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Jennifer McClellan's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Jennifer McClellan did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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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.

  • "51 years ago, SCOTUS recognized a constitutional right to have an abortion in Roe v. Wade. Thanks to Trump appointed judges, that right has been ripped away." (x.com)
  • "99% of House Republicans voted against codyfing Roe v. Wade. 92% of them voted against your right to contraception. Now, extremist Republicans want to pass a nationwide abortion ban. When I’m in Congress, I’ll always put my foot down to defend abortion rights." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by the Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Three things I will NOT do when I get to Congress: cut Social Security and Medicare; raise taxes on working families; and raise insulin costs. Retweet this so every voter knows what's on the line in our special election in 8 days." (x.com)
  • "With abortion rights, voting rights, and Social Security under attack by extremist Republicans, we can't risk losing a single Democratic vote in Congress. I have a special election in 10 days. My race will be critical to fighting the GOP. With your help, we will make history." (x.com)
  • "House Republicans passed legislation to add $3 trillion to the deficit to give billionaires more tax breaks. Now, they want to cut your Social Security & Medicare to "cut costs." In Congress, I’ll stand firmly with House Democrats to protect your hard-earned benefits." (x.com)
  • "A budget proposal is a statement of your values. House Republicans would rather cut funding for school lunches than make the ultra-rich pay their fair share. House Democrats won’t let that happen." (x.com)
  • "The GOP is putting the wealthy & well-connected over working families with a tax scam that benefits big corporations & leaves everyone else behind. @HouseDemocrats are fighting for the child tax credit, lower costs, safer communities & creating jobs." (x.com)
  • "While House Republicans push more tax cuts for the rich, House Democrats are fighting to grow the middle class. Our economy added another 336,000 new jobs last month — adding up to 13.9 million under President Biden." (x.com)
  • "House Republicans passed legislation to add $3 trillion to the deficit to give billionaires more tax breaks. Now, they want to cut your Social Security & Medicare to "cut costs." In Congress, I’ll stand firmly with House Democrats to protect your hard-earned benefits." (x.com)
  • "A budget proposal is a statement of your values. House Republicans would rather cut funding for school lunches than make the ultra-rich pay their fair share. House Democrats won’t let that happen." (x.com)
  • "Since extremist Republicans think this is up for debate, I want to hear from Americans: Nurses, teachers, and bus drivers should not be paying more in taxes than billionaires. Retweet if you think so too." (x.com)
  • "This week, @POTUS released his budget proposal for the upcoming year. His budget would grow our economy, lower costs for health care, prescription drugs, & utilities, and reduce our deficit by $3T -- all while ensuring no one making under $400K/yr pays a penny in new taxes." (x.com)
  • "House Republicans passed legislation to add $3 trillion to the deficit to give billionaires more tax breaks. Now, they want to cut your Social Security & Medicare to "cut costs." In Congress, I’ll stand firmly with House Democrats to protect your hard-earned benefits." (x.com)
  • "14 years ago, SCOTUS opened the floodgates to unlimited political spending with Citizens United v. FEC. As the threats against our democracy continue to grow, financial transparency is crucial to ensure #DemocracyIsNotForSale." (x.com)
  • "I’m not backed by dark money lobbyists or special interests, I'm backed by the people. Will you chip in $5, $10, or anything you can to make sure we have the people-power needed to win this election? >>" (x.com)
  • "Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), a member of the Task Force on Strengthening Democracy, joined Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03) and over 130 House Democrats to introduce H.R. 11, the Freedom to Vote Act, to protect and expand voting rights, implement federal election standards and campaign finance reforms, and preserve American democracy.... Bans Dark Money – requires super PACs and other organizations to disclose their donors, shuts down the use of transfers between organizations to hide their contributors, and ensures political ads sold online have the same transparency and disclosure requirements as ads sold on TV and radio." (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • Rated 92% by End Citizens United (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As governor, comprehensive justice reform will be my clarion call. I will end qualified immunity, mandate Civilian Review Boards, and create a new State Investigative Unit to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate their oath." (x.com)
  • "Hold law enforcement accountable for excessive force and misconduct. I will end qualified immunity, mandate Civilian Review Oversight Boards, and create a new State Investigative Unit to investigate police misconduct cases across Virginia." (x.com)
  • "We have to end qualified immunity because when a police officer violates someone's civil rights and it ends in death or injury, they need to be held accountable. #VADemDebate" (x.com)
  • Rated 25% by the National Association of Police Organizatiions (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), voted in support of final passage of H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. The legislation authorizes funding for the United States military and supports America’s servicemembers. " (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • Voted against HR 8774: "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670: "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "In the first half of this year’s government funding package, I secured $15 MILLION for 15 community projects in Virginia’s Fourth. This federal funding will support our communities, help modernize our infrastructure and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Virginians." (x.com)
  • "This #InfrastructureWeek, we celebrate the historic progress made thanks to @POTUS, @VP, and @HouseDemocrats' once-in-a-generation infrastructure bill. Together, we're rebuilding America's infrastructure, creating new jobs, and strengthening our communities. (x.com)
  • "This appropriations package will boost our economy and fight inflation, support our continued efforts to address the climate crisis, protect reproductive freedom, and uphold our commitments to our veterans." (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • ""Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s decision to halt plans for a $3.5 billion Ford Motor Co. battery plant over his concerns about Chinese influence cost one of the poorest areas of Virginia a reported 2,500 jobs with potential for more."" (x.com)
  • "Great news! @HUDgov announced $55.5 million in federal funding to repair public housing in Virginia. $16.8 million will go to Richmond, Petersburg, and Hopewell! I will keep working with the Biden-Harris Administration to lower barriers to housing." (x.com)
  • "Public housing is a public trust. Virginians who live paycheck-to-paycheck should not be forced out of their homes without sufficient notice to find another place to live. On to the VA House!" (x.com)
  • "SB 708 requiring housing authorities to provide at least 12 months notice to tenants before demolishing a housing project. Thanks @VPLC, @LegalAidJustice and @RVANewSouth or your advocacy on this important bill." (x.com)
  • "Today is National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day and tonight will be the longest night of the year. We must do more to address homelessness and recommit to addressing the ongoing homeless crisis." (x.com)
  • "Jenn has been a legislative leader for a stronger, more inclusive economy and: Passed laws to stimulate new industries, including creating benefit corporations to make Virginia a hub of social entrepreneurship, removing red tape for local craft breweries – fostering job creation, and enabling the technology sector to work with transportation network companies to allow passengers to make reservations in advance and request specific designated drivers" (jennifermcclellan.com)
  • "Last year, @POTUS signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. Today, 4 out 5 enrollees can find affordable, reliable plans on for $10 a month or less! Make sure you sign up by December 15th for coverage starting on January 1st." (HealthCare.gov)
  • "Thanks to the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, Richmond is receiving $6,300,000 to improve transportation safety and local infrastructure! These funds will better Virginians’ lives in the Fourth and help reconnect neighborhoods along I-64." (x.com)
  • "Virginia is receiving millions in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth–including two $500K grants to strengthen our passenger rail network! It's looking like an infrastructure decade for VA!" (x.com)
  • " Yesterday I spoke on the House Floor against the GOP’s extreme attempt to roll back @POTUS' one-time emergency student debt relief, which would cancel up to $20K in student loans. This proposal threatens the well-being of 43 million borrowers who saved an average of $150 a month." (x.com)
  • "NEW: @POTUS announced he's canceling another $7.7 billion in student loans for 160,000 borrowers! The @WhiteHouse has canceled almost 5 million in student debt for almost 5 million Americans. This is a big deal and will help expand our middle class." (x.com)
  • "Today’s Supreme Court decision is devastating to the 43 million borrowers who counted on President Biden’s one-time relief offered in response to the extraordinary pandemic economic pressures. This decision will inevitably hamper the economic mobility of millions of college students and graduates that are overburdened by crushing student loan debt." (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • Rated 100% by the National Education Association (NEA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ".@VASenateDems on the Privileges & Elections Committee just blocked Republican efforts to reinstate voter ID requirements, repeal same day registration, no-excuse and in-person absentee voting, and erect additional barriers to voting." (x.com)
  • "Jenn has fought against Republican attempts to impose unnecessary barriers to voting such as voter ID requirements. Jenn also cosponsored newly passed laws that remove restrictive voter ID requirements, and allow no-excuse absentee voting. She was also the Senate sponsor of a law that bans prison gerrymandering and stops gerrymandering based on racial or political data." (jennifermcclellan.com)
  • "Jenn knows voting is the most precious right and fundamental act in our democracy. Yet throughout our country’s history, powerful forces have worked to silence voices and deny the franchise to many. In Congress, she will be a champion for voting rights, and will support legislation that guarantees easier access to the ballot." (jennifermcclellan.com)
  • "Yesterday, @VASenateDems stood together to block the reinstatement of voter ID law and the repeal of same-day voter registration. We also will block these and any other legislation that makes it harder for Virginians to use their sacred right to vote." (x.com)
  • "I had 2 bills that would have removed barriers to renewable energy installations by utility customers that died in Committee on a party-line vote (SB 1456 and SB 1460) summarized in this article. I’ll try again in 2020! via @mercuryvirginia" (virginiamercury.com)
  • "In the Senate, I will continue working to protect VA's environment, conserve natural resources, and promote renewable energy and green jobs" (x.com)
  • "Jenn knows we are at a critical point in the fight against climate change. In Congress, she will build on the tremendous environmental legacy of Rep. McEachin, ensuring that all Virginia communities can benefit from historic climate investments in the Inflation Reduction Act. She will work to ensure that federal climate funding puts environmental justice front-and-center, and that it supports Virginia’s progress under the Virginia Clean Economy Act." (jennifermcclellan.com)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters
  • "Jenn understands how Black and Brown communities are disproportionately impacted by historic environmental policy, climate change and pollution. That’s why any plan to address climate change and preserve our natural resources must include environmental justice." (jennifermcclellan.com)
  • "Today I spoke on the House floor about how the GOP Default on America Act would strip back many of the clean-energy provisions in the IRA. The IRA will help the U.S. transition to a more sustainable future. We can't let the GOP undermine our progress." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by League of Conservation Voters
  • Rated 95% by Virginia Sierra Club (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "2. The vast majority of Virginians support common-sense gun safety legislation, which is why we passed key laws this session including - one gun a month - universal background checks- red flag laws" (x.com)
  • "This year, @VASenateDems and @VAHouseDems introduced legislation to require universal background checks, establish red flag laws, reinstate the one-gun-per-month rule, and expand local authority to regulate firearms. Those measures deserve a vote. #VotesandLaws #HonorwithAction" (x.com)
  • Rated 0% Gun Owners of America (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As a legislator, Jenn took on the NRA and fought for common-sense solutions to reduce gun violence. Jenn led the fight in the Senate to pass a bill in 2020 that requires the reporting of lost or stolen firearms, patroning bills on lost or stolen firearms since 2012. She cosponsored new laws to reinstate Virginia’s "one-gun-a-month rule" and to implement universal background checks. Jenn has also cosponsored legislation that allowed localities to prohibit guns in certain public spaces. McClellan led on a Senate bill that would establish a Center for Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention to work across public safety and public health sectors to collect data and publish reports on violence caused by firearms, including suicide." (jennifermcclellan.com)
  • "I was glad to join @vademocrats to celebrate the #AffordableCareAct’s 14th birthday! The vast majority of Americans support the ACA, but Donald Trump & extreme MAGA Republicans want to dismantle it. @JoeBiden,@KamalaHarris, & @TheDemocrats will continue fighting to protect it." (x.com)
  • "On its 13th birthday, I’m celebrating the incredible success of the #ACA. This law has been a lifeline to millions of Americans, helping them finally gain access to quality, affordable health care." (x.com)
  • "She passed the law that created a state exchange under Obamacare. And she passed landmark legislation that repealed unnecessary restrictions on abortion access, and made Virginia the first state in the South to proactively expand abortion access. " (jennifermcclellan.com)
  • "Today’s SCOTUS ruling means over 800k Virginians keep their health care coverage under the #ACA. I’m proud to have written the law with ⁦@MarkSicklesVA to create a state health exchange under the ACA and am eager to get to work implementing it. " (x.com)
  • "Affordable, high-quality child care is one of my top priorities. I am glad that @GovernorVA announced more stimulus funds and expanded eligibility criteria to help Virginia’s working families and child care providers struck by the pandemic." (x.com)
  • "I'm one of only 37 moms (and 16 moms of color) with minor kids in the 118th Congress! No wonder we haven't solved the childcare crisis, the maternal mortality crisis or passed paid leave. We’re missing critical voices in Congress. #PoliticsOfParenthood @VoteMamaFdn" (x.com)
  • "This morning, I was glad to stand with my @VASenateDems colleagues @JenniferBoysko, @BarbaraFavola, @SenatorHashmi, @AaronRouseVaBch, and @SenDaveMarsden to celebrate the Senate passage of SB 1101. An important step forward for paid family leave!" (x.com)
  • "While the GOP is pushing an agenda that would tank our economy, I’m advocating for one that would lift 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 up. It looks like: expanding workers’ protections, raising the minimum wage to $15, and expanding paid family and medical leave for all." (x.com)
  • "For Democrats, working families come first. While Republicans are working with Big Pharma to increase the costs of prescription drugs, we are lowering costs for millions of Americans." (x.com)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct caps out-of-pocket drug costs at $2000 per year & ensures that Medicare beneficiaries do not pay more than $35 per month for insulin. I'm fighting to uphold the IRA to expand health coverage & lower drug costs for Virginians. More at @NBC12. ⬇️" (x.com)
  • "The #InflationReductionAct is lowering prescription drug costs, making health insurance more affordable, & expanding access to vaccines for Americans. No one should have to pass on life-saving medications or vaccinations because they can’t afford it. See more on @CBS6. 📺" (x.com)
  • "Worked to expand access to and lower the cost of prescription drugs and expand access to preventative, reproductive, behavioral, and long-term care for all Virginians while making the health care system easier to understand and navigate" (jennifermcclellan.com)
  • "H.R. 2 is not a serious attempt to fix our nation’s immigration system. It doubles down on an ineffective border wall & does nothing to address the illegal flow of drugs at our ports of entry. It's inhumane, cruel, and unworkable." (x.com)
  • "I voted NO on H.Res. 957. Instead of addressing the shutdown, House Republicans are spewing the same tired and inaccurate immigration rhetoric. @HouseDemocrats have repeatedly pushed for bipartisan solutions to these problems, like expanding lawful pathways to citizenship." (x.com)
  • "Republicans are all talk on border security, but they refuse to support @POTUS' comprehensive border security plan. Let’s find a meaningful solution and ensure we continue fighting to develop effective immigration reform. #SOTU2024" (x.com)
  • Rated 14% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I voted NO on H.Res. 957. Instead of addressing the shutdown, House Republicans are spewing the same tired and inaccurate immigration rhetoric. @HouseDemocrats have repeatedly pushed for bipartisan solutions to these problems, like expanding lawful pathways to citizenship." (x.com)
  • "Today, I voted NO on H.R. 2, the Child Deportation Act. Instead of working to fix our nation’s immigration system, MAGA Republicans are pushing legislation that demonizes immigrants, especially vulnerable children, while racking up a $6.1 billion bill for the American people." (x.com)
  • Rated 14% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "H.R. 5283 would prohibit the use of federal funds to provide temporary or permanent housing on public lands managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service. This bill would also hamper the Department of the Interior’s and the Department of Agriculture’s ability to make important decisions on land and resource use, even in emergency situations. This harmful bill would only spread anti-migrant rhetoric and repeat dangerous ‘invasion theory’ talking points that are directly linked to acts of political violence," said Congresswoman McClellan. "This piece of legislation is not a legitimate policy solution, just another desperate attempt by extreme MAGA Republicans to demonize migrants." (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • ""Today, the House stood up for democracy over tyranny, sending a message to the world that we stand with our allies when they face existential threats. We sent a message to Russia, China, and Iran that we will stand against their aggression, not appease it. We will provide humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in crisis who need it in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and elsewhere." (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • "As a member of the House Ukraine Caucus, I’m working to support the Ukrainian people in their defense of democracy. 🇺🇦 The U.S. must uphold our commitments to our allies." (x.com)
  • "Today marks two years since Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. As a proud member of the @UkraineCaucus, I stand ready to support the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their country and democracy. #SlavaUkraini" (x.com)
  • Voted for HR 5692: Ukraine Security Assistance and Overisght Supplemental Appropriations Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Today, the House stood up for democracy over tyranny, sending a message to the world that we stand with our allies when they face existential threats. We sent a message to Russia, China, and Iran that we will stand against their aggression, not appease it. We will provide humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in crisis who need it in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and elsewhere." (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: Ukraine Security Assistance and Overisght Supplemental Appropriations Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""Today, the House stood up for democracy over tyranny, sending a message to the world that we stand with our allies when they face existential threats. We sent a message to Russia, China, and Iran that we will stand against their aggression, not appease it. We will provide humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in crisis who need it in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and elsewhere." (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • "As a member of the House Ukraine Caucus, I’m working to support the Ukrainian people in their defense of democracy. 🇺🇦 The U.S. must uphold our commitments to our allies." (x.com)
  • "Today marks two years since Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. As a proud member of the @UkraineCaucus, I stand ready to support the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their country and democracy. #SlavaUkraini" (x.com)
  • Voted for HR 5692: Ukraine Security Assistance and Overisght Supplemental Appropriations Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692: Ukraine Security Assistance and Overisght Supplemental Appropriations Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As a mother of two children, the rise in cyberflashing is deeply troubling. I’m proud to introduce the CONSENT Act to make it illegal to send unsolicited sexual images through texting, email, social media, or dating apps." (x.com)
  • "I introduced a bill with @RepNateMoran,@SenBrianSchatz and @SteveDaines to protect Americans from unsolicited lewd photos.Our bill will BAN cyberflashing and the transfer of unsolicited AI-generated explicit photos that have been proliferating throughout social media recently." (x.com)
  • "Last week, the House passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The legislation requires TikTok to divest from ByteDance to ensure Americans' sensitive data and information is not weaponized by the CCP. Given the credible national security and privacy threats and information I received in classified briefings about TikTok, I voted in support of the legislation" (mcclellan.house.gov)
  • Voted for HR 7521: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7521: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (justfacts.votesmart.org)

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