Seth Moulton
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2018
"After passing a tax reform bill that added $2 trillion to our national debt while providing nearly seventy-five percent of its tax cuts to the wealthiest fifth of Americans, congressional Republicans chose to make a bad situation even worse by passing a 'tax reform 2.0' package. Instead of working with Democrats to craft a tax reform proposal for American families that invests in their future, Republicans continued down the road of partisan ideas for short-term political gain that will bankrupt our country and force our children to foot the bill."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2017
Moulton opposed the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which included a block grant system for Medicaid. "I've always said the Affordable Care Act isn't perfect and that we should improve it in a bipartisan way, just as we did in Massachusetts. But Republicans have not even tried, and now we have a nonpartisan report to prove that their Trumpcare bill will mean financial ruin for millions of American families and for our economy as well. I urge both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to reject this bill, and call on my colleagues to work on improving health care, not taking it away from millions of hardworking Americans."
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"...comprehensive immigration reform must account for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as young children and know no other home. To separate these DREAMers from their families through detainment and deportation is not consistent with our American values. Comprehensive immigration reform legislation must ensure this practice does not continue."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2017
"Watch out America - Tea Party is excited about #Trumpcare bill that waives 'essential health benefits.' They're literally called _essential_"
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"There's a lot that Congress can do right now to prevent these tragedies from happening again. Congress can require a background check for every gun purchase in America. Congress has the ability and authority to eliminate the civilian sale of weapons of war. We have before, and we should again. And Congress can lift federal restrictions on the study of the causes of gun violence, so that we can, at the very least, better understand why these tragedies keep happening. I have cosponsored legislation to address each of these issues, and we can do all of this and simultaneously uphold the Second Amendment."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"I am a strong defender of a woman's right to choose and a member of the House Pro-Choice Caucus. I also profoundly respect the Constitutional protections for the diverse cultural and religious traditions of all Americans, and I appreciate that these beliefs will inform each of our views on difficult issues, including abortion. My respect for every American's right to freely practice religion informs my belief that only a woman and her doctor should make decisions related to reproductive health care."
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"I stand for a woman's right to choose what she does with her own body. I also stand for a woman's right to access affordable medical treatment, like the treatment Planned Parenthood offers. I've long been a supporter of Planned Parenthood, which provides millions of women with critical health care services such as breast cancer exams and primary care services. Defunding this organization would have drastic consequences and severely diminish access to basic health care services for many women, particularly women in low-income communities."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2016
"In an interview with WGBH's Boston Public Radio last week, Congressman Seth Moulton not only admitted he smoked pot while a student at Harvard in the late 90s, but declared his support for Question 4 on the November ballot, which would legalize and regulate the cannabis industry.
"'I support legalization, but we do need to make sure it's done right, and there are very legitimate concerns being brought up by the other side here,' Moulton said. 'But here's the reality. Let's not kid ourselves. People are using marijuana. They're using it in America, they're using it in Massachusetts, and we have an obligation to regulate it and make it as safe as possible.'"
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2015
"Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Raise the Wage Act, legislation that would increase the national minimum wage from $7.50 to $12.00 by the year 2020."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2016
"Fossil fuel subsidies hurt the poor."
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2015
"For too long we have subsidized the production of fossil fuels and failed to make the necessary investments in clean, renewable energy. Moving forward, I am committed to working with members on both sides of the aisle to find solutions to our energy challenges."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2018
Moulton signed a joint letter with other representatives that stated, "American seafood businesses and fishing groups across the country have spoken out in opposition to your trade policies. The President of the National Fisheries Institute, John Connelly, said, 'The misguided strategy, that sees the U.S. and People's Republic of China placing unwarranted tariffs on the other's seafood products, will only hurt workers and consumers in their own countries.' Rather than setting off an endless trade war, the U.S. government should help American fishermen and women access new markets in China and globally, promote trade policies that ensure strong environmental protections, and enforce safe labor protections for all workers. Contrary to your approach, these things put our country at a competitive advantage with China."
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"Failing to invest in our transportation systems stunts economic growth and impedes our nation's ability to remain competitive globally. While not perfect, the FAST Act is a step in the right direction, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that continued investments are made to repair and rebuild our aging roads, bridges, and railways."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2019
"We don't need a wall.
"Mexico isn't going to pay for it.
"Diverting funds from the military to pay for it is bad.
"Trump is the national emergency.
"Happy Friday."
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"Ending the opioid epidemic requires that we prevent addiction before it starts and ensure that those battling addiction have access to the treatment resources they need. We must do everything we can to end the stigma and criminalization of this disease and ensure we are not punishing those who are in need of treatment. I am committed to working with Republicans and Democrats in Congress, health and law enforcement professionals, and civic and community leaders in the 6th District and across the Commonwealth to defeat the opioid epidemic. I welcome your input as we work together to end this devastating disease."
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"President Obama fought hard to pass the Affordable Care Act, which expanded healthcare coverage to millions of Americans, protected pre-existing conditions, and set the standard for coverage. But even under Obamacare, costs for healthcare are too high and climbing.
"That's why we need a public option, which would give all Americans a choice between public healthcare and their current insurance. Doing so would create competition in the market, driving down prices and giving Americans what they deserve: lower prescription prices, cheaper premiums, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and better care."
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"North Korea has only ever responded to pressure. The president's decision to retreat on sanctions is weak, and that's exactly how our allies and our enemies will see it. It's a signal to our enemies to take advantage of us and to our friends not to trust our Commander-in-Chief. If the president hasn't figured out by now that being 'nice' to their dictator isn't going to work, Congress must tell him."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2014
"You have earned benefits from Social Security and Medicare. You've earned those. We must make sure they stay secure"
For| Read My Position
Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2018
"Once again, the President is blocking sanctions on Russia, this time contradicting his own administration to do so. Russia must face consequences for supporting the Syrian regime's chemical weapons program - and Americans deserve to know why @POTUS won't stand up to Putin."
Other| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2019
"In recent years, the cost for students to attend college has skyrocketed, shutting off the opportunity for countless young Americans to attain a postsecondary degree. This is simply unacceptable - cost should never be an obstacle that prevents an aspiring student from obtaining a college degree. While I graduated from college nearly 15 years ago, I am among the millions of Americans still working to pay back student loans. I am grateful for the educational opportunities I received, but it is not a check I enjoy writing each month.
"We can, and we must do better for the next generation. It is estimated that by 2020, sixty-five percent of job openings in our country will require a postsecondary education or training. If the United States is going to continue to lead in the 21st Century economy, we must ensure that we have a highly educated and highly skilled workforce. Congress can support this effort through continued investments in Pell grants, the TRIO program, and other resources that are proven to lower costs and increase accessibility to a postsecondary degree.
"The demand for skilled workers is increasing in a rapidly-changing economy, and yet the number of qualified workers is inadequate to meet current demand. Congress must work to expand more opportunities for high school graduates to attend career and technical education programs to help prepare our students for the jobs of the future, and I'm proud to have co-authored the America's College Promise Act, which offers two free years of community college for more than 9 million students at 1,300 community colleges across the country. This legislation is a long-term investment that is good for our economy, for our students, and for our future."
For| Read My Position
"While there is some disagreement among economists and the scientific community as to which approach to carbon pricing is most effective at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, below are the two most promising proposals:
- "ETS: More commonly referred to as cap-and-trade, places a limit on the total level of greenhouse gas emissions and lowers this threshold over time. According to the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, companies would be allowed a limited, and falling, number of emissions permits. Those industries with low emissions are able to sell their extra allowances to larger emitters. By creating supply and demand for emissions allowances, an ETS establishes a market price for greenhouse gas emissions.
- "Carbon tax: Places a tax on greenhouse gas emissions as an incentive for industries to adopt clean energy alternatives."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2018
"President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran Deal turns our back on our allies and hands Iranian hardliners a gift that makes the world more dangerous-and America less secure. Iran will now feel free to re-launch their nuclear program, and other nations will be encouraged to pursue their own nuclear development since America clearly cannot be trusted to uphold the agreements that we make."
Against| Read My Position
Candidate's Website, 2017
"America knows that we have to uphold our international agreements like our commitment to NATO and our commitment to Paris. And so even while the president is doing things that put our national security in danger, we in Congress are going to fight for what's right."
Voting Record
H R 5 (2019)
Adds sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity to federal anti-discrimination laws.
H R 268 (2019)
Democratic bill to end the government shutdown and fund the government through September 2019. The bill does not include $5.6 billion for a border wall, but includes $14 billion in disaster relief funding.H J Res 31 (2019)
Final 2019 federal budget bill, including $1.4 billion for 55 miles of physical barrier on the border with Mexico, $415 million for humanitarian relief at the border, $12 billion for disaster relief, and $3.3 billion for highway and bridge infrastructure.H R 986 (2019)
Blocks a Trump administration policy that would give states greater flexibility to allow short-term and association health care plans. Those plans would not have to meet the same requirements as originally laid out under the Affordable Care Act.
H J Res 46 (2019)
Ends the national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border declared by President Trump.
H R 8 (2019)
Requires a background check for all firearm sales, including private sales that do not take place through a licensed dealer.H R 1112 (2019)
Extends the time period for authorities to complete a federal firearms background check. At the time of this bill's submission, if a background check is not completed within three days, the seller may go ahead and sell the firearm.
H R 6 (2019)
Offers a path to citizenship for illegal/undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, as well as some other immigrants whose countries of origin are experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
H Amdt 398 (2019)
Prohibits federal law enforcement from interfering in states that legalize recreational marijuana.
H R 1585 (2019)
Reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which contains victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. For example, VAWA authorizes federal grants for rape prevention programs. The 2019 version of VAWA passed by the House includes a provision to block stalkers, former boyfriends, and dating partners - no just marriage partners - from possessing firearms.H R 1644 (2019)
Restores the Open Internet Order of the Federal Communications Commission, which would reinstate net neutrality rules that prohibit internet service providers from slowing internet content.H R 9 (2019)
Requires the U.S. to remain in the Paris climate agreement beyond 2020.
S J Res 7 (2019)
Prevents the U.S. from fighting in or assisting in Yemen's civil war.HR 6760 (2018)
Makes permanent various tax cuts passed as part of the "Trump tax plan"
H J Res 2 (2018)
Constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance the budget each year.
HR 2851 (2018)
Outlaws some synthetic drugs and gives the Attorney General power to more quickly add synthetic drugs to the lists of banned substances
HR 695 (2018)
Defense budget bill for 2018, which increases defense spending.
S 2155 (2018)
Eases some of the financial regulations of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
HR 6311 (2018)
Expands access and use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and allows all individuals to buy catastrophic plans (renamed “copper” plans) on the health insurance market.
HR 620 (2018)
Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act so that the anyone filing a lawsuit must first give the business or person an opportunity to fix the alleged discrimination.
HR 6136 (2018)
Immigration reform bill backed by Speaker Paul Ryan, which provides for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), provides $25 billion for border security, and establishes a merit-based visa program.
HR 6756 (2018)
Increases tax deductions for new businesses.
HR 195 (2018)
Stopped a federal government shutdown by funding the government through February 8, 2018. This bill also extends the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years. This bill does not include an extension of the immigration program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or any other immigration-related policy.
S 756 (2018)
Makes various reforms to the criminal justice system, such as mandating de-escalation training for correctional officers, improving feminine hygiene for prisoners, and adding more leniency to sentences for non-violent offenders.
HR 2 (2018)
"Farm bill" that authorizes a variety of agriculutral programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The final version of this bill did not include stricter work requirements for SNAP, as originally proposed. The bill also legalizes industrial hemp.
HR 4909 (2018)
Sets aside $50 million for various school safety improvements, such as threat assessment systems and anonymous reporting systems.
HR 5698 (2018)
Categorize crimes against law enforcement as hate crimes
S 139 (2018)
Extends so-called "section 702" surveillance by the NSA under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
HR 184 (2018)
Permanently repeals the medical device tax.HR 36 (2017)
Bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.HR 1628 (2017)
"American Health Care Act" that repeals parts of the Affordable Care Act (also known as "Obamacare") and revises many health care laws. For example, this bill would cap Medicaid funding, repeal various insurance coverage requirements, and replace the requirement to buy health insurance with a penalty the next time you get insurance if you allow your coverage to lapse.
HR 3697 (2017)
Allows the federal government to deport an immigrant suspected of gang involvement, even if the immigrant came to the U.S. legally and has not been convicted of a crime.
HR 1101 (2017)
Allows small businesses to join association health plans across state lines, outside state insurance regulations.
HR 7 (2017)
Permanently bans federal funding for abortion and prevents federal subsidies for any health care plans that include abortion coverage.
HR 1215 (2017)
Caps damages for "emotional distress, suffering, and mental anguish" in medical malpractice lawsuits.HR 806 (2017)
Slows down implementation of ozone standards and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
HR 1430 (2017)
Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to only use data from studies that are publicly available and can be reproduced.
HR 1259 (2017)
Makes it easier to fire, demote, or suspend an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
HR 1431 (2017)
Changes the makeup of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), opening the board to more public input and industry stakeholders and limiting scientists who might use their own research to advise the EPA.
HR 998 (2017)
Establishes a commission to review and recommend the repeal of rules to lower the cost of regulation.
HR 3922 (2017)
Extends funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), cuts funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund, and makes some other changes to CHIP and Medicare (such as increasing Medicare premiums for higher income beneficiaries).HR 78 (2017)
Increases economic analysis requirements for any proposed regulation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
HR 26 (2017)
Greatly increases congressional oversight of rules and regulations adopted by federal agencies.
HR 3003 (2017)
Strengthens laws against "sanctuary cities," for example withholding federal grants from any city that does not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
HR 115 (2017)
Adds the killing or attempted killing of a state or local law enforcement officer or first responder - not just a federal law enforcement officer - to the list of aggravating factors justifying the death penalty in a federal case.
HR 10 (2017)
Rolls back many of the financial regulations 2010 Dodd-Frank Act.
HR 1 (2017)
Reduces the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, reduces the individual income tax rate for high earners from 39.6% to 37%, increases the income threshold to qualify for the alternative minimum tax, and repeals the mandate to purchase health insurance.HR 1370 (2017)
Stopped a federal government shutdown by funding the government through January 19, 2018.S Con Res 3 (2017)
Sets the federal budget. This bill also establishes rules that pave the way for a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare."
HR 1181 (2017)
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from sending the name of an individual to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System unless a judge determines that the individual is a danger to themselves or others.
H J Res 43 (2017)
Allows states to withhold federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
S 114 (2017)
Continues the Veterans Choice Program, which pays for veterans to use private health care providers instead of the VA.
H Amdt 261 (2017)
Increases funding for the Navy to address contamination from PFCs.
H J Res 42 (2017)
Effectively allows states to drug test anybody claiming unemployment benefits or food stamps.
S J Res 34 (2017)
Overtuns a rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that requires all internet browsing and app usage data be subject to the same privacy requirements as private personal information. The FCC rule is stricter than previous regulations, which had various privacy requirements depending on the sensitivity of the online information.
