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Salud Carbajal's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (CA) - District 24

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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.

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.

  • "Today's SCOTUS ruling is a betrayal of our Constitution & a betrayal of millions of women who count on its protections to retain control of their own body and choices. This fight is not over. This is a call to action." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice America (None)
  • Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund (None)
  • Voted against HR 26 "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "83 years ago today, the first Social Security check was issued.Today, over 140,000 Central Coast residents rely on this vital program. Now, Republicans want to gut its benefits. I will continue to fight for Social Security's protection and expansion." (x.com)
  • "I want to see Medicare expanded to include dental and vision so it can give all seniors access to services they need." (carbajal.house.gov)
  • "Today we celebrate 55 years of #Medicare & #Medicaid! These programs have helped ensure that America’s working-class families, children with disabilities, & seniors in nursing home receive quality healthcare. It's critical we continue funding these critical programs." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSM) (None)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Since we passed legislation to crack down on tax cheats, @IRSNews has collected half a billion dollars from wealthy tax avoiders – ensuring that special interests and the top 1% are paying their fair share." (x.com)
  • "You can't buy a gallon of milk with #ABuckFiftyAWeek, but the top 1% gets a weekly tax cut that's 794 times more than a working family’s. We need a tax plan that works for the middle-class, not one that overwhelmingly benefits multinational corporations & shareholders." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 23 "Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Since we passed legislation to crack down on tax cheats, @IRSNews has collected half a billion dollars from wealthy tax avoiders – ensuring that special interests and the top 1% are paying their fair share." (x.com)
  • "You can't buy a gallon of milk with #ABuckFiftyAWeek, but the top 1% gets a weekly tax cut that's 794 times more than a working family’s. We need a tax plan that works for the middle-class, not one that overwhelmingly benefits multinational corporations & shareholders." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by FreedomWorks (None)
  • "10 years ago, SCOTUS put our democracy for sale when it ruled in favor of #CitizensUnited. Since, outside groups have spent $1 billion influencing our elections without any disclosure. @HouseDemocrats are fighting to #GetMoneyOut and restore the integrity of our elections." (x.com)
  • "Yesterday, Congress held a long overdue hearing on reforming our campaign finance system & how the #ForThePeople Act helps tilt the balance of power away from special interests & back to the American people. Read how I'm working to shine a light on dark money in our elections:" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "For the People Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today marks 1 year since George Floyd’s death. It’s time to pass the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act to improve accountability & enhance public safety. I've met with local law enforcement & social justice leaders to discuss how we can protect every member of our community." (x.com)
  • "Tonight, I voted to pass the George Floyd #JusticeinPolicing Act, the first-ever comprehensive approach to reform police practices so police officers can more effectively protect and serve all members of the community. Today, we took action to usher in long overdue change." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7120 "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020" (votesmart.org)
  • "The 2022 #NDAA will: 🚒Extend the lifesaving @DeptofDefense FireGuard program to fight wildfires 🪖Give troops a pay raise 🌲Act on climate change ⚖️Institute reforms to to prevent & prosecute sexual assault in the military This is a major win for our country & community." (x.com)
  • "There's still plenty I support in this bill – from a record pay raise for our troops to language I sought to improve military housing transparency & combat fentanyl trafficking. I'm confident our conference process will retain these & restore the bipartisan spirit of the NDAA." (x.com)
  • "Yesterday the House passed the #NDAA, a bipartisan defense spending bill to meet our security needs. #ClimateChange is a threat to our national security, which is why I'm glad my measure to advance offshore wind in Morro Bay has passed as part of the package!" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "Over a week into this irresponsible government shutdown, Republican leadership has not called Congress back to negotiate and pass a spending deal. This leaves thousands of federal employees, including some servicemembers, wondering when they will receive their next paycheck."
  • "Today I voted to pass the #AmericanRescuePlan & send it to @POTUS's desk. This is the relief we've needed for months & I'm proud to say we got it done. It includes $259.5 million for #CA24 local govts, $1400 stimulus checks, & funding for schools, small businesses, & vaccines." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2 "Moving Forward Act"
  • Voted in favor of HR 2617 "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "34,000 Central Coast children. That's who benefits in just the first year of the expanded Child Tax Credit provided by bipartisan tax bill I helped pass the House today. We're also indexing the CTC to inflation, supporting more affordable housing, & providing disaster relief." (x.com)
  • "🏘️When it comes to bringing more affordable housing options to CA, I know it's easy to feel like all you hear is talk and no action. But I'm proud of the work I'm doing to lower housing costs on the Central Coast." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7301 "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8294 "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "In August 2022 we also passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes tax incentives that will promote the expansion of clean energy production on the Central Coast and across California" (carbajal.house.gov)
  • "In June 2023, annual inflation decreased to 3%, the lowest figure in 2+ years! As a @NewDemCoalition Vice Chair, I'm proud to be working w/@POTUS to fight inflation & lower everyday costs for ALL Americans." (x.com)
  • "The Inflation Reduction Act is lowering costs for families through tax credits and rebates–helping you lower your energy bills & reduce your climate impact!" (carbajal.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7688 "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "As someone who relied on Pell Grants to pay for my college degree, I know firsthand how stressful it can be to grapple with the financial burden of college. Today's ruling to strike down student loan debt forgiveness is disappointing and devastating." (x.com)
  • "Last week, I met with @BetsyDeVosED to advocate for improvements to the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program and ask how the Department of Education plans to help mitigate the debt-crisis facing students today." (x.com)
  • "That is why I have introduced the Degrees Not Debt Act. This legislation would double the Pell Grant and index it to inflation so it does not lose value over time. I authored this bill to help students gain access to higher education – whether at college or trade school – to help them to join the workforce without the burden of student debt." (carbajal.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2547 "Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "This is why I support bills that will protect our voting rights such as the For The People Act, which protects voting rights and bans partisan gerrymandering; and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which penalizes voter suppression tactics." (carbajal.house.gov)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4 "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5746 "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Climate change poses an immense threat & we must invest in renewable energy to protect our planet. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund 500k EV charging stations across the country to reduce emissions. I stopped by Buellton City Hall to check out its EV charging station!" (x.com)
  • "With this significant challenge also comes an opportunity to designate the Central Coast a renewable energy hub, by attracting new businesses that provide good-paying jobs in our community. I have introduced the Energy Opportunity Zones Act to extend tax credits as well as introduce a new tax credit to encourage renewable energy business development in San Luis Obispo County." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Lower Energy Costs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 9 "Climate Action Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "51 years ago, #CA24 was devastated by the Santa Barbara oil spill. It coated 35 miles of coast, killed thousands of birds and marine wildlife, and hit our economy. It was a turning point. In Congress, I'm fighting to defend our coast from drilling. We can't afford another spill." (x.com)
  • "There's a resurgent movement in Congress to put California's coastlines back on Big Oil's shopping list. That's why I reintroduced the California Clean Coast Act, which will ban all future offshore drilling in California." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 1 "Lower Energy Costs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 823 "Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Congress must also pass universal background checks, a policy supported by nearly 90 percent of the American people, including the vast majority of gun owners. We must also reinstate the Assault Weapons Ban, which Congress shamefully allowed to expire in 2004. As an original cosponsor of the Assault Weapon Ban Act of 2021, I was proud to join a majority of my colleagues to pass this bill." (carbajal.house.gov)
  • "One year ago, @POTUS signed into law the most significant gun safety legislation in 30 years: the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This law included my red flag measure, protections for domestic abuse victims, and enhanced background checks." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Rifle Association (NRA) (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7910 "Protecting Our Kids Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I believe that everyone has a right to accessible and affordable healthcare. I am committed to protecting the health of all citizens regardless of age, socioeconomic status, health history, or gender. Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed in 2010, I have seen firsthand the direct impact of this legislation locally over the past seven years to communities and families across the Central Coast." (carbajal.house.gov)
  • "Today marks 13 years since the Affordable Care Act became law, & millions of Americans were able to get quality health care coverage! I'm proud to have fought for measures that build on this landmark law, & will keep pushing for more affordable health care for the Central Coast." (x.com)
  • "🚨Last night, President Trump's Justice Department backed a Texas judge’s ruling to dismantle the entire Affordable Care Act – eliminating protections for people with pre-existing conditions & repealing health care for millions of Americans.🚨#ProtectOurCare" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425 "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • ".@HouseDemocrats' Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act: ➡️Puts people over corporations ➡️Further funds hospitals and health centers ➡️Enhances frontline worker safety ➡️Directly provides Americans with $ ➡️Expands SNAP ➡️Increases paid sick and medical leave" (x.com)
  • "At some point, every worker will need to take time away from a job to care for their health, a child or a family member – but millions still lack access to paid family & medical leave. The #HEROES Act extends paid leave benefits, which we need now more than ever." (x.com)
  • "Frontline and essential workers show up for us and our communities every day. It’s time we protect them in return. #PaidLeave should be accessible to every worker, especially during a nationwide pandemic. Let’s pass the #FAMILYAct and show up for workers like they show up for us." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201 "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6833"The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "America's economy is beating expectations and leading the world. We've added a record 14.3 million jobs under @POTUS and with the Inflation Reduction Act we're bringing down the price of health care & prescription drugs — while making big corporations pay what they owe in taxes." (x.com)
  • "While the ACA has provided health insurance to cover the 23 million Americans, it still is not perfect and health care and prescription drug costs remain too high. I am supportive of legislation to create a public option under the ACA and provide much-needed competition with private industry to bring down insurance costs." (carbajal.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3 "Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019" (votesmart.org)
  • "As @NewDemCoalition Immigration & Border Security Task Force Co-Chair, I appreciate @ChrisMurphyCT's work finding a bipartisan pathway to restoring order and humanity at the border. As Republicans tank their own demand for action on border security, New Dems aren't giving up." (x.com)
  • "I will continue fighting alongside my @NewDemCoalition colleagues to deliver both comprehensive fixes to our broken immigration system & reforms that enhance border security and reduce backlogs." (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 2 "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted agianst HR 6136 "Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018" (votesmart.org)
  • "Right now, DACA recipients are protected through an executive order, which could be overturned. As an immigrant, I've been able to build a life I'm proud of in this country without fear of deportation. We must find a path to citizenship for Dreamers so they can do the same." (x.com)
  • "The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has given nearly 800,000 young people a shot at the American Dream, allowing them to come forward, live, work, and learn in the United States legally and without fear of deportation. This includes the over 9,000 students, entrepreneurs, and military members eligible for the program on the Central Coast. I am proud to co-sponsor and vote in support of the DREAM and Promise Act, to permanently codify DACA." (carbajal.house.gov)
  • "When my family arrived here, we weren't separated or threatened - we were welcomed & hopeful of building a better life, & that's exactly what #DACA recipients are seeking. #DACADay" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 2 "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Proud to stand with my House colleagues to affirm unwavering support for the people of Ukraine.🇺🇦 Our thoughts are with those who are suffering at the hands of an unjustified aggressor, and we pledge to continue implementing sanctions and addtl aid to will help Ukraine prevail." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4695 "Protect Against Conflict by Turkey (PACT) Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I applaud @POTUS' decision to issue an Executive Order to authorize new sanctions on perpetrators of the humanitarian & human rights crisis in Ethiopia. I urge all parties to de-escalate the situation to achieve a sustainable ceasefire & a peaceful resolution of the conflict." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6968 "Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "One year ago, Russia launched its unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Today, Ukraine still stands. I remain steadfast in my commitment to #StandwithUkraine, and will continue to support providing the aid necessary to enable Ukrainians defend their freedom and democracy." (x.com)
  • "Proud to stand with my House colleagues to affirm unwavering support for the people of Ukraine.🇺🇦 Our thoughts are with those who are suffering at the hands of an unjustified aggressor, and we pledge to continue implementing sanctions and addtl aid to will help Ukraine prevail." (x.com)
  • "U.S. aid to Ukraine has been instrumental in enabling them to continue their fight for freedom; we must continue our support so the war can end quickly, and on Ukraine's terms.Recently, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on military support for Ukraine ⬇️" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692 "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
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?
I have always supported a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions and am proud of the 100 percent rating I have always received from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and NARAL Pro-Choice America. In Congress, I am a vocal member of the Pro-Choice Caucus and work to actively oppose anti-choice legislation and the Administration's attempt to block abortion access and even access to birth control. I am supportive of efforts to the Hyde Amendment - a restriction that overwhelmingly burdens communities of color. I will continue to be an advocate for reproductive freedom.
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
The system as it stands is unacceptable, and in Congress I am doing everything I can to pass meaningful campaign finance reform. We have to curb the massive amount of outside money being spent on campaigns without any transparency or accountability. I strongly believe that the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling should be overturned, and short of that, I've introduced legislation to require publicly traded companies to disclose their political spending and advertising in our elections.
No Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
No Do you support increasing defense spending?
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have openly advocated for strategically reducing wasteful spending in our military programs while ensuring that we maintain our position as the preeminent military power in the world.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No 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?
Reforming our tax code is one area in which Democrats and Republicans can agree, as we have in the past. But after the GOP passed their tax plan giving billions of dollars in handouts to multi-national corporations at the expense of middle class families - and the Trump budget proposes more of the same - I cannot support lowering corporate taxes any further. We need to update and simplify our tax system to make our tax code more competitive for businesses and fairer for middle-class taxpayers. Lasting reform requires difficult trade-offs to achieve fiscal responsibility.
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
A basic foundational education for every child in America is critical to giving them a fair shot to succeed. As an immigrant to this country who relied on public housing and education programs growing up, I can attest personally to the transformative power of a good education. Not only does a federal education standard ensure an even playing field for our students, but it also saves our local schools money by having a guidelines to rely on when implementing a curriculum for the year.
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?
California is proof that innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand with economic success. The state announced it hit its 2020 climate target four years early, while in that same period our economy grew by 26 percent. The Central Coast is already experiencing major climate change impacts like wildfires and drought - which brings even more urgency to our work to increase sustainable energy efforts and the jobs in those sectors. We can save lives, property, and money when we work to proactively mitigate these increasingly destructive events. We simply cannot afford inaction on the most significant challenge of our time.
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
The threat of gun violence has spiked over the past decade and Congress has a responsibility to act to prevent these tragedies in the future. There have been numerous incidents across the United States, including in our own community at my alma mater - UCSB. I have introduced the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, a bill with bipartisan support that encourages states to empower families and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to prevent future gun violence.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
Yes Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
It is time for Republicans to abandon their attempts to repeal the ACA, and work with Democrats in a bipartisan way to address the shortcomings of the ACA and improve access and affordability across our healthcare system. I am proud to join with some of my colleagues to propose common-sense reforms that would stabilize Cost Sharing Reduction subsidies and help lower insurance premium costs for hardworking Central Coast families.
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?
As an immigrant myself to the United States, I believe that it is important that we have a fair immigration system that works, and unfortunately our current system is seriously flawed. I am concerned that the current directives from this Administration only serve to create panic in our immigrant communities and simultaneously make them less safe by promoting mistrust of local law enforcement. I support comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act. We need to support the human rights of people that seek the American dream and are working hard to achieve those dreams.
No 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 Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
Military intervention should be a last resort and it is important that we continue to reduce our on-the-ground military presence in the Middle East in a responsible way. It is also necessary that Congress authorize any military intervention, as is required by the Constitution. In January 2020 I joined my colleagues in the House in passing a War Powers Resolution to define and limit President Trump's military actions regarding Iran. I also joined my colleagues in voting to repeal the outdated 2002 AUMF to ensure that it cannot be used to justify military action unrelated to its initial purpose.
Yes Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
We must work in a bipartisan way to achieve trade agreements that protect American jobs and the environment, while promoting economic growth and opening new markets for US products. The USMCA that was signed into law in January 2020 is an example of successfully achieving this balance and I am proud to have supported its passage in the House. Barriers to trade such as tariffs have a negative impact on our economy and job market. On the Central Coast, we have seen first-hand the impact of President Trump's reckless trade war with China on our local agricultural industry.
As part of the Democratic House majority, we've passed bills to lower prescription drug costs, raise minimum wage, curb gun violence, protect jobs and workers, strengthen environmental protections, and more. We've built a strong foundation, but there's more to do. The House passed three of my bills to protect lands and waters, and ensure coastal communities are resilient against climate disasters. I'll keep advancing these efforts. We must also keep fighting for affordable healthcare and pre-existing conditions protections, as well as job creation broadly and within clean energy and agriculture sectors. I've worked diligently on this and will keep delivering.

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