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Jamie Raskin's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (MD) - District 8

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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.

  • Voted in favor of HR 8296 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "One year after the Supreme Court's disgraceful Dobbs decision, two American futures stand opposed: one upholding women’s rights & health care, one defined by theocrats, misogynists and fanatics. Pro-choice America won't rest until we restore women’s freedom as law of the land." (twitter.com)
  • "Our right-wing Supreme Court has turned for-profit corporations into citizens with political rights, women into citizens without reproductive rights and minority groups into citizens without a Voting Rights Act. They don’t want a democracy, they want a corporate state." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8297 "Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "McCarthy & the GOP know that raising the debt ceiling is constitutionally required. That’s why they raised it 3 times while Trump added nearly 25% of our debt with his tax giveaways to the rich. Their sudden fiscal concern camouflages their plan to cut Social Security & Medicare." (twitter.com)
  • "Millions of Americans rely on Social Security, the jewel of American government. As a proud cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act, I’m working to enhance benefits and protect this essential program for our people. #Secure2100" (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "I’m introducing a bill to stop the dangerous stream of foreign cash flowing into our politics thru corporate spending. My Get Foreign Money Out of US Elections Act fortifies our democracy against plutocrats abroad by closing a campaign finance loophole opened by Citizens United." twitter.com/RepRaskin/status/1470835311483699207
  • "Citizens United has tilted our nation's political system toward the demands of moneyed corporate power. We need to build strong political and economic democracy by enacting legislation to bypass Citizens United (H.J.Res.31); require disclosure of special interest spending (H.R.1134); and eliminate the intrusion of foreign corporate money in our politics." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our right-wing Supreme Court has turned for-profit corporations into citizens with political rights, women into citizens without reproductive rights and minority groups into citizens without a Voting Rights Act. They don’t want a democracy, they want a corporate state." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Voted in favor of HR 2 "Moving Forward Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We need to invest in America's future, which means investing federal dollars in things like the life-saving medical research conducted at NIH and the crucial scientific research projects happening at NOAA and EPA; public transportation and other infrastructure projects; affordable housing and health care; environmentally-sustainable agriculture; and more. Republicans like to claim that corporate tax cuts will eventually 'trickle down' to workers in the form of increased wages and resulting economic benefits from increased investment, but there's no real evidence to support this theory. The recent GOP tax scam only generates greater skepticism." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7301 "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Congress must speak up and speak out on behalf of affordable housing. #OurHomesOurVoices" (twitter.com)
  • "Honored to speak at the Affordable Housing Conference - Montgomery County in Bethesda this morning. We must build on the successes of the American Rescue Plan to pass the historic affordable housing investment in Build Back Better." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8294 "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Over 300,000 jobs added in the last month—solidifying the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years. From the Infrastructure Bill to the Inflation Reduction Act, Dems and @POTUS are moving the country forward and delivering historic economic opportunity for the American people." (twitter.com)
  • "Inflation has fallen for the 11th month straight following last week’s stellar jobs report. While MAGA Republicans generate chaos and division, Democrats continue to move the country forward by delivering lower costs and creating new and good-paying jobs for the American people." (twitter.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is a remarkable victory for the American people and an historic breakthrough in the struggle to protect humanity against devastating climate chaos. Democrats are not only defending democracy—we’re making democracy work despite GOP chaos." (twitter.com)
  • "The Supreme Court had quite a week closing off educational opportunity and equity, dismantling affirmative action in admissions yesterday and striking down President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program today." (twitter.com)
  • "Applauding President Biden’s new plan to relieve millions of Americans struggling under the staggering weight of student loan debt. Extending the payment pause, targeting relief and amending the current payment system are big steps forward for rising generations of Americans." (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats in Congress will work with the Biden administration to enact loan forgiveness and keep the channels of opportunity open for all students." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our right-wing Supreme Court has turned for-profit corporations into citizens with political rights, women into citizens without reproductive rights and minority groups into citizens without a Voting Rights Act. They don’t want a democracy, they want a corporate state." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is a remarkable victory for the American people and an historic breakthrough in the struggle to protect humanity against devastating climate chaos. Democrats are not only defending democracy—we’re making democracy work despite GOP chaos." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Given America's scientific leadership and technological prowess, we should be leading--not opposing--efforts to develop renewable energy and deal with the brutal warming of our planet. I favor rejoining the Paris Agreement and pursuing aggressive initiatives toward clean energy and systematic reduction of deadly carbon emissions. Climate change is a civilizational emergency and the whole context within which we must decide every issue, from energy and environmental regulation to education, housing, and infrastructure. We must dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to halt climate change, while also investing in clean energy technologies like solar and wind power." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1808 "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "America faces an epidemic of gun violence but there are plenty of commonsense--and constitutional--laws that we could enact to make everyone safer. I support broadly popular measures like universal background checks, closing the gun-show and internet loopholes, and banning the sale of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Do you generally support gun-control legislation? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The ACA was an important step in extending healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and ensuring that insurance companies cannot deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions. We must continue to fight for universal access to affordable healthcare and lowering the cost of prescription drugs." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")? No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In the richest society in the history of humanity at its most affluent moment, it is irrational, profligate and unjust to deny our fellow Americans health care as an individual right. Proud to advocate with my fellow @OversightDems for Medicare for All." (twitter.com)
  • "This week we celebrate 14 years of the Affordable Care Act on the heels of record enrollment and historic health care investments in the Inflation Reduction Act. Working to lower premiums and Rx drug costs, Democrats are building on the success of the ACA for generations to come." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Enjoyed a terrific discussion yesterday with @AlexisOhanian and @BrianForde about paid family leave for moms and dads and also the CAMRA Act, my bill inherited from John Delaney, to study the effects of technology on kids. #paidleave" (twitter.com)
  • "We depend on federal workers to make gov’t work. Yet for years our public servants have had to choose between caring for their newborn children & their jobs. That’s ridiculous. Thrilled that @OversightDems (& I) voted yesterday to pass paid family leave for federal employees." (twitter.com)
  • "Rep. Grothman just observed @RepMaloney’s first hearing as @OversightDems Chair & our inquiry into the need for nat’l paid family & medical leave by bemoaning that the issue seems to be about "women, women, women." It’s actually about all of us—women, men, children, babies" (twitter.com)
  • "Medicare enrollment is now open! Thanks to Democratic progress in the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare in 2024 will continue to offer $35/month insulin and free vaccines and begin capping seniors’ out-of-pocket prescription drug costs." (twitter.com)
  • "America shouldn’t force seniors to choose between lifesaving prescription drugs and other necessities. With Big Pharma and Medicare finally at the bargaining table, with drug price caps in force, the Inflation Reduction Act is a money and life-saver." (twitter.com)
  • "Letting Big Pharma dictate prices without negotiating with Medicare is a special interest ripoff that doesn't sound like the free market to @RepDonBeyer and me. The Inflation Reduction Act will finally empower Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for our people." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 2% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "A border wall is a 14th Century solution to a 21st Century problem and an appalling waste of our taxpayers' money. I favor equipping border enforcement agents with resources and tools they need to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking, but let's work for hemispheric development and security. Let's develop this policy as part of comprehensive immigration reform." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border? No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2 "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I asked unanimous consent to bring up the Dream Act to protect Fatima, whose brothers were deported last month. #HeretoStay #DREAMers #DACA" (twitter.com)
  • "#DACA allows #DREAMers to work in every industry & sector in America. Let's stand with DREAMers and #DefendDACA!" (twitter.com)
  • "Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We must #ProtectDreamers like Fatima and oppose the moves to deport. Speaker Ryan, let's have a clean vote on the #DreamAct!" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "America must stand strong with Yulia Navalnaya and freedom fighters in Russia carrying on the work of Alexei Navalny. Democracy must defeat the forces of Trump/Putin." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 340 "Hamas International Financing Prevention Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108 "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Proud to stand with Amb. Markarova & thousands rallying at the Lincoln Memorial to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people on the 2nd anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s fascist invasion. Putin’s reign of terror will be stopped, and Ukraine’s democratic spirit will never be broken." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692 "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Act, 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7521 "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7520 "Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
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 strongly committed to defending women's health care choices and reproductive autonomy.
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
The GOP tax law gave massive breaks to the wealthiest 1-percent and corporations, while doing little or nothing for middle class families. These cuts are projected to increase the deficit by over $1 trillion in the next ten years, which Republicans have already begun to use to justify drastic cuts to programs like Social Security. We clearly need to reduce excessive, profligate and wasteful spending in the Defense Department. A 2015 DoD study found that we could save taxpayers at least $125 billion with simple reforms like curbing contractor fraud and reducing bureaucratic bloat--and no layoffs or reductions in personnel.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Citizens United has tilted our nation's political system toward the demands of moneyed corporate power. We need to build strong political and economic democracy by enacting legislation to bypass Citizens United (H.J.Res.31); require disclosure of special interest spending (H.R.1134); and eliminate the intrusion of foreign corporate money in our politics.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
We need to invest in America's future, which means investing federal dollars in things like the life-saving medical research conducted at NIH and the crucial scientific research projects happening at NOAA and EPA; public transportation and other infrastructure projects; affordable housing and health care; environmentally-sustainable agriculture; and more. Republicans like to claim that corporate tax cuts will eventually 'trickle down' to workers in the form of increased wages and resulting economic benefits from increased investment, but there's no real evidence to support this theory. The recent GOP tax scam only generates greater skepticism.
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
I believe that education is the lifeblood of democracy and that every student has the right to a high-quality education. I support federal policies that protect students' civil rights and support federal standards that ensure every student in America receives an excellent education, tailored to meet individual needs.
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Given America's scientific leadership and technological prowess, we should be leading--not opposing--efforts to develop renewable energy and deal with the brutal warming of our planet. I favor rejoining the Paris Agreement and pursuing aggressive initiatives toward clean energy and systematic reduction of deadly carbon emissions. Climate change is a civilizational emergency and the whole context within which we must decide every issue, from energy and environmental regulation to education, housing, and infrastructure. We must dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to halt climate change, while also investing in clean energy technologies like solar and wind power.
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
America faces an epidemic of gun violence but there are plenty of commonsense--and constitutional--laws that we could enact to make everyone safer. I support broadly popular measures like universal background checks, closing the gun-show and internet loopholes, and banning the sale of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
The ACA was an important step in extending healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and ensuring that insurance companies cannot deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions. We must continue to fight for universal access to affordable healthcare and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
No Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
A border wall is a 14th Century solution to a 21st Century problem and an appalling waste of our taxpayers' money. I favor equipping border enforcement agents with resources and tools they need to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking, but let's work for hemispheric development and security. Let's develop this policy as part of comprehensive immigration reform.
Yes Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
I favor legalizing, regulating and taxing commerce in marijuana. This will put the drug dealers out of business, end the criminalization of our people, reduce mass incarceration, and free up law enforcement resources for fighting violent and white-collar crime.
No Should the United States use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a nuclear weapon?
No Do you support increased American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts beyond air support?
Before taking military action, the President must ordinarily obtain from Congress a declaration of war. The Constitution requires Congress to debate, deliberate and declare war before the President prosecutes it. We should use diplomatic means to promote arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. As we have seen in Iraq, bloody ground wars in the Middle East are a lot easier to get into than to get out of, and we need serious Congressional analysis and deliberation if the President thinks we need military intervention.
Strengthen healthcare for all while reducing costs and lowering prescription drug prices. Fight climate change, the overarching crisis of our time. Renew political democracy by ending gerrymandering, adopting a national popular vote for president, defending voting rights, adopting universal voter registration, and curbing corporate money in our politics. Restore public integrity and honest government, an urgent imperative especially in my district where 80,000 people work for the federal government but have been subjected to constant political interference. As a member of the Oversight Committee, I'm defending federal employees against baseless partisan attacks, and continuing threats of salary and benefit cuts.

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