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Seth Moulton's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. Senate (MA) - Jr

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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.
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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.
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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.

  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America in 2021 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We can’t stand by and watch Republicans strip women of their constitutional rights. It’s time to finally codify Roe v. Wade." (x.com)
  • Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? "Pro-Choice" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8296 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Roe v. Wade is settled. It make clear: the Constitution protects a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion. Republican attempts to undermine it are attempts to force the government’s will upon women." (x.com)
  • "We can’t stand by and watch Republicans strip women of their constitutional rights. It’s time to finally codify Roe v. Wade." (x.com)
  • Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? "Pro-Choice" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund in 2023-24 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The first #SocialSecurity check went out 82 years ago today. Millions of Americans depend on Social Security and we need to be expanding and protecting Social Security benefits." (x.com)
  • Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Alliance for Retired Americans in 2023 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare in 2021-22 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "But it does make sure wealthy corporations who have been dodging their taxes finally pay their fair share." (x.com)
  • "It's time the wealthy and well-connected pay their fair share. Enforcing our current laws is an important first step." (x.com)
  • "Properly enforcing the tax code for rich tax cheats and making sure ultramillionaires and billionaires pay their fair share will more than cover the cost for everyone" (x.com)
  • Rated 6% by The Club for Growth in 2022 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This #BHM, let’s continue the fight for social justice and police reform . The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is critical legislation that will hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement, & build trust between law enforcement & our communities." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Association of Police Organizations in 2023 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act which we passed bans chokeholds, "no-knock" warrants and overhauls qualified immunity. This is a great step forward, but we have a long way to go until everyone in our country is treated justly and equally. We must keep pushing forward." (x.com)
  • "LCS funding is an example of irresponsible defense spending that puts lives at risk" (moulton.house.gov)
  • Do you support increasing defense spending? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 4365 "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The goals of the LCS program are admirable, but the bottom line is that the ship doesn’t work. Every additional dollar spent on this failing program is a dollar that could be spent on critical requirements for our frontline troops. We can’t afford that, and our troops don’t deserve it." (moulton.house.gov)
  • "The Future of Defense Task Force looked to the next 50 years of warfare to help prepare our armed services. If we are to compete and win, we must make hard choices and smart investments. This piece is spot on." (x.com)
  • "Today, I had the pleasure of joining the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber to talk about how much we stand to gain at home through the infrastructure debate if we make smart investments in high-speed rail and other transformative transportation projects." (x.com)
  • Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 7% by Council for Citizens Against Government Waste in 2022 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I look forward to continuing the work to expand affordable housing and build robust, equitable communities." (x.com)
  • "The Department of Housing and Urban Development should be focused on helping every American access affordable housing." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5735 "THRIVE Act" in 2018 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8294 "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "More than half a million Massachusetts households that receive food assistance will get a 12% boost this month to help alleviate the effects of inflation." (x.com)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct popped the balloon of runaway pandemic inflation. Democrats will never stop fighting to help the middle class." (x.com)
  • Rated 7% by Council for Citizens Against Government Waste in 2022 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5736 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Too many Americans - myself included - are graduating from college with student debt. That's why I voted for the the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act to increase counseling services available to borrowers and grant recipients." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association in 2023-24 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" in 2021 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 94% by Common Cause in 2022 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Systemic voter fraud is not real, but Republican state legislatures’ efforts to restrict voting access across the country is. And it’s ramping up. In order to safeguard our democracy we have to pass #HR4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Public Citizen in 2019-20 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 97% by League of Conservation Voters in 2023 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of 9 "Climate Action Now Act" in 2019 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, the House voted to ban drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Rather than doubling down on fossil fuels, let's invest in clean and renewable energy to fight climate change." (x.com)
  • Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, the House voted to ban drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Rather than doubling down on fossil fuels, let's invest in clean and renewable energy to fight climate change." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance in 2023-24 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 97% by League of Conservation Voters in 2023 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Lower Energy Costs Act" in 2023 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" in 2020 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Healthcare is a right that every American must be guaranteed. But as a recipient of single-payer healthcare through the VA, which has a history of problems, I don’t believe we should force everyone to accept a one-size-fits-all government plan. Let’s strengthen the Affordable Care Act by introducing a modern public option, like an updated Medicare (which was designed in 1963), and let it compete with private plans to offer the best care at the lowest price to consumers. That’s American ingenuity and competition at its best, and it will guarantee affordable, modern, quality health care for all. This administration wants to do the exact opposite." (www.facebook.com)
  • "Around 10.5 million workers each year need leave but don’t take it. Two-thirds – nearly 7 million people – say it is because they could not afford unpaid leave. This anniversary of #FMLA, I’m calling for a comprehensive, universal #PaidLeave program. We need paid leave for all." (x.com)
  • "In 2021, paid leave should be a universal right. #FamilyAct" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" in 2020 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "26% of Americans with diabetes ration their insulin at least once a year. No one's health should be put at risk because of the cost of their prescription." (x.com)
  • "Today, I joined House Democrats and voted in support of #HR3, a bill that will overhaul the nation’s prescription drug laws to #LowerDrugCosts for Americans." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" 2022 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Democrats are all for smart border security – but Trump’s wall isn’t that. It’s ineffective and wasteful. His political games are hurting American families. #EndTheShutdown" (x.com)
  • Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Federation for American Immigration Reform in 2021-22 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2 "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "#HomeIsHere for #Dreamers - where their families, friends, and lives are. That’s why I’m proud to support #DACA and the #DreamAndPromiseAct. We must #ProtectTheDream in Congress and at #SCOTUS." (x.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)
  • Rated 0% by NumbersUSA in 2023-24 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1333 "NO BAN Act" in 2021 (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our allies should trust us and our enemies should trust our resolve. The president's decision to abandon the Kurds will embolden ISIS. Today, I called on the House begin fixing the president's grave mistake by passing sanctions on Turkey's president and his inner circle." (x.com)
  • Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • 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" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8034 "Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am proud to have voted to stand up to dictators and butchers around the world by voting to send aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, Gaza, and Israel." (x.com)
  • "I’m off to the Capitol to vote to send aid to Ukraine and Taiwan, shore up Israel’s defensive capabilities, and fund humanitarian aid for the crisis in Gaza." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8035 "Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 3522 "Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We should be allowed to make informed decisions about the electronic eavesdroppers we invite into our homes. Let’s pass this bill so consumers know when #BigTech is listening in." (x.com)
  • 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" in 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?
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?
No 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?
I support expanding federal funding to support social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare, if it?s paid for. We cannot pass the bills for these programs onto our children and grandchildren because we refuse to face the fiscal reality of supporting them properly. I support tackling America?s deficits and long-term debt, including through smart tax policy, but Republicans? agenda to slash taxes on the wealthiest Americans would actually increase the deficit. The idea behind the wealth tax is correct: a tax code that is applied fairly and doesn?t incentivize people to simply accumulate wealth rather than putting it to work building jobs and our economy. But the wealth tax proposals to date would be difficult to implement and present targets for years of court challenges.
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?
This system needs to be reformed, though some degree of protection is necessary for any government official to do his or her job. Imagine if I could have been sued for every decision I made as a Marine officer?that would have been unsafe for my Marines, and not in the national security interest of the United States.
No Do you support increasing defense spending?
We need to protect America in an increasingly dangerous world, but as a leading advocate for defense reform, I know we can reap tremendous savings from defense modernization and procurement reform. The geopolitical challenges that we face at this moment, from China to Ukraine to the Middle East, require defense spending decisions that cannot be neatly summarized as either ?increasing? or ?decreasing? defense spending. We need to cut fat and cut old systems to make room for the new, while continuing to invest in the systems, personnel, and technologies that will equip America to remain the world?s global superpower and meet the threats posed by our adversaries. Neither blanket cuts nor mindless fat will maintain global peace and security, but in general, we need more of the new, tech-enabled, fast, light, and inexpensive systems of the future (think drones) and fewer of the big, expensive, manpower-intensive systems of the past (think tanks).
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?
I support the federal government increasing funding for affordable housing programs, but this needs to be done smartly. Direct subsidies are not often the most efficient way to build the most affordable housing.
Unknown Position Do you support the forgiveness of federal student loan debt?
The government should be thinking creatively to assist recent graduates who are struggling under the burden of debt and a housing shortage that makes it too difficult to start a family and pursue the American dream. But blanket forgiveness of student loans is a blunt tool that can reward bad decisions and is not the best use of federal dollars. Also, recent efforts to unilaterally forgive student debt through executive action have been mired in court challenges.
No Do you support requiring a government-issued identification in order to vote at the polls?
I do not support requiring a government-issued identification in order to vote at the polls, so long as other, effective ways to verify voters are employed.
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?
I support government funding for the development of renewable energy, but these efforts must include the most efficient way to produce carbon-free power, nuclear, and must be managed in an economically-efficient manner. I am proud to support aggressive action to counter climate change. We must decarbonize our economy while creating inclusive growth and good jobs. Changing our commutes and our communities to run carbon free will take smart investment and a lot of work, but the American people are up to the challenge. I have and will use my office as a Member of Congress to advocate for bold action that tackles carbon emissions, funds public investment in cutting edge research, and protects vulnerable communities.
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation (e.g. red flag laws, boyfriend loopholes)?
As a United States Marine, I employed all manner of deadly weapons in Iraq. Assault rifles, for example, saved my life more than once, but I�ve also seen what assault rifles can do, and they have no place in our schools or on our streets. I am an original co-sponsor of legislation that would require unlicensed firearms sellers to conduct a background check on every American who buys a gun at a gun show, through an online sale, or elsewhere. Such legislation also requires background checks for gun transfers. Expanded background checks are a foundational part of gun safety reform.
No 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?
Requiring this would break up families, put people in needless, life-threatening danger, and hurt our economy. Safeguarding our southern border is a paramount national security interest, but keeping America safe does not require mass deportations of individuals who have been in this country for years, who have families, and who contribute to our communities. We need to reform our border security and immigration to create a system that incentivizes people to come here legally, not illegally. We must establish a pathway to citizenship for undocumented residents, many of whom have lived and worked here for well over a decade, and some of whom were brought here as children. If these undocumented individuals who have been here for some time have complied and continue to comply with all other laws, and if they pay back taxes they owe, we should naturalize them as American citizens. For the Dreamers in particular, America is the only nation most can remember.
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?
Yes Do you generally support increased regulations on social media companies (e.g. Tik Tok, Facebook, etc.)?
Making America safer and stronger with a new generation of leadership that is less partisan and puts the best interests of our country first. Making sure Massachusetts leads the nation on issues like housing and transportation by building next-generation infrastructure, including regional and high-speed rail, that dramatically grows our economy. Expanding access to mental health care and eliminating the biases against it. Even in today?s partisan environment, I was able to work with a Republican?a fellow veteran?to get the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Hotline, 988, enacted into law. I?ll build on that success to bolster the hotline service and find other ways to address America?s growing mental healthcare needs.

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