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Michael Bennet's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Michael Bennet 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.

  • "Michael believes that Washington, D.C. should follow Colorado’s lead and codify Roe v. Wade into law, so that women can make these most personal reproductive decisions with their doctors, and without government interference." (michaelbennet.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3755 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Michael believes that Washington, D.C. should follow Colorado’s lead and codify Roe v. Wade into law, so that women can make these most personal reproductive decisions with their doctors, and without government interference." (michaelbennet.com)
  • "The Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade cannot be the last word. Congress must do what Americans overwhelmingly support — codify the right to choose." (twitter.com)
  • "Since 2017, Michael has fought for a public option called Medicare X that would expand on the promise of the Affordable Care Act to achieve universal healthcare, and allow people to keep their private insurance if they want." (michaelbennet.com)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: "We write to express bipartisan support for the Medicare Advantage program and the high-quality, affordable care it provides to over 27 million older adults and people with disabilities. We appreciate the Administration's ongoing commitment to preserve and strengthen the program, as demonstrated in the proposed CMS 2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D AdvanceNotice. As you consider annual updates for plan year 2023, we ask you to ensure that payment or policy changes allow Medicare Advantage plans to continue to provide the patient-centered care that 43 percent of Medicare-eligible Americans rely on every day." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Pres. Roosevelt hailed the Social Security Act as “sound, needed & patriotic legislation” when he signed it into law 87 years ago. Today, it's a critical benefit for millions. But that hasn't stopped efforts to strip it away. We have a responsibility to #ProtectSocialSecurity." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 90% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 2093 "For the People Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We need to overturn Citizens United." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The broken campaign finance system gives large corporations and their lobbyists too much power in Washington. Michael puts Colorado first and stands up to corporate special interests to reform our politics. He has been recognized as a leader on anti-corruption efforts in Congress by End Citizens United. Michael is the only Senator running for re-election who is not taking any money from corporate PACs and federal lobbyists. He’s currently working to ban members of Congress from trading stocks and ever becoming lobbyists. Michael knows Washington plays by different rules, and he wants to put an end to that." (michaelbennet.com)
  • "The broken campaign finance system gives large corporations and their lobbyists too much power in Washington. Michael puts Colorado first and stands up to corporate special interests to reform our politics. He has been recognized as a leader on anti-corruption efforts in Congress by End Citizens United. Michael is the only Senator running for re-election who is not taking any money from corporate PACs and federal lobbyists. He’s currently working to ban members of Congress from trading stocks and ever becoming lobbyists. Michael knows Washington plays by different rules, and he wants to put an end to that." (michaelbennet.com)
  • "George Floyd’s death is tragic, horrifying, and unacceptable. We cannot become numb to this. We must work for an equitable system that allows George Floyd and his family to have justice. We are a long way from that." (twitter.com)
  • "In the wake of the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the overdue demands of protesters across the nation, I'm joining @SenBooker & @SenKamalaHarris in introducing the Justice in Policing Act. This is one step of many we must take to seek justice for black Americans." (twitter.com)
  • "In the wake of the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, we need legislation to hold police accountable. The Justice in Policing Act is one step of many we must take to dismantle systemic racism." (twitter.com)
  • "We must work together to dismantle systemic racism in our country and hold ourselves accountable to seek justice for black Americans and other victims of racial violence. We owe it to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and their families." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "From protecting our ports and related infrastructure to supporting our military families, the NDAA makes critical investments in our nation's armed forces to boost our national security and military capabilities. This bill also includes a provision we introduced to establish a commission to study the Afghanistan War -- an important step to help our nation examine the serial misjudgments across administrations for the duration of this war." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Council for a Livable World (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today we passed the final #NDAA in the Senate to bolster innovation in space, cyber & AI technologies and better prepare us for future threats. It also makes investments in Colorado’s bases, including Fort Carson, Schriever Air Force Base, & the Air Force Academy." (twitter.com)
  • "Michael helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which will rebuild roads and bridges while creating good-paying jobs, and expand access to high-speed internet so Coloradans can fully participate in the 21st century economy." (michaelbennet.com)
  • "Today's House vote moves us one step closer to a transformational investment in our infrastructure. For years, Washington has talked about coming together to rebuild America. This bill finally achieves it with a historic, bipartisan investment in the roads, bridges, airports, water systems, and high-speed broadband America needs to compete in the 21st century. But our work isn't finished. We must also pass new investments to support kids and families, fight climate change, restore our Western forests and watersheds, and expand access to health care. At a time when many people have lost faith in Washington, we can remind Americans that our government can respond meaningfully to their urgent challenges." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1158 "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "Our #RESTARTAct to help the hardest-hit small businesses has a wide range of support – from 57 Senate cosponsors to thousands of small business leaders to iconic artists in film and music. We need to include this bill in the next relief package so we can invest in our country." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 748 "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our #RESTARTAct to help the hardest-hit small businesses has a wide range of support – from 57 Senate cosponsors to thousands of small business leaders to iconic artists in film and music. We need to include this bill in the next relief package so we can invest in our country." (twitter.com)
  • "We have a crisis in our country because so many of our children are growing up in poverty. I look forward to working with @JanetYellen to cut childhood poverty nearly in half by including a critical child tax credit—based on my #AmericanFamilyAct—in the next COVID relief package." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Every provision in the Inflation Reduction Act is a victory for common sense — from lowering drug prices to working toward energy independence. It's a victory for the American people over special interests and the status quo. I don’t know how anyone could be against it." (twitter.com)
  • "@POTUS just signed our bipartisan CHIPS Act into law to lower costs for families, strengthen supply chains, and boost U.S. tech competitiveness. Between this historic bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, it's an amazing moment for our country." (twitter.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act includes the largest investment we’ve ever made in climate. It requires Medicare to negotiate drug prices to lower costs. It will make health care more affordable. I'm incredibly excited about what this bill means for our country." (twitter.com)
  • "If @POTUS is going to spend $230 billion to cancel student loan debt, he needs to do it in a way that reaches those who need it most & reforms the underlying system that got us here. Otherwise, we’re simply passing along this injustice to another generation of college students." (twitter.com)
  • "I'm pleased that @POTUS has extended the pause on student loan repayments through August — something I called for last month. This will help Colorado borrowers as they face high costs. Now, let's work together to develop long-term solutions to help student loan borrowers." (twitter.com)
  • "I'm urging @POTUS to extend the pause on student loan repayment as our economy continues to recover. With college tuition rising, we must work together to address our country's student loan debt crisis and ease the financial burden many Americans face." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 90% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Since 2013, many states have passed discriminatory voting laws that have made it more difficult for people of color and low-income individuals to vote in elections. Nearly 1,200 polling locations have closed since the Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder. The country is witnessing a spread of voter suppression laws sweep across the country. From voter identification laws, to voter roll purges, elected officials are making it hard for Americans to vote. This resolution affirms the Senate's commitment to modernizing and strengthening the Act through further legislative efforts." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today that means protecting our right to vote from threats like voter suppression, partisan gerrymandering, disinformation, and elections awash in special interest money. It also means not only celebrating the Voting Rights Act, but strengthening it for the 21st century." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 2747 "Freedom to Vote Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Colorado has led the way on solar power, demonstrating the clear economic benefits of investing in this industry," said Bennet. "To compete on the global stage with countries like China, we should ensure long-term growth of America's solar industry by supporting domestic solar manufacturing at every stage. This legislation is one of our best opportunities to create good-paying jobs, improve our infrastructure, and secure our supply chain all while tackling climate change. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Colorado is leading the nation's shift to a clean energy economy with cutting-edge developments in renewable energy technologies like onshore wind," said Bennet. "The Onshore Wind American Manufacturing Act will drive greater investment in our state, create good-paying American jobs in clean energy, and help us meet our critical climate goals." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "One year ago today, @POTUS withdrew from the #ParisAgreement. Despite this wrongheaded move, Colorado continues to lead the way toward a #cleanenergy economy with measurable goals to combat #climatechange & meet the Paris standards. This is what progress looks like." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Environment America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "One year ago today, @POTUS withdrew from the #ParisAgreement. Despite this wrongheaded move, Colorado continues to lead the way toward a #cleanenergy economy with measurable goals to combat #climatechange & meet the Paris standards. This is what progress looks like." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Environment America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Chair of Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: "Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the statement below after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined objections to a portion of the Clean Air Act (CAA) Title V air permit renewal for the Suncor Refinery Plant 2 in Commerce City, Colorado as well as recommendations for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) relating to community engagement, documentation actions, and demonstration of attainment of air quality standards: 'More must be done to protect the health and well-being of the vulnerable communities that surround the Suncor facility outside Denver. I am grateful to EPA for turning its attention toward this important matter and for looking into ways to better protect our communities from dangerous air pollution. Every family in Colorado deserves access to clean air and clean water.'" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S J Res 14 "A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to 'Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review'" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Chair of Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: "Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the statement below after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined objections to a portion of the Clean Air Act (CAA) Title V air permit renewal for the Suncor Refinery Plant 2 in Commerce City, Colorado as well as recommendations for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) relating to community engagement, documentation actions, and demonstration of attainment of air quality standards: 'More must be done to protect the health and well-being of the vulnerable communities that surround the Suncor facility outside Denver. I am grateful to EPA for turning its attention toward this important matter and for looking into ways to better protect our communities from dangerous air pollution. Every family in Colorado deserves access to clean air and clean water." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S J Res 14 "A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to 'Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "After suffering too many devastating mass shootings, Colorado rose to the occasion and passed legislation to expand background checks. It's past time for the Senate to follow Colorado's lead. That's why I'm joining my colleagues in introducing legislation to expand federal background checks to all gun sales. I didn't grow up in a country where mass gun violence was a normal condition of American life. Our kids shouldn't have to either." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 7% by National Rifle Association (NRA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S Amdt 4750 "Fix Gun Checks Act of 2016" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "12 years ago, the #AffordableCareAct was signed into law. It dramatically improved health care in America and saved lives. #ThxACA It’s time to build on our progress by passing a public option to reduce health care costs and achieve universal coverage." (twitter.com)
  • "Coloradans are not asking us to get rid of the ACA. They want us to build on it so we can have a health care system that covers everyone in this country in an affordable way." (twitter.com)
  • "HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE TOO HIGH AND COLORADANS NEED REALISTIC SOLUTIONS THAT EXPAND ACCESS TO GOOD QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE." (michaelbennet.com)
  • "Michael worked with Republicans to lower health care costs by ending surprise emergency medical bills and cut red tape so Coloradans can quickly access lifesaving medicines for cancer, diabetes, and more. Now, Michael is fighting to cap out-of-pocket insulin prices at $35 per month and to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. Since 2017, Michael has fought for a public option called Medicare X that would expand on the promise of the Affordable Care Act to achieve universal healthcare, and allow people to keep their private insurance if they want." (michaelbennet.com)
  • "It’s unacceptable that the United States does not guarantee #paidleave for our workers. We must pass the #FAMILYAct to guarantee paid leave, support working families and small businesses, and – in turn – strengthen our economy." (twitter.com)
  • "It's unacceptable that we don’t guarantee paid leave for our workers in this country. No one should have to choose between their family's health and their paycheck. The Senate must pass the #FAMILYAct to guarantee paid leave & support working families." (twitter.com)
  • "Today’s hearing showed encouraging bipartisan support for #PaidLeave. We need real paid leave that supports new parents, family caregivers, and workers suffering from an illness themselves." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "In the wealthiest country in the world, seniors have to cut pills in half or skip doses because of the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs. What a disgrace. It is past time we address this crisis and lower the cost of medications." (twitter.com)
  • "Kris G. from Denver has 4 bleeding disorders, asthma, & several allergies. Kris says, "I shouldn’t have to live in constant fear of a medical emergency also bringing financial ruin to me and my family." Congress must pass legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs." (twitter.com)
  • "Michael worked with Republicans to lower health care costs by ending surprise emergency medical bills and cut red tape so Coloradans can quickly access lifesaving medicines for cancer, diabetes, and more. Now, Michael is fighting to cap out-of-pocket insulin prices at $35 per month and to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. Since 2017, Michael has fought for a public option called Medicare X that would expand on the promise of the Affordable Care Act to achieve universal healthcare, and allow people to keep their private insurance if they want." (michaelbennet.com)
  • "No Coloradan should be forced to choose between paying to fill their prescription and putting food on the table. I'm working to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, cap the price of insulin, and lower the cost of other life-saving medications." (twitter.com)
  • "Claims that Democrats aren't serious about border security are absurd." (twitter.com)
  • "The President is willing and “proud” to shut down the government over an ineffective border wall, and the American people pay the price. We want a secure border. We don’t want @realDonaldTrump’s invented political issue." (twitter.com)
  • "We have to find a way to work together on immigration reform. We can honor our heritage as a nation of immigrants, secure the benefits to our economy, comply with the rule of law, and restore confidence that our border is secure.None of that is an unreasonable expectation." (twitter.com)
  • "Why has @realDonaldTrump #shutdown the government? Over a wall he promised Mexico would pay for. Clearly he didn’t fulfill that promise or we wouldn’t be here. He's also lying about the need for this wall, b/c we've offered him $25 billion for border security & he turned it down." (twitter.com)
  • "DACA recipients are our classmates, friends, and front line workers. They are America. I'm relieved President Biden has acted to lift the shadow of uncertainty from their lives. Now we need comprehensive immigration reform so no future president can weaponize #DACA for politics." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and John Hickenlooper (D) joined their Senate colleagues and dozens of members of the U.S. House of Representatives to introduce the bicameral U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. The comprehensive immigration reform bill is modeled after President Joe Biden's bold, inclusive, and humane framework for the future of the United States immigration system. The legislation would provide millions of hardworking, undocumented immigrants with a pathway to citizenship, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, Temporary Protective Status (TPS) recipients, and essential workers who have made enormous sacrifices during the pandemic; prioritize family reunification and keeping families together; and bolster the country's long-term economic growth. The bill would also equip the country to responsibly and effectively manage the border with smart and effective investments, address root causes of migration that force people to leave Central America, and restore the United States' commitment to human rights. "During my time as superintendent of Denver Public Schools, I saw how our broken immigration system failed kids living in the shadows. Since joining the Senate, I've been fighting for comprehensive immigration reform for those kids and all of our immigrant families across the country," said Bennet. "Fixing our immigration system will benefit our economy, increase our global competitiveness, and help millions of hardworking immigrants and their families fully embrace building a life in America. I'm proud to support this legislation and hope we can finally get comprehensive immigration reform over the finish line." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against S Amdt 1948 "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (Toomey Amendment)" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "DACA recipients are our classmates, friends, and front line workers. They are America. I'm relieved President Biden has acted to lift the shadow of uncertainty from their lives. Now we need comprehensive immigration reform so no future president can weaponize #DACA for politics." (twitter.com)
  • Voted against S Amdt 1948 "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (Toomey Amendment)" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Putin’s egregious rejection of Ukrainian sovereignty violates international law. President Biden must respond with severe sanctions in coordination with allied democracies immediately." (twitter.com)
  • "Today’s indictments again prove that Putin interfered in 2016 election. There's no good explanation for why admin hasn’t imposed a single sanction for election interference. @POTUS must stop taking Putin’s denials at face value & work to deter future interference in our democracy" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 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)
  • "We should impose the full weight of economic sanctions right now, explore options to bolster the Ukrainian resistance, and stand resolute in our support of democracy and the rule of law." (twitter.com)
  • "I’m pleased Congress came together to send critical humanitarian and security assistance to help the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of sovereignty and democracy. We must continue to work with our allies to support Ukraine and punish Putin for his lawless war." (twitter.com)
  • "Putin's war is about more than Ukraine. It's about whether, in the 21st century, one country can invade another to substitute its totalitarian will over the right of a people to determine their own future through democracy. We must support Ukraine in its pursuit of sovereignty." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 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)
  • "We should impose the full weight of economic sanctions right now, explore options to bolster the Ukrainian resistance, and stand resolute in our support of democracy and the rule of law." (twitter.com)
  • "$0. That is what 55 of the largest corporations paid in taxes last year — less than every teacher, nurse, and firefighter in America. Our bill ends that by creating a minimum corporate tax so that the biggest businesses finally pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
  • "19 of the largest U.S. corporations paid little to no income tax in 2021. That's completely unacceptable. @RonWyden, @SenWarren, @SenAngusKing, and I introduced legislation to make the largest businesses finally pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
  • "He believes the wealthy and big corporations should pay their fair share in taxes so he’s fighting to reverse the Trump tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations and invest in working families." (michaelbennet.com)
  • Rated 6% by National Tax Limitation Committee (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "ICYMI: @CBS4Shaun reports how the President's tariffs are directly harming farmers & ranchers in Colorado — from commodity prices to planting decisions. One thing is clear from our discussion this weekend: Nobody wins in a trade war." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by Public Citizen (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Signed Letter to Ambassador Office of the United States Trade Representative: "We write to express our strong support for establishing a comprehensive exclusion process for U.S. manufacturers, producers, and importers to request relief from tariffs placed on products from China pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. We appreciate your October announcement of a modified exclusion process. However, we are concerned that the narrow nature of this exclusion process may prevent struggling business and manufacturers from receiving relief that they desperately need, given the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, only one percent of imports under the original exclusion process are eligible for consideration. We believe that a comprehensive exclusion process that gives an opportunity for businesses affected by the tariffs to apply for limited, yet renewable, relief is a valuable component of our strategy to counter China's unfair trade practices. In addition to easing the tariffs' negative impacts on U.S. businesses, it would also give those businesses additional time and resources to move supply chains out of China and return manufacturing to the United States. We believe that restarting a full exclusion process can allow the United States to continue to maintain pressure on China, while providing relief to the economic pain facing businesses and workers across the country. We have all heard from constituents about the impacts of the tariffs and importance of having a chance to apply for a tariff exclusion." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5430 "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "ICYMI: @CBS4Shaun reports how the President's tariffs are directly harming farmers & ranchers in Colorado — from commodity prices to planting decisions. One thing is clear from our discussion this weekend: Nobody wins in a trade war." (twitter.com)

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