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2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SITE
Last updated on: 3/19/2020 9:01:26 AM PST

Tulsi Gabbard (D)


Positions & Statements on the Issues


[Editor's Note: On Thursday, Mar. 19, 2020, Tulsi Gabbard suspended her campaign for president. In a video posted to her Twitter account on Mar. 19, 2020, Gabbard stated, "Throughout my life, and throughout this campaign, my motivation has been to serve God, our country, and the American people as best I can. I feel the best way I can be of service at this time is to continue to work for the health and well-being of the people of Hawai’i and our country in Congress, and to stand ready to serve in uniform should the Hawai’i National Guard be activated. After Tuesday’s [Mar. 17, 2020] election it is clear that Democratic Primary voters have chose Vice President Joe Biden to be the person who will take on President Trump in the General Election... So, today I’m suspending my presidential campaign, and offering my full support to Vice President Joe Biden in his quest to bring our country together.”]

 

Positions on the Issues

Biography
Finances

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Crime & Justice
None Found
Should Police Departments Be Defunded, if Not Abolished?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Crime & Justice
Pro
Should the US Ban Assault Weapons?

"The horrific tragedy that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School left 17 dead, at least 14 injured, and a community and nation in mourning... There are tough questions that must be answered about the shooter, including why many red flags that were raised about him previously did not prevent his ability to acquire an AR-15 and a high volume of ammunition. But we don't have to wait for answers to these questions for Congress to pass legislation already supported by a majority of Americans, like universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, and reinstating a federal ban on military-style assault weapons."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Garden Island: Some Call for Stricter Laws, Ban on Assault Weapons," gabbard.house.gov, Feb. 16, 2018


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Crime & Justice
None Found
Should Federal or State Governments Implement Ban the Box Legislation, which Prevents Employers from Asking about a Job Applicants' Criminal History?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Crime & Justice
Pro
Should the US End the Cash Bail System?

"We’ve got a bail and court fee system that punishes the poor, those who can’t come up with the cash by putting them in jail to await trial -- sometimes for months or years. But ... if you have the money, you can buy your freedom and return home. The convicted prison population is 2.1 million, but the number of Americans admitted to jail to await trial each year is about 12 million. That’s one in 27 Americans.

As President, I will end this destructive system, pass the End Money Bail Act, and provide resources directly to states and counties to implement a pre-trial money-free system that will both end money bail and lower jail populations, ensure safe communities, and save taxpayer dollars."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Tulsi Gabbard's Speech at the Justice Forum," tulsi2020.com, Oct. 29, 2019


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Crime & Justice
Con
Should the Death Penalty Be Allowed?

"Executing even one prisoner in error is too great a risk. We must end the death penalty now. As President I will work for comprehensive criminal justice reform including abolishing the federal death penalty."

Source: Tulsi Gabard, twitter.com, Mar. 24, 2019


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Crime & Justice
Con
Should the Use of Private Prisons Continue?

"For-profit prisons are a multi-billion dollar industry. Government agencies spend $80 billion a year on incarceration, and more than half of it goes to for-profit contractors. When we have a market incentive that encourages private companies to profit from incarceration, keeping those cells occupied, creating the largest prison population in the world, something is terribly wrong.

As President, I will end this corruption, get rid of private prisons and work to fundamentally transform our prison system."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Tulsi Gabbard's Speech at the Justice Forum," tulsi2020.com, Oct. 29, 2019


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Crime & Justice
Pro
Should Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases Be Made Law?

"There are tough questions that must be answered about the shooter, including why many red flags that were raised about him previously did not prevent his ability to acquire an AR-15 and a high volume of ammunition. But we don't have to wait for answers to these questions for Congress to pass legislation already supported by a majority of Americans, like universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole and reinstating a federal ban on military-style assault weapons."

Source: John Steinhorst and Bethany Freudenthal, "Garden Island: Some Call for Stricter Laws, Ban on Assault Weapons," gabbard.house.gov, Feb. 16, 2018


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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should Confederate Statues Be Taken Down?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should the District of Columbia Be Given Statehood?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should the Guantánamo Bay Detention Center Remain Open?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should the US Federal Government Honor Treaties with Native Americans?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Domestic Policy
Pro
Should the Federal Government Adopt Net Neutrality Rules?

"We should be discussing how to expand internet access to more people, not restrict it to those who can afford to pay more. We need to keep #NetNeutrality."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, Twitter.com, Nov. 21, 2017


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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should the Federal Government Mandate Paid Family and Medical Leave for All Americans?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should Public Sector Employees Have the Right to Unionize?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should Puerto Rico Be Given Statehood?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Domestic Policy
Pro
Should Recreational Marijuana Be Legal Federally?

"Legalizing adult use of marijuana is common sense and long overdue. We need to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances, stop turning everyday Americans into criminals, and pass real criminal justice reform now."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, twitter.com, July 17, 2018


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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should the Government Regulate Social Media Sites to Prevent Fake News and Misinformation?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Domestic Policy
None Found
Should the Federal Government Provide Universal Childcare?

No position found as of Jan. 7, 2020



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Economy

ProCon.org has no entry yet for this issue.

Economy
None Found
Should the Federal Government Pay Reparations to the Descendants of Slaves?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Economy
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should Federal Taxes Be Increased?

"Another #TaxDay, another year corporations like Amazon pay $0 taxes. The rich & powerful pay to play & write laws so they don't pay taxes. Trump has made this corruption even worse, turning the swamp into a cesspool. As President, I will change this and put #PeopleBeforeProfits."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, twitter.com, Apr. 15, 2019


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Economy
Pro
Should the Federal Minimum Wage Be Increased?

"'In my home state of Hawai'i, and across the country, far too many people are working one or two full-time minimum wage jobs, living in poverty, and barely scraping by. The federal minimum wage has fallen far behind inflation and has actually lost value over time, meaning working families are making less while paying more just to make ends meet. The federal minimum wage has stagnated for the last 10 years—it is long overdue for Congress to do the right thing for hard-working Americans and raise the minimum wage,' said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has supported legislation to raise the federal minimum wage throughout her time in Congress, and is an original cosponsor of the legislation introduced today to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. She has also cosponsored legislation like the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.1869) to address wage discrimination across the United States."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Bernie Sanders, Democratic Leaders Introduce Legislation to Raise the Minimum Wage," gabbard.house.gov, May 25, 2017


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Economy
None Found
Should Federal Welfare Benefits Have Work Requirements?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Economy
Pro
Should the US Implement a Universal Basic Income (UBI)?

"As people look to this automation revolution, they look to uncertainty. They don’t know how this is going to affect their jobs and their everyday lives. I agree with my friend Andrew Yang. I think universal basic income is a good idea to help provide that security so that people can have the freedom to make the kinds of choices that they want to see. This has to do with bad trade deals that we've seen in the past, that have also driven fear towards people losing the way that they provide for their families. Really what we need to do is look at how we can best serve the interests of the American people. I do not believe a federal jobs guarantee is the way to do that."

Source: Rev, "October Democratic Debate Transcript: 4th Debate in Ohio," rev.com, Oct. 16, 2019


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Economy
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the US Implement a Wealth Tax?

"Another #TaxDay, another year corporations like Amazon pay $0 taxes. The rich & powerful pay to play & write laws so they don't pay taxes. Trump has made this corruption even worse, turning the swamp into a cesspool. As President, I will change this and put #PeopleBeforeProfits."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, twitter.com, Apr. 15, 2019


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Education

ProCon.org has no entry yet for this issue.

Education
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should For-Profit Charter Schools Receive Federal Funding?

"I think school choice is important. I think there are examples even in my home state of Hawaii of great charter schools... As with any other situation, we've had some bad apples and they need to be held accountable."

Source: Lauren Steiner, "Tulsi Gabbard Says She Is Pro Charter And Pro School Choice," YouTube.com, Dec. 27, 2019

[Editor's Note: We were unable to find Gabbard's position on federal funding of for-profit charter schools. Gabbard supported the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015, which passed and was signed into law by President Obama. The Act reauthorized the Native Hawaiian Education Act (NHEA) which, in part, provided funding for charter and magnet schools. ]


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Education
None Found
Should Schools Be Gun-Free Zones?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Education
None Found
Should the Federal Funding to Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs) Be Increased?

No position found as of Jan. 8, 2020



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Education
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should Student Loan Debt Be Forgiven?

"This is the rate of student loan debt over the last 10+ years. Trump admin has made it worse by rolling back regulations and oversight on the way loans are administered. We need to re-invest in our students and make college attainable for everyone. #CollegeForAll"

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, twitter.com, Feb. 9, 2019


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Education
None Found
Should Title IX Give More Protection to College Students Accused of Sexual Misconduct?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Education
Pro
Should Public College Be Tuition-Free?

"Student debt holds our economy back. Let’s make public colleges tuition free so graduates aren’t handcuffed by astronomical loan payments."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, twitter.com, Sep. 27, 2017

[Editor's Note: Gabbard supported HR 1880: College for All Act of 2017,, which would have "establish[ed] a grant program to eliminate tuition and required fees: (1) for all students at community colleges and two-year tribal colleges and universities, and (2) for working- and middle-class students at four-year public institutions of higher education (IHEs)."
Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Invest in Public Education and Our Teachers," tulsi2020.com (accessed Jan. 8, 2020)]


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Elections
Pro
Should Election Day Be a National Holiday?


[Editor's Note: Gabbard co-sponsored H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2019, which "expands voter registration and voting access, makes Election Day a federal holiday, and limits removing voters from voter rolls."]


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Elections
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the US Abolish the Electoral College?

"There are reforms that need to take place to make it so that our votes are being cast and counted and represented in the outcome of our elections. I think there are pros and cons to the existing electoral college and to getting rid of it. What I think would be important is for us to have a conversation about how we can best move forward. I think it's unfortunate that too often these calls for changes come about by the side that has lost or suffered as a result of the electoral college so I think it's important for us as a country to have a conversation about what is the best way forward to make sure that this process is fair and representative of the people who are voting."

Source: Paul Steinhauser, twitter.com, Mar. 22, 2019


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Elections
Pro
Should Former Felons Be Allowed to Vote?

"Florida has voted to restore voting rights for 1.5 million Americans in FL who have paid their debt to society and completed their sentences. There is much more to be done to reform criminal justice system, but this is a historic step forward."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, Twitter.com, Nov. 8, 2018


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Elections
Con
Should 2020 Presidential Election Candidates Accept Support from Super PACs?

"The disproportionate power of moneyed interests to influence public policy and election outcomes is deeply concerning. The high cost of campaigns and the perception that elected officials are beholden to special interests undermines the electoral process and contributes to public cynicism. Tulsi is committed to leveling the playing field so that the voices of all Americans are heard...

Tulsi has cosponsored legislation like the Government By the People Act, to promote citizen-led, grassroots-funded campaigns. To encourage the participation of more Americans, the bill would provide a $25 refundable tax credit for participating in the funding of campaigns. It would also match contributions up to $150 at a six to one ratio to boost the power of small donations, and establish a Freedom from Influence Matching Fund (FIMF) program.

Tulsi is working to stop Super PACs from dominating our elections and drown out the voices of voters. She is continuing to work to overturn Citizens United and curtail the unlimited flow of 'big' money from Super PACs that degrades the integrity of our democracy and distorts our electoral process."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Campaign Finance Reform," gabbard.house.gov (accessed Jan. 7, 2020)


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Elections
None Found
Should the US Expand Vote-by-Mail?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Elections
Con
Should Voters Be Required to Show Photo Identification in Order to Vote?


[Editor's Note: Gabbard co-sponsored HR 3239: Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2017, which would have made requiring a photo ID to vote a violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.]


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Environment
None Found
Should the US Move toward 100% Clean Energy and Net-Zero Emissions?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Environment
None Found
Should the US Enforce a Carbon Tax?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Environment
None Found
Should American Communities Have the Right to Clean Water?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Environment
Con
Should the US Expand Fossil Fuel Extraction on Public Land?


[Editor's Note: Gabbard sponsored H.R.3671 - Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act in 2017, which stated that "No federal permits for new major fossil fuel projects may be issued in 2018 and thereafter." The bill did not advance to a vote. She stated in response to a 2019 Washington Post questionnaire, "I would end the leasing of federal land and waters for fossil fuel extraction."]


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Environment
Con
Should Fracking Be Allowed?

“We need to invest in 100% renewable and safe energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal. I also support a ban on fracking, ending the $26 billion/year in fossil fuel subsidies, as well as all subsidies or waivers to the nuclear power industry, which should itself be completely responsible for paying for its own insurance and paying the long term cost for safe storage of nuclear waste over centuries. I will also work to provide other incentives for a renewable energy economy.”

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Environment & Protection," tulsi2020.com (accessed Jan. 13, 2020)


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Environment
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the US Adopt a Climate Change Plan such as the Green New Deal?

"I think we need to take serious action to address climate change. I have some concerns with the Green New Deal and about some of the vagueness of the language in there so have not co-sponsored that resolution."

Source: The View, twitter.com, Feb. 20, 2019

[Editor's Note: Gabbard told the Washington Post, "I support the carbon neutrality goals of the Green New Deal and the awareness it has brought across the country on the critical issues of energy independence and the climate crisis," but also said she did not support other aspects of the proposed policy.]


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Environment
None Found
Should the Keystone XL Pipeline Be Built?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Environment
Con
Should the US Expand Its Use of Nuclear Power?

"I support the carbon neutrality goals of the Green New Deal and the awareness it has brought across the country on the critical issues of energy independence and the climate crisis, however, I do not support 'leaving the door open' to nuclear power unless and until there is a permanent solution to the problem of nuclear waste. I believe we need to invest in 100% renewable and safe energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal."

Source: Washington Post, "Do You Support the Green New Deal Resolution?," washingtonpost.com (accessed Jan. 7, 2020)


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Environment
Pro
Should the US Rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement?

"President Trump’s decision today to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, making us just one of three countries in the world not to participate, is short-sighted and irresponsible. Without global action to drastically curb carbon pollution, climate change threatens the safety and security of the planet, especially in places like Hawaiʻi where we are already experiencing its’ devastating effects... The United States should be leading by example, leveraging innovation through science and technology, investing in clean energy, creating renewable energy jobs that cannot be outsourced, growing the economy, enhancing U.S. energy independence, and lowering energy costs for families and businesses, while reducing carbon emissions.”

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Denounces President Trump's Decision to Withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement," gabbard.house.gov, June 1, 2017


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Foreign Policy
Con
Should the Tariffs Imposed on China by President Trump Be Maintained?

"Dana Bash [debate moderator]: So to be clear, congresswoman, would you keep President Trump's tariffs on China in place?

Tulsi Gabbard: I would not, because the approach that President Trump has taken has been extremely volatile without any clear strategic plan and it has a ravaging and devastating effect on our domestic manufacturers, on our farmers, who are already struggling and now failing to see the light of day because of the plan that Trump has taken."

Source: Rev, "Transcript of July Democratic Debate 2nd Round, Night 2: Full Transcript July 31, 2019," rev.com, July 31, 2019


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Foreign Policy
None Found
Should the US Ease or Cancel the Embargo against Cuba?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Foreign Policy
Pro
Should the US Re-Enter a Nuclear Deal with Iran?

"War with Iran would be worse than war with Iraq. Donald Trump and his chickenhawk cabinet—Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and others—are creating a situation where a spark would light a war with Iran. Trump needs to get back into the Iran deal, swallow his pride, and put America first."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Tulsi Gabbard Shines in Breakthrough Performance at NBC’s Democratic Debate," tulsi2020.com, June 27, 2019


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Foreign Policy
Con
Does the US Need to Increase the Military Budget to Improve National Security?

"The defense budget has spiraled out of control. I will end wasteful regime change wars that cost taxpayers billions of dollars every month & work to end the new cold war & arms race. I will invest in our national security, take care of our troops, ensuring their readiness. I will maintain our strong military, national security, & make significant cuts so we can redirect those dollars to serve the needs of our people here at home."

Source: Washington Post, "Do You Support Cutting the Defense Budget From Its Current Levels?," washingtonpost.com (accessed Mar. 12, 2020)


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Foreign Policy
None Found
Should the US Have Withdrawn from the Open Skies Treaty?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Foreign Policy
Pro
Should the US Withdraw Troops from the Middle East?

"We need to get out of Iraq and Syria. Bring our troops home...

Millions of people voted for Trump because he promised the American people he would get us out of these stupid wars; that he would bring our troops home. But his actions don’t match his rhetoric. He has deployed 15,000 US troops to the Middle East, just in the last 8 months. We have more troops in the Middle East now than when he was elected.

This reckless stupidity will end with me as your Commander in Chief."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Trump's Act of War against Iran," tulsi2020.com (accessed Mar. 9, 2020)


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Foreign Policy
Con
Should the US Have Withdrawn Troops from Northern Syria in Oct. 2019?

"Donald Trump is not removing our troops from Syria. He's just moving them from the northern Syrian border, allowing Turkey to invade Syria & slaughter the Kurds. He lied to the Kurds, promising them our support while simultaneously preventing them from reconciling with the Syrian government and coordinating a common defense against the Turkish invasion. So basically in short, the impending slaughter & ethnic cleansing of the Kurds in Northern Syria by Turkey is happening because Trump refuses to end our efforts to overthrow the Syrian government. The Kurds are just another casualty of this regime change war which is supported by war-mongering Republicans, Democrats, and the corporate media."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, twitter.com, Oct. 9, 2019

[Editor's Note: Gabbard was against the US troop removal from Syria's northern border in Oct. 2019 for reasons expressed above, but has expressed a Pro position to removing troops from the country, such as in her Jan. 4, 2020 tweet stating, "We need to get American forces out of Iraq & Syria now. How many more American lives, how many more trillions of dollars will be wasted before we exit? It could be now, or it could be 10 or 20 years from now, but there is no American victory."]


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Healthcare
Pro
Should Abortion Be Legal?

"I agree with Hillary Clinton when she said abortion should be safe, legal, and rare. We must commit to defending a woman’s right to choose. The government has no place in making that most personal of decisions. I support codifying Roe v. Wade while making sure that during the third trimester, abortion is not an option unless the life or severe health consequences of a woman are at risk."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Protect a Woman's Right to Choose," tulsi2020.com (accessed Jan. 6, 2020)


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Healthcare
None Found
Timeline of Comments

Please see: "Coronavirus: Timeline of Comments by Trump and Biden with Background and Context."



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Healthcare
Pro
Should Americans Be Able to Import Prescription Drugs?

"No one should be forced to choose between putting food on the table and paying for life-saving medication. But that’s exactly what’s happening to millions of Americans as a result of big pharma’s chokehold on Medicare. They’ve managed to buy access into Congress, barring the government from negotiating cheaper prices for consumers, so they can continue to price-gouge those trying to buy life-saving medication and rake in profits at the expense of the American people. Our legislation [HR 447: The Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act] makes progress toward ensuring quality healthcare for all Americans."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Backs Bill to Lower Skyrocketing Cost of Prescription Drugs," gabbard.house.gov, Jan. 10, 2019

[Editor's Note: The press release containing the above quote elaborated: "The Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act would authorize the HHS Secretary to import safe, affordable medicine from Canada and other advanced countries. The Prescription Drug Price Relief Act would enforce price controls on prescription drugs by ensuring drug prices are lower than the median price in five major countries: Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan." ]


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Healthcare
Pro
Should the US Switch to a Medicare-for-All Healthcare System?

"I support Medicare For All and I want to tell you why. It is unacceptable that in our country we pay for more for healthcare than any other country in the world, yet we have far worse outcomes. It's unacceptable for anyone to be sick and in need of care and not able to get that care simply becaue they don't have enough money. Medicare for All would take out that insurance company that we are writing a big check to every month by taking out that bloated adminstrative fees and the heavy profits that insurance companies are making on the backs of sick people in this country."

Source: Tusli Gabbard, "Tulsi Gabbard: I Support Medicare For All and I Want to Tell You Why," YouTube.com, Mar. 13, 2019


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Healthcare
None Found
Should the Availability of Naloxone (Narcan) Be Expanded to Help Prevent Opioid Overdoses?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Healthcare
None Found
Is the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Good for Americans?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Healthcare
Pro
Should the Federal Government Intervene to Lower Prescription Drugs Costs?

"For far too long, Big Pharma has played by its own rules, benefiting from skyrocketing drug prices on the backs of our most vulnerable populations. Back in 2003, legislation was passed establishing Medicare Part D to make prescription drugs more affordable for people, but Big Pharma lobbyists influenced those policies and included a provision that banned the Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating lower prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, something that the VA can already do today...

I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Act to take back our healthcare from pharmaceutical companies, and allow the Secretary of HHS to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers to secure affordable, lifesaving medication for millions of Americans."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, Facebook.com, Oct. 26, 2017


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Healthcare
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the Federal Government Intervene to End Surprise Medical Billing?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Healthcare
None Found
Should the United States Leave the World Health Organization (WHO)?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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Immigration
Pro
Should the US Continue to Build a Border Wall at the US/Mexico Border?

"I don't support open borders. Without secure borders, we don't really have a country... We've got to have secure borders. This is not Trump's wall 'from sea to shining sea,' it's about seeing again what makes sense... In some places in may make the most sense to have a wall or some kind of physical barrier in place. In other places, it won't make sense so you use technology and use all the other tools we have ultimately to accomplish that objective of security at the borders."

Source: The Rubin Report, "Rigged Debates, Media Smears, & Taking On The DNC," YouTube.com, Sep. 8, 2019

[Editor's Note:In a Jan. 16, 2019 tweet, Gabbard expressed a Con position to a specific portion of a proposed wall at the US-Mexico border: "Putting a border wall on the Tohono O'odham nation's land would be detrimental to their people. This is their traditional homeland and we must respect their sacred land and not build this wall."]


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Immigration
Con
Should the US End the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Policy?

“We need comprehensive immigration reform to address our broken immigration laws and we need to have a serious conversation about the most effective and humane ways to compassionately secure our borders while building bridges and cooperative foreign policy with other countries. We need to ensure we have a clear, enforceable, accessible, and humane pathway to citizenship. Most urgently, we must pass DACA to ensure children who know no other home are allowed to remain in the US and take steps to ensure children are not separated from their parents. We must fund and equip agencies in charge of processing asylum claim and protect migrants, many of whom are women and children, who are going through our asylum process and fleeing natural disasters, religious persecution, or violence under an asylum status.”

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Reform Our Broken Immigration System," tulsi2020.com (accessed Jan. 8, 2020)


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Immigration
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the US Decriminalize Illegal Border Crossings?

"Q: Do you support decriminalizing border crossings?

Gabbard: That's something that I'm looking at, and I just want to make a brief comment on that. Decriminalizing could lead to open borders. We need safe, secure borders in this country, and we need to reform our laws."

Source: The View, "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls Harris' Exchange with Biden 'Underhanded,'" YouTube.com, July 22, 2019


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Immigration
Con
Should Immigrants Who Entered the US Illegally Be Denied a Path to Citizenship?

“We need comprehensive immigration reform to address our broken immigration laws and we need to have a serious conversation about the most effective and humane ways to compassionately secure our borders while building bridges and cooperative foreign policy with other countries. We need to ensure we have a clear, enforceable, accessible, and humane pathway to citizenship. Most urgently, we must pass DACA to ensure children who know no other home are allowed to remain in the US and take steps to ensure children are not separated from their parents. We must fund and equip agencies in charge of processing asylum claim and protect migrants, many of whom are women and children, who are going through our asylum process and fleeing natural disasters, religious persecution, or violence under an asylum status.”

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Immigration Reform," tulsi2020.com (accessed Jan. 13, 2020)


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Immigration
None Found
Should the Federal Government Limit the Number of Green Card Holders by which Immigrants Are Likely to Be Dependent on Government Resources (the Public Charge Rule)?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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LGBTQ+
None Found
Should Adoption Agencies Be Able to Refuse LGBTQ+ Couples?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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LGBTQ+
None Found
Should Federal and State Governments Allow Nonbinary and Transgender People to Choose the Gender That Matches Their Identity (Including a Third Gender Option) for Government Documents?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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LGBTQ+
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should LGBTQ+ People Have Protection from Being Fired for Being LGBTQ+?

"In my past I said and believed things that were wrong, and worse, hurtful to the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones.

Many years ago, I apologized for my words and, more importantly, the negative impact that they had. I sincerely repeat my apology today. I remain deeply sorry for having said them. My views have changed significantly since then, and my record over the last 6 years in Congress reflects what is in my heart: A strong and ongoing commitment to fight for LGBTQ+ rights...

I know that LGBTQ+ people still struggle, still face discrimination, still face abuse and still fear that their hard-won rights will be taken away by people who hold views like I used to. This must not happen. Every single American deserves to be treated equally — by their fellow Americans and under the law...

If you are an LGBTQ+ person who is hurting because of discrimination, I want to you to know that I see you. Your dignity, your humanity, and your equality matter, and I will fight every day to protect them."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "My LGBTQ+ Statement," medium.com, Jan. 18, 2019


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LGBTQ+
None Found
Should the Government Allow Businesses to Deny Services to LGBTQ+ Customers Using Religious Freedom Laws?

Withdrew on Mar. 19, 2020; no additional research done as of that date to determine candidate's position on this question.



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LGBTQ+
Pro
Should Transgender People Be Allowed to Serve in the US Military?

"Less than 1% of Americans volunteer to put their lives on the line to serve in our military and protect the American people. The only qualifications that should matter for those who want to serve is a commitment to uphold the Constitution, defend our country, and be capable and qualified to carry out their duties. This ban [by President Trump] dishonors the thousands of transgender Americans who currently serve in the military. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not kicked out of the military. Our country owes a great debt of gratitude to all our servicemembers, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, as they risk their lives to protect our nation."

Source: Tulsi Gabbard, "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on President Trump’s Decision to Ban Transgender Individuals from Serving in the United States Military," gabbard.house.gov, July 26, 2017


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