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Tony Cárdenas' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Tony Cárdenas 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.

  • Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? "Pro-Choice" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund. (votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "We, the undersigned members of Congress, urge you to reject a policy agenda that would harm women, starting with your efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and defund Planned Parenthood. Many people are fearful about how your presidency will affect women and girls. You have promised to nominate Supreme Court Justices who will overturn Roe v. Wade." (votesmart.org)
  • "Today is a day to celebrate, as the Supreme Court reaffirms what we should already know as a nation: men and women have the ability and constitutional right to make their own health decisions, and government bodies cannot stand between a woman and her doctor. I proudly stand up, today and every day, for the right of every woman to live her life and make her own choices." (votesmart.org)
  • "In order to make sure that everyone has access to affordable and quality healthcare, I am constantly introducing bills that will expand Mental Health Services, protect vital programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program." (www.tonycardenasforcongress.com)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans. (votesmart.org)
  • 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)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act." (votesmart.org)
  • ""For far too long, systemic racism has plagued our policing system." said Congressman Cárdenas. "Last summer, following the murder of George Floyd, hundreds of thousands took to the streets to demand accountability and transparency in our system of policing. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is the change that will create a system that holds everyone equally accountable. We need law enforcement to protect and serve all our communities and all people with the equal respect and dignity that we are all entitled. It's time that we end the constant cycle of murder that leaves too many beautiful Americans dead and beautiful communities in pain. I'm proud to support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This vicious cycle must end now."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This past week, millions of Americans across the country came out and speak out against racial injustices and policing practices that target black and brown communities," said Congressman Cárdenas. "One thing is clear: we must change policing in America. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Justice in Policing Act. This bold legislation includes several proposals that will increase transparency and accountability." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "For far too long, systemic racism has plagued our policing system." said Congressman Cárdenas. "Last summer, following the murder of George Floyd, hundreds of thousands took to the streets to demand accountability and transparency in our system of policing. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is the change that will create a system that holds everyone equally accountable. We need law enforcement to protect and serve all our communities and all people with the equal respect and dignity that we are all entitled. It's time that we end the constant cycle of murder that leaves too many beautiful Americans dead and beautiful communities in pain. I'm proud to support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This vicious cycle must end now." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 21% by Center for Security Policy. (votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "Preserving the agreement in the Bipartisan Agreement Act of 2013 that required increased spending to be spread evenly between spending and non-defense discretionary accounts which have both been harmed by the ongoing sequester;" (votesmart.org)
  • "The United States has the greatest military in the world, both in terms of our national arsenal and manpower," said Congressman Tony Cardenas. "We spend more on our national defense than any other developed country, yet our service members do not have adequate protective hearing equipment when they are serving abroad or adequate medical devices when they return home. I am proud that my hearing protection measure for our troops was included in the final passage of the FY20 NDAA. We need to ensure that our men and women of the Armed Forces have all the tools and resources at their disposal to help ensure that their missions are carried out successfully, minimize mission risk, and transition back to civilian life when they return home. I am proud to have supported the passage of this year's defense authorization and I urge the Senate to do their job and pass this bill." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022." (votesmart.org)
  • ""Communities across America -- especially those of color -- are facing some of the worst crises due to outdated and crumbling infrastructure," said Congressman Cárdenas. "Now, as we work to Build Back Better, Democrats are delivering a transformational, bipartisan infrastructure bill that will create good-paying jobs here in the San Fernando Valley, strengthen our economy, secure cleaner air and water and make our community a better place to live. I look forward to President Biden signing this historic legislation into law so we can transform our infrastructure and get America moving."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "As the U.S. House of Representatives continues to work on a much needed infrastructure package, the New Democrat Coalition urges you to recommit to working with Congress on comprehensive and bipartisan legislation. The New Democrat Coalition, a group of more than 100 Democrats in the House seeking to look at old problems through a new lens, view this effort to modernize America's aging infrastructure as an essential component of our broader efforts to create jobs, spur economic growth, and increase our global competitiveness. We believe this is an opportunity for a bold bipartisan effort. Afterall, nobody cares what party you are in when sitting in traffic." (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)
  • "Communities across America -- especially those of color -- are facing some of the worst crises due to outdated and crumbling infrastructure," said Congressman Cárdenas. "Now, as we work to Build Back Better, Democrats are delivering a transformational, bipartisan infrastructure bill that will create good-paying jobs here in the San Fernando Valley, strengthen our economy, secure cleaner air and water and make our community a better place to live. I look forward to President Biden signing this historic legislation into law so we can transform our infrastructure and get America moving." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""Although this did not include everything we wanted, this relief package provides significant assistance for small businesses, hospitals and healthcare workers, and secures funding for desperately-needed COVID-19 testing," said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29). "Today's action, while positive, is not the end of Congress' work to rebuild our economy and contain the spread of the coronavirus. I will continue fighting to support small businesses and protect local jobs and working American families."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Under your leadership, we passed the historic $2 trillion CARES Act. While this action benefited many Americans, more must be done to protect and support communities of color. Moreover, Senate Republicans jammed through nearly $174 billion in tax breaks for big companies and wealthy individuals earning more than $1 million. Let's be clear: these tax breaks were nothing more than a gift to President Trump, the Republicans, and their rich friends. This was yet another legislative example of the rich getting richer off the backs of low-income, hardworking Americans." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 925 - The Heroes Act. (votesmart.org)
  • "Although this did not include everything we wanted, this relief package provides significant assistance for small businesses, hospitals and healthcare workers, and secures funding for desperately-needed COVID-19 testing," said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29). "Today's action, while positive, is not the end of Congress' work to rebuild our economy and contain the spread of the coronavirus. I will continue fighting to support small businesses and protect local jobs and working American families." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today we're celebrating the #InflationReductionAct: ? Takes bold action on climate change and lowers energy costs ? Slashes prescription drug costs ? Lowers the cost of health care ? Lowers the deficit and reduces inflation" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • 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." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Latino students typically still owe 80% of their student loans 12 years after graduating. We simply cannot continue to let this crushing burden drain out and weigh down our communities. It's time for @POTUS to #CancelStudentDebt." (twitter.com)
  • Signed Letter to President Biden: "In roughly 35 days, on September 1, 2022, tens of millions of federal student loan borrowers are scheduled to resume payments. Despite repeated reports and surveys concerning whether borrowers will be able to pay,1 we understand the Administration is considering restarting student loan payments at the end of August.2 We write today to urge you to extend the pause on student loan payments, given the numerous economic issues facing borrowers across the nation, as well as administrative actions in process by the Department of Education." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Student loan forgiveness is about giving hard-working people who put their faith in the American education system a chance to get out from under the crushing burden of debt. President Biden is helping 43 million Americans take control of their futures." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Somehow, not a single Republican voted for this bill. Yet consistently we find these same Republicans supporting voter suppression and restrictive voter ID laws in their home states. We must fight #ForThePeople because this still AMERICA." (twitter.com)
  • "This bill is also a bill of second chances. The For The People Act also restores the right to vote to Americans who served their full sentences and paid their debts to society. Somehow, not a single Republican voted for this bill. Yet consistently we find these same Republicans supporting voter suppression and restrictive voter ID laws in their home states. But here is the truth: It should not matter who your parents are, the color of your skin, or where you live. If you are an American citizen, you deserve to vote without fear, intimidation and discrimination. Period." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Environment America. (votesmart.org)
  • "Since my time on the Los Angeles City Council, I have been a champion of the environment and a proud advocate for renewable energy." (votesmart.org)
  • ""Today, Congress has taken a momentous, bipartisan step towards curbing the climate crisis, paving way for a clean energy future," said Congressman Cárdenas. "This energy package makes significant investments in clean energy and encourages innovation all while creating new jobs -- jobs for a 21st century economy. With wildfires raging in the West and hurricanes devastating the golf, we must act now to address the climate crisis -- that means moving away from dirty fossil fuels and investing heavily in renewable energy. I am proud that two of my pro-climate bills were included in this comprehensive package and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019." (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, Congress has taken a momentous, bipartisan step towards curbing the climate crisis, paving way for a clean energy future," said Congressman Cárdenas. "This energy package makes significant investments in clean energy and encourages innovation all while creating new jobs -- jobs for a 21st century economy. With wildfires raging in the West and hurricanes devastating the golf, we must act now to address the climate crisis -- that means moving away from dirty fossil fuels and investing heavily in renewable energy. I am proud that two of my pro-climate bills were included in this comprehensive package and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Methane pollution is worsening the #climatecrisis and harming the health of our families and communities. Just voted to restore Obama-era Clean Air pollution standards and to move forward with even stronger safeguards. #CutMethane." (twitter.com)
  • Signed a letter stating: "Congress cannot afford to maintain the status quo. The IPCC report found that climate change is occurring earlier and more rapidly than expected and that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society. If we maintain the status quo, we only have 12 years before we will reach a global warming of 1.5°C. According to the NCA, the dominant cause is human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions. We already see the consequences of 1°C of global warming through more extreme weather events, deadly wildfires, rising sea levels, and diminishing Arctic sea ice. Inaction and underinvestment will increase the risk of long-lasting or irreversible change." (votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Administrator Regan: "We write to express our appreciation for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) historic action to combat methane emissions in the agency's recent announcement to strengthen regulations on new and modified sources, and to expand safeguards to existing sources of methane from oil and gas production. We celebrate the much-needed progress EPA is making on methane emissions through this proposal, including necessary protections to zero-out emissions from intentionally polluting equipment like pneumatic controllers." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2467 "PFAS Action Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. (votesmart.org)
  • "That is why now is the time for us to demand that something change. We can correct course from last night. We can combat the ignorance that pervades the minds of the elected Congressmen and women who don't believe this nation has a gun issue. We can overcome the heartache that targeted acts of violence and hate crimes bring to our communities. Congress must address these issues head-on and find a better solution now." (votesmart.org)
  • "TODAY, instead of trying to prevent gun violence, Republicans in Congress actually passed an NRA priority: #HR38, which allows untrained people to carry a concealed gun ANYWHERE in America if they have a permit from other states, even those with little to no requirements to obtain one. I voted NO on #HR38 because it makes it more difficult for police to do their job. #HR38 is opposed by law enforcement, 17 attorneys general, mayors across the country, and healthcare professionals." (www.facebook.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "My dad refused to get his broken leg treated because he couldn’t afford it. That’s what families in my district and across this nation are going through every single day. We need a healthcare system that guarantees everyone is covered. We need #MedicareForAll." (twitter.com)
  • "#MedicareForAll is about ensuring every American has health coverage regardless of financial status. I'm proud to support this bill so that no family is forced to choose between a meal and life-saving medicine." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "All working people should be able to take time off without having to fear losing their health insurance or jobs. #Paidleave means freedom from this fear. California’s state law shows that progress is possible— it's time for a national program and the #FAMILYAct is the solution!" (twitter.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." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. Over the past year, the House has passed bills to lower the cost of prescription drugs & expand health coverage. We will continue our work #ForThePeople in the new year." (twitter.com)
  • "Mr. Speaker, the Affordable Insulin Now Act is a just act. This personal affliction of diabetes affects millions of families every day. The price of insulin is too much for hardworking American families, and the Affordable Insulin Now Act is something that is going to bring life to individuals and opportunity for families. My father died from diabetes 10 days before our son Cristian was born. I hoped and prayed that he would live long enough so I could present him to his grandfather, but that didn't happen. That is what this affliction does. It robs time. It robs the life out of people, and that doesn't need to happen. For $35 a month--no, not hundreds of dollars--this act will help relieve families." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Instead of manufacturing a crisis at the border, President Trump should commit to signing our bipartisan plan to keep government open and provide strong, smart border security solutions. #SOTU" (twitter.com)
  • "@realDonaldTrump claims to want to protect Dreamers, but the first Dreamer has been deported under his administration: #RenewDACA" (www.usatoday.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 "NO BAN Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "We need comprehensive immigration reform to create a fair and practical path to citizenship." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 "NO BAN Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6 "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Glad @POTUS is banning Russian oil imports and cutting off the strength of Putin's economy. We're meeting Putin's aggression by adding to the most significant package of economic sanctions in history." (twitter.com)
  • "The United States and our allies stand strongly in support of a free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine. I strongly support President Biden's decision to impose new economic sanctions and commend his work with our German partners to halt the approval of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4695 "Protect Against Conflict by Turkey (PACT) Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Congress has already delivered $13.6 billion in humanitarian, military and economic support for Ukraine, and we're ready to do more to help the Ukrainian people during this crisis." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • ".@POTUS just signed the #InflationReductionAct into law! Today I’m celebrating an historic investment in climate & clean energy, lower health care costs, and fair taxes for billion-dollar corporations. Tomorrow I’m back to pushing for the resources our community needs & deserves." (twitter.com)
  • Signed Letter to Chairman Brady: "As members of the California Congressional Delegation, we write to express our deepest concerns about any proposed changes to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, as indicated in the "Big Six" framework. The SALT deduction allows taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes from their federal taxable income, and was written into the federal tax code since the inception of the income tax in 1913. It has fostered a strong partnership between federal and state and local governments, and we oppose any change that would damage this cultivated relationship. SALT ensures that the income of our residents is not taxed twice -- once by the state or local entity, and again by the federal government. In 2015, over 6.1 million California households claimed the SALT deduction. Of those claimants, 82.57% were families earning less than $200,000 in household income." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5377 "Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Public Citizen. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed a letter stating: "American auto workers, parts suppliers and retailers, dealers, vehicle service providers, and millions of consumers depend on a healthy and competitive U.S. auto industry. As you know, this vital sector employs nearly four percent of our total private sector workforce and is a key engine that powers our economy. However, if tariffs were to be implemented, new vehicle prices will likely increase, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs." (votesmart.org)
  • "Trump's tariffs are preventing Valley businesses from growing and are stopping them from hiring, ultimately making it harder to compete with China. This is hurting the economy in Southern California and across the United States. The American people are the biggest losers in Trump's trade war. He is killing the American dream." (cardenas.house.gov)
  • Voted against HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act." (votesmart.org)

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