Rep. Raskin’s record in Congress by the numbers

Endorsements of Rep. Raskin in the 2020 election

Policy positions

Confronting the climate crisis

We must reorganize the federal government to effectively confront this civilizational crisis. I support policies to transition to a green economy, invest in clean energy technologies and help fossil fuel industry workers retrain for new jobs. My colleagues and I are also working on a plan to revitalize America’s ailing infrastructure in a way that advances our urgent environmental goals.  The increasingly focused policy and community response to the coronavirus—led from the bottom-up by states and counties over the dangerous negligence of the Trump Administration and by the House of Representatives in Washington—will be a model for national unity and organizing against climate chaos. Climate change isn't just an issue, it's the entire context within which we must make our public policy decisions.

Protecting health care

I have consistently fought to defend the ACA and the lifesaving coverage it provides to millions of individuals with preexisting conditions. It has been under unremitting legislative and courtroom attack by the GOP. While we work to protect the ACA, I strongly support moving towards a single-payer universal healthcare system that does not exclude anyone and saves hundreds of billions of dollars spent on insurance bureaucracy.

Ending the epidemic of gun violence

I support a universal background check; a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines; and barring violently dangerous people from possessing or purchasing firearms; and will not rest until we hold the gun industry accountable for its role in deadly firearm-involved violence. I worked and voted to pass several bills out of the Judiciary Committee including HR 8, HR 1186, HR 1236 & HR 2708.  We need to end America’s status as an outlier and outlaw country when it comes to public safety and firearms.

Defending the Labor movement, fighting for middle-class prosperity, and fighting for security for all Americans

I voted for passing the Paycheck Fairness Act (HR 7) and the Raise the Wage Act (HR 582) –– I advocate raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and am fighting to defend the right to organize and collective bargaining.

Reducing the income gap 

We need to reverse the GOP tax scam that gave massive corporations outrageous tax cuts while increasing taxes on middle-class families. We need to support working families by raising the minimum wage—and all wages by promoting the right to organize and bargain collectively, lowering healthcare costs, providing paid family leave, promoting debt-free college and expanding affordable housing.

Protecting women's health choices

I fought to renew the Violence Against Women Act, oppose all efforts to undermine choice, and support repeal of the Hyde Amendment.

Campaign finance reform

As “one of America’s most ardent advocates for democracy” (The Nation) Jamie is a champion of sweeping campaign finance reform, a powerful defender of voting rights, and a passionate critic of Citizens United and the Roberts Court’s systematic deregulation of big money in politics. 

Protecting Medicare and Social Security for those who’ve earned it

I believe that we should preserve and strengthen Social Security without endangering the benefits seniors have earned after a lifetime of work. 

Promoting education and working for the success of all students

I support efforts to provide relief to the millions of Americans struggling with student loan debt, including HR 2186, HR 770, HR 2648, and HR 1070. Also, as Representative of tens of thousands of dedicated public servants, I am working to defend and strengthen the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.  We need to make aggressive progress towards the goal of debt-free college for all.

Defending the Constitution against right-wing attacks

A constitutional law professor and author of several books, including the Washington Post Bestseller Overruling Democracy: the Supreme Court versus the American People, Jamie is a lucid and passionate voice defending constitutional freedom and recovering the Constitution and its true meanings from Tea Party extremists. 

Comprehensive immigration reform

We need to end the cruel and inhumane treatment of children and families at our border and stop funding the president’s dangerous and profligate border wall; restore protections for refugees and asylum seekers; and pass HR 6, the Dream and Promise Act, to provide a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and families that have lived here for years due to disaster or conflict in their home countries.  Then we need to move to comprehensive immigration reform.

Decency towards veterans

As a State Senator and U.S. Representative, Jamie has constantly backed efforts to provide greater employment, educational and housing opportunities for Maryland’s veterans.  

Ending discrimination

On the Judiciary and Oversight Committees I’m working to expand voting rights; protect freedom of religion while stopping the new argument that businesses have a religious right to discriminate against LGBTQ Americans; protect equal employment rights; stop sexual harassment; and include the disabled. We need strong laws to block violations of civil rights and civil liberties of the people.    

Defend nuclear non-proliferation and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons

The President’s decision to topple the Iran Deal was dangerous folly. The deal provided the international community with tools to confine Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and subjected Iran’s nuclear program to rigorous inspection and monitoring. Without the deal in place, it is easier for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. The whole debacle undermines American credibility and influence on the world stage, and creates instability.

A legacy of championing animal protection

Throughout Jamie's time in public office, he has championed animal rights and animal welfare.