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Madeleine Dean's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (PA) - District 4

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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.

  • "Madeleine has led many initiatives in support of women’s health including maternal healthcare for pregnant women recovering from substance abuse, decreasing stigma of chronic illness, and continuing to protect against any and all attacks to Roe v. Wade." (mad4pa.com)
  • "Madeleine stands unequivocally with women in their right to control their own bodies." (mad4pa.com)
  • Voted against H.R. 4712 "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8296 "Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022 (votesmart.org)
  • "Madeleine has led many initiatives in support of women’s health including maternal healthcare for pregnant women recovering from substance abuse, decreasing stigma of chronic illness, and continuing to protect against any and all attacks to Roe v. Wade." (mad4pa.com)
  • "Madeleine stands unequivocally with women in their right to control their own bodies." (mad4pa.com)
  • "The 5-4 decision to overturn Roe proves THEY LIED. We MUST end the filibuster to protect abortion access. And clearly we need to pass a code of ethics for Supreme Court Justices. Everything must be on the table because our rights are on the line." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8296 "Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022 (votesmart.org)
  • "83 years ago today, the first #SocialSecurity check went out. Instead of protecting it, House Republicans are debating whether or not it should be on the chopping block. Not on our watch — @HouseDemocrats will always fight to protect the benefits that Americans have earned." (x.com)
  • "Madeleine wants to continue working in Congress to support universal healthcare that is economically balanced to fulfill the promise that our government made in 2010." (mad4pa.com)
  • "Madeleine will not abandon Montgomery and Berks Counties’ seniors. She will continue to make sure that those who have dutifully paid into our security net have access to Social Security and Medicare in their retirement. She will work to protect and expand Social Security and Medicare and defend against attacks to these programs in the name of more tax cuts for the wealthy." (mad4pa.com)
  • "The first #SocialSecurity check went out 82 years ago today. Now, I’m fighting alongside @RepJohnLarson to expand and enhance benefits for the first time in 50 years. Congress must ensure that this program continues to serve our nation's most vulnerable. #Secure2100" (x.com)
  • ".@HouseDemocrats and the American Rescue Plan secured this tax cut and families are seeing the difference." (x.com)
  • "The wealthy must pay their fair share. And with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS recouped $122 million *in a single month* from wealthy tax evaders. And the added funding pays for itself. This is the government working for everyday Americans." (x.com)
  • "There is no need to mislead the public. The Build Back Better bill is a decade’s long investment in the future of our country — $3.5 trillion over the next *ten* years. Paid for by raising taxes on the ultra wealthy and corporations." (x.com)
  • "When adequately funded, the IRS recouped $122 million — in a single month — from millionaires trying to evade taxes. So yes, helping millionaires cheat on taxes again would lose us money. Easy math if you ask me — but I taught writing, so feel free to double check with @USCBO." (x.com)
  • "The wealthy must pay their fair share. And with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS recouped $122 million *in a single month* from wealthy tax evaders. And the added funding pays for itself. This is the government working for everyday Americans." (x.com)
  • "There is no need to mislead the public. The Build Back Better bill is a decade’s long investment in the future of our country — $3.5 trillion over the next *ten* years. Paid for by raising taxes on the ultra wealthy and corporations." (x.com)
  • "We get a lot questions about how @HouseDemocrats intend to pay for the #BuildBackBetter agenda. Here’s how — by taxing wealthy Americans and corporations. And guess what — it’s popular with Pennsylvanians." (x.com)
  • "What do Pennsylvanians support? 74%➡️the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. 70%➡️the $3.5 Trillion Build Back Better Plan. 78%➡️raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Our commonwealth is ready for the Build Back Better Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill." (x.com)
  • Rated 94% by Common Cause (None)
  • "Citizens United opened the floodgate of corporate spending in politics causing a wave of dark money to wash over our elections and drown out the voices of many ordinary Americans." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Mitch McConnell argues that #HR1 is a "power grab." But that's what elections are: power grabs by the people - and they're the only kind of power grab that a democracy should tolerate. It's time to end dark money and expand voting access." (x.com)
  • "I am praying for justice for George Floyd, his family, and loved ones. This nation needs healing — accountability is a vital part of that process." (x.com)
  • "This is why Madeleine supports the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, which mandates reporting of police use of force, prohibits racial and religious profiling, bans chokeholds, and mandates use of police body cameras, and the Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act, which makes the use of the police chokehold a civil rights violence and prohibits police tactic that could result in loss of of breath." (mad4pa.com)
  • "We are currently in a civil rights crisis that requires change. The nation has witnessed horrific and unjust deaths of Black people, including George Floyd, as a result of police brutality. We need police reform that ensures that police violence against Black Americans does not continue to occur." (mad4pa.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of "H.R. 7900 - "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6395 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Due to the #COVID19 outbreak and its economic impact Americans are struggling to stay afloat. The stimulus package must work #ForThePeople, no exceptions. American workers and businesses need relief now — not corporate bailouts or a secret slush fund, @senatemajldr." (x.com)
  • "Since Trump tweeted no deal, only to return demanding a stand-alone bill for more stimulus checks, here is my legislation on direct payments. Mr. President, less tweets, more action." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of "H.R. 2 "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Absolutely delighted to join community leaders at the North Hills Manor Ribbon cutting. We’ve been working on this since my days as a State Rep. These affordable housing units will make a difference for so many families. Proud of the dedicated leaders that made this a reality!" (x.com)
  • "Investing in communities and building more affordable housing is a must to help us all flourish." (x.com)
  • "This #FairHousingMonth marks 54 years since the #FairHousingAct became law, yet we haven't fully realized the dream of fair housing. That's why @FSCDems and @HouseDemocrats are fighting to keep investments in fair and affordable housing for everyone." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of "HR 7301 "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" (votesmart.org)
  • "From inflation to rising costs, the last few years have been immensely challenging for families. Yet, I'm encouraged by our progress — unemployment has been below 4% for 24 months and inflation is down 60% from last summer. @POTUS will continue to deliver needed relief." (x.com)
  • "What are Democrats doing to lower costs for Pennsylvania families? Here's a snapshot of how the Inflation Reduction Act will help our communities, as we continue to feel the pressures of inflation." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 5376 "Build Back Better Act (Inflation Reduction Act of 2022)" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7688 "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "And for students that choose to further their education — they should not be burdened by life-long debt." (mad4pa.com)
  • "Higher education should mean life-changing opportunities — not a lifetime of debt. Encouraged by @POTUS' commitment to student loan relief, including his SAVE Plan which lowers monthly payments. In PA-04, 9,800 people have enrolled so far — let's keep up the momentum!" (x.com)
  • "Madeleine has introduced legislation to pay off $10,000 in education debt for borrowers during the COVID-10 pandemic, providing a lifeline for young people during an economic crisis. Madeleine has also introduced H.R. 4545, the Private Loan Disability Discharge Act, which would fill a gap in current law by allowing private student loan borrowers who become permanently disabled and will never work again to be relieved of their student loan debt." (mad4pa.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The Shelby v. Holder Supreme Court decision opened the floodgates for voting restrictions and anti-democratic policies. All Americans - no matter race or class - deserve the right to vote. I’m determined to fight against all disenfranchisement." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of "H.R. 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 94% by Common Cause (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Fun Fact: Norristown has the ability to be a leader in clean energy with a dam, producing up to 10.1M kilowatts of energy a year and countless green jobs. 💚💚💚" (x.com)
  • "The United States must be a global leader in environmental preservation. Ensuring a better future means making sure we have a planet to pass on to future generations. This starts with our country rejoining the Paris Environmental Agreement, seeking out 100% renewable clean energy sources, and addressing environmental injustice in predominantly low-income, minority communities. With governmental commitment, the rapidly growing green energy industry has the ability to stimulate our economy, create jobs, and help our environment." (mad4pa.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "In Pennsylvania, we've *been* ready for...➡️Clean Energy ➡️Investments in Environmental Justice ➡️Good-paying Union Jobs ➡️Resilient Transportation Infrastructure" (x.com)
  • "Yesterday we passed @RepCunningham, @USRepKCastor and, @RepRooney’s bills to #ProtectOurCoast from offshore drilling. Coastal communities rely on clean water & healthy beaches for tourism and fishing. @HouseDemocrats are committed to a more sustainable future for generations." (x.com)
  • Voted against H.R. 1 "Lower Energy Costs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against H.R. 21 "Strategic Production Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "She has continued this work fighting the gun violence epidemic in Congress, where the very first bill she introduced addresses the new danger of plastic guns which go undetected to metal detectors. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Madeleine has been on the front lines of the fight to protect our children from gun violence. She fought in Committee and on the House Floor to pass H.R. 8, which requires a background check for every firearm sale, and H.R 112, which enhances background check requirements for firearm transfers between different parties." (mad4pa.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Rifle Association (NRA) (None)
  • "Lawmakers afraid of the NRA have failed our nation and the people they serve. It is past time to confront gun violence as a public health crisis. As a PA State Legislator, Madeleine co-founded the gun safety group PA SAFE Caucus authoring legislation for universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and a ban on "bump stocks."" (mad4pa.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1808 "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Madeleine believes healthcare is a right. Every person deserves to be able to have access to affordable, quality, and comprehensive healthcare. The Affordable Care Act started this process. Madeleine wants to continue working in Congress to support universal healthcare that is economically balanced to fulfill the promise that our government made in 2010." (mad4pa.com)
  • "On the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I'm mindful of the more than 1.2 million Pennsylvanians that now have health care coverage. The ACA remains an historic step in our fight for universal health care — and we must build upon it." (x.com)
  • "The #AffordableCareAct has been a lifeline for more than 8.5 million Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must build upon the progress of the #ACA, so that every single person can access affordable and quality health care." (x.com)
  • "This is shameful. During the President’s time in office, he and GOP lawmakers have attempted to repeal, underfund, and undermine the ACA multiple times. We should be working to expand our healthcare system #ForThePeople #Obamacare" (x.com)
  • "It's time for paid family and medical leave for everyone in America. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and tending to loved ones in need." (x.com)
  • "That’s why, we must ensure access to equal opportunity, quality healthcare, affordable childcare, and initiatives to address sexism in the public sphere." (mad4pa.com)
  • "The Build Back Better Act will provide quality Pre-K, two years of free community college or technical trade school, paid family leave, and expanded Medicare." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct will hold wealthy tax cheats accountable and ensure corporations pay their fair share. Those funds will reduce the deficit AND save money on: 💊 Prescription drugs" (x.com)
  • "She has supported legislation in the House that eliminates barriers to healthcare, protects patients with pre-existing conditions, and lowers the cost of prescription drugs." (mad4pa.com)
  • "Tonight, the House will passing legislation to help lower the cost of prescription drugs. It will: ✅ Remove barriers to allow more generic medication to enter the market. ✅ Accountability in drug pricing process. ✅ Create negotiation mechanism to help keep all prices low." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2 - "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "If the President means what he says about protecting America, then undermining our border security and law enforcement personnel is the wrong way to do it." (x.com)
  • "Innocent children are being neglected and deprived of basic human rights. Today, @HouseDemocrats will vote to address this crisis with: $2.9 billion ➡️ Refugee and entrant assistance $1.49 billion ➡️ Border protection $170 million ➡️ Immigration logistics" (x.com)
  • Rated 8% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2494 "POLICE Act of 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 5525 "Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Asylum is a human right. I implore the administration to offer extraordinary relief for the Haitians at our border and stop deportations. We know what they are escaping — we must show our values and respond with compassion." (x.com)
  • "ICE attempted to deport three families from the Berks County Residential Center just days after @RepMGS and I met with them - a troubling sequence of events. Thank you @LEBenshoff for covering this story." (x.com)
  • "Madeleine supports a strong legal immigration system and humane treatment for anyone seeking citizenship We must take steps to strengthen our legal immigration system. This includes a path to citizenship for people who want to be part of our country, reinstating DACA to allow the Dreamers to be able to stay in our country without fear, and fighting against border policies that treat people in-humanely. Like the rest of us, they should be able to live the American Dream without fear of retribution." (mad4pa.com)
  • Voted against HR 2 - "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Madeleine supports tariff negotiations that build strong relationships with trusted trading partners and hold countries that exploit or abuse international trade relations, like China, accountable. In Congress, Madeleine has cosponsored H.R. 4863, the United States Export Finance Agency Act which seeks to promote the competitiveness of the United States and to reform and reauthorize the U.S. Export Finance Agency." (mad4pa.com)
  • "Putin's decision to begin invasion attempts makes it clear it is time to enact crippling economic sanctions until Putin abides by international law, withdraws, and recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • 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)
  • "Congress has delivered $13.6 billion in aid to Ukraine — and we are working on more. Yesterday, the House passed the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act to help the US send weapons and supplies to Ukraine more efficiently. Congress stands united with the people of Ukraine." (x.com)
  • "We are all watching Mr. Putin’s horrific attacks on the independent nation of Ukraine. This is a humanitarian crisis — and as we discuss next steps, one thing should be clear: the world must send aid and prepare to take in refugees." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 7691 "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S. 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7520 "Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7521 "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" (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?
No Do you support the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Yes Do you support a decrease in income taxes in order to balance the budget?
Yes Do you support a wealth tax in order to pay for public programs?
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations, unions, and individuals?
No Do you support protecting government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth (e.g. grants, tax incentives)?
Yes Do you support the federal government increasing funding for affordable housing programs?
Yes Do you support the federal government taking action, beyond those of the Federal Reserve, to alleviate inflation?
Yes Do you support the forgiveness of federal student loan debt?
No Do you support requiring a government-issued identification in order to vote at the polls?
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
No Do you support the federal government allowing permits for drilling on public lands?
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation (e.g. red flag laws, boyfriend loopholes)?
Yes Do you support a government-run (e.g. single-payer) healthcare program, such as Medicare-for-All?
Yes Do you support expanding paid family AND/OR medical leave benefits (e.g. maternity leave)?
Yes Should the government be able to regulate the cost of prescription drugs?
Yes Do you support increasing security along the southern US border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship, regardless of their immigration status?
We must do more to comprehensively address our border security and immigration system - one which values humane treatment for anyone seeking citizenship. Further, we should develop strong and secure paths to citizenship for those who want to be part of our country.
Yes Do you support economic intervention as a means of resolving international conflicts?
Yes Do you support the US providing increased offensive military aid to Ukraine?
As the world's leading economy, the United States has significant leverage to use economic means to dissuade bad actors and competitors from engaging in unfair or illegal activities.
Yes Do you generally support increased regulations on social media companies (e.g. Tik Tok, Facebook, etc.)?
Lowering costs for families and protecting our rights are top concerns for all. While we have made strides to lower costs by mitigating corporate price gouging, expanding access to markets for farmers, decreasing supply chain costs, broadening the child tax credit, negotiating lower drug prices, and investing in our infrastructure ? we must and we will do more. My colleagues and I are eager to build on the work we began with pivotal legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, and much more. By investing in our communities, Congress can continue reducing childhood poverty, lowering food and fuel costs, and keep more money in the pockets of hard working Americans. Our freedoms, and our very democracy, are on the ballot this November. The nation?s leaders should be working to expand, defend, and protect our rights, including: the right to vote, a woman?s right to choose, the right to be free from gun violence, the right to accessible and affordable healthcare, and others. Congress must act ? we have the opportunity to pass the For the People Act and the Women?s Healthcare Protection Act to safeguard our liberties. Unfortunately, we see a systematic erosion of both our rights and faith in our institutions. We must do more to build that faith ? and confidence ? in our institutions to more effectively protect our rights, and those of the next generation.

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