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Kweisi Mfume's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (MD) - District 7

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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.
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.
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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.

  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "On the 87th anniversary of Social Security, I vow to protect this critical safety net for so many Americans. While some want to rob Americans of their financial security, Democrats are fighting to protect their hard-earned benefits." (twitter.com)
  • "On this day in 1940 the first Social Security check went out. Our seniors, friends & neighbors with disabilities & the blind deserve assistance. It makes me proud that the Social Security Administration HQ is in my district. Let's continue quality service. #SSA #SocialSecurity" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSM) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 610: "Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act - National Key Vote" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Major meeting with Mitch Landrieu, White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator, today to begin making the case for the "Highway to Nowhere" and laying the foundation for infrastructure spending in Maryland under the bipartisan infrastructure law. #infrastructure" (twitter.com)
  • "#ICYMI, I was proud to announce $30 million in #AmericanRescuePlan funds were awarded to 10+ community organizations for new and affordable housing in #Baltimore. My full remarks at this announcement can be viewed below. #AffordableHomes #AffordableHousing #HousingJustice" (twitter.com)
  • "Proud to announce that $30 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan has been awarded to support the creation of over 450 units of affordable housing in #Baltimore. I joined Mayor Brandon Scott, City Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy and other housing officials to make this announcement on the third anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act being passed by Congress and signed into law. Three years later, we are still seeing the favorable impact of this legislation as it creates affordable housing for Baltimoreans. #AmericanRescuePlan #CommunityDevelopment #HousingJustice #AffordableHomes #AffordableHousing" (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7301 "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8294 "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Well, it's a tremendous piece of legislation. It is not Build Back Better. It's a smaller version of it. But in many respects, it's groundbreaking because for once, we're able to say to working Americans, we're going to actually reduce the cost of prescription drugs. We give Medicare the ability now to negotiate prices on an open market that has never happened before. The cost of health care under the Obama plan, which was going to end the subsidies that were going to end next month, will now be extended well beyond that into 2025, at the very least. There is a $35 cap on insulin for diabetics, and you were right to point out earlier, unfortunately, that does not cover the private insurers, but for the Americans who are on Medicare, their cost for insulin will be capped at $35." (mfume.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7688 "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is what Democrats are all about: lowering the cost of health care, standing up to the biggest corporations ripping off everyday Americans, and tackling the climate crisis with the fierce urgency of now. I’m proud to support this historic legislation that puts people over politics and money back into the pockets of my constituents in Baltimore." (mfume.house.gov)
  • "@POTUS’ Student Loan Debt Relief application is now live! With the potential to see forgiveness of up to $20K, this is just another example of Democrats putting #PeopleOverPolitics." (twitter.com)
  • "Republicans gifted tax cuts to the wealthy, the well-off, and the well-connected. @POTUS delivered student loan forgiveness where 87% of the benefits go to borrowers earning $75,000 a year or less. They fight for the rich, we fight for everyday Americans. #PeopleOverPolitics" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (NEA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "On Feb 3 1870, the 15th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting Black men the legal right to vote. 151 yrs later the promise of voting equality for people of color remains unfulfilled. The John Lewis Voting Rights Act must be a priority for the 117th Congress! #BHM" (twitter.com)
  • "The late Congressman John Lewis would be smiling today as the House Passed H.R. 4, a good first step in protecting our democracy. Read my full statement below." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Proud to announce that through the American Rescue Plan I helped craft, $23 million will soon go towards training Maryland workers and connecting them to employers in the clean energy sector. Every American deserves the opportunity to secure a good-paying job!" (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (docs.google.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Lower Energy Costs Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4447 "Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "1) Expand Obamacare to cover everyone and preserve Medicare and Medicaid 2) Fight for sensible gun laws including an assault weapons ban and universal background checks that include psychological assessments 3) Fight to lower the cost of prescription medications" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Thank you Justice Breyer for your exemplary service to our country and for always making time for ordinary people. Your decisions on the major issues of our time including affirmative action, voting rights, Affordable Care Act & the environment were game changing. #SCOTUS #Breyer" (twitter.com)
  • "The pandemic has spotlighted racial disparities in access to behavioral health care. I'm happy to share this news about federal $$ to study the barriers that impact COVID-19 testing & treatment. All Marylanders deserve equitable/affordable health care." (twitter.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act - National Key Vote" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "American workers are the engine that drives our economy, so I proudly supported legislation to provide paid sick leave to railroad workers as well as legislation to provide them with much-needed improvements to their take-home pay, health benefits, and working conditions." (twitter.com)
  • "1) Expand Obamacare to cover everyone and preserve Medicare and Medicaid 2) Fight for sensible gun laws including an assault weapons ban and universal background checks that include psychological assessments 3) Fight to lower the cost of prescription medications" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, I voted to pass the #InflationReductionAct to: Lower the high cost of prescription drugs + a $35 cap on insulin w/Medicare. Tackle the climate crisis and lower energy costs. Make billion-dollar corporations pay their fair share in taxes #PeopleOverPolitics" (twitter.com)
  • "Well, it's a tremendous piece of legislation. It is not Build Back Better. It's a smaller version of it. But in many respects, it's groundbreaking because for once, we're able to say to working Americans, we're going to actually reduce the cost of prescription drugs. We give Medicare the ability now to negotiate prices on an open market that has never happened before. The cost of health care under the Obama plan, which was going to end the subsidies that were going to end next month, will now be extended well beyond that into 2025, at the very least. There is a $35 cap on insulin for diabetics, and you were right to point out earlier, unfortunately, that does not cover the private insurers, but for the Americans who are on Medicare, their cost for insulin will be capped at $35." (mfume.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833: "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border? No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Haitians from throughout the Southern Hemisphere are now seeking a better life because of the natural disasters and socio-economic and political turmoil befalling their home country. This diaspora of Haitians has congregated on our border with the hope of a new life like many immigrant communities throughout the centuries... There is no excuse for the actions caught on camera of Customs and Border Patrol agents using horses and "split reins" to do their job. Professional behavior by Customs and Border Patrol requires they treat asylum-seekers with respect. Hardship and heartache have been on full display on our southern border in these last few days. It is time to show some empathy and understanding. Firm, fair and humane due process for asylum seekers must be the standard. Showing some humanity while doing this important work should be the norm." (mfume.house.gov)
  • Voted against HR 2 "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted against HR 2494 "POLICE Act of 2023" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Proud to stand alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. As we near the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I commend the Ukrainian people in their historic fight for freedom and justice. #FreeUkraine #StopWarInUkraine #Ukraine" (twitter.com)
  • "Today marks the two-year anniversary of Putin’s invasion of #Ukraine. As a member of @UkraineCaucus, I stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and their sacrifice must not be in vain. #StandWithUkraine #PeaceForUkraine #StopWarInUkraine #UkraineWar #FreeUkraine" (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 Appropriations Act, 2023" (justfacts.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?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
I support increasing taxes on the most wealthy in our society and everyone paying their fair share.
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?
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Unknown Position 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?
I support lowering taxes for the middle class, most vulnerable in our society as well as small businesses. This will allow reinvestment into the economy especially for our vital small local businesses.
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
States are on the frontlines of educating our children and should work in partnership with the Federal government to ensure students receive the first rate education they need and deserve to compete in our global economy.
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")?
Unknown Position 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?
I support a pathway to citizenship for law abiding undocumented residents who do not pose a danger or threat to society and have demonstrated history of making a positive contribution to society. We must balance strong border security with a pathway to citizenship.
Unknown Position 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)?
Unknown Position Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
Diplomacy and economic sanctions should be paramount, however the use of force cannot be taken off the table as an option. Military force should be used as a stabilizing force.
Unknown Position Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
I support policies that promote free and fair trade.
1) Expand Obamacare to cover everyone and preserve Medicare and Medicaid 2) Fight for sensible gun laws including an assault weapons ban and universal background checks that include psychological assessments 3) Fight to lower the cost of prescription medications

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