Affordable housing / High cost of living
One of the most important issues facing our state is the cost of living.

Families who've lived here for generations are leaving Hawaii because they can't afford housing and food. The cost of living in Hawaii is amongst the highest in the nation and every day many families struggle just to get by.

The people of Hawaii need more truly affordable housing. I've long advocated building up--rather than out--on Oahu to make the most of our limited space, preserving as much open space and agricultural land as possible.

The people of Hawaii are being priced out of the housing market. We've become a playground for the wealthy--condos/homes sell for millions, yet sit empty 90% of the time, and other homes are used as vacation rentals, increasing the price for all of Hawaii's housing.

Vast shortages of affordable housing nationwide, especially in states like Hawaii, make it increasingly difficult for families with limited resources to find a safe place to live, to put food on the table, and to make basic ends meet.

One result of this is increasing numbers of homeless individuals and families. In some of Hawaii's more rural communities, homelessness has increased by over 46% in the last two years.

I'll continue to advocate for more affordable housing units through public and private projects, discouraging housing and land speculation, ensuring "affordable" housing units are actually affordable, and stay that way--not flipped and sold for profit (like the scandal occurring now in Kakaako).

We need to take action to better serve our most vulnerable populations, by streamlining many of the regulations that burden families in Hawaii and across the country, and increasing flexibility to empower state and local housing agencies, as well as private owners/developers, to develop new housing units, and creating new housing options in areas where housing vouchers are difficult to use. This housing shortage is a crisis that will require every level of government, the private sector, and community taking action towards a solution.

Campaign Finance ReformCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is committed to taking big money superpacs out of politics, and empowering the people.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is committed to campaign finance reform, taking big money superpacs out of politics, and empowering the people and their voices in our democracy.

In Congress, Tulsi has co-sponsored legislation like H.R.20, the Government By the People Act, which would give every citizen a voucher worth up to $50 through a "My Voice Tax Credit" for campaign contributions in $5 increments. It also aims to make small donations as influential as large donations by matching any donation on a six-to-one level through the establishment of a Freedom From Influence Fund. For example, if someone gets 30 friends to pledge $50 each, that's $1,500. Then when you put in the 6-to-1 matching contribution multiplier, that's an additional $9,000, bringing the total up to $10,500.

In Congress, Tulsi will:

• Fight to establish a system to provide public funds that will amplify small donations to federal candidates who agree to lower contribution limits
• Work to reduce barriers to the ballot box and increase turnout
• Support meaningful contribution limits so a wealthy few cannot use their economic power to shut out ordinary citizens
• Work to strengthen disclosure requirements for outside groups
• Urge the Federal Election Commission to create secret money regulations responsive to the Citizens United decision
• Urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to require public corporations to disclose their political spending
• Urge the Federal Communications Commission to require advertisers to disclose their "true identity"
• Urge the Internal Revenue Service to more clearly define political activity so organizations cannot abuse the system to keep their donors secret
• Support creating a new enforcement agency with real power to hold campaign violators accountable
• Support a constitutional amendment restoring our ability to set common-sense rules that stop big money's influence on our government and empower the people to fully participate and have their voices heard
• Work to pass legislation to shut down individual-candidate super PACs and strengthen rules that prohibit coordination between candidates and outside spending groups

Civil LibertiesTulsi has been a champion for Americans’ civil liberties, and reigning in the NSA’s mass collection of every American’s data.

Tulsi has been a champion for Americans' civil liberties, and reigning in the NSA's mass collection of every American's data. She has received an A+ rating from Restore the Fourth.

Protecting Americans’ Privacy

Tulsi's floor speech calling for defunding NSA dragnet spying on millions of Americans

Protecting Americans' PrivacyTulsi GabbardHouse Floor SpeechJune 19, 2014

Our number one priority is keeping the American people safe. We do that by focusing our resources on those who actually pose a threat to our safety while upholding the freedoms and civil liberties of the American people - not by continuing this dragnet spying on millions of Americans.

There is no evidence to date that those programs have made our country more secure. Not a single tax payer dollar should be used to fund a program that spies on innocent Americans, violating the principals of liberty and freedom that so many have fought and given their lives for.

COFA migrationBack in 1996, Congress made a misguided decision in passing legislation that took away federal Medicaid benefits for migrants from Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.

Back in 1996, Congress made a misguided decision in passing legislation that took away federal Medicaid benefits for migrants from Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. This has placed a major unfunded mandate on the backs of Hawaii taxpayers, with the bill totaling $30 to $40 million a year to pay for health services for COFA migrant families. In May 2015, I joined with Senator Schatz, Senator Hirono, and Rep. Takai in introducing the "Restoring Medicaid for Compact of Free Association Migrants Act." This legislation would reinstate Medicaid benefits for COFA migrants. We need to continue working toward the passage of this legislation to right a wrong that has gone on for far too long. The federal government made a promise to these individuals, and it must uphold that commitment. Another important piece of legislation that I've cosponsored is H.R. 854, the "Compact-Impact Aid Act of 2015." This bill would appropriate $185 million in federal funding to help states, like Hawaii, to help defray costs for providing services to COFA migrants.

Economy and JobsImproving the economy and creating jobs will always be one of my top priorities.

We must continue to support our local economy by providing tax credits for businesses that hire workers who have been unemployed for more than six months; eliminate redundant and unnecessary bureaucracy and regulations that make it hard for entrepreneurs and small businesses to start and succeed; end tax breaks for corporations that outsource jobs overseas; reduce payroll taxes for small business owners; and support legislation that provides more access and opportunity to capital for small business owners.

In Hawaiʻi, small businesses are the heart of our economy and our community. Overall, they represent over 90% of employers and provide jobs for over 50% of our private sector workforce.

Tulsi GabbardWe must continue to ensure that Hawaii becomes the destination of choice for green energy startups, such as wind, solar, geothermal, ocean thermal, wave, and biofuels technologies. We should provide tax breaks and other incentives for green and high technology businesses to locate here. Such industries not only provide good jobs for our people, but will help us achieve greater energy self-sufficiency. To increase our food production and build up our agricultural base, I continue to support tax breaks and incentives for small farmers so we are less dependent on food imports and move toward a truly sustainable future. I will continue to ensure our tax system incentivizes domestic job creators vs. those exporting jobs to other countries, and fight against destructive trade deals that benefit corporations on the backs of American workers who suffer as a result.

End the War in SyriaEnd the illegal, counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad

Tulsi is the leading voice in Congress calling for an end America's interventionist wars of regime change that have cost our nation trillions of dollars and thousands of lives. She has introduced a resolution that would end our illegal and counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad which is creating more devastation, human suffering, and refugees while strengthening terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda.

In 2012, the United States began a covert military campaign to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad in alliance with Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, and Turkey.

As a result of that regime change war, more than 400,000 Syrians have been killed and millions have fled their homes as refugees. Furthermore, because of the chaos and weakening of Syrian government forces by the United States and our partners, ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations have been strengthened, presenting an even greater threat to the Middle East and the world.

Meanwhile, in 2014, the U.S. launched military operations with Kurdish and Syrian Arab forces to defeat ISIS in Syria.

As a result, the United States is now simultaneously involved in two contradictory wars in Syria.

The first is the war to defeat ISIS--a war we must take seriously and must win.

The second is the counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad--an illegal war that Congress has not authorized and which we must end.

Normally in war, the enemy of our enemy is our friend. But in these contradictory wars in Syria, the enemy of our enemy is our enemy. The absurdity is that the more we are successful in weakening Syrian government forces, the more our enemies like ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other jihadists are strengthened. Every Syrian soldier we and our Saudi partners kill is one less soldier available to fight against ISIS.

There is no doubt that Assad is a brutal dictator, but common sense tells us that if we want to defeat ISIS and other Islamist extremist groups, we need to immediately end the illegal and counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad. We must focus our efforts one-pointedly on defeating ISIS, as well as al-Qaeda (al-Nusra) and other jihadist groups who have declared war on the United States.

If we were to end our war against the Syrian government of Assad, then and only then will it be possible for us to defeat ISIS and these other extremist groups.

EnvironmentTulsi is a lifelong environmentalist who started an environmental non-profit as a teenager, and has a proven record of defending our air, land, and water.

Tulsi has been endorsed by the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, and Ocean Champions, among others. Tulsi has consistently voted against the keystone pipeline and other forms of environmentally-damaging energy and has voted for efforts to combat climate change, support clean energy, and in other ways protect our fragile environment. That’s why the League of Conservation voters has given Tulsi a “lifetime” pro-environment score of 97% and a score of 100% in 2015.

Honored with the “Friend of the National Parks” award from the National Parks Conservation Association for her support of the National Park System.Cosponsored HR 4811 (114th), the Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2016, that would allow federal agencies to award grants to efforts that promote coral reef research and conservation.Cosponsored H.Res. 540 (114th), a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the policies of the US should support a number of green energy policies, including: a transition to near zero greenhouse gas emissions, 100% clean renewable energy, infrastructure modernization, green jobs, affording energy, and for avoiding adverse impacts of a changing climate.

We are pleased to endorse Tulsi Gabbard. She’s been a solid champion for Hawai’i families’ health, air, food and water as the Congressional District 2 Representative.

ROBERT HARRIS, DIRECTOR OF THE SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAII

Since entering the House, Tulsi Gabbard has been steadfast in rebutting calls to build the Keystone XL pipeline. She’s instead used her leadership platform to advocate for increasing America’s renewable energy supply. She’s also a strong champion for organic agriculture and GMO labeling.

SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAII

Tulsi Gabbard is a clear leader on environmental issues. She understands the importance of protecting Hawaii’s special places, and helping preserve our environment for Hawaii’s keiki.

LUCIENNE DE NAIE, SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAII VICE-CHAIR

GMO-LabelingTulsi is a leading advocate for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food.

Tulsi is a leading advocate for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food. Last year, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was recognized by Food Policy Action as a top advocate for improving our nation's food system, for her strong support of transparent and sensible food policy. and for fighting against the DARK (Deny Americans the Right to Know) Act.

Tulsi is an original co-sponsor of H.R. 913, the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, which would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to label foods containing genetically-engineered ingredients. H.R. 913 is currently being considered in the House Energy and Commerce committee. Tulsi also co-sponsored the bipartisan Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act (H.R. 1699).

Gun ControlTulsi has a consistent record of advocating for sensible gun control.

Tulsi has a consistent record of advocating for sensible gun control. She has long called for reinstating a federal ban on military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines, requiring comprehensive pre-purchase background checks, closing the gun-show loophole, and making sure that terrorists are not allowed to buy guns. Tulsi has an F-rating from the NRA, a 0% rating by the Hawaii Rifle Association, and a 100% rating by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. She is focused on building bipartisan solutions that can actually be passed into law, rather than using the issue as a partisan political football.

Tulsi Gabbard on Gun Control Measures

Tulsi is a cosponsor of H.R. 5087, The Assault Weapons Ban of 2018, which would regulate the importation, manufacture, possession, sale or transfer of assault weapons.

Tulsi is a cosponsor of H.Res. 367 to Establish the Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention (2017). This resolution establishes the House Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention to investigate and report on:

the causes of mass shootings,methods to improve the federal firearms purchaser background check system,connections between access to firearms and dangerously mentally ill individuals,strengthening federal penalties for trafficking and straw purchasing of firearms,closing loopholes that allow some domestic abusers continued access to firearms,linkages between firearms and suicide,gun violence's effect on public health,the correlation between state gun violence prevention laws and the incidence of gun violence,the importance of having reliable and accurate information on gun violence and its toll on our nation,the implementation of effective gun violence prevention laws in accordance with the Second Amendment to the Constitution, andrates of gun violence in large metropolitan areas.Tulsi is a cosponsor of H.R. 3947, The Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act (2017), which makes it illegal for any person to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a trigger crank, a bump-fire device, or any accessory that is designed to accelerate the rate of fire of a semiautomatic rifle.

Tulsi is a cosponsor of H.R.3999 (2017). This bill amends Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit the manufacture, possession, or transfer of any part or combination of parts that is designed to increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic rifle, but does not convert the semiautomatic rifle into a machine gun.

Tulsi is a cosponsor of H.R. 2670, The Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act (2017), which would protect more victims of domestic violence by preventing their abusers from possessing or receiving firearms.

Tulsi is a cosponsor of H.Res. 370 to Amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that a standing committee hearing be held whenever there is a moment of silence in the House for a tragedy involving gun violence (2017). This resolution would also require the Speaker, whenever a moment of silence related to a tragedy in the United States or its territories involving gun violence occurs on the floor of the House, to announce on the next legislative day the standing committee or subcommittee designated to hold a hearing on the event.

Tulsi is a cosponsor of H.R.4365, The Domestic Violence Loophole Closure Act (2017). The bill requires the prompt reporting for national instant criminal background check system purposes of members of the Armed Forces convicted of domestic violence offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Tulsi voted against H.R.38, The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. This bill amends the federal criminal code to allow individuals to carry a concealed handgun into another state that allows individuals to carry concealed firearms. The bill specifies that a qualified individual who lawfully carries or possesses a concealed handgun in another state is not subject to the federal prohibition on possessing a firearm in a school zone, and may carry or possess the concealed handgun in federally owned lands that are open to the public.

Tulsi voted against H.J.Res.40 (2017) to provide for congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007. This joint resolution nullifies the "Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007" rule finalized by the Social Security Administration on December 19, 2016. The rule implements a plan to provide to the National Instant Criminal History Background Check System the name of an individual who meets certain criteria, including that benefit payments are made through a representative payee because the individual is determined to be mentally incapable of managing them.

Infrastructure

Like most of the country, Hawaii’s infrastructure needs are great.

Last year, Congress came together to pass a long overdue transportation and infrastructure bill that reauthorized critical funding for our highways, bridges and other infrastructure, transportation safety, and public transit projects in Hawaii and across the country for the next 5 years. We must continue to ensure the federal government prioritizes its' investment in infrastructure, especially at our airports.

I continue to work with key stakeholders as we make progress toward opening a second international port for Hawaii in Kona, which would be key to revitalizing Kona's tourism economy, but would also ensure that our state has an alternative should Honolulu International Airport face an emergency of some sort.

LGBT/Marriage EqualitySince being elected to Congress, Tulsi has consistently fought for LGBT and marriage equality.

As a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus in the House, Tulsi has advocated for LGBT Housing/Privacy rights, to end bullying and harassment in schools and has co-sponsored numerous bills including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Respect for Marriage Act, the Healthy Families Act, the Equality Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act. She has been endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign (View endorsements).

Standing Up for LGBT Rights and Marriage EqualityI believe that equal treatment and opportunity are fundamental rights for all Americans. Discrimination on the basis of national origin, sexual orientation, disability, religious belief, gender, or race undermines core American principles of respect and individual freedom. We have an obligation to fight against discrimination, whatever the form. I will continue to work with partners at the federal, state, and local level to ensure all individuals are treated equally under the law regardless of race, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

The government should not deny those in same-sex relationships the right to marry and enjoy the same benefits, rights, and responsibilities as opposite-sex married couples. Government and political leaders like myself should have no place in determining the most personal aspects of our lives. Government officials should not have the power to declare one relationship ‘morally’ superior to another. As long as the government administers marriages and its benefits, it must remain neutral and treat all Americans as equal.

-TULSI GABBARD

'Medicare and Social SecurityTulsi is committed to protecting Medicare and Social Security.

Tulsi is committed to protecting Medicare and Social Security, preserving the safety net that cares for those most in need. The Alliance for Retired Americans gave Gabbard a 93% grade because she has voted/pledged to protect social security from privatization.

Native Hawaiian IssuesThe US overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 is a great injustice.

I'm honored to have spent time working with my mentor and friend, Senator Daniel K. Akaka. The first Native Hawaiian elected to the United States Congress, Senator Akaka passed the Apology Resolution which acknowledges the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and acknowledges that the Native Hawaiian people never directly relinquished their claims to inherent sovereignty as a people.

On the path forward, regardless of the mechanism or process in getting there, Native Hawaiians, as a people, should be empowered to determine their own future and what kind of relationship they choose to have with the U.S. federal government.

The challenge we continue to face in Congress is a failure by many to recognize Native Hawaiians as indigenous people. Native Hawaiian services and programs are constantly under attack. It's important for us to work together, to find the path forward that best serves the interests of current and future generations of Native Hawaiians.

Net NeutralityTulsi has been fighting to keep the internet open and available to all.

Tulsi has fought to keep the internet open and available to all, co-sponsoring legislation that prohibits multi-tiered pricing agreements for the privileged few.

Red HillThe 27,000-gallon fuel spill which occurred at Red Hill in 2013 remains an issue of great concern.

The 27,000-gallon fuel spill which occurred at Red Hill in 2013 remains an issue of great concern due to the risk this, and the potential for future leaks/spills, have on one of our main aquifers serving over 25% of Oahu. The finalized agreement between Department of Health, EPA, and the Navy is woefully inadequate.

The Red Hill fuel storage facility was built during a critical time during World War II, and has supplied fuel for military operations in the Pacific since 1943. However, the reality is today, no such underground fuel storage facility would ever be allowed to be built over a water aquifer.

While there are many concerns with the current plan, there are 4 primary issues that must be addressed by the Parties to the AOC:

1. Advanced leak detection and corrosion prevention

Existing leak detection practices are insufficient and inadequate to prevent another leakage of thousands of gallons of fuel into our aquifer. There should be hourly inspections of fuel levels in all tanks, automated systems that sound alarms upon any change in fuel levels, and an expedited plan to empty a tank as soon as a leak is detected, to prevent further fuel leaks from the tanks and potential groundwater contamination.

2. Install secondary containment/double-lining or better

The Navy has conducted multiple studies, including two in 1998 and 2008 that reached the same conclusion: To keep our water safe, we must double-line the fuel tanks. Moreover, beginning next year, the EPA will require all new underground fuel storage tanks to be secondarily contained. Rather than conduct yet another study, we should move forward quickly with providing this essential level of protection through secondary containment.

3. Address the fuel that's already been spilled

No real remediation attempt has been made to identify exactly where this fuel went, how much got into the water, or how much has been soaked into the bedrock which separates the tanks from the aquifer. Multiple tests have confirmed that leaked fuel is in the groundwater underneath Red Hill. All efforts should be made to clean the contaminated groundwater and ensure the bedrock doesn't serve as a continued source of pollution.

4. Cost

Cost-considerations related to improvements and clean-up must not compromise the end result. The Navy and DLA are concerned about the total cost of improvements to the existing facility or relocation of the tanks. What must be understood, however, is that if immediate action is not taken, the costs of contaminated ground water clean-up, and the resulting hardship for Oahu residents would be infinitely greater.

Conclusion:

It's critical that the Navy reconsider alternative fuel storage options in Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region that would decrease overall risk to our groundwater, and provide potential cost-savings in the long run. If relocation is not feasible, then, at a minimum, the Navy should immediately take action to eliminate the constant threat of fuel contamination to Oahu's drinking water resources.

As the most isolated island chain in the world, the necessity to protect our water resources in Hawaii cannot be overstated. The actions we take now not only impact the health and safety of our current generations, but every generation to come.

Renewable EnergyWe need to continue to seek ways to grow Hawaii’s renewable energy industry, while also attracting high-tech jobs to Hawaii.

Hawai`i has quickly become a national and world leader in advancing renewable energy. In 2015, our state made huge strides when we became the first state in the country to establish a law to set a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045. Hawai`i Island is already near 50%.

Our state is blessed with incredible renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal, which we must harness to leave fossil fuels behind. I will continue my work to ensure that Hawai`i becomes the destination of choice for green energy startups, including wind, solar, biomass, and wave energy technology. I will continue to work to provide tax and other incentives for green and high technology businesses to locate in Hawai`i.

In Congress, I'm advocating for our federal government to follow the path of Hawai`i by adopting a federal standard for renewable energy in order to make this transition at a quicker pace. We should also extend the wind production tax credit and solar investment tax credit to support the clean energy economy across our country. We should eliminate federal subsidies of the vastly profitable fossil fuel industry. Divestment from fossil fuels is the way of the future, and I'm hopeful that more of our businesses, universities, and retirement systems will choose this path.

The "war on terror"Tulsi outlines four things we must do in order to defeat ISIS and other jihadist groups that have declared war on the United States.

To defeat ISIS and other jihadist groups that have declared war on the United States, we must do four things:

1. We must immediately end the illegal and counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad.There is no question that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is a brutal dictator. However, we must focus on defeating our enemy, ISIS, al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations--not engage in another failed attempt at regime change like we did in Iraq and Libya. As long as we continue to be distracted by the war to overthrow Assad and continue to strengthen our enemies by weakening the Syrian government, we will not be able to defeat ISIS, al-Qaeda (al-Nusra), and other jihadist groups who have declared war on the United States. Only if we end our war against the Syrian government of Assad will it be possible to defeat ISIS and other jihadist groups.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on CNN's The Situation Room w/ Wolf Blitzer - September 30, 2015 [2/2]

2. We must defeat ISIS militarily.To defeat ISIS, we must work with and support trusted partners on the ground, such as the Kurds, Syrian Arabs, and non-ISIS Sunni Iraqi tribes. Sending large numbers of US troops into Syria or Iraq would be a very bad idea as it would play directly into ISIS rhetoric characterizing their genocidal mission as a war between the west and Islam, and fuel ISIS’ recruitment activities.

By working with local partners on the ground, providing advice and air support, along with Special Forces teams who can launch quick strike missions, we can overwhelm ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations and have in place local elements securing and governing the territory retaken.

It is encouraging that President Obama has recently begun exploring ways for the U.S. and Russia to work together to defeat ISIS. It is critical that we remain willing to ally with Russia, Syrian forces, the Kurdish Peshmerga, and any other forces that are willing to fight against our common enemy.

It is encouraging that President Obama has recently begun exploring ways for the U.S. and Russia to work together to defeat ISIS. It is critical that we remain willing to ally with Russia, Syrian forces, the Kurdish Peshmerga, and any other forces that are willing to fight against our common enemy.

We formed such distasteful alliances during WWII— working, for instance, with Stalin--which proved essential to defeating Hitler’s Nazi Germany—and now we must be willing to ally with Russia and others with whom we share a common enemy in ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations that have declared war on civilization.

We need to stop trying to create mini-America style centralized governments in the Middle East. We tried this in Iraq, but it’s clear that this has only led to a nation that exists in name only due to the Kurds and Sunnis continued persecution and domination by the Shia-led government. Similarly, we will not be able to bring about a unified government in Syria, which is a lot more divided and chaotic than Iraq ever was. And as long as the civil wars continue, ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups will remain and continue to grow stronger and more of a global threat.

Once the U.S. and our allies stop trying to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad, then we can immediately focus our efforts one-pointedly on defeating ISIS, al-Qaeda, and the other terrorist organizations in a coordinated, cooperative fashion with Russia, the Syrian government, the Kurds, Sunni tribes, France, and the UK.

3. There must be a political solution.We must encourage and support the creation of semi-autonomous regions in the areas now called Syria and Iraq so that the various sects—the Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds—are able to take care of their own governance and security. The dominance and persecution of one sect over another in Iraq is part of what allows ISIS and other Islamist organizations to gain a foothold there. As a result, arriving at a political solution that minimizes sectarian conflict is key to preventing ISIS and other terrorist organizations from continuing to spread and grow.

4. We must defeat ISIS and other Islamist militants ideologically.In order to defeat the enemy, we need to clearly identify them. We must defeat them in the ideological war, not just on the battlefield. In order to defeat their ideology, we need to recognize what their ideology is.

The ideology that inspires those fighting for ISIS, al-Qaeda, al-Nusra and other jihadist organizations is loosely referred to as “Islamism” and can be more specifically identified as Wahhabism. It is the ideology promoted and spread primarily by Saudi Arabia teaching that anyone who does not accept that particular interpretation of Islam must be converted, killed, or in other ways punished. On the Islamists’ list of those who must be killed or punished are Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, and followers of other Muslim sects such as Shias, Sufis, and non-Wahhabist Sunnis.

This radical Wahhabist ideology attracts and motivates recruits who are taught that killing “non-believers” is a religious obligation and that any martyr who dies while killing non-believers will be rewarded in heaven.

The United States must use its leverage to pressure Saudi Arabia to stop spreading the Wahhabist extremist ideology through schools and mosques around the world, including in the U.S. We must stop arms sales and any other assistance to Saudi Arabia or other Gulf States involved in promoting and financing this jihadist ideology.

The U.S. must stop treating as “allies” countries that are promoting the Wahhabist ideology that is at the root of so much suffering worldwide.

By calling terrorists like al-Qaeda and ISIS “Islamic extremists” we are making a distinction between the vast majority of Muslims who are not extremists and a handful of those who are extremists. This is the best way to show our respect to peaceful Muslims around the world.

Tulsi's position was recently confirmed by a well-respected Muslim activist in Pakistan:

Congresswoman Gabbard is absolutely on the mark in presenting an outline of a policy that should clearly identify Salafi-Wahhabi and Deobandi ideology as the ideology of hate and terror, worse than even Nazism, because it is much more violent. It will also ease the pressure on the common Muslims who can publicly disassociate themselves from these cults. The clear identification of terrorist ideology will actually be a blessing for ordinary Muslims who will whole heartedly join government efforts in rooting out this violent and hateful ideology from the country, and hopefully, the world.

LET US BUILD PAKISTAN:HTTPS://LUBPAK.COM/ARCHIVES/349466

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal is a bad deal for the American people.

We cannot allow this agreement to forsake the American middle class, while foreign governments are allowed to devalue their currency and artificially prop-up their industries.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal is a bad deal for the American people. This historically massive trade deal -- accounting for 40 percent of global trade -- would reduce restrictions on foreign corporations operating within the U.S., limit our ability to protect our environment, and create more incentives for U.S. businesses to outsource investments and jobs overseas to countries with lower labor costs and standards.

Over and over we hear from TPP proponents how the TPP will boost our economy, help American workers, and set the standards for global trade. The International Trade Commission report released last May (https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4607.pdf) confirms that the opposite is true. In exchange for just 0.15 percent boost in GDP by 2032, the TPP would decimate American manufacturing capacity, increase our trade deficit, ship American jobs overseas, and result in losses to 16 of the 25 U.S. economic sectors. These estimates don't even account for the damaging effects of currency manipulation, environmental impacts, and the agreement's deeply flawed Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) process.

There's no reason to believe the provisions of this deal relating to labor standards, preserving American jobs, or protecting our environment, will be enforceable. Every trade agreement negotiated in the past claimed to have strong enforceable provisions to protect American jobs -- yet no such enforcement has occurred, and agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich has called TPP "NAFTA on steroids." The loss of U.S. jobs under the TPP would likely be unprecedented.

The American people have been left out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership from the beginning and the results show. From an ISDS process that allows foreign corporations to overrule our domestic rule of law, to unenforceable labor and environmental protections, to no protections against currency manipulation, this deal helps the corporate class while selling out working Americans and their families. The American people deserve a better future that empowers our middle class and domestic economy; that protects people and our planet.

Tulsi GabbardAs the gateway to Asia and the Pacific, jobs in Hawaii will be among the first to be affected. Skilled workers in Hawaii and across America won't be able to compete against international minimum wages in many of the countries that are part of the TPP, some of which are below $3 a day for labor.

Core to our nation's democracy, is our sovereignty and our ability to set and enforce our own standards and laws. The Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) process gives enormous power to foreign corporations and negates our domestic rule of law. Foreign corporations should not have rights in any country that supersede the rights of local citizens and the law of the land. A tribunal of three trade lawyers who have the power to make judgments about the legitimacy of sovereign environmental, public health, or national security law and decisions goes against the foundation of our democracy.

In the last few months alone, we have seen evidence of the danger of ISDS: Last year the Administration chose to reject the Keystone Pipeline XL on environmental grounds. Now, using ISDS, TransCanada is suing the U.S. Government for more than $15 billion to compensate them not only for expenses, but also projected profits. Best case scenario: The U.S. wins this suit after spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars defending ourselves, making it much harder for future administrations to make courageous environmental decisions. Worst case scenario: We lose the case, taxpayers fork over $15 billion, and our sovereignty and domestic rule of law is completely undermined. Future leaders will be forced to think twice about rejecting a corporate project on environmental grounds.

Rep Tulsi Gabbard Reaffirms Opposition to Harmful Trans Pacific Trade Deal

I'm going to do everything I can to oppose this trade deal that will have devastatingly negative impacts on the American people and our domestic economy.

Tulsi GabbardThis deal promises free trade but does nothing to address currency manipulation. At least 5 million American jobs were lost in the last decade as a result of currency manipulation by our trading partners. A few months of unfair currency practices can decimate an entire U.S. industry. The American steel, aluminum, and auto manufacturing sectors cannot survive another shock from aggressive foreign currency devaluation. The United Auto Workers estimate that U.S. vehicles cost up to $5,000 dollars more in certain markets because of currency manipulation.

We cannot allow this agreement to forsake the American middle class, while foreign governments are allowed to devalue their currency and artificially prop-up their industries. Foreign government-supported industries are already dumping huge amounts of artificially cheap steel into the United States, causing American steel companies to struggle to survive. This is not just about changing economies. This agreement will allow foreign governments to openly cheat the system, while we tell American workers to "retrain" and find another line of work.

Because of these and other concerns in the TPP, I will continue to do all that I can to defeat this legislation if and when it comes before Congress for a yea or nay vote.

Universal HealthcareAll Americans should have access to affordable healthcare.

Our present healthcare system is organized by and for the benefit of big insurance and pharmaceutical companies and not the American people. This must change.

While the Affordable Care Act was a step towards insuring roughly 20 million Americans, many issues remain with the Affordable Care Act, including escalating costs and high copayments/deductibles. Most importantly, 27 million Americans are still uninsured. All Americans should have access to affordable healthcare through Medicare or a public option. We must ensure universal healthcare and empower the government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to bring down the price of prescription drugs.

Veterans & Armed ForcesAs a nation, we owe a great debt to our veterans. It is an obligation and responsibility that I take very seriously.

There are more than 116,000 veterans in Hawai`i, and even though we span generations and different conflicts, we are all one family. The bond between veterans, and the camaraderie that exists among those who have worn the uniform and served, is something very special, different from anything I've ever known. Two veterans, who have never met, can look each other in the eye and know exactly what sacrifice the other has gone through, without even saying a word.

I honor the brave men and women who served and continue to serve in our military, and who risk their lives to protect the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans. As a captain in the Hawai`i National Guard who served two combat tours in the Middle East, I know firsthand the sacrifices our warriors make to protect and defend our great nation. It is my great honor and privilege to stand with and serve with such heroes.

As a nation, we owe a great debt to our veterans. It is an obligation and responsibility that I take very seriously.

Tulsi GabbardAs a nation, we owe a great debt to our veterans. It is an obligation and responsibility that I take very seriously. In between tours of duty, I worked as an aide to Senator Akaka in Washington D.C. One of my chief areas of responsibility was Veterans' Affairs issues. I experienced firsthand how the decisions our leaders make in Washington have a direct impact on the lives of our veterans, their families and loved ones. I want all veterans to know that in me, they have a fellow veteran who will champion and advocate for them, and will never stop fighting for them and their families.

Rep Tulsi Gabbard: Honoring Veterans, need to go beyond lip-service to action

After leaving the battlefield, veterans continue to face unique challenges even after they come home. Unemployment, disabilities, health care, homelessness, and depression are among a few of the daunting obstacles confronting them.

Therefore, I support President Obama's efforts to incentivize businesses to hire veterans, and his support of military families. I also support efforts to improve the GI Bill to allow veterans to develop skills that will help them in the workplace. And I will steadfastly oppose any efforts to cut funding for any programs designed to support service members, veterans, and their families.

Fighting for Health Care for Veterans

Mr. Speaker, if your son or daughter, your brother or sister was sick and needed care but couldn’t see a doctor for 3 months or 6 months, or maybe over a year, wouldn’t you take an immediate action? Do whatever it took to make sure that they were cared for? As we stand here today, over a hundred thousand veterans: our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters in Hawaii and across the country have been waiting months just to see a doctor. In Honolulu veterans wait an average of a 145 days, sometimes longer, just to see a primary care physician for the very first time. This is infuriating to me, and it’s unconscionable that our veterans are treated this way when they come home.

Tulsi Gabbard, on the House FloorAt the peak of the VA crisis, when it was clear that our veterans needed immediate access to physicians and that it was simply not acceptable to wait for all the systemic problems with the VA to be fixed before we addressed health care access, Tulsi introduced bipartisan legislation allowing veterans immediate access to private physicians, and advocated nationally, calling for this immediate change to allow for this access. Congress passed bipartisan VA health reform legislation into law in record time, which included a provision, based on Tulsi's proposal, to allow veterans access to private health care.

Veterans Embody the Value of Selfless ServiceRecognizing the value that veterans bring to our community is so very important. Veterans have had a unique experience; they have actually been ready to sacrifice their lives for our country. Veterans embody the value of selfless service and sacrifice. And no matter what their job was in the military, veterans bring with them the ability to work as a member of the team to accomplish the task at hand, the discipline to stay with a task until it's successfully completed, and the determination to persevere no matter how difficult the assignment. As elected officials, employers, and as a state and country, it is crucial that we uphold our end of the bargain and ensure that our veterans have all the tools and benefits they need to be successful now that they have returned to civilian life.

Wall Street ReformTulsi has been a strong advocate for Wall Street reform, including breaking up the big banks and reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act.

Tulsi believes Americans should have peace of mind knowing that the health of their mortgage, retirement plan, or even salary isn’t tied to a roll of the dice on Wall Street.

Fighting the Bail-out of Big Banks

There are two kinds of people serving in Congress: Those who are serving the interests of the American people, and those who are serving the interests of the big banks and Wall Street speculators.

Tulsi GabbardHere are some of the most important steps we need to take to protect our economy:

Break up the big banks - Banks that are “too big to fail” are simply too big. As long as individual banks hold such a huge portion of our economy, then we are bound to be faced with having to bail out the giant banks again. This will devastate our economy.Restore the Glass Steagall Act - For decades, the Glass Steagall Act protected the public by separating risky investment banking and commercial banking. Had this common sense regulation not been repealed, we never would have faced the economic hardship that we do today. Without this healthy separation, greed leads bankers to leverage available funds for the highest profit potential - and often riskiest investments.Ban naked credit defaults - Naked credit defaults are a form of excessive speculation that put our financial markets in a position of unnecessary and unhealthy risk. As a form of gambling, naked credit defaults have no place in our banking system.Tulsi is a co-sponsor of H.R.3711 - 21st Century Glass-Steagall Act of 2013

Women’s RightsTulsi has a 100% voting record with both Planned Parenthood and NARAL.

A Woman's Right to ChooseTulsi is committed to defending a woman’s right to choose, which government has no place infringing on. She has a 100% voting record with both Planned Parenthood and NARAL.

Tulsi’s commitment to upholding America’s promise to support our veterans, equal pay for women, and her bold advocacy for ending the war in Afghanistan in order to reinvest that money to create jobs here at home make her the voice of fresh leadership we need in Washington now more than ever.

Gen. Claudia KennedyEqual PayTulsi strongly believes women are long overdue to receive equal pay for equal work, and has supported legislation to level the playing field such as H.R.377 - Paycheck Fairness Act

^[33]

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, clickhere.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  VotedYea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[79]

  VotedNay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

   Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.^[80]

  VotedNay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

   Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.^[81]

  VotedYea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.^[82]

  VotedNay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

   Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

  Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[83]

  VotedNay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

   Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.^[84]

  VotedNay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

   Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.^[85]

  VotedNay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

   Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

  Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.^[86]

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  VotedYea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[87]

  VotedYea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[88]

  VotedYea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[89]

  VotedNay on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[90]

  VotedNay on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

   Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

  Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act^[91]

  VotedYea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

   Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[92]

  VotedNay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[93]

  VotedNay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[94]

  VotedNay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[95]

  VotedNay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.^[96]

  VotedNay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

   Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[97]

  VotedNay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.^[98]

  VotedNay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

   Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

  Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[99]

  VotedNay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

  Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[100]

  VotedNay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)^[101]

  VotedNay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.^[102]

  
  

  VotedNay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

   Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

  Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.^[103]

  VotedYea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

  Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[104]

  VotedYea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

  Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.^[105]

  VotedNay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

   Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

  Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.^[106]

  VotedYea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

   Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

  Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[107]

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  VotedNay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

   Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities^[108]

  VotedYea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

   Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.^[109]

  
  

  VotedNay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.^[110]

  VotedNay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

   Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

  Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.^[111]

  VotedYea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[112]

  VotedNay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

   Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[113]

  VotedNay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

   Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[114]

  VotedNay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.^[115]

  VotedYea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

   Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

  The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.^[116]

114th Congress

The first session of the114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[117][118] For more information pertaining to Gabbard's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[119]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015

See also:The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, theHouse rejected thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302.Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged withtrade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Gabbard was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.^[120][121]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, theHouse passed thetrade promotion authority (TPA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives thepresident fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent toCongress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill includingtrade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Gabbard was one of 157Democrats to vote against the measure.^[122][123]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) andtrade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass theHouse together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment toHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except forTed Yoho (R-Fla.). Gabbard was one of 158Democrats to vote against the amendment.^[124][125]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
TheHouse passedHR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. TheSenate packagedtrade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along withtrade promotion authority (TPA), whichCongress passed as part ofHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Gabbard was one of 175Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[126][127]

Defense spending authorization

On May 15, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Gabbard voted with 40Democrats and 228Republicans to approve the bill.^[128] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. PresidentBarack Obamavetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[129]

On November 5, 2015, theHouse passedS 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[130][131] Gabbard voted with 134 otherDemocrats and 235Republicans to approve the bill.^[132] On November 10, 2015, theSenate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[133]

2016 Budget proposal

On April 30, 2015, theHouse voted to approveSConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183Democrats who voted, including Gabbard, voted against the resolution.^{[134][135][136]}

2015 budget

On October 28, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[137] Gabbard voted with 186Democrats and 79Republicans in favor of the bill.^[138] It passed theSenate on October 30, 2015.^[139] PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal

See also:Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 14, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required PresidentBarack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review.Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Gabbard voted with 176Democrats to approve the bill.^[140][141]

Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, theHouse rejectedHR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approvingthe nuclear agreement with Iran. Gabbard voted with 161Democrats for the bill.^[142][143]

Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Gabbard voted with 185Democrats against the bill.^[144][145]

Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, theHouse passedH Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of theIran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. HouseRepublicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Gabbard voted with 185Democrats against the resolution.^[146][147]

Export-Import Bank

On October 27, 2015, theHouse passedHR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[148] Gabbard voted with 185Democrats and 127Republicans in favor of the bill.^[149]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revisedHR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from theForeign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Gabbard voted with 40Democrats and 47Republicans against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[150][151]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Gabbard voted with 179Democrats against the bill.^[152][153]

Cyber security

On April 23, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[154] Gabbard voted with 134Democrats and 220Republicans to approve the bill.^[155]

On April 22, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[156] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Gabbard voted with 78Democrats and 37Republicans against the bill.^[157]

Immigration

On November 19, 2015, theHouse passedHR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[158] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Gabbard voted with 46Democrats and 242Republicans in favor of the bill.^[159]

113th Congress

The second session of the113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[160] For more information pertaining to Gabbard's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[161]

National security

DHS Appropriations

Gabbard voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.^[162]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Gabbard voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.^[162]

CISPA (2013)

Gabbard voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities.^[163] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[162]

NDAA

Gabbard voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[162]

Economy

Farm bill

On January 29, 2014, theU.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013,H.R. 2642, also known as theFarm Bill.^[164] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.^[165][166] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[166] Gabbard voted with 88 otherDemocraticrepresentatives in favor of the bill.

2014 Budget

On January 15, 2014, theRepublican-runHouse approvedH.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[167][168] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64Republicans and 3Democrats voting against the bill.^[168] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[169] It included a 1% increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to theInternal Revenue Service and theEnvironmental Protection Agency and left theAffordable Care Act without any drastic cuts. Gabbard did not vote on the bill.^[167][168]

Government shutdown

See also:United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[170] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen.Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[171] Gabbard voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[172]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by theSenate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made bySenate Democrats was to require income verification forObamacare subsidies.^[173] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming fromRepublican members. Gabbard voted for HR 2775.^[174]

Statement on government shutdown

See also:United States budget debate, 2013

Gabbard said on September 27, 2013, that "If a common-sense agreement is not reached, our hard-working troops, law enforcement and other essential personnel will continue to report for duty while receiving no pay, leaving their families at home with nothing but uncertainty. I sincerely hope a government shutdown does not occur, but if no deal is struck by next Tuesday, then Members of Congress should not be exempt from its very real, tough consequences."^[175]

Federal Pay Adjustment Act

Gabbard voted against HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.^[162]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Gabbard voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines.^[162]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

Gabbard voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[162]

Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act

Gabbard voted against HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines.^[162]

Social issues

Amash amendment

Gabbard voted in favor of House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote.^[162]