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Benjamin Cardin on Abortion
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Click here for 29 full quotes on Abortion
OR background on Abortion.
- Support the expansion of embryonic stem cell research. (Oct 2006)
- Make sure there is no human cloning. (Oct 2006)
- Parents should be notified on abortion choices in most cases. (Oct 2006)
- Embryonic research holds promise for reversing diseases. (Oct 2006)
- Expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. ()
- Voted NO on restricting UN funding for population control policies. (Mar 2009)
- Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
- Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
- Voted NO on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
- Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
- Voted YES on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)
- Voted NO on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions. (Apr 2005)
- Voted NO on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime. (Feb 2004)
- Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life. (Oct 2003)
- Voted NO on forbidding human cloning for reproduction & medical research. (Feb 2003)
- Voted NO on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)
- Voted NO on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)
- Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
- Voted NO on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)
- Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
- Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
- Provide emergency contraception at military facilities. (Apr 2007)
- Let military perform abortions in cases of rape or incest. (Jun 2011)
- Ban anti-abortion limitations on abortion services. (Nov 2013)
- Access safe, legal abortion without restrictions. (Jan 2015)
- Keep federal funding for family planning clinics. (Mar 2017)
- Born-Alive Survivors bill tries to illegalize abortion. (Feb 2020)
- Protect the reproductive rights of women. (Jan 1993)
- Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)
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Benjamin Cardin on Budget & Economy
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Click here for 8 full quotes on Budget & Economy
OR background on Budget & Economy.
- Voted YES on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending. (Jul 2009)
- Voted YES on modifying bankruptcy rules to avoid mortgage foreclosures. (May 2009)
- Voted YES on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package. (Feb 2009)
- Voted YES on $60B stimulus package for jobs, infrastructure, & energy. (Sep 2008)
- Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
- Voted NO on restricting bankruptcy rules. (Jan 2004)
- Reform mortgage rules to prevent foreclosure & bankruptcy. (Feb 2008)
- More enforcement of mortgage fraud and TARP fraud. (May 2009)
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Benjamin Cardin on Civil Rights
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Click here for 25 full quotes on Civil Rights
OR background on Civil Rights.
- Support affirmative action and programs that help minorities. (Oct 2006)
- Supports civil unions, no comment on gay marriage. (Jan 2006)
- Voted YES on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. (Feb 2013)
- Voted NO on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman. (Jul 2006)
- Voted YES on making the PATRIOT Act permanent. (Dec 2005)
- Voted NO on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 2004)
- Voted NO on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Sep 2004)
- Voted NO on constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. (Jun 2003)
- Voted NO on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
- Voted NO on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions. (May 1998)
- Constitutional Amendment for equal rights by gender. (Mar 2001)
- Rated 87% by the ACLU, indicating a pro-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
- Rated 88% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
- Rated 97% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
- Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery. (Jun 2008)
- ENDA: prohibit employment discrimination for gays. (Jun 2009)
- Prohibit sexual-identity discrimination at schools. (Mar 2011)
- Endorsed as "preferred" by The Feminist Majority indicating pro-women's rights. (Aug 2012)
- Enforce against wage discrimination based on gender. (Jan 2013)
- Enforce against anti-gay discrimination in public schools. (Jun 2013)
- Let states recognize same sex marriage. (Jan 2015)
- Provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Dec 2007)
- Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2007)
- Reinforce anti-discrimination and equal-pay requirements. (Jan 2008)
- Honor the 100th anniversary of the NAACP. (Jan 2009)
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Benjamin Cardin on Corporations
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Click here for 5 full quotes on Corporations
OR background on Corporations.
- Voted NO on replacing illegal export tax breaks with $140B in new breaks. (Jun 2004)
- Voted NO on Bankruptcy Overhaul requiring partial debt repayment. (Mar 2001)
- Rated 37% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)
- Rated 86% by UFCW, indicating an anti-management/pro-labor record. (May 2012)
- Restrict corporate use of consumer mandatory arbitration. (Aug 2016)
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Benjamin Cardin on Crime
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Click here for 13 full quotes on Crime
OR background on Crime.
- Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)
- Voted YES on funding for alternative sentencing instead of more prisons. (Jun 2000)
- Voted NO on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)
- Voted NO on maintaining right of habeas corpus in Death Penalty Appeals. (Mar 1996)
- Voted YES on making federal death penalty appeals harder. (Feb 1995)
- Voted NO on replacing death penalty with life imprisonment. (Apr 1994)
- Rated 60% by CURE, indicating mixed votes on rehabilitation. (Dec 2000)
- More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)
- Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001)
- Increase funding for "COPS ON THE BEAT" program. (Jan 2007)
- Reduce recidivism by giving offenders a Second Chance. (Mar 2007)
- Facilitate recovering crime victim restitution fees. (Apr 2011)
- Rated 73% by the NAPO, indicating a moderate stance on police issues. (Dec 2014)
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Benjamin Cardin on Drugs
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Click here for 4 full quotes on Drugs
OR background on Drugs.
- Voted NO on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
- Voted NO on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)
- Voted NO on subjecting federal employees to random drug tests. (Sep 1998)
- Rated C by NORML, indicating a mixed record on drug reform. (Nov 2016)
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Benjamin Cardin on Education
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Click here for 12 full quotes on Education
OR background on Education.
- $3M for Baltimore STEM education grants. ()
- Voted YES on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Oct 2007)
- Voted YES on allowing Courts to decide on "God" in Pledge of Allegiance. (Jul 2006)
- Voted YES on $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges. (Mar 2006)
- Voted NO on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror. (Nov 2001)
- Voted YES on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)
- Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
- Voted NO on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
- Voted NO on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer. (Mar 1994)
- Rated 91% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes. (Dec 2003)
- Make two years of community college free. (Jul 2015)
- Don't count combat pay against free school lunch. (Mar 2009)
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Benjamin Cardin on Energy & Oil
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Click here for 23 full quotes on Energy & Oil
OR background on Energy & Oil.
- End special breaks to oil industries. (Oct 2012)
- Voted NO on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. (Apr 2011)
- Voted NO on protecting middle-income taxpayers from a national energy tax. (Apr 2009)
- Voted NO on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade. (Apr 2009)
- Voted YES on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (Jun 2008)
- Voted YES on addressing CO2 emissions without considering India & China. (May 2008)
- Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
- Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
- Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
- Voted YES on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)
- Voted NO on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries. (Jun 2006)
- Voted NO on authorizing construction of new oil refineries. (Oct 2005)
- Voted NO on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy. (Jun 2004)
- Voted NO on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy. (Nov 2003)
- Voted YES on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
- Voted YES on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
- Voted YES on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
- Preserve Alaska's ANWR instead of drilling it. (Feb 2001)
- Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
- Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. (Jan 2007)
- 50% clean and carbon free electricity by 2030. (Mar 2016)
- Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)
- Let states define stricter-than-federal emission standards. (Jan 2008)
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Benjamin Cardin on Environment
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Click here for 13 full quotes on Environment
OR background on Environment.
- Voted YES on protecting ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. (May 2013)
- Voted YES on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program. (Aug 2009)
- Voted NO on prohibiting eminent domain for use as parks or grazing land. (Dec 2007)
- Voted YES on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006)
- Voted NO on barring website promoting Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump. (May 2006)
- Voted NO on deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species. (Sep 2005)
- Voted NO on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003)
- Rated 100% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
- Grants for beach water pollution under Clean Water Act. (Apr 2008)
- Regulate all dog breeders down to kennels of 50 dogs. (Feb 2011)
- Rated 80% by HSLF, indicating a pro-animal welfare voting record. (Jan 2012)
- Sponsored matching grants for wetlands conservation projects. (Apr 2013)
- Fund projects for international conservation of cranes. (Jan 2009)
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Benjamin Cardin on Families & Children
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Click here for 5 full quotes on Families & Children
OR background on Families & Children.
- Voted YES on establishing nationwide AMBER alert system for missing kids. (Apr 2003)
- Voted NO on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)
- Rated 23% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-Family-Value voting record. (Dec 2003)
- Call for a White House Conference on Children and Youth. (Mar 2008)
- More funding & services for victims of domestic violence. (Jan 2013)
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Benjamin Cardin on Foreign Policy
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Click here for 20 full quotes on Foreign Policy
OR background on Foreign Policy.
- Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Oct 2008)
- Voted NO on reforming the UN by restricting US funding. (Jun 2005)
- Voted YES on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)
- Voted NO on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)
- Voted YES on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000)
- Voted YES on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. (May 2000)
- Voted YES on $15.2 billion for foreign operations. (Nov 1999)
- Member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. (Jan 2001)
- Remove African National Congress from terrorist list. (May 2008)
- Rated +4 by AAI, indicating pro-Arab pro-Palestine voting record. (May 2012)
- Integrate gender into diplomatic and foreign aid processes. (Sep 2012)
- Vigorous support for State of Israel against Hamas in Gaza. (Nov 2012)
- Sponsored funding and supplying the Syrian rebels. (Apr 2013)
- Disallow Palestine from joining ICC to threaten Israel. (Jan 2015)
- Two-state solution despite Israeli settlements on West Bank. (Jan 2017)
- Enforce humanitarian aid access to South Sudan. (Feb 2017)
- Acknowledge the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s. (Mar 2007)
- Sanction Mugabe until Zimbabwe transitions to democracy. (Apr 2008)
- Condemn Iran for state-sponsored persecution of Baha'i. (Feb 2009)
- Pressure friendly Arab states to end Israeli boycott. (Oct 2007)
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Benjamin Cardin on Free Trade
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Click here for 13 full quotes on Free Trade
OR background on Free Trade.
- Push TPP to remove limits on US poultry exports. (Jan 2014)
- Voted YES on promoting free trade with Peru. (Dec 2007)
- Voted NO on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade. (Jul 2005)
- Voted YES on implementing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement. (Jul 2004)
- Voted YES on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement. (Jul 2003)
- Voted YES on implementing free trade agreement with Chile. (Jul 2003)
- Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
- Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)
- Maintain anti-dumping restrictions against foreign importers. (Oct 2001)
- Rated 44% by CATO, indicating a mixed record on trade issues. (Dec 2002)
- Impose tariffs against countries which manipulate currency. (Feb 2011)
- Voted FOR reauthorizing Ex-Im Bank. (Oct 2015)
- Rated 38% by the USAE, indicating support for trade sanctions. (Dec 2012)
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Benjamin Cardin on Government Reform
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Click here for 21 full quotes on Government Reform
OR background on Government Reform.
- Voted YES on Congressional pay raise. (Jul 2009)
- Voted YES on providing a US House seat for the District of Columbia. (Feb 2009)
- Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
- Voted NO on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
- Voted NO on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
- Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
- Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
- Voted NO on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
- Voted NO on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)
- Voted YES on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
- Voted NO on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
- Voted YES on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
- Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)
- Require full disclosure of independent campaign expenditures. (Jul 2012)
- Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Feb 2013)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (May 2017)
- Public financing of federal campaigns by voter vouchers. (Feb 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Jun 2017)
- Sponsored bill for election holiday & easier voting access. (Mar 2019)
- Remove President Trump from office for inciting insurrection. (Jan 2021)
- Voted YES on two articles of impeachment against Trump. (Feb 2020)
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Benjamin Cardin on Gun Control
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Click here for 10 full quotes on Gun Control
OR background on Gun Control.
- Voted YES on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets. (Apr 2013)
- Voted NO on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains. (Apr 2009)
- Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
- Voted NO on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers. (Oct 2005)
- Voted NO on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse. (Apr 2003)
- Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1. (Jun 1999)
- Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record. (Dec 2003)
- Close the Gun Show Loophole; restrict show sales. (May 2009)
- Ban large-capacity ammunition. (Jan 2013)
- Co-sponsored background check for every firearm sale. (Jan 2019)
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Benjamin Cardin on Health Care
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Click here for 30 full quotes on Health Care
OR background on Health Care.
- Questions costs of new Army Futures Command. (Aug 2018)
- We need to move forward, not repeal ObamaCare. (Oct 2012)
- Use market forces to bring down pharmaceutical costs. (Oct 2006)
- Invest in prevention and early detection. ()
- Voted NO on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts. (May 2011)
- Voted YES on regulating tobacco as a drug. (Jun 2009)
- Voted YES on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Jan 2009)
- Voted YES on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare. (Jul 2008)
- Voted NO on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
- Voted NO on allowing tribal Indians to opt out of federal healthcare. (Feb 2008)
- Voted YES on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Nov 2007)
- Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
- Voted NO on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay. (Feb 2006)
- Voted NO on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages. (May 2004)
- Voted NO on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003)
- Voted NO on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs. (Jul 2003)
- Voted NO on small business associations for buying health insurance. (Jun 2003)
- Voted NO on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits. (Mar 2003)
- Voted NO on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)
- Voted NO on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage. (Jun 2000)
- Voted NO on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
- Voted NO on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts. (Oct 1999)
- Rated 89% by APHA, indicating a pro-public health record. (Dec 2003)
- Improve services for people with autism & their families. (Apr 2007)
- Establish a national childhood cancer database. (Mar 2007)
- Sponsored bill increasing funding for occupational therapy. (Apr 2011)
- Keep ObamaCare's prevention, treatment, & recovery services. (Feb 2017)
- Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn. (Apr 2008)
- Provide for treatment of autism under TRICARE. (Jun 2009)
- Expand the National Health Service Corps. (Mar 2009)
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Benjamin Cardin on Homeland Security
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Click here for 23 full quotes on Homeland Security
OR background on Homeland Security.
- More research into causes of combat-related illnesses. ()
- Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps. (Feb 2011)
- Voted NO on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
- Voted YES on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls. (Feb 2008)
- Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
- Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
- Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
- Voted NO on allowing electronic surveillance without a warrant. (Sep 2006)
- Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight. (Apr 2006)
- Voted NO on federalizing rules for driver licenses to hinder terrorists. (Feb 2005)
- Voted YES on continuing military recruitment on college campuses. (Feb 2005)
- Voted YES on supporting new position of Director of National Intelligence. (Dec 2004)
- Voted YES on adopting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. (Oct 2004)
- Voted YES on emergency $78B for war in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Apr 2003)
- Voted YES on permitting commercial airline pilots to carry guns. (Jul 2002)
- Voted YES on $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill. (Jul 1999)
- Voted YES on deploying SDI. (Mar 1999)
- Rated 100% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record. (Dec 2003)
- Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11. (Dec 2007)
- Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays. (Mar 2010)
- Exempt Veterans Affairs from federal hiring freeze. (Jan 2017)
- Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)
- Military spouses don't lose voting residency while abroad. (Feb 2009)
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Benjamin Cardin on Immigration
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Click here for 12 full quotes on Immigration
OR background on Immigration.
- Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
- Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
- Voted YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
- Voted NO on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
- Voted NO on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
- Voted NO on preventing tipping off Mexicans about Minuteman Project. (Jun 2006)
- Voted NO on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment. (May 2004)
- Voted YES on extending Immigrant Residency rules. (May 2001)
- Voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers. (Sep 1998)
- Rated 0% by FAIR, indicating a voting record loosening immigration. (Dec 2003)
- Rated 0% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)
- Terminate national emergency at the Southern border. (Mar 2019)
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Benjamin Cardin on Jobs
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Click here for 16 full quotes on Jobs
OR background on Jobs.
- Voted YES on extending unemployment benefits from 39 weeks to 59 weeks. (Nov 2008)
- Voted YES on overriding presidential veto of Farm Bill. (Jun 2008)
- Voted NO on terminating legal challenges to English-only job rules. (Mar 2008)
- Voted YES on limiting farm subsidies to people earning under $750,000. (Dec 2007)
- Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
- Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
- Voted NO on end offshore tax havens and promote small business. (Oct 2004)
- Voted NO on $167B over 10 years for farm price supports. (Oct 2001)
- Voted NO on zero-funding OSHA's Ergonomics Rules instead of $4.5B. (Mar 2001)
- Rated 87% by the AFL-CIO, indicating a pro-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
- Allow an Air Traffic Controller's Union. (Jan 2006)
- Form unions by card-check instead of secret ballot. (Mar 2009)
- Raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour by 2016. (Jan 2014)
- Let Senate cafeteria workers organize their own union. (Nov 2015)
- Ban discriminatory compensation; allow 2 years to sue. (Jan 2009)
- Stronger enforcement against gender-based pay discrimination. (Jan 2009)
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Benjamin Cardin on Principles & Values
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Click here for 10 full quotes on Principles & Values
OR background on Principles & Values.
- Voted with Democratic Party 97.2% of 324 votes. (Sep 2007)
- Would have voted against the Alito nomination. (Oct 2006)
- We need to change the direction of Washington DC. (Oct 2006)
- Steele was hand-selected by George Bush. (Oct 2006)
- Voted YES on confirming of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court. (Aug 2009)
- Religious affiliation: Jewish. (Nov 2000)
- Profiled in "Jews in American Politics". (Jan 2001)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
- Certify 2020 Presidential election as fully & fairly counted. (Jan 2021)
- Create Commission to investigate Jan. 6 Capitol riots. (Jun 2021)
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Benjamin Cardin on Social Security
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Click here for 7 full quotes on Social Security
OR background on Social Security.
- Voted NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)
- Voted YES on raising 401(k) limits & making pension plans more portable. (May 2001)
- Voted NO on reducing tax payments on Social Security benefits. (Jul 2000)
- Voted YES on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox. (May 1999)
- Rated 90% by the ARA, indicating a pro-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)
- Rated 99% by ARA, indicating a pro-Trust Fund stance. (Jan 2013)
- Supported pension reform and tax credits for long-term care. (Jul 1999)
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Benjamin Cardin on Tax Reform
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Click here for 16 full quotes on Tax Reform
OR background on Tax Reform.
- Voted YES on increasing tax rate for people earning over $1 million. (Mar 2008)
- Voted NO on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset. (Mar 2008)
- Voted NO on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M. (Feb 2008)
- Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
- Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
- Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Dec 2005)
- Voted YES on providing tax relief and simplification. (Sep 2004)
- Voted NO on making permanent an increase in the child tax credit. (May 2004)
- Voted NO on making the Bush tax cuts permanent. (Apr 2002)
- Voted NO on $99 B economic stimulus: capital gains & income tax cuts. (Oct 2001)
- Voted NO on Tax cut package of $958 B over 10 years. (May 2001)
- Voted NO on eliminating the Estate Tax ("death tax"). (Apr 2001)
- Voted NO on eliminating the "marriage penalty". (Jul 2000)
- Voted NO on $46 billion in tax cuts for small business. (Mar 2000)
- Rated 25% by NTU, indicating a "Big Spender" on tax votes. (Dec 2003)
- Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)
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Benjamin Cardin on Technology
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Click here for 10 full quotes on Technology
OR background on Technology.
- Regulate nanotechnology in products; develop best practices. ()
- Voted YES on authorizing states to collect Internet sales taxes. (May 2013)
- Voted YES on $23B instead of $4.9B for waterway infrastructure. (Nov 2007)
- Voted YES on establishing "network neutrality" (non-tiered Internet). (Jun 2006)
- Voted YES on increasing fines for indecent broadcasting. (Feb 2005)
- Voted NO on promoting commercial human space flight industry. (Nov 2004)
- Voted YES on banning Internet gambling by credit card. (Jun 2003)
- Voted YES on allowing telephone monopolies to offer Internet access. (Feb 2002)
- Require websites to police for copyrighted materials. (May 2011)
- Support Lifeline program for low-income broadband. (Feb 2017)
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Benjamin Cardin on War & Peace
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Click here for 21 full quotes on War & Peace
OR background on War & Peace.
- Withdraw troops plus diplomatic solution, but no timetable. (Oct 2006)
- Never turn our back on our troops. (Oct 2006)
- Redeploy our troops and focus on the war on terror. (Oct 2006)
- Voted against war in Iraq, but for funding for troops. (Oct 2006)
- Consistent opposition to President Bush’s policies in Iraq. (Jan 2006)
- Bush misled the American people about Iraq. (Jan 2006)
- Voted YES on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months. (Dec 2007)
- Voted YES on designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists. (Sep 2007)
- Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
- Voted NO on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date. (Jun 2006)
- Voted YES on approving removal of Saddam & valiant service of US troops. (Mar 2004)
- Voted NO on authorizing military force in Iraq. (Oct 2002)
- Voted NO on disallowing the invasion of Kosovo. (May 1999)
- Solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism. (Apr 2002)
- No troop surge: no military escalation in Iraq. (Jan 2007)
- Deploy UN multinational peacekeeping force in Darfur. (Jul 2007)
- Iranian nuclear weapons: prevention instead of containment. (May 2012)
- Iran must accept long-term intrusive nuke inspection. (Mar 2014)
- Hold Assad accountable for slaughter of civilians. (Feb 2017)
- No military force against Iran without Congress approval. (Feb 2020)
- Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program. (Apr 2009)
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Benjamin Cardin on Welfare & Poverty
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Click here for 6 full quotes on Welfare & Poverty
OR background on Welfare & Poverty.
- Voted YES on instituting National Service as a new social invention. (Mar 2009)
- Voted YES on providing $70 million for Section 8 Housing vouchers. (Jun 2006)
- Voted NO on promoting work and marriage among TANF recipients. (Feb 2003)
- Voted NO on treating religious organizations equally for tax breaks. (Jul 2001)
- Voted YES on responsible fatherhood via faith-based organizations. (Nov 1999)
- Increase the earned income tax credit. (Jan 1993)
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VoteMatch Responses
(Click here for VoteMatch quiz) |
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VoteMatch Question & Answer
(Click on question for explanation and background) |
Based on these stances:
(Click on topic for excerpt & citation) |
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Strongly Favors
topic 1:Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right
(+5 points on Social scale)
| Support the expansion of embryonic stem cell research: Favors topic 1
Embryonic research holds promise for reversing diseases: Favors topic 1
Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record: Strongly Favors topic 1
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance: Strongly Favors topic 1
Provide emergency contraception at military facilities: Favors topic 1
Let military perform abortions in cases of rape or incest: Favors topic 1
Ban anti-abortion limitations on abortion services: Strongly Favors topic 1
Access safe, legal abortion without restrictions: Strongly Favors topic 1
Keep federal funding for family planning clinics: Strongly Favors topic 1
Protect the reproductive rights of women: Strongly Favors topic 1
Rated Born-Alive Survivors bill tries to illegalize abortion: Favors topic 1
Ensure access to and funding for contraception: Favors topic 1 |
Strongly Favors
topic 2:Legally require hiring women & minorities
(-5 points on Economic scale)
| Support affirmative action and programs that help minorities: Strongly Favors topic 2
Constitutional Amendment for equal rights by gender: Strongly Favors topic 2
Rated 97% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance: Strongly Favors topic 2
Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery: Strongly Favors topic 2
Sponsored bill increasing funding for occupational therapy: Favors topic 2
Endorsed as "preferred" by The Feminist Majority indicating pro-women's rights: Strongly Favors topic 2
More funding & services for victims of domestic violence: Strongly Favors topic 2
Enforce against wage discrimination based on gender: Strongly Favors topic 2
Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment: Strongly Favors topic 2
Reinforce anti-discrimination and equal-pay requirements: Favors topic 2
Ban discriminatory compensation; allow 2 years to sue: Favors topic 2
Stronger enforcement against gender-based pay discrimination: Favors topic 2
Honor the 100th anniversary of the NAACP: Favors topic 2
Sponsored bill for ratifying Equal Rights Amendment: Strongly Favors topic 2 |
Strongly Favors
topic 3:Support transgender and LGBTQ+ rights
(+5 points on Social scale)
| Supports civil unions, no comment on gay marriage: Favors topic 3
More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes: Strongly Favors topic 3
Rated 88% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance: Strongly Favors topic 3
ENDA: prohibit employment discrimination for gays: Favors topic 3
Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays: Favors topic 3
Prohibit sexual-identity discrimination at schools: Strongly Favors topic 3
Enforce against anti-gay discrimination in public schools: Strongly Favors topic 3
Let states recognize same sex marriage: Favors topic 3
Provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees: Strongly Favors topic 3 |
Strongly Opposes
topic 4:America was founded on Christian values
(+5 points on Social scale)
| Rated 23% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-Family-Value voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 4 |
Strongly Favors
topic 5:Expand ObamaCare
(-5 points on Economic scale)
| We need to move forward, not repeal ObamaCare: Strongly Favors topic 5
Rated 89% by APHA, indicating a pro-public health record: Strongly Favors topic 5
Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn: Strongly Favors topic 5
Provide for treatment of autism under TRICARE: Favors topic 5
Expand the National Health Service Corps: Strongly Favors topic 5 |
Strongly Opposes
topic 6:Privatize Social Security
(-5 points on Economic scale)
| Rated 90% by the ARA, indicating a pro-senior voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 6
Rated 99% by ARA, indicating a pro-Trust Fund stance: Strongly Opposes topic 6
Supported pension reform and tax credits for long-term care: Neutral on topic 6 |
Strongly Opposes
topic 7:Vouchers for school choice
(-5 points on Economic scale)
| Rated 91% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes: Strongly Opposes topic 7 |
Strongly Opposes
topic 8:Businesses have a right to pollute
(+5 points on Social scale)
| Rated 100% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Grants for beach water pollution under Clean Water Act: Opposes topic 8
Regulate all dog breeders down to kennels of 50 dogs: Opposes topic 8
Sponsored matching grants for wetlands conservation projects: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Fund projects for international conservation of cranes: Strongly Opposes topic 8 |
Opposes
topic 9:Stricter punishment reduces crime
(+2 points on Social scale)
| Rated 60% by CURE, indicating mixed votes on rehabilitation: Neutral on topic 9
Require DNA testing for all federal executions: Opposes topic 9
Increase funding for "COPS ON THE BEAT" program: Opposes topic 9
Reduce recidivism by giving offenders a Second Chance: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Facilitate recovering crime victim restitution fees: Strongly Favors topic 9
Rated 73% by the NAPO, indicating a moderate stance on police issues: Neutral on topic 9 |
No opinion on
topic 10:Absolute right to gun ownership
(0 points on Economic scale)
| Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 10
Close the Gun Show Loophole; restrict show sales: Opposes topic 10
Ban large-capacity ammunition: Opposes topic 10
Co-sponsored background check for every firearm sale: Strongly Favors topic 10
Sponsored bill for background checks for private transfers: Strongly Favors topic 10 |
Strongly Favors
topic 11:Higher taxes on the wealthy
(-5 points on Economic scale)
| Rated 25% by NTU, indicating a "Big Spender" on tax votes: Strongly Favors topic 11
Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation: Strongly Favors topic 11 |
Strongly Favors
topic 12:Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
(+5 points on Social scale)
| Rated 0% by FAIR, indicating a voting record loosening immigration: Strongly Favors topic 12
Rated 0% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance: Strongly Favors topic 12
Terminate national emergency at the Southern border: Favors topic 12
Sponsored bill to disallow religion-based immigration ban: Strongly Favors topic 12 |
Opposes
topic 13:Support & expand free trade
(-3 points on Economic scale)
| Push TPP to remove limits on US poultry exports: Strongly Favors topic 13
Maintain anti-dumping restrictions against foreign importers: Strongly Opposes topic 13
Rated 44% by CATO, indicating a mixed record on trade issues: Neutral on topic 13
Impose tariffs against countries which manipulate currency: Opposes topic 13
Rated Voted FOR reauthorizing Ex-Im Bank: Strongly Favors topic 13
Rated 38% by the USAE, indicating support for trade sanctions: Opposes topic 13
Ban imports from Xinjiang made by Uyghur forced labor: Opposes topic 13 |
Opposes
topic 14:Stay away from the UN & Globalism
(-3 points on Economic scale)
| Integrate gender into diplomatic and foreign aid processes: Strongly Opposes topic 14
Disallow Palestine from joining ICC to threaten Israel: Favors topic 14
Enforce humanitarian aid access to South Sudan: Opposes topic 14
Two-state solution despite Israeli settlements on West Bank: Favors topic 14
Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror: Opposes topic 14 |
Favors
topic 15:Peace through Strength
(-3 points on Social scale)
| Questions costs of new Army Futures Command: Opposes topic 15
More research into causes of combat-related illnesses: Favors topic 15
Voted against war in Iraq, but for funding for troops: Strongly Favors topic 15
Rated 100% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11: Favors topic 15
Exempt Veterans Affairs from federal hiring freeze: Favors topic 15 |
Strongly Favors
topic 16:Make voter registration easier
(+5 points on Social scale)
| Require full disclosure of independent campaign expenditures: Strongly Favors topic 16
Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements: Favors topic 16
Statehood for the District of Columbia: Favors topic 16
Public financing of federal campaigns by voter vouchers: Favors topic 16
Automatic voter registration for all citizens: Strongly Favors topic 16
Sponsored bill for election holiday & easier voting access: Strongly Favors topic 16
Military spouses don't lose voting residency while abroad: Favors topic 16
Sponsored bill to expand voter registration and voter access: Strongly Favors topic 16 |
Favors
topic 17:Stay out of foreign wars
(+2 points on Social scale)
| Withdraw troops plus diplomatic solution, but no timetable: Favors topic 17
Redeploy our troops and focus on the war on terror: Strongly Favors topic 17
No troop surge: no military escalation in Iraq: Strongly Favors topic 17
Iranian nuclear weapons: prevention instead of containment: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Sponsored funding and supplying the Syrian rebels: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Iran must accept long-term intrusive nuke inspection: Opposes topic 17
Hold Assad accountable for slaughter of civilians: Opposes topic 17
Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program: Opposes topic 17
No military force against Iran without Congress approval: Strongly Favors topic 17
Sponsored resolution to repeal 2002 AUMF against Iraq: Strongly Favors topic 17 |
Strongly Favors
topic 18:Prioritize green energy
(-5 points on Economic scale)
| End special breaks to oil industries: Opposes topic 18
Preserve Alaska's ANWR instead of drilling it: Favors topic 18
Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence: Favors topic 18
Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: Strongly Favors topic 18
50% clean and carbon free electricity by 2030: Strongly Favors topic 18
Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness: Favors topic 18
Let states define stricter-than-federal emission standards: Strongly Favors topic 18 |
Opposes
topic 19:Marijuana is a gateway drug
(+2 points on Social scale)
| Rated C by NORML, indicating a mixed record on drug reform: Neutral on topic 19
Keep ObamaCare's prevention, treatment, & recovery services: Opposes topic 19 |
Favors
topic 20:Stimulus better than market-led recovery
(-3 points on Economic scale)
| Rated 86% by UFCW, indicating an anti-management/pro-labor record: Favors topic 20
Raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour by 2016: Favors topic 20
$1.9 trillion ARPA bill for COVID relief: Favors topic 20 |
Benjamin Cardin is a Hard-Core Liberal
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