Card image cap

Chuck Schumer's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

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.

Chuck Schumer 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.

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 2022.

  • "Americans will not forget who voted to protect a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her body—who voted to protect abortion rights. Today’s vote was just one step. We can't allow this shameful backslide from MAGA Republicans. We will keep fighting for women’s rights." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Supreme Court’s reported decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is an utter abomination. This Senate will vote on protecting a woman’s right to choose. Every American is going to see where every senator stands." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "There is a gaping hole in Medicare that leaves out dental, vision, and hearing coverage. This is a serious problem. I’m working with @SenSanders to push to include dental, vision, and hearing Medicare coverage in the American Jobs and Families Plans." (twitter.com)
  • "Our veterans who suffered toxic exposure while serving our country should not have to fight for health care. That’s why today the Senate passed the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act to make sure they get the health care they need and deserve." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 97% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Tomorrow, the Rules Committee will hold a hearing to take the next steps on the #ForThePeople Act to: Strengthen our democracy. Increase transparency in our campaign finance system. And make it easier for all Americans to vote Democracy reform is a top priority of this Congress." (twitter.com)
  • "During the State of the Union #SOTU, President Biden called for the Senate to pass the DISCLOSE Act so Americans can know who is funding our elections. And he’s absolutely right. I’m working for the Senate to pass the DISCLOSE Act to fight the scourge of dark money in politics." (twitter.com)
  • "The march for democracy is never over. And we have to and we will keep marching. Senate Democrats will continue our fight against voter suppression, dark money, and partisan gerrymandering. We will keep moving forward for our democracy." (twitter.com)
  • "America needs the #ForThePeople Act It'll combat voter suppression efforts by GOP state legislatures It'll limit dark money from big special interests empowered by Citizens United It'll root out corruption in Washington And much more" (twitter.com)
  • "A year ago today, George Floyd was murdered in broad daylight by a police officer sworn to protect and serve—and our country was forever changed. George Floyd should be alive today. This Senate is committed to getting strong policing reform with meaningful accountability done." (twitter.com)
  • "The Senate Republican bill does nothing on racial profiling or to reform qualified immunity which shields police from accountability for violating Americans’ constitutional rights. The Senate GOP bill does not rise to the moment. We must act on Democrats’ #JusticeInPolicing Act." (twitter.com)
  • "Today, Sen. McConnell wanted the Senate to move forward on the GOP's so-called policing reform bill. But it doesn’t fully ban chokeholds or no-knock warrants. It does nothing to stop racial profiling, or reform use of force standards and qualified immunity. We need REAL reform!" (twitter.com)
  • "Senate Democrats are working to pass the Build Back Better Act to create jobs, lower costs, fight climate change, and keep more money in people’s pockets." (twitter.com)
  • "Stronger economic growth and less inflation. It's simple: If we want to fight inflationary pressures —if we want to lower costs and grow the economy—the best thing we can do is to pass Build Back Better. We're working to get it done." (twitter.com)
  • "The Democratic budget will cut taxes for American families, lower costs, create good-paying jobs, invest in our future, while tackling the climate change crisis. And it will be paid for by the wealthy and corporations paying their fair share. We're working to move it forward." (twitter.com)
  • "The infrastructure bill we passed will deliver over $1.8 billion to fix hundreds of bridges across New York. It will deliver a historic amount of funding to states to fix bridges nationwide. It will improve safety, grow the economy, and create jobs across NY and the country." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H R 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Repsonse Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I was proud to secure $28.6B in restaurant relief in the American Rescue Plan, but they still need our help. Tomorrow, the Senate will vote on legislation to provide more help to restaurants, gyms, and other small businesses that have been hurt by the COVID pandemic." (twitter.com)
  • "Senate Democrats promised big, bold COVID relief. And we delivered with the #AmericanRescuePlan." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of S 4008 "Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I’m so proud this Senate Democratic Majority delivered for the American people with the Inflation Reduction Act." (twitter.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act that this Senate Democratic Majority has passed will endure as one of the defining legislative feats of the 21st century: It reduces inflation, lowers costs, creates millions of good-paying jobs, and is the boldest climate package in U.S. history." (twitter.com)
  • "This Senate has just voted to move forward on the Inflation Reduction Act! This historic bill will reduce inflation, lower costs, and fight climate change. The time is now for this big, bold package for the American people." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (votesmart.org)
  • "President Biden should extend the pause on student loan payments. And President Biden should #CancelStudentDebt to lift an enormous burden off the shoulders of millions of Americans." (twitter.com)
  • "Student loan payments resume in 57 days. Today would be a great day for President Biden and Vice President Harris to #CancelStudentDebt." (twitter.com)
  • "The Biden Administration’s action on student debt will change the lives of millions of Americans. And thanks to a provision Senate Democrats included in the American Rescue Plan, all types of student loan forgiveness are tax-free at the federal level through December 2025!" (twitter.com)
  • "Yesterday President Biden announced he was extending the pause of student loan payments for 90 days. Today would be a great day for a follow-up announcement that he's going to #CancelStudentDebt!" (twitter.com)
  • "Cory Wilson has supported restrictive voter ID laws and expressed strong opposition to parts of the Voting Rights Act. That’s right. During a national movement on racial justice, Senate Republicans are trying to confirm a judge with a hostile record on voting rights!" (twitter.com)
  • "I just took to the Senate floor to file cloture to move forward on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This bill would advance critical reforms to protect the freedom to vote, upholding the life and legacy of John Lewis. The Senate will vote on Wednesday." (twitter.com)
  • "Senator McConnell needs to stop the confirmation of Cory Wilson. Wilson once called the concerns of African American citizens and community advocates on the effects of voter ID laws “poppycock”. We need to fight for Americans' voting rights!" (twitter.com)
  • "I've long pushed for expanded US investment in electric vehicle manufacturing. Today GM is making it happen in Lockport, NY with our world-class UAW workers. They're investing $154M & creating 200+ jobs while fighting climate change—accelerating our transition to cleaner vehicles." (twitter.com)
  • "Plug Power heeded my call to make Monroe County the home of its new Hydrogen Fuel Cell Innovation Center. That means nearly 380 new clean energy jobs for Rochester. And the $9.5 billion in the infrastructure bill can help grow these clean energy jobs even more!" (twitter.com)
  • "The best way to achieve President Biden’s ambitious goal of cutting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the decade: Bold action by this Congress to reduce carbon pollution and create millions of jobs in the new clean energy economy." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 93% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As Majority Leader, I will not pass an infrastructure package that does not reduce carbon pollution at a scale commensurate with the urgent climate crisis we face. And that’s exactly what Democrats will do." (twitter.com)
  • "Build Back Better will help America fight the climate threat with transformational investments in clean manufacturing, transportation, electricity, and building—so we can cut emissions, make our communities healthier, & lead the world by our example. We won't stop until it's done." (twitter.com)
  • "The best way to achieve President Biden’s ambitious goal of cutting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the decade: Bold action by this Congress to reduce carbon pollution and create millions of jobs in the new clean energy economy." (twitter.com)
  • "We can't reduce greenhouse gas emissions without dealing with carbon pollution from cars we drive @POTUS's executive order and my Clean Cars plan are the kind of bold action we need Dems promised bold climate action—and we're making it a vital part of infrastructure legislation." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 7% by National Rifle Association (NRA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Senate has passed bipartisan, lifesaving gun-safety legislation. As the 1994 Brady Bill's author—I’m pleased we’re finally taking meaningful action on guns for the 1st time in nearly 30 years to keep communities safe. We’ll keep working for more action at all levels of gov't." (twitter.com)
  • "This Senate is now on the brink of passing the first significant gun safety bill in decades. This is real progress. It will save lives. And I intend to keep the process moving quickly to secure final passage before the end of the week." (twitter.com)
  • "For the tens of millions of Americans who will lose their healthcare if the ACA is repealed, I vote no. #MakeAmericaSickAgain" (twitter.com)
  • "Republicans have no plan to lower health care costs and expand healthcare coverage—only a lawsuit that takes it all away. The American people deserve resolution to this Republican health care sabotage." (twitter.com)
  • "Sen. McConnell called it a "joke" that Justice Barrett might pose any risk to Americans' health care. This is not a joke to the American people. This is not a joke to the 20 million Americans who could lose health insurance if the ACA is struck down. We won't stop fighting." (twitter.com)
  • "After a totally unnecessary delay by Senate Republicans, the Senate passed the House bill to fight coronavirus It provides free testing, paid sick leave extensions, food assistance, Medicaid reimbursement, expanded unemployment insurance President Trump needs to sign it ASAP" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (votesmart.org)
  • "We’re fighting for essential workers in New York and across America.They are on the frontlines of this crisis. And they deserve premium pay from a Heroes Fund, paid leave, and protections to keep them safe." (twitter.com)
  • "We're the only developed nation without national paid family & medical leave standards for all families We’re 1 of only 7 countries in the world to not guarantee paid leave for new moms I’m working hard for national, comprehensive paid family & medical leave in #BuildBackBetter" (twitter.com)
  • "57 years ago, Medicaid and Medicare were signed into law. Now, the Inflation Reduction Act will give Medicare the power to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time. We will deliver on this to finally bring down costs of prescription drugs for American families." (twitter.com)
  • "Folks were already paying too much for health care, in the form of premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, & the eye-popping cost of prescription drugs. Now that all of those costs are going up, I urge the GOP to use August to fix it." (twitter.com)
  • "Lowering costs of prescription drugs. Capping out-of-pocket Rx expenses. Keeping premiums low. These are top priorities for the American people. And Senate Democrats are moving forward." (twitter.com)
  • "They’re saying the quiet part out loud. MAGA Republicans want to put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block. Democrats are fighting to make health care and prescription drugs more affordable, lower costs, and help families." (twitter.com)
  • "Open borders, @realDonaldTrump? The bipartisan immigration bill I authored had $40 billion for border security and would have been far more effective than the wall." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 12% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Why is President @realDonaldTrump taking from military families and schools and communities to pay for his expensive, ineffective border wall that he promised Mexico would pay for?" (twitter.com)
  • "Will Senate Republicans vote to defend our troops, their families, and children? Or will they continue to turn a blind eye as this President tries to go around Congress and take $3.6 billion from our service members and families for his expensive, ineffective border wall?" (twitter.com)
  • "For 10 years, DACA's provided protections to thousands of immigrants—doctors, nurses, farm workers, grocery store clerks, teachers on the pandemic's frontlines. @SenateDems won't allow DACA to be further eroded, and we will keep working for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers." (twitter.com)
  • "Hardworking immigrants were on the frontlines of the recovery from this pandemic. I was proud to stand with farm workers, Dreamers, and advocates pushing for a fix to our broken immigration system. This Senate will work to provide them a pathway to citizenship." (twitter.com)
  • "I stand with the hardworking immigrant workers in New York and across the country who are taking part today in the #DayWithoutImmigrants protest. Senate Democrats will continue to pursue every means to achieve immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 12% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "For 10 years, DACA's provided protections to thousands of immigrants—doctors, nurses, farm workers, grocery store clerks, teachers on the pandemic's frontlines. @SenateDems won't allow DACA to be further eroded, and we will keep working for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers." (twitter.com)
  • "Hardworking immigrants were on the frontlines of the recovery from this pandemic. I was proud to stand with farm workers, Dreamers, and advocates pushing for a fix to our broken immigration system. This Senate will work to provide them a pathway to citizenship." (twitter.com)
  • "I stand with the hardworking immigrant workers in New York and across the country who are taking part today in the #DayWithoutImmigrants protest. Senate Democrats will continue to pursue every means to achieve immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship." (twitter.com)
  • "Putin interfered in our 2016 elections. Putin is interfering in our 2020 elections. So why is Senator Mitch McConnell blocking tough sanctions in our defense bill on foreign nations like Russia who interfere in our elections?" (twitter.com)
  • "We fought for Senate to pass a bill to sanction the Chinese Communist Party for their human rights atrocities against the Uighurs in Xinjiang. I’m pleased the House passed it. Pres Trump needs to stop being weak on Pres Xi & sign it NOW to hold China accountable for the abuses." (twitter.com)
  • "We should all applaud the Democrats and Republicans in the House who voted 362-53 to stop @realDonaldTrump’s Administration from relaxing sanctions on Putin and his cronies. There is no time to waste. The Senate should pass the House bill immediately." (twitter.com)
  • "Last week, the Senate acted to pass legislation to send aid to Ukraine. This week, we will hear directly from President Zelenskyy in a virtual address to the U.S. Congress. We are inspired by his courage, and we stand with the Ukrainian people." (twitter.com)
  • "Today, the Senate passed more emergency military, economic, and humanitarian aid for Ukraine at President Biden’s request. Now more help is on the way as we continue to stand with the Ukrainian people." (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)
  • "FACT: Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Senate Democrats will make sure the wealthiest individuals and biggest corporations finally pay their fair share. FACT: Under the Inflation Reduction Act, no small business or family earning less than $400,000 will see their taxes go up." (twitter.com)
  • "No amount of trickery from the GOP will change the fact their tax cuts for the rich added nearly $2T to the deficit while Dems are working to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, cut middle-class taxes, and ensure the biggest corporations and wealthiest few pay their fair share." (twitter.com)
  • "The best way to address inflation is to pass a bill that creates jobs, reduces bottlenecks, and is totally paid for by making sure the wealthy pay their fair share. That’s just what we’re doing with the Build Back Better Act." (twitter.com)
  • "The Democratic budget will cut taxes for American families, lower costs, create good-paying jobs, invest in our future, while tackling the climate change crisis. And it will be paid for by the wealthy and corporations paying their fair share. We're working to move it forward." (twitter.com)
  • "If China is unwilling to make significant reforms, President @realDonaldTrump must be prepared to walk away. The way to achieve a successful trade agreement is by keeping the pressure on: on Huawei, on China’s economic model, on human rights." (twitter.com)
  • "I welcome Pres Trump’s opposition to Canada’s unfair dairy trade barriers. Will fight w him to help NY farmers & reverse this unwise policy." (twitter.com)
  • "I support tariffs to crack down on predatory practices from countries like China But targeting allies like Canada with broad tariffs hurts companies like Novelis & its 1000-employee Oswego branch We must negotiate a deal with Canada ending these tariffs" (twitter.com)
  • "These tariffs were extremely harmful to our regional papers-the lifeblood of our local communities-& I worked hard to remove them. ITC made exactly the right decision to completely eliminate them. I will remain vigilant to make sure that they never return." (twitter.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.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

1. Which of the following tax measures, if any, will you support if elected to the Congress in 1992?

Reducing the capital gains tax rate on profits from the sale of stocks, bonds and real estate.
Permitting tax-free withdrawals from IRAs in limited circumstances.
Providing some kind of middle-class tax break.
Increasing the income taxes of those with incomes over $100,000.
Providing a tax credit for first-time home buyers.
Repealing luxury taxes on limited items.
Providing a temporary investment tax credit.
X Other
Depends on what is in the bill.

Please evaluate the following general program areas and indicate the level of federal funding that you will support if you are elected to Congress.

Increase Spending Health Care
Unemployment
Increase Spending AIDS Research
Increase Spending Environment
Decrease Spending Defense
Increase Spending Education
National Debt Payments
Increase Spending Drugs

If you are elected to Congress, how will you confront the issue of the national debt?

X Reduce governmental defense spending.
Reduce governmental domestic spending.
Raise personal income taxes for all citizens.
X Raise personal income taxes for citizens with incomes over $100,000.
Raise corporate taxes.
Do nothing at the present time.
X Other
Reduce some kinds of domestic spending.

Which of the following measures designed to address the issue of unemployment do you support or oppose?

Support Extending unemployment compensation further.
Support Federal support of job retraining programs.
Support Federal grants to states for creating jobs in inner cities.
Support Mandating workfare for welfare recipients.
Support Minimizing governmental intervention and letting the market take a more natural course.
Support Federal investment in America's infrastructure.
Other

Which of the following policies, if any, should be pursued by the federal government in the area of the United States/Japenese trade?

Restricting the overall volume of goods entering the United States from Japan.
Imposing tariffs on goods entering the United States from Japan.
Requiring Japan to eliminate its trade surplus with the United States over a period of five years.
Requiring reciprocal trade agreements between the United States and Japan based on equal dollar values.
Imposing no restrictions on trade between the United States and Japan.
X Other
Requiring reciprocal trade agreements between the United States and Japan.

Which of the following defense proposals do you support or oppose?

Strongly Support Reduction of the number of American military troops.
Oppose Continued funding of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).

Do you consider the fact that many Americans do not have health insurance to be a problem, and if so, please note which of the following proposals you favor?

X Elimination of private insurance in favor of a program administered and paid for by the federal government and run by the states, similar to the health care system in Canada.
X Offering tax incentives to all small employers in return for guaranteed health insurance coverage of all employees and their families.
Implementation of a "play or pay" program where employers must enroll their employees and families in a basic health plan or contribute to a public fund that will provide health care for everyone without coverage.
Creation of a fund designed to provide health insurance to the unemployed and supported by additional tax levies on large employers.
A system of tax credits and vouchers to provide health insurance for the working poor and people of moderate income.
No reform necessary at this time.
Other

If elected to Congress, which of the following proposals designed to change our nations' public education system will you support?

X Increased federal funding.
Increased state and local funding.
X Improved teacher recruitment and training.
X National curricula and standards.
X Smaller classes.
Increased national testing.
A "choice" or "vouchers" program.
No major changes are necessary at this time.
Other

If elected to Congress, how will you confront the War on Drugs?"

X Provide federal funds to educate people about the dangers of drugs.
X Provide federal funds to help drug addicts overcome their addictions.
X Work with foreign governments to stop the export of drugs to this country.
X Impose mandatory federal jail sentences for drug dealers.
X Impose mandatory federal jail sentences for drug users.
Legalize the possession and use of drugs.
Other

What is your opinion on the following environmental proposals?

Oppose Opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration.
Amending the Clean Water Act's section on wetlands to provide landowners with greater rights.
Support Reauthorization of The Endangered Species Act in its current form.

Please indicate which of the following positions you support or oppose.

Oppose Parental or spousal notification prior to permitting an abortion.
Oppose Abortion should be illegal in all circumstances.
Support Federally funded abortions should be permitted.
Support Women should be able to get abortions if they want no matter what the reason.
Oppose Abortion should be legal only in limited circumstances, for example, when the life of the mother is endangered or in the case of rape or incest.

Which of the following anti-crime measures do you support or oppose?

Support Expansion of the number of federal crimes punishable by death.
Strongly Support A mandatory waiting period before the purchase of a handgun.
Strongly Support Increased federal spending for state and local police programs.
Strongly Support A ban on the sale and possession of assault-style semiautomatic weapons.
A limitation on habeas corpus appeals for death row inmates.
Support Other
Only some limitations are appropriate on habeas corpus appeals for death row inmates.

['Whare are your two top priorities if elected to the Congress?']

b. How will you finance (when necessary) each priority?
Priority 1: I have more than two priorities. I will finance them in varying ways.

Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

arrow_upward