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Mark DeSaulnier's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (CA) - District 10

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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Mark DeSaulnier has failed to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 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 2024.

  • Voted in favor of HR 8296: "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor. I support a woman's right to choose, her right to free contraceptives, and her right to make these choices without government intervention." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297: "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (None)
  • "Given the success of our nation's Medicare program, Mark supports expanding it to cover all Americans. To do that, Mark is a proud sponsor of the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act (H.R. 676), which would provide every American with Medicare coverage and is a step in the direction of universal health care." (desaulnier.house.gov)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • Signed a letter stating: "We look forward to continuing to work with you to further strengthen the Medicare Advantage program and ensure millions of seniors have access to comprehensive, affordable health coverage choices." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 3% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "Hatched in secret and rushed through Congress, this lopsided bill increases taxes on more than half of all middle class families, at least 5.5 million of which are Californians, and fans the flames of inequality in our country. With more than 80 percent of the bill's benefits going to the top 1%--people like President Trump, his family, and billionaire political donors-- and to corporations, our children will be left to pay the bill." (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 3% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "Hatched in secret and rushed through Congress, this lopsided bill increases taxes on more than half of all middle class families, at least 5.5 million of which are Californians, and fans the flames of inequality in our country. With more than 80 percent of the bill's benefits going to the top 1%--people like President Trump, his family, and billionaire political donors-- and to corporations, our children will be left to pay the bill." (None)
  • "Let’s focus on the facts: The #InflationReductionAct doesn't raise taxes on anyone making less than $400k a year. In fact, this historic bill helps lower energy & drug costs for working families. Democrats are delivering & putting #PeopleOverPolitics" (twitter.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 95% by End Citizens United (None)
  • "Yes, Citizens United and related rulings allowed unlimited contributions from Super PACs to candidates. As a result, the influence of money in political campaigns has exploded. For example, in 2016 Super PACs spent over $1.8 billion dollars whereas in 2008, outside groups spent $338 million. I believe we need to get Super PACs and dark money out of our political system and that we need transparency, so voters know who is funneling money and trying to influence elections. We should move to a public financing system where politicians answer to their constituents and not special interests." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1: "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "The murder of #GeorgeFloyd made clearer than ever the need to dismantle our nation’s racist systems built to disadvantage people of color. I voted for the #JusticeInPolicing Act tonight, a bold, comprehensive approach to reimagine policing in this country and save lives." (x.com)
  • "Now more than ever, we need to come together as a nation to dismantle the systems that were built to disadvantage people of color. We don't need to study this endlessly -- as Senate Republicans are proposing -- to know that racism and police brutality are killing people. We need action to ban deadly chokeholds, hold problematic officers accountable, and show communities of color that we are serious about making a change. Anything less dishonors the lives and memories of Mr. Floyd and the countless others who have been killed needlessly," (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "As President Eisenhower warned, "we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.' The bloated budget at the Department of Defense has become what President Eisenhower prophesized. It is long past time for the Pentagon to undergo an audit of its assets. After reports of $125 billion of waste at the DoD and years of repeatedly authorizing bloated defense budgets--this audit is a welcome first step," (votesmart.org)
  • "The NDAA would give an additional $717 billion to the Department of Defense. For context, that is almost four times the entire budget for the State of California. Instead of giving funding unchecked to the Pentagon, where $125 billion in bureaucratic waste has already been identified, we should be spending on only the essentials while demanding a completed audit. I have not voted in favor of any of the annual bills to authorize defense spending and will continue to oppose the measure until the DoD has completed a full audit and I am confident taxpayers' hard earned money is spent in an open, transparent, and efficient manner that also ensures our troops' safety." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against 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)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2: "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "It was a pleasure meeting with local #Realtors this week to discuss how we can improve access to housing for more residents in the Bay Area. Solving the #housingcrisis will not be easy, but by working together we can make home-buying a reality for every generation." (x.com)
  • "In 1968, the #FairHousingAct was passed into law to prevent housing discrimination, but too many Americans still face unfair obstacles when it comes to housing. This #FairHousingMonth, we reflect on progress made & commit to working to ensure equitable, affordable housing for all" (x.com)
  • "Working families across the nation are running out of affordable housing options, making commutes longer & pushing the country to the brink of a housing crisis. I introduced a bill to help bring needed investment & planning to today’s housing challenges." (x.com)
  • Signed Letter to Leader Schumer: "During the COVID-19 pandemic, the child care industry has faced numerous and steep challenges in their work to adequately serve the population most affected by the pandemic. Families were forced to choose between staying home to care for their children or returning to the workforce and relying on inefficient or scarce alternatives. Furthermore, as inflationary pressures increase and families face rising child care prices, this proposal will allow parents, families, and child care workers to offset part of that burden. The funding will allow those parents who have been unable to rejoin the workforce an opportunity to continue their careers, make sure that their children are adequately cared for, and support the existing child care workforce." (None)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is a significant victory for America’s families! It will lower families’ kitchen table costs, combat the climate crisis, cut prescription drug costs, ask the largest corporations to pay their fair share, & reduce the #deficit." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to President Biden: "Canceling student debt is one of the most powerful ways to address racial and economic equity issues. The student loan system mirrors many of the inequalities that plague American society and widens the racial wealth gap.10 Black students in particular borrow more to attend college, borrow more often while they are in school, and have a harder time paying their debt off than their white peers.11 They are more than three times as likely to go into default within four years on their federal loans as white borrowers12– and face wage garnishment, tax refund withholding, and federal benefit offsets. 13 While Latino borrowers often have lower loan balances than their white peers, they are more likely to struggle in repaying their loans, and have some of the lowest post-education earnings among all racial or ethnic groups.14" (None)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Assocition (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The legacy of the civil rights movement is under attack as states pass strict voter ID laws, gerrymander, & purge voter rolls. I was proud to vote today for #HR4, critical legislation that will help stop the most egregious voter suppression tactics. #RestoreTheVote" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447: "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "The time is now for the fossil fuel industry to shift toward more sustainable sources of energy, but they cannot leave thousands of workers jobless in their wake," said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. "By bringing community leaders, industry, environmental groups, and the workforce together, like my amendment would do, we can provide these workers with meaningful support to ensure they are not left behind. At home in Contra Costa and around the country, we have the opportunity to set the stage for green jobs that are both worthy of workers skills and help our nation in the much-needed fight against climate change." (None)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1146: "Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The time is now for the fossil fuel industry to shift toward more sustainable sources of energy, but they cannot leave thousands of workers jobless in their wake," said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. "By bringing community leaders, industry, environmental groups, and the workforce together, like my amendment would do, we can provide these workers with meaningful support to ensure they are not left behind. At home in Contra Costa and around the country, we have the opportunity to set the stage for green jobs that are both worthy of workers skills and help our nation in the much-needed fight against climate change." (None)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1941: "Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1446: "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "I have sponsored 4 bills to reduce gun violence and believe that we can adhere to the Second Amendment without putting the lives of our children and communities at risk. At a minimum, the federal government should emulate California gun law, where we have the strictest laws in the nation and the 9th lowest rate of gun deaths. To do that, we must implement universal background checks and ban assault weapons." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808: "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "With 15 million Americans having lost health insurance since the pandemic alone, the need for universal coverage is urgent. Proud to reintroduce #MedicareForAll with @RepJayapal and @RepDingell because no one in the richest country on earth should go without quality health care." (twitter.com)
  • "As a sponsor of #MedicareForAll, I was delighted my staff had an opportunity to meet with @NationalNurses to discuss the vital need for this legislation to ensure health care is affordable for every American." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • 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)
  • "Studies show a business benefits when its employees have access to paid family and medical leave. Today at @OversightDems, I discussed how Congress can support both small businesses and workers by creating a national program to guarantee #PaidLeaveForAll." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "No American should have choose between life-saving medicine or other necessities like food, heat, and shelter. @OversightDems is taking a stand against Big Pharma for their unfair pricing and the Senate must pass the #BuildBackBetter Act to lower the cost of prescription drugs." (twitter.com)
  • "The Affordable Insulin Now Act would take a historic step to lower the cost of insulin and cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 per month. This means individuals with private insurance could save up to $500 per year. This bill ensures affordable access to lifesaving medication for the more than 37 million people in the United States who have diabetes and the over 7 million Americans who rely on insulin to maintain their health and well-being." (None)
  • 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)
  • Rated 11% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • Voted against HR 5525: "Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 11% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "Any immigration reform must be done comprehensively to ensure that we hold true to our country's values while being fair and safe. DACA recipients and their families deserve the respect of having their rights restored and having policymakers find a permanent solution with a pathway to citizenship. I support the Dream Act, to do just that. We must also protect those who came to the U.S. fleeing violence, disease, political turmoil, or other unsafe conditions. Refugees, asylum seekers, and people previously granted Temporary Protected Status deserve the full protection of the U.S., respect the Trump Administration has not given them." (votesmart.org)
  • "On this day 7 years ago, Pres. Obama established the #DACA program, which has helped over 800,000 #Dreamers legally work, go to college, build successful lives & contribute to our country. Despite the Administration’s attempts to undermine it, we are fighting to #ProtectTheDream." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6: "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968: "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108: "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S3522: "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Now more than ever, I am committed to continuing our work to hold Big Tech accountable for its role in the spread of disinformation & extremism." (x.com)
  • "Big tech companies wield incredible influence over all aspects of modern life. Whether through the consumption of information or the protection of consumers’ privacy, we need to make sure these companies are not abusing this power." (x.com)
  • "#Misinformation is being spread online at an alarming pace. Russia, Iran, and China are using sites like TikTok and Instagram to manipulate public opinion. We must act now to stop these bad actors." (x.com)
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?
Health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor. I support a woman?s right to choose, her right to free contraceptives, and her right to make these choices without government intervention.
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Everyone should pay their fair share ? that means high income Americans paying more than people making the minimum wage and just getting by. I also support reducing defense spending because our defense budget is bloated. The Department of Defense has never gone through a comprehensive audit. As a former small business owner, I know that is no way to run a business, let alone one of the biggest parts of our federal budget.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes, Citizens United and related rulings allowed unlimited contributions from Super PACs to candidates. As a result, the influence of money in political campaigns has exploded. For example, in 2016 Super PACs spent over $1.8 billion dollars whereas in 2008, outside groups spent $338 million. I believe we need to get Super PACs and dark money out of our political system and that we need transparency, so voters know who is funneling money and trying to influence elections. We should move to a public financing system where politicians answer to their constituents and not special interests
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
The Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed under President Obama helped get Americans back to work and brought us back from a recession faster. However, the Trump tax cut, which benefits corporations and the wealthiest 1%, will cost $2.3 trillion over 10 years, according to the White House?s own numbers. As a result, the Republican Majority is making cuts to other parts of the federal government and key programs like higher education, child nutrition, and special education. And, the Trump plan will increase our national debt.
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
The federal role of educational oversight is an important one. While I strongly support states? rights to have flexibility, which has allowed California to adopt and implement the Local Control Funding Formula, there must be a federal backstop. Without it, state and local education agencies can discriminate against students and implement non-evidence based practices that harm, not help, our students.
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes, the effects of climate change are undeniable. As a former member of the California Air Resources Board, I have worked on and believe in policies that protect the air we breathe and the water we drink. We have a duty and obligation to our children and our planet. That?s why I am fighting Trump?s effort to weaken current motor vehicle standards for emissions and fuel economy, and why I authored legislation to make sure California can maintain its high standards for air quality and greenhouse gas reduction.
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
I have sponsored 4 bills to reduce gun violence and believe that we can adhere to the Second Amendment without putting the lives of our children and communities at risk. At a minimum, the federal government should emulate California gun law, where we have the strictest laws in the nation and the 9th lowest rate of gun deaths. To do that, we must implement universal background checks and ban assault weapons.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
Health insurance is a right, not a privilege. I support the Affordable Care Act, and have voted over 60 times to stop Republicans in Congress from dismantling it and kicking everyday Americans off their health insurance. Trumpcare, which I strongly opposed, would have forced 23 million people to lose their insurance. I also advocate for federal universal health care, which would provide free access to health insurance for all Americans. I am the sponsor of the Affordable Health Insurance for the Middle Class Act (H.R. 5258), which increases the number of Americans who receive federal subsidies to purchase health insurance.
No Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Any immigration reform must be done comprehensively to ensure that we hold true to our country�s values while being fair and safe. DACA recipients and their families deserve the respect of having their rights restored and having policymakers find a permanent solution with a pathway to citizenship. I support the Dream Act, to do just that. We must also protect those who came to the U.S. fleeing violence, disease, political turmoil, or other unsafe conditions. Refugees, asylum seekers, and people previously granted Temporary Protected Status deserve the full protection of the U.S., respect the Trump Administration has not given them.
Yes Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
While I support the concept, we must take the proper precautions and legalize at the right time. Currently, for example, there is no way to test a driver impaired by marijuana like there is a test for alcohol. For the sake of public health, we should have the proper processes and procedures in place first before any new problems are created. Additionally, we should require those who profit from the industry to pay the public health costs for those people who would otherwise need the federal government to cover the cost.
No Should the United States use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a nuclear weapon?
No Do you support increased American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts beyond air support?
Please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.

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