Kamala Harris

Candidate's Website, 2019

"Ban AR-15-style assault weapons from being imported into the United States.

• "More than 4 million assault weapons have been imported into the U.S. from foreign countries.
• "The Gun Control Act empowers the executive branch to prohibit the importation of guns not 'suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes,' and it's been done in a limited fashion by both Democratic and Republican presidents in the past. The AR-15 was designed to kill people on the battlefield. It was not designed for sporting. As president, Harris will ban AR-15-style assault weapon imports and suspend all other assault weapon imports until the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) conducts an analysis of whether their importation should be permanently banned under existing law.

"This is just part of the gun safety agenda Harris will pursue as president. In addition to enacting universal background checks, renewing the assault weapons ban, and repealing the PLCAA, Harris will fight to make gun trafficking a federal crime, ban high capacity magazines, and prohibit those convicted of a federal hate crime from buying guns."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Do you support abolishing any federal agencies or departments?

Other, 2024

In 2018 Harris told MSNBC, "I think there’s no question that we’ve got to critically reexamine ICE and its role and the way that it is being administered and the work it is doing. And we need to probably think about starting from scratch because there is a lot that is wrong with the way that it’s conducting itself, and we need to deal with that."

However, in 2024 Harris said she would sign a bipartisan border security bill that would increase funding for ICE.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Do you support a constitutional amendment limiting terms for U.S. representatives and senators?

Other, 2019

"Appearing on ABC's 'The View' last Friday, Sen. Kamala Harris, a California Democrat now running for president, said she believes in border security, but she would not treat illegal aliens as criminals.

"'I would not make it punishable by jail,' Harris told host Meghan McCain. 'It should be a civil enforcement issue, but not a criminal one. You have to play by the rules, but we can't treat people like criminals when they are crossing the border,' Harris said."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the federal government combat inflation by requiring budget cuts to match any new federal spending?

Other, 2024

In an August 2024 press release, Harris said her administration would:

• "Advance the first-ever federal ban on price gouging on food and groceries;
• "Set clear rules of the road to make clear that big corporations can’t unfairly exploit consumers to run up excessive profits on food and groceries.
• "Secure new authority for the FTC and state attorneys general to investigate and impose strict new penalties on companies that break the rules."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2017

"Every single day that Congress refuses to act, 122 more DACA recipients lose their status. Passing the Dream Act is a matter of morality. This is a matter of what is the right thing to do, among leaders who say that they have power. Here's what I have to say to them: use your power and keep our promise to these young people."

Other, 2024

In remarks in Arizona Harris said she would sign a bipartisan border security bill that included restrictions on asylum and funding to increase the number of asylum officers.

Other, 2024

Harris has criticized Trump's plan to raise tariffs, sometimes calling it a national sales tax. For example, in North Carolina she said, "His tariffs would increase the cost of everyday expenses for families." 

However, she has not spoken about cutting tariffs already in place.

Other, 2024

Harris campaign rapid response director Ammar Moussa wrote in an email that "Vice President Harris does not support an electric vehicle mandate."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2017

"Republicans want to make the Affordable Care Act's ten essential health benefits optional. This includes everything from emergency room visits, to prescription drugs, to dropping coverage for maternity care. We can't afford to have these protections rolled back."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Do you support revising Title IX to limit participation in female sports based on an individual's reproductive biology and genetics at birth?

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2018

"Making background checks universal and raising the minimum age to purchase rifles are solutions."

Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2024

"Good news: The Child Tax Credit bill is headed to the Senate.

"While @POTUS and I continue to fight for the full expanded Child Tax Credit, this bill should be passed quickly. President Biden is ready to sign it into law."

Other, 2024

"As a presidential candidate, Ms. Harris proposed replacing Mr. Trump’s 2017 tax cuts with a monthly refundable tax credit worth up to $500 for people earning less than $100,000. The policy, known as the LIFT the Middle Class Act, was unveiled in 2018 and aimed to address the rising cost of living by providing middle-class and working families with money to help pay for everyday expenses. She framed it as a way to close the wealth gap in the United States."

Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2024

"Women across our nation face chaos, confusion, and fear as extremists ban abortion and attack IVF.

"I am grateful for Abbey and all those in Alabama and throughout America who are organizing and fighting back.  @POTUS and I stand with you."

Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2017

"Senate GOP's proposed 20-week abortion ban is another example of politicians playing politics with health care."

Other, 2017

Harris has called for federal agencies to increase research into the impacts of climate change. For example, in 2017 she wrote, "We request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) undertake a study on the risks to human health and the environment posed by natural disasters' impacts on Superfund sites and evaluate what federal actions may be taken to reduce those risks."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2017

"Planned Parenthood has provided millions of women and men across the country vital access to reproductive health care, including preventive care, screening for cervical and other cancers, and birth control. We can't allow Republicans to take that away."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2019

"The last time the federal minimum wage was increased was 2009. It's been almost ten years since working Americans were given the raise they deserve. I joined my colleagues this week to re-introduce the Raise the Wage Act, which would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2024."

Candidate's Website, 2019

"Similar to the preclearance requirement of the Voting Rights Act, Harris will require, for the first time, that states and localities with a history of violating Roe v. Wade obtain approval from her Department of Justice before any abortion law or practice can take effect."

Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2024

"I applaud the organizers, advocates, and elected officials who ensured that Arizona’s legislature passed a repeal of the state’s 1800s abortion ban.

"But let me be clear: Abortion is still banned in Arizona, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Doctors and nurses could still be thrown in jail for providing health care.

"To truly protect reproductive freedom, Congress must restore the protections of Roe."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2016

"Today marks 10 years since then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the California Global Warming Solutions Act, which made California a leader in stopping climate change. Climate change is a clear threat to our water, public health, and our nation's economy. We must ensure our state remains a model for the rest of the country on this issue by investing in clean energy, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and upgrading smart grids."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2016

"California has been a leader in renewable energy sources and it's time we become a model for the rest of the country. This is why I support plans to create a 40 percent national renewable energy standard for electricity providers by 2035."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2018

"I remain committed to fighting for raising the federal minimum wage, making public colleges and universities tuition-free, and guaranteeing everyone in America has health care."

Candidate's Website, 2019

"Under [Harris'] plan, she'll reverse President Trump's trillion-dollar tax cut for big corporations and the top 1% and use that money to give a tax credit of up to $6,000 to working families each year."

Other, 2018

In a 2018 letter to the U.S. Trade Representative, Harris joined fellow senators in writing, "While we agree with the findings of your office's recent investigation into China's unfair industrial policies and outright theft of American intellectual property, we are concerned that the Administration's trade actions are counterproductive to its goal of ensuring a level playing field for American companies. ... Rather than support American businesses and workers, the Administration's tariffs will give foreign competitors an edge in both domestic and international markets."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2017

"On National Infrastructure Week, I wanted to discuss why updating our infrastructure is critically important to California. It's clear we've desperately need upgrades to bridges, freeways, airports, and other transportation infrastructure. We've neglected transportation infrastructure for far too long, as we saw earlier this year with the Oroville Dam whose infrastructure was compromised. It's time Republicans and Democrats work together to fix our crumbling infrastructure. There needs to be a true commitment to putting the resources back into the states to repair our infrastructure, which in turn would also produce jobs."

Other, 2024

Like most presidential candidates in 2024, Harris has left some ambiguity about exactly how much military support the U.S. would give Taiwan. In general, analysts believe should would take a similar approach to Taiwan as President Joe Biden.

In 2022 remarks she said the administration would "continue to oppose any unilateral change to the status quo ... and we will continue to support Taiwan’s self-defense, consistent with our long-standing policy."

Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2024

As a U.S. Senator, Kamala Harris frequently objected to increasing oil and natural gas drilling on federal land. 

For example, in January 2018 she wrote, "Trump is preparing to auction off almost all of our country’s coastal waters to oil & gas companies for drilling. This is a recipe for disaster with the potential to devastate the economies of coastal cities and towns."

Later that year she wrote, "Last week, at the bidding of the oil and gas industry, the Trump Administration took the first step in opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling. This is another dangerous mistake that the Trump Administration considers a 'win.'"

Candidate's Website, 2019

"[Harris]'ll give the VA the full resources it needs and stop the wasteful outsourcing of services that only benefit a handful of companies and Trump's cronies."

Other, 2024

While Vice President Harris has not voiced support for specific restrictions on aid to Israel, many analysts perceive her as more concerned about the death of Palestinian civilians than President Biden.

In December 2023 remarks she said, "The United States is unequivocal: International humanitarian law must be respected.  Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.  Frankly, the scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating. ... As Israel pursues its military objectives in Gaza, we believe Israel must do more to protect innocent civilians."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2018

"Making background checks universal and raising the minimum age to purchase rifles are solutions."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2018

"The fact is, marijuana laws are not applied and enforced in the same way for all people. That's why I've signed onto Cory Booker's Marijuana Justice Act to make marijuana legal at the federal level. It's the smart thing to do."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the federal government reform Social Security by requiring means testing?

Other, 2024

When Harris ran for president in 2020, she published a Medicare for All plan that would have some automatic enrollment but some private insurance options, as well. She wrote on her website, "Essentially, we would allow private insurance to offer a plan in the Medicare system, but they will be subject to strict requirements to ensure it lowers costs and expands services. If they want to play by our rules, they can be in the system. If not, they have to get out."

However, in 2024 Harris has distanced herself from Medicare for All. In her 2024 debate against Trump she said, "I absolutely support and over the last four years as vice president, private health care options, but what we need to do is maintain and grow the Affordable Care Act."

Candidate's Website, 2019

"In America, health care should be a right, not a privilege only for those who can afford it. It's why we need Medicare for All. ...

"First, when we pass my plan, all Americans will immediately have the ability to buy into Medicare. This is similar to the immediate, introductory buy-in provided in Senator Sanders' Medicare for All bill. Right away, it will lower costs and give us a baseline plan as we transition to Medicare for All. ...

"At the end of the ten-year transition, every American will be a part of this new Medicare system. They will get insurance either through the new public Medicare plan or a Medicare plan offered by a private insurer within that system. Seniors will see stronger Medicare benefits than they have now. We will cover millions more people who don't have health insurance today. And we will reduce costs, save our country money, and ensure that no American has to sacrifice getting the care they need just because the cost is a barrier."

Other, 2018

"And folks, on the subject of transnational gangs, let's be perfectly clear: The president's medieval vanity project is not going to stop them."

(Source: The Hill)

Other, 2024

"Harris said in an interview with NBC News this year that Ukraine can continue to count on support from Washington as the war drags on. 'Ukraine needs our support,' Harris said. 'And we must give it.'

At this year’s Munich Security Conference, Harris also reiterated the Biden administration’s pledge of supporting Ukraine for 'as long as it takes.'"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Do you support increasing federal enforcement of organized retail crime?

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2017

"With an opioid epidemic raging across our country, we don't need another failed War on Drugs. We need real solutions to address addiction head on."

Other, 2019

"Let me start by saying this: I guarantee you I won't be exchanging love letters with Kim Jong-un. President Trump has handed Kim one PR victory after the next, all without securing any real concessions, so the next president will have serious work to do.

"Ultimately, we can't accept North Korea as a nuclear weapons state. But it's clear that simply demanding complete denuclearization is a recipe for failure; we must work closely with our allies to contain and reverse the short-term threats posed by Pyongyang as we work toward that long-term goal.

"In any negotiations with North Korea, we must proceed with great skepticism given our past experiences. I would consider targeted sanctions relief to improve the lives of the North Korean people if the regime were to take serious, verifiable steps to roll back its nuclear program. And that relief would have to be immediately reversible were they to renege on their commitments."

Other, 2024

In Arizona remarks Harris said, "And as president, I won’t only bring back the border security bill that Donald Trump tanked; I will do more to secure our border.

"To reduce illegal border crossings, I will take further action to keep the border closed between ports of entry.  Those who cross our borders unlawfully will be apprehended and removed and barred from reentering for five years.  We will pursue more severe criminal charges against repeat violators.  And if someone does not make an asylum request at a legal point of entry and instead crosses our border unlawfully, they will be barred from receiving asylum."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the federal government privatize some or all of Social Security?

Candidate's Website, 2019

"Today, U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) joined her colleagues to introduce legislation to expand Social Security benefits and strengthen the retirement program for generations to come. ... The bill would ensure that Social Security could pay every benefit owed to every eligible American for the next 52 years, according to the retirement system's chief actuary. It would extend the program's solvency by making the wealthiest 1.8 percent of Americans - those with incomes of more than $250,000 a year - pay the same rate into the retirement system as everyone else already pays. Current law caps the amount of income subject to payroll taxes at $132,900."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2017

"Congressman Mick Mulvaney supports a raise in the retirement age for Social Security, cuts to Medicare, and refuses to commit to prompt disaster relief, which would all jeopardize the livelihood and well-being of millions of Californians. After careful consideration of these facts, I will vote no on his nomination for director of the Office of Management and Budget."

Other, 2024

"In 2019, Ms. Harris proposed increasing estate taxes on the wealthy to pay for a $300 billion plan to raise teacher salaries. In what was billed as the 'largest federal investment in teacher pay in U.S. history,' the plan would have given the average teacher in America a $13,500 pay increase.

"Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris did have some differences when vying for the Democratic nomination. Notably, Ms. Harris wanted to raise the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 35 percent, which is higher than the 28 percent that Mr. Biden had proposed."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the federal government combat inflation by repealing or revising the Jones Act to allow more foreign involvement in shipping between U.S. ports?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should Congress revise Section 230, a federal law that shields social media companies from lawsuits over content that appears on their platforms?

Other, 2019

"In both Ukraine and Georgia, Russia has used military force to seize territory and undermine democratically elected governments. Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea is a severe violation of the international norms that have guided the world since World War II - as are Russia's support for combat operations in eastern Ukraine and its cyber-attacks. Thousands of people have died because of Russia's aggression, including 298 civilians killed when a Russian missile shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014.

"As president, I would continue to support Ukraine and ensure the U.S. is unequivocal in affirming Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. I would also prioritize working with the government of Ukraine to build out its military, strengthen its civil society, and combat corruption, while working closely with our European partners on a diplomatic solution. And unlike the current occupant of the White House, I will consistently stand up to Putin in defense of democratic values, human rights, and the international rule of law."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2016

"We must make college affordable and alleviate student loan debt by:

• "Income-based free tuition at public colleges & universities
• "Increasing aid to fund non-tuition costs
• "Expanding tax credits for families to help them save for college
• "Refinancing existing student loan debt & expanding income based repayment
• "Allowing borrowers to discharge student loans in bankruptcy"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the federal government combat inflation by supporting further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes?

Other, 2016

"As Attorney General, Harris has fought to protect key climate safeguards including defending California's landmark carbon tax and President Obama's Clean Power Plan, taken on environmental justice issues by standing up for the families at Mira Loma, and held companies accountable for dumping hazardous waste."

Candidate's Website, 2018

"Today's decision to violate the Iran nuclear deal jeopardizes our national security and isolates us from our closest allies. This nuclear deal is not perfect, but it is certainly the best existing tool we have to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and avoid a disastrous military conflict in the Middle East."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2017

"Syria announced this week that it plans to join the Paris Climate Accords, leaving the United States as the only country refusing to participate. We're on the wrong side of history."