Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Yes Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
I have supported cap and trade legislation and continue to do so.
Yes Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
No Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Yes Do you support same-sex marriage?
No Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
No Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the United States from possessing a nuclear weapon?
Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is critical to U.S. national security and promotes a more peaceful Middle East. I strongly support the Administration's diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program and fully support efforts to deter the pursuit of nuclear weapons.
No Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?

SpendingIndicate what federal spending levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.TaxesIndicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

Slightly Decrease a) Agriculture
Slightly Increase b) Arts
Greatly Decrease c) Defense
Greatly Increase d) Education
Greatly Increase e) Environment
Slightly Increase f) Homeland Security
Greatly Increase g) International aid
Greatly Increase h) Medical Research
Greatly Increase i) Scientific Research
Slightly Increase j) Space exploration
Greatly Increase k) United Nations
Maintain Status l) Welfare
m) Other or expanded categories
Slightly Increase a) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Increase b) Corporate taxes
Greatly Increase c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Greatly Increase d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Slightly Increase e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Slightly Decrease f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Slightly Decrease g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Greatly Increase h) Income taxes (high-income families)
Slightly Increase i) Inheritance taxes
Maintain Status j) Payroll taxes
k) Other or expanded categories
Top priorities include: raising the minimum wage and creating jobs; tackling poverty and income inequality; enacting comprehensive immigration reform; addressing the real threat of climate change; working to help provide a world class education is available to all.

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