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Ted Lieu's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (CA) - District 36

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Ted Lieu 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.

What is the Political Courage Test?

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)
  • "Justice Thomas is wrong, again. The crucial bond that has been broken is that the public can no longer trust the word of multiple Supreme Court Justices. Multiple conservative Justices misled the American people under oath about their views of Roe in order to get confirmed." (x.com)
  • 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)
  • "I believe social security should be strengthened." (x.com)
  • "The #TrumpBudget cuts Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security by over 1.5 trillion dollars. If you still believe @realDonaldTrump wants to protect Medicare and Social Security, then you are very stupid." (x.com)
  • Rated 99% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • Rated 10% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "I believe the wealthy should pay their fair share" (x.com)
  • "Why not raise revenue by making billionaires pay their fair share?" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 10% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "Democrats put #PeopleOverPolitics and passed the bipartisan infrastructure law to grow the economy and create good paying jobs. What are Republicans focused on? Helping the rich avoid paying their fair share." (x.com)
  • "I believe the wealthy should pay their fair share" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "This is why we need to enact campaign finance reform and pass HR1 by @RepSarbanes. SBF and crypto folks gave Republican dark money groups millions of dollars and then tried to hide it. Democrats believe in transparency and are calling in SBF to testify." (x.com)
  • "The #FreedomToVote Act will restore the promise of democracy for all Americans. The Senate must pass this legislation to protect the fundamental right to vote, end the dominance of dark money in politics and stop partisan gerrymandering. Our democracy is at stake" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • 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, Breonna Taylor, Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Eric Garner and many other Black Americans would disagree with you, if they were still alive and not murdered by our government." (x.com)
  • "What @realDonaldTrump & his @GOP enablers still don’t understand is that there is no military solution here. Protests erupted because our government murdered George Floyd and countless black Americans for generations. We stop these protests when we commit to real reforms." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7900: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Having served on active duty at the Space and Missile Systems Center -- which was involved with the Airborne Laser program -- I know how practical innovative laser systems like the LLD are, and the incredible potential they present for the future of naval combat operations. I am pleased that the Navy's test of the Lockheed Martin Layered Laser Defense system was successful. From destroying unmanned aerial systems, or drones, to tracking incoming threats, the LLD is a multi-functional system that can address numerous threats. In addition, laser weapons are often safer for ships and their crews as they run on electricity, allowing them to function as long as a ship has power. Throughout my time in Congress, I've been pushing for increased investment and research in directed energy defense technology, and am pleased to see the success of the LLD system that will make our nation stronger and more secure." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4350: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2: "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Democrats put #PeopleOverPolitics and passed the bipartisan infrastructure law to grow the economy and create good paying jobs. What are Republicans focused on? Helping the rich avoid paying their fair share." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "As the #COVID19 pandemic continues, the risk of homelessness is growing. We introduced a bill to establish a $500 million housing stabilization fund to address the root causes of homelessness and help those at risk avoid losing their homes." (x.com)
  • "@POTUS signed our bill, the West LA VA Campus Improvement Act, into LAW! This is a success for our Los Angeles veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness. No one who served our country should go without housing." (x.com)
  • "Our nation's small towns & rural communities have experienced their own unique challenges throughout #COVID19. #HelpIsHere w/ the #AmericanRescuePlan, which provides $39M in mortgage assistance for rural homeowners, & $100M in rent help for those in USDA-assisted rural housing." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Good news: inflation has fallen for the 11th straight month and job creation is still booming, well above expectations. @HouseDemocrats are united to bring lower costs and good-paying jobs to American families. What are extreme MAGA Republicans focused on? Chaos." (x.com)
  • "In 2020, American seniors on #Medicare spent $1 BILLION on their out-of-pocket insulin costs. That’s why Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, so no one on Medicare will pay more than $35 for their monthly insulin." (x.com)
  • "The U.S. economy added 209,000 jobs in June, for a total of 13.2 million jobs created since @POTUS Biden took office! Our pandemic recovery is the strongest in the world with 30 months of job growth, record low unemployment, and falling inflation." (x.com)
  • "It’s time the Trump admin work for defrauded student borrowers, not predatory for-profit colleges. This week, the House passed a resolution to reverse the harmful borrower defense rule that would deny debt relief to students defrauded by predatory colleges. #StandWithStudents" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (None)
  • "The #FreedomToVote Act will restore the promise of democracy for all Americans. The Senate must pass this legislation to protect the fundamental right to vote, end the dominance of dark money in politics and stop partisan gerrymandering. Our democracy is at stake" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9: "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "By investing in clean energy technologies, we can create more good-paying jobs while addressing the existential threat of climate change. Pleased to have Voted in favor of @HouseDemocrats' funding bill that invests in the green jobs of tomorrow. #ForThePeople" (x.com)
  • Rated 92% by League of Conservation Voters (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447: "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • "The majority of Californians oppose offshore drilling and with aging infrastructure, we’re likely to see more oil spills in the future if we don’t make a change now. Joined @KTLA to discuss the need to end offshore drilling." (x.com)
  • "We need to #endoffshoredrilling. Joined @FOXLA to discuss legislation that would ban oil drilling off the Pacific Coast. Our environment and our communities depend on it." (x.com)
  • 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)
  • "Nearly 40,000 Americans lose their lives each year because of gun violence. We can’t afford to make this a partisan issue. Enough is enough. It's time to face the facts on this episode of #TruthWithTed. #EndGunViolence" (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808: "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks the first time Congress has ever held a hearing on #MedicareForAll. It's time we provide quality, affordable healthcare for every person living in the United States. Proud to be a co-sponsor of the #MedicareForAll Act." (x.com)
  • "More than 69% of Americans support #MedicareForAll. We know it’s time for a truly universal health care system that has no copays, deductibles, or hidden fees. Health care is a human right. Let’s get it done." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "We've been fighting hard for accessible and affordable child care, and advocating for paid family leave. Excited for the year ahead!" (x.com)
  • "It’s no secret that working families are struggling. How do we support them? By pushing for policies like paid leave, affordable child care, and the #ChildTaxCredit." (x.com)
  • "Paid leave is a top priority for us and the workers we represent. Pleased to join over 100 @HouseDemocrats in expressing our support for maintaining robust paid family and medical leave in the final reconciliation package. Our letter to @POTUS" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "NEWS: @POTUS has announced that manufacturers of all 10 drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation through the Inflation Reduction Act have decided to participate in this vital program, lowering drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. That’s putting #PeopleOverPolitics." (x.com)
  • "In 2020, American seniors on #Medicare spent $1 BILLION on their out-of-pocket insulin costs. That’s why Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, so no one on Medicare will pay more than $35 for their monthly insulin." (x.com)
  • "No one in America should struggle to afford the medication they need. That’s why @HouseDemocrats took on drug companies to lower the price of insulin and let Medicare force companies to charge less for lifesaving prescriptions." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 7% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "There is a bipartisan agreement including a solution for #DREAMers & border security that Congress would easily pass if Republican leadership would bring it up for a vote. @SpeakerRyan, can we get a vote? #StateOfTheDream#DreamActNow #SOTU" (x.com)
  • "Trump refuses to reopen the govt & work w/ Democrats on effective border security & has dragged us into the longest shutdown in history. Now, he wants to add disaster victims to the list of millions who are already suffering from this shutdown!" (x.com)
  • "We're all for smart border security – but Trump’s wall isn’t that. It’s ineffective. It’s wasteful. And the way he’s going about trying to get it is hurting American families. #EndTheShutdown" (x.com)
  • Rated 7% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "#Dreamers strengthen our nation as students, servicemembers, frontline workers, & more. On #DACA's 9th anniversary, we celebrate the establishment of this landmark program & call for the Senate to pass #HR6 to provide a pathway to citizenship for dreamers. #HomeIsHere" (x.com)
  • "We must recognize immigrant essential workers as the heroes – and Americans – they are. That's why we introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act to provide a fair, secure, and accessible pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers. #WeAreHome" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6: "American Dream and Promise Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "This is appalling. The Biden Administration should impose all possible sanctions on Iran. Our country and decent countries around the world need to exert maximum pressure on the Iranian regime for these horrific human rights violations. Now." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 340: "Hamas International Financing Prevention Act" (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)
  • "This is great news! Democrats put #PeopleOverPolitics and are focused on lowering the cost of prescription drugs. What are Republicans focused on? Well, they've now had two congressional hearings complaining about Twitter. Contrast is clear." (x.com)
  • "While we were in the majority, @HouseDemocrats passed a bipartisan law to rebuild roads, bridges, and highways. What do extreme MAGA Republicans do with their majority? Hold two hearings to complain about Twitter. That doesn’t help the American people." (x.com)
  • "When Democrats were in the majority, we passed bipartisan laws to improve our nation's infrastructure, keep schools open, bring manufacturing back to the U.S., and support our veterans. What do Republicans do in the majority? Hold a hearing about Twitter." (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?
I am 100% pro-choice and honored to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood.
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
It is not reasonable to answer the above two questions with just yes or no answers because these are vastly complicated areas in an immense budget. Would I support reducing defense spending by reducing some troop levels? YES. Would I support reducing spending that is critical to maintaining our technological edge? NO. Would I support simply increasing taxes? NO. Would I support increasing taxes in certain areas but lowering them in others? Maybe. It would depend on the specifics.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
I support a Clean Money system. I also believe the US Congress should pass a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. That's why I introduced legislation to place a measure on the statewide ballot to allow California voters to tell Congress that real campaign finance reform must happen, including disallowing corporations to be treated as human beings.
Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
California's existing death penalty law doesn't work. There is a racial disparity on who gets sentenced to death. I support efforts to reform current law.
Do you support lowering taxes as a way of promoting growth in the economy?
Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
It makes little sense to answer the above tax and spending questions with yes or no answers. Would I support federal stimulus for a bridge to nowhere? NO. Would I support federal stimulus to help reduce congestion on the 405? YES. Would I support a tax credit for making socks? NO. Would I support a tax credit for Film & TV production? YES. My answers will depend on specific issues. That's why limited forms like this make it difficult to have intelligent responses.
Unknown Position Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
This answer would depend on the reforms. Do I support reforms that put an even more incessant and suffocating obsession on testing? NO. Do I support reforms that will reduce class sizes? YES. I believe respect for the education profession starts with student success; and student success depends on adequate education funding and quality educators. As a Member of Congress, I will fight for more resources and funding, including co-sponsoring legislation and amendments and lobbying my colleagues to ensure that we can attract and retain the highest quality education professionals and provide the necessary classroom tools, resources and facilities.
No Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?
No Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Yes Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
I believe the federal government should set greenhouse gas reduction goals. This is working in California not just for carbon emissions, but also for renewables and efficiency. I was proud to support California?s landmark renewable portfolio standard, as well as its most recent increase to 33% by 2020. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to champion policies that discourage fossil fuel use and encourage renewables and efficiency. I would also reintroduce the Waxman-Markey bill to tackle climate change.
Yes Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
As a legislator, I have voted regularly to support the ACA, including the creation of the health exchange, setting a minimum level of benefits and expanding MediCal. Additionally, with the increase in health insurance marketing to communities whose first language is not English, I authored and passed a law to ensure that when insurers advertise in a language other than English, the documents must also be in that language. However, the ACA is not perfect and I would support bills to make it better.
No Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Looking for a better life and opportunity, my parents immigrated to the United States when I was three. With the support of hard-working parents and a country that provided limitless opportunity, I would attend college and then law school. I am in public service because I want to ensure that the opportunities provided to me and my family are open and available to everyone. Comprehensive immigration reform must happen.
Yes Do you support same-sex marriage?
I have been on the frontline in the fight for marriage equality. As an Assemblymember, I voted to support all landmark marriage equality bills, voted YES every time to expand domestic partner benefits and I was a proud co-author of HR 5, which sought to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage.
Yes Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the United States from possessing a nuclear weapon?
No elected official could reasonably answer just YES or NO to the previous question. Should we bomb North Korea now because they are hostile to the US and have nuclear weapons? NO. Should we use military force to prevent other rogue nations from getting nuclear weapons? It depends on the circumstances. It also depends on my review of classified information.
No Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
I oppose any effort to privatize social security.

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

a) Agriculture
b) Arts
c) Defense
d) Education
e) Environment
f) Homeland Security
g) International aid
h) Medical Research
i) Scientific Research
j) Space exploration
k) United Nations
l) Welfare
a) Capital gains taxes
b) Corporate taxes
c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
f) Income taxes (low-income families)
g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
h) Income taxes (high-income families)
i) Inheritance taxes
j) Payroll taxes
It is impossible to answer the above questions in this limited format. Would I support increasing education funding so schools can do more rigid testing? NO. Would I support increasing education funding to reduce class sizes? YES. Would I support increasing funding for space exploration to the moon? NO. Would I support increasing funding for space exploration to Mars and other planets? YES. Without specifics, it is impossible to answer the above questions in any meaningful manner.
It is impossible to answer the above questions in this limited format. Would I support increasing corporate taxes across the board? NO. Would I support closing corporate loopholes that allow inversions? YES. How much revenues we need also depends on the state of the economy and the state of the budget. Are there cuts being proposed? If so, where? How much are the cuts? What are the tradeoffs? Do we need more revenues? To answer the above questions in the abstract is impossible.
Climate Change: I believe global warming is the single greatest threat to California and our nation's future. Economy: We need to continue growing our economy and creating jobs Social Justice: Expanding Civil Rights and ensuring Marriage Equality for the entire nation.

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