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Veronica Escobar's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:
  • U.S. House (TX) - District 16, Democratic Minority Policy Committee Chair

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (TX) - District 16

Key

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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.
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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Veronica Escobar is currently being tested through the 2024 Political Courage Test.

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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.

  • "Women’s fundamental rights continue to be under severe threat around our country. Congress must protect choice and codify Roe v. Wade into law – now." (x.com)
  • "Overturning Roe has and always will be about controlling the bodies, livelihoods, and futures of women. Enough. Abolish the filibuster. Expand the Supreme Court." (x.com)
  • "Roe is the law of the land. Abortion is legal. The Senate must not wait to codify Roe to ensure women have the freedom to make personal decisions with those they love and trust without politicians trying to control them." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare? "Yes" (None)
  • "Our senior citizens deserve financial security, and programs like Social Security are crucial to millions of Americans. That’s why I fight to protect and expand Social Security for our seniors." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • "While Republicans continue to threaten to cut Medicare and Social Security, I understand how devastating that would be for more than 10 million seniors. I’m proud of my work in Congress to support legislation that would bolster the program and allow our seniors the financial security they deserve." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans (None)
  • In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? "Yes" (None)
  • "How are House Republicans attempting to give the wealthy and well-connected another tax cut? By holding our economy hostage and scheming to slash Social Security and Medicare despite the cost to millions of America’s workers and families." (x.com)
  • Rated 10% by National Taxpayers Union (None)
  • "The same politicians who passed billions in tax cuts for the wealthy now say we have to cut nutrition support for families in need. While Republicans attack programs that feed hungry families, @HouseDemocrats will fight every step of the way to #DefendSNAP." (x.com)
  • "How are House Republicans attempting to give the wealthy and well-connected another tax cut? By holding our economy hostage and scheming to slash Social Security and Medicare despite the cost to millions of America’s workers and families." (x.com)
  • "Make no mistake — the debt ceiling crisis is manufactured; Congressional Republicans raised the debt ceiling 3 times under Trump to deliver huge tax cuts to the wealthy. But now they're forcing cruel cuts that hurt Americans or devastating default on our debt. I don't think so." (x.com)
  • Rated 10% by National Taxpayers Union (None)
  • Rated 94% by Common Cause (None)
  • Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions? "Yes" (None)
  • "Congress must continue to fight to pass federal voting rights legislation that will: Limit "dark money" in elections" (veronicaescobar.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
  • "Proud to be an original cosponsor of the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act - a bold approach to end police brutality, hold police officers accountable, and call for transparency in El Paso and across the country." (twitter.com)
  • Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct? "No" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "I support a substantial budget and believe we can work within that to meet our security needs." (None)
  • "The FY22 NDAA leans forward and makes historic investments in our defense, resilience, innovation, and provides vital quality of life improvements for our servicemembers and their families, said Congresswoman Escobar. "As member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am immensely proud to have worked to craft and support legislation that secures big wins for Fort Bliss and El Paso and fulfills Congress' obligation to provide for the common and future defense of our nation." (None)
  • Do you support increasing defense spending? "No" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? "Yes" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021." (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Housing is a human right. That’s why today I met with the @epaa_apt to discuss my work in Congress to deliver and advocate for historic housing investments in El Paso, including the Rental Assistance Program and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit." (x.com)
  • "Did you know that Black and Latino families are 2x more likely to be evicted compared to White families? This #FairHousingMonth we must ensure that every family, no matter their race or color, has equal access to housing. All Americans deserve a home" (x.com)
  • "Our country has failed to invest in fair housing for too long, leading to more families experiencing homelessness and housing instability. It’s time to pass the #BuildBackBetter Act to end homelessness, reduce the racial wealth gap, and make housing more accessible." (x.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is pivotal in our fight against climate change. Last week, I hosted a webinar with @LCVoters to talk with local stakeholders about the IRA's clean energy investments and how to access these beneficial programs." (x.com)
  • "I won't stop fighting to grow our economy for working families. We've created thousands of jobs in El Paso — and with the Inflation Reduction Act, we're taking action to lower the costs of energy, health care, and prescription drugs." (x.com)
  • "The America COMPETES Act is a vital step in bolstering our supply chain. Today, I met with Westar Cartage to discuss how we can further invest in our ports of entry, meet consumer demand, and manage inflation for our local small businesses." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Student loan debt is a crisis in this country reaching into the trillions. That’s why I joined my friend @RepPressley and more than 80 bicameral lawmakers to call on @POTUS to cancel $50k of student debt per borrower. We can and must #CancelStudentDebt." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (None)
  • "@POTUS is forgiving up to $20,000 in student loan debt to support hard-working people, put money back in their pockets, and change the lives of as many as 43 million Americans! This is an important step to bolster and grow the middle class; I’m thrilled to see it!" (x.com)
  • "Access to the ballot box is at stake. If we don’t act with urgency, we stand to lose our democracy and millions of voices will be silenced." (x.com)
  • Rated 94% by Common Cause (None)
  • "Texas’ voter suppression law has already had a terrible impact on voter turnout in our state. Congress must continue to fight to pass federal voting rights legislation" (veronicaescobar.com)
  • "Across the nation, MAGA extremists are waging a war on voting rights. I'm proud to have joined my fellow @HouseDemocrats in introducing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to protect that most fundamental right and safeguard our democracy." (x.com)
  • Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)? "Yes" (None)
  • "I proudly serve on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, and helped secure our nation’s largest investment in addressing climate change in history. I will continue to support our transition to a clean energy future and provide resources to both industry and everyday Americans to lower those costs." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • "I support the Green New Deal and other policies that will address our climate crisis." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is pivotal in our fight against climate change. Last week, I hosted a webinar with @LCVoters to talk with local stakeholders about the IRA's clean energy investments and how to access these beneficial programs." (x.com)
  • "Our country cannot maintain our addiction to fossil fuels. It's time to deliver @POTUS’ economic plan to save families hundreds of dollars on energy costs - and build a future free from volatile oil prices and a dependence on the oil of dictators." (x.com)
  • "I proudly serve on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, and helped secure our nation’s largest investment in addressing climate change in history. I will continue to support our transition to a clean energy future and provide resources to both industry and everyday Americans to lower those costs." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • "I support the Green New Deal and other policies that will address our climate crisis." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (None)
  • "I’ve supported more than 20 gun safety bills including: Banning assault weapons, Required safe storage of firearms, Background check for firearm sales, Expanding penalties for mass shooters, Creating active shooter mobile alerts, Closing loopholes for violent offenders, and more." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • "Every day, over 100 Americans die from gun violence, accidental shootings, and suicide by gun. During #NationalGunViolenceAwarenessMonth, we must continue calling out those who fail to enact commonsense, popular gun violence safety legislation. Get to work or get out of the way." (x.com)
  • "Gun safety legislation is common-sense, wildly popular, and long overdue. Texas has tried to solve the gun violence epidemic with more guns; yet we have more mass shootings than any other state in the country. Their way doesn't work, ours saves lives." (x.com)
  • Do you generally support gun-control legislation? "Yes" (None)
  • "Americans shouldn’t have to decide between affordable healthcare and providing for their families. We should be focused on fixing a broken healthcare system and covering more Americans, especially those in need of mental health-care and those like El Paso residents, whose states refuse to allow them access to coverage." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • "#MedicareForAll guarantees: Primary care, Vision, dental, and hearing, Mental health care, Long-term care, Substance abuse care, and Maternal care WITHOUT debt, fees, or out-of-pocket costs. I proudly joined my colleagues to advocate for this human right for every American." (x.com)
  • "Health insurance is fundamental to a productive, healthy citizenry. Which is why I support universal healthcare for everyone." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • "Without affordable childcare, women are being kept from the labor force in record numbers. Of the over 1M Americans who surged into the labor force last month, only 39k were women. That's why I support crucial policies like universal pre-k and paid leave." (x.com)
  • "The Build Back Better agenda includes paid family leave and universal pre-k to help lower the costs that burden our care workers. This #NationalCaregiversDay, let's recommit to delivering change to ensure all caregivers can support themselves and their families with dignity." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The Build Back Better Act will cap out-of-pocket insulin expenses at $35 a month. And if you make less than $400,000/year, your taxes won't increase a penny. That's delivering for the American people." (twitter.com)
  • "I won't stop fighting to grow our economy for working families. We've created thousands of jobs in El Paso — and with the Inflation Reduction Act, we're taking action to lower the costs of energy, health care, and prescription drugs." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 7% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • "Congress is to blame for our broken immigration system, and we need to act in a thoughtful way that doesn’t just address border policy, but the whole broken system. We need a compromise. We need the Dignity Act, my bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform bill." (x.com)
  • "Today my colleagues and I were briefed on border security technology by CBP agents at Monument 3. Looking forward to working together to ensure our country implements smart and humane border security policies. #DemsAtTheBorder" (x.com)
  • "We are 33 days into a senseless shutdown that is endangering our security and threatening our economy, because President Trump and the Republican Senate insist on holding the American people hostage to a wasteful and ineffective border wall," said Congresswoman Escobar. "I'm working every day to end this shutdown and deliver effective investments for the community of El Paso. Now, the Senate must do their part and send this legislative package to the President's desk." (None)
  • Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? "No" (None)
  • "Congress is to blame for our broken immigration system, and we need to act in a thoughtful way that doesn’t just address border policy, but the whole broken system. We need a compromise. We need the Dignity Act, my bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform bill." (x.com)
  • "For too long, the US’ immigration strategy has focused only on the border. If we want to see long-term solutions, we need to address the reasons people are fleeing their country before they arrive at our nation’s door. We must also open pathways to citizenship and allow people to apply for asylum in their home countries instead of at our border. And we must provide the promised pathway to citizenship for Dreamers." (veronicaescobar.com)
  • Rated 7% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5691: "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)
  • "This was the response by a @HouseGOP member speaking against sending aid to innocent civilians, including children. His response is Islamophobic—pure and simple. It is vile, unacceptable, unAmerican and dangerous." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7108: "Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today, we commemorate the one-year anniversary of Putin’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. As we continue to stand up for democracy and what is right, I’m proud to support the Ukrainian people." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5691: "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 S 3522: "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Facebook and other social media platforms are quickly pushing out people who use social media for fun, good or legitimate information sharing. If they don’t do something to police themselves, they will soon become platforms for hate and doctored videos." (x.com)
  • "Big Tech companies like Amazon have grown their monopoly power across our economy, denying other businesses the fair opportunity to compete for federal procurements. That’s why I introduced legislation to curb market domination and protect businesses." (x.com)
  • "Tune in as I join my @HouseJudiciary colleagues to markup six bipartisan bills that will hold Big Tech corporations accountable and expand opportunities for small business owners, workers, and consumers" (x.com)
  • "The disinformation, hate, harassment, and violence running rampant on Facebook silence women and undermine our democracy. I’m proud to lead this effort with @HouseDemWomen to demand @Facebook to do more to protect women." (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?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
No Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
No Do you support increasing defense spending?
I support a substantial budget and believe we can work within that to meet our security needs.
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?
Yes Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
Yes Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
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?
Yes Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
Yes Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
Yes, but gradually and strategically.
Yes Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
Expanding healthcare and reforming immigration.

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