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Terri Sewell's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (AL) - District 7

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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.

  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • "This is yet another blatantly unconstitutional attack on a woman’s right to choose. As states attempt to erode Roe v. Wade I remain deeply concerned about the future of reproductive rights. Women everywhere MUST have access to a full range of reproductive health care services!" (x.com)
  • "With the Supreme Court hearing a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, the future of reproductive health care is on the line. That's why I'm co-sponsoring the Women's Health Protection Act to ensure that everyone has access to a FULL range of reproductive health care. #WHPA" (x.com)
  • Signed Letter to Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader - Abolishing the Filibuster and Protecting Reproductive Freedom: "We write today with renewed urgency regarding the filibuster and the ability of the 117th Congress to work toward a future where all of us are free to make personal decisions, without political interference. When Roe v. Wade was decided almost fifty years ago, the courts made it unequivocally clear that access to safe and legal abortion is a constitutional right. This decision has given people safer access to abortion services and contraception, and has helped make America a beacon of hope. However, after decades of attacks on abortion rights, the recent draft opinion by the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade not only endangers millions of people and families -- it also shows us that we can no longer rely on the courts to protect these fundamental rights. We must codify the right to abortion access through federal legislation, and we cannot allow the filibuster to stand in the way." (None)
  • Rated 97% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • "Social Security should not only be protected, it should also be improved and expanded, Sewell said. "Let's be clear: Social Security is not an entitlement. It is a retirement plan that hardworking Americans earn and pay for throughout their careers." (votesmart.org)
  • "That is why I am a co-chair of the Expand Social Security Caucus, a group of Democrats who have committed to protecting and expanding Social Security benefits." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610 "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 5% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "This #TaxDay, let's talk about the real impact of the #GOPTaxScam: higher costs for working families and huge breaks for the top 1 percent. Instead of investing in billionaires, our tax system should put the American worker first!!" (x.com)
  • "Under GOP control, Congress gave tax breaks to billionaires & wealthy corporations. Now, under President Biden and Congressional Democrats, we’re taking on special interests to deliver HISTORIC wins for the American people. Just look at some of what @POTUS has signed into law!" (x.com)
  • Rated 9% by National Taxpayers Union (None)
  • "We are only two months into 2023 and yet today is the day millionaires and billionaires hit the "payroll tax cap" and stop paying into #SocialSecurity. That's unfair and just plain wrong. We need to #ScrapTheCap to ensure the wealthiest Americans are paying their fair share!" (x.com)
  • "Most workers pay into #SocialSecurity all year, but millionaires don’t pay their fair share. To reduce inequality, we should #ScrapTheCap. As a member of the Social Security Subcommittee on Ways and Means, I will fight to ensure we #ExpandSocialSecurity equitably!" (x.com)
  • "This #TaxDay, let's talk about the real impact of the #GOPTaxScam: higher costs for working families and huge breaks for the top 1 percent. Instead of investing in billionaires, our tax system should put the American worker first!!" (x.com)
  • Rated 5% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "The For the People Act fights back with reforms to stop gerrymandering, strengthen campaign finance laws, and close ethics loopholes. As we begin work in the House to investigate voter discrimination and the state of voter protections in our elections, I am proud to see a commitment in the For the People Act to restoring the vote. There is much work left to do, but today's introduction takes a big step towards building a government of, by, and for the people." (votesmart.org)
  • "10 years ago #CitizensUnited opened the floodgates to unlimited spending in our elections, allowing groups with hidden agendas to influence elections without disclosing their political donations. The Senate must return power to the people and pass #HR1!" (x.com)
  • "We need to limit the influence of money in our politics and make critical updates to our campaign finance laws." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "George Floyd should be alive. While his murderer was held accountable, the same cannot be said for countless Black Americans who continue to be killed by those whose job is to serve and protect. We must enact the #GeorgeFloydJusticeInPolicingAct & continue our fight for justice." (twitter.com)
  • "In the wake of George Floyd's murder and the subsequent protests across the nation, there is no denying that this moment is different. Our brothers and sisters -- Black and white -- are crying out for bold change. All lives cannot matter until Black Lives Matter. The Justice In Policing Act will help save lives and, importantly, hold police accountable." (None)
  • "The George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act holds officers ACCOUNTABLE for misconduct. They must be responsible to the communities they swore to protect and serve. It's time to change the culture of policing in America. It’s time to pass the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act." (twitter.com)
  • "We in Alabama are proud to play a vital role in supporting our national defense. I just toured the 187th Fighter Wing ANG Base in Montgomery to see our service members in action and thank them for their service. Excited to announce MAJOR funding for this unit later today!!" (x.com)
  • "Ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have the resources they need to defend our nation is one of my most solemn responsibilities as a Member of Congress and one that I do not take lightly," said Rep. Sewell."This defense bill not only meets the needs of our servicemembers, but also invests in HBCUs, combats sexual assault in the military, promotes climate resiliency, and strengthens our national security." (None)
  • "Today, I joined lawmakers from both parties to pass the National Defense Authorization Act - a bill that will strengthen our national security and give our service members a well-deserved pay raise! Great moment of bipartisanship." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • "If we want to build a competitive workforce in today’s economy, we have to bring our national infrastructure up to speed by making smart investments in our housing, transportation, water, energy and internet infrastructure. Throughout my time in Congress, I have helped secure a $20 million TIGER Grant for Birmingham and the BJCTA Bus Rapid Transit system. Just this year, I helped secure a $50 million CHOICE Communities Grant to build more affordable housing in the Smithfield, College Hills, and Graymont neighborhoods. And in Alabama’s rural Black Belt, I have helped communities win tens of millions of dollars for water and sewer improvements. (sewellforcongress.com)
  • "It is essential that we begin preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. I have led efforts on rural broadband investment and measures to encourage greater private investment in apprenticeships and our workforce development pipeline. I will continue to work to expand technology deployment to close the digital divide in our rural areas and increase investment in workforce development so Alabamians will be prepared to take advantage of new economic opportunities." (sewellforcongress.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, I had the opportunity to tour the American Life Building with its owner and developer Ed Ticheli who is overseeing its transformation into affordable workforce housing apartments. This project was made possible thanks to Opportunity Zone funding!" (x.com)
  • "I'm thrilled to share that Birmingham has been awarded over $2.1 million from @HUDgov to expand affordable housing choices for families. That means more stability and greater economic mobility for Birmingham's children!!" (x.com)
  • "This morning, I presented a check for $1.5 million to the Cornerstone Revitalization Foundation in Birmingham! I was proud to secure this funding which will provide education & affordable housing to help previously incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society." (x.com)
  • "Yesterday, Team Sewell proudly joined the City of Selma and the Selma Housing Authority to celebrate a $500,000 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant from @HUDgov! I know this is just the first step in making a difference for the GWC Housing Project in Selma!" (x.com)
  • "It’s official! @POTUS just signed the historic #InflationReductionAct! This law will fight inflation, cut health care costs, cut drug costs, and cut the deficit, all while tackling the climate crisis! Proud to be Alabama’s only Member of Congress (again) to vote YES!" (x.com)
  • "Exactly 1 year ago, @POTUS signed Democrats' #CHIPSandScienceAct! It is because of smart, effective laws like this that we have created millions of jobs, lowered inflation, diversified our STEM workforce, and supercharged America's competitiveness in science & tech. #Bidenomics" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7688 "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (None)
  • "Today, the Supreme Court has chosen to side with Republican state officials who would rather score political points against President Biden than help hard-working Americans being crushed by student loan debt. To say that I am disappointed would be an understatement." (x.com)
  • "Thank you, @POTUS!! Grateful that President Biden is continuing to deliver on his promise to ease the burden of student loan debt. This will provide much needed relief for tens of thousands of Alabama borrowers!" (x.com)
  • "90% of the benefits of @POTUS' student loan debt cancellation will go to those earning less than $75,000. Grateful to have a President who follows through on his promises and looks out for the needs of our students and working families." (x.com)
  • "Generations of Alabamians fought, bled and died for our right to vote, and we have an obligation to remember and honor their story. I was honored that my first piece of successful legislation recognized the "Four Little Girls" who tragically lost their lives during the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in 1963. The Congressional Gold Medal bill I introduced passed unanimously in both houses of Congress and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on May 24, 2013. I also sponsored a successful Congressional Gold Medal bill honoring the Foot Soldiers, whose courageous march from Selma to Montgomery led to passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. My bill honoring our Civil Rights and Voting Rights Foot Soldiers was signed into law by President Obama on March 18, 2015." (sewellforcongress.com)
  • "Across the country, state and local lawmakers are using new voter suppression strategies to keep working families and historically marginalized people from having a fair voice in our elections. From strict ID requirements, to gerrymandering, to polling place closures, these tactics are designed to silence the voices of American voters." (sewellforcongress.com)
  • "Our elections should be free and fair, which is why I am leading the fight to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). In the House, I am the author and lead sponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill to restore the VRA, which has the support of more than 200 representatives as well as citizen groups across the country. As co-chair of the Commission to Protect American Democracy, I have also worked to expose Trump’s fake claims of voter fraud in the 2016 elections for what they are." (sewellforcongress.com)
  • Rated 83% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019." (votesmart.org)
  • "Putin's war in Ukraine has caused gas prices to rise by $1/gallon and Alabamians are being forced to foot the bill. This confirms what we already know. We must speed up—NOT slow down—our transition to a clean energy future so that autocrats can't weaponize oil & gas against us." (x.com)
  • "We're bringing millions to @UofAlabama for new, clean energy Crimson Ride electric buses! That means a cleaner, healthier environment for the campus community and the Tuscaloosa region. So proud to help secure these funds in the #BipartisanInfrastructureLaw!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • "Putin's war in Ukraine has caused gas prices to rise by $1/gallon and Alabamians are being forced to foot the bill. This confirms what we already know. We must speed up—NOT slow down—our transition to a clean energy future so that autocrats can't weaponize oil & gas against us." (x.com)
  • "We’re faced with a historic opportunity to create a clean energy economy that provides good-paying jobs, cleaner air for our children & a safer climate for future generations." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America (None)
  • "Requiring universal background checks on the sale of every gun is an essential part of ensuring that guns do not fall into the wrong hands. According to one study, nearly a quarter of Americans who acquired a gun did so without a background check. Without a background check, we can't be sure if they were felons, domestic abusers or violent criminals." (votesmart.org)
  • "We need stronger laws that prevent gun violence and we need it now. Make no mistake--strengthening background checks, eliminating gun show loopholes, and preventing potential terrorists and criminals from acquiring assault weapons will not limit the rights of lawful gun owners to protect and defend themselves." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "I am a strong believer that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. As extremists continue their assault on the Affordable Care Act, our fight for access to affordable, quality care is more important than ever." (sewellforcongress.com)
  • "#ACA delivered #healthcare to millions of Americans. Rather than abandoning, we must improve the ACA by reducing costs #ProtectOurCare" (x.com)
  • "Hardworking Alabamians deserve quality healthcare. Expanding Medicaid would help provide healthcare for those working but who struggle to afford health insurance! And Medicaid expansion could generate $2.7BIL in economic activity EVERY YEAR! What gives?!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "America’s working women need an economy that supports them. We MUST ensure they have to access #ChildCare & #PaidLeave. Doing so would uplift families and strengthen our economy" (x.com)
  • "I lost my mom to cancer during the pandemic, and while I had a support system to help me through it, countless women across this nation are forced to juggle work and caregiving when crisis hits. We need an economy that supports women and caregivers. We need #PaidLeave NOW." (twitter.com)
  • "Public health crises like the Coronavirus underscore the importance of universal healthcare access & paid family medical leave—because getting sick shouldn't mean losing a paycheck. That's why we must pass legislation to expand healthcare access & guarantee paid leave!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "In 2022, we did just that. With my support, Congress successfully capped the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors. For the first time in history, we beat the special interests and allowed Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for our seniors. In the coming months, our provisions to cap out-of-pocket prescription drug prices will take effect, helping our seniors afford the medications they rely on." (sewellforcongress.com)
  • "The House just passed the #LowerDrugCosts Now Act! The status quo on prescription drug prices is broken—you shouldn’t have to choose between paying your monthly bills and paying for your life-saving prescription drugs. This bill will #LowerDrugCosts for all Americans!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "To be clear, it is never a good idea to shutdown govt over policy disputes. The American people deserve better. I look forward to working in a bipartisan way to pass funding bills that reflect our shared values, respect our workers and invest in effective border security." (x.com)
  • "At the Border, visiting with separated families and hearing their stories of inhumane treatment by US border control and ICE. We can’t fight for human rights abroad and treat immigrants inhumanly! #unacceptable #WeAreBetterThanThis!" (x.com)
  • "Big challenges deserve bipartisan solutions. The bipartisan #USAact would give DREAMers a permanent legislative #DACA fix while providing critical improvements to border security. Proud to join Members on both sides of the aisle!" (x.com)
  • "Tonight, the new Dem majority in the House took its first votes - votes to reopen government. We passed a bipartisan package of bills ALREADY passed by GOP Senate before the shutdown - no taxpayer money for a wall, but funding to strengthen border security. Let’s end this thing." (x.com)
  • "This past week I went to the border US-Mexico border to see firsthand the impact of Trump's immigration policy. Here are the facts on the ground: families are still being torn apart, reunification is NOT going smoothly, asylum seekers continue to be held in inhumane conditions." (x.com)
  • "At the Border, visiting with separated families and hearing their stories of inhumane treatment by US border control and ICE. We can’t fight for human rights abroad and treat immigrants inhumanly! #unacceptable #WeAreBetterThanThis!" (x.com)
  • "Big challenges deserve bipartisan solutions. The bipartisan #USAact would give DREAMers a permanent legislative #DACA fix while providing critical improvements to border security. Proud to join Members on both sides of the aisle!" (x.com)
  • "Trump's refusal to restore DACA goes back on our promise to DREAMers - that in exchange for coming forward, paying taxes, and contributing as members of our armed services and students in our schools, they would be allowed to stay in the country they call home. Disgraceful." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Trump says that the "People that treat us badly, we treat them much worse." Does that apply to Russia @realDonaldTrump? Because your Administration refuses to implement Congress-passed sanctions against them. #CPAC2018" (x.com)
  • "Under Secretary Hale told me that President Trump himself requested the hold on Ukrainian military aid. This aid is critically important not only to Ukrainian national security, but also American security and interests across the globe." (x.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)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5692 "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "One year into Putin's invasion and Ukraine stands strong. Thanks to the grit of its people, the leadership of President Zelensky, and the unwavering support of President Biden and our allies, Ukraine continues to take back its territory and defend democracy. #StandWithUkraine" (x.com)
  • "Under Secretary Hale told me that President Trump himself requested the hold on Ukrainian military aid. This aid is critically important not only to Ukrainian national security, but also American security and interests across the globe." (x.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)
  • "I've introduced two bills - the SHIELD Act and E-Fellows Security Act - to strengthen cybersecurity before we get to the polls in '18" (x.com)
  • "We have to fight for a more secure democracy. That's why I've introduced the only bill in Congress which would improve the cybersecurity of federal campaigns - the SHIELD Act. The time for action is now!!" (x.com)
  • "Last year Facebook accepted Rubles from Russian trolls who posted ads to interfere in our elections. Social media platforms need to defend against foreign attacks, but so do our campaigns, our lawmakers, and our election infrastructure. That's why I've introduced the SHIELD Act." (x.com)
  • "We knew this would happen. Over a year ago, our Intel Committee heard from officials who warned that without any action, Russia would interfere in our elections again. Now, 17 months later, Facebook and Microsoft have announced evidence of Russian interference in the midterms." (x.com)

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