The Issues
Bringing the Spirit of Aloha to the White House
This information comes directly from TulsiGabbard.org
The Environment
Tulsi started out as a young climate activist.
Tulsi played the role of Water Woman to teach kids in Hawaii about protecting our water supply and environment.
Tulsi is one of the most dedicated members of Congress in protecting our environment.
Tulsi sponsors H. R. 3671, The OFF Fossils Fuels for a Better Future Act, which has been endorsed by over 400 different national, state, and local organizations including the Democratic Socialists of America, Our Revolution, and the Progressive Democrats of America.
The OFF Act would transition the United States to 100% clean renewable energy by 2035 and would include provisions to stimulate the economy and transition workers to jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Tulsi has also cosponsored H. R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.
Tulsi voted NO on the bill that would gut the Clean Air Act.
Tulsi supports the carbon neutrality of the Green New Deal.
Tulsi believes that the Green New Deal, however, “leaves the door open” to nuclear power unless there is a given way of ridding the problem of nuclear waste.
Tulsi believes in investing in 100% safe, clean, renewable energy sources, such as, wind, solar, and geothermal.
Tulsi supports a ban on fracking and ending the $25 billion we give away in fossil fuel subsidies and all subsidies or waivers to the nuclear power industry, which she believes “should be responsible for paying for its own insurance and paying the long-term cost for safe storage of nuclear waste over centuries.”
Tulsi would provide incentives for renewable energy sources.
Tulsi is a fighter to protect our oceans and reefs; she received the Oceans of Possibilities Award for her ocean conservation work.
Tulsi’s home state of Hawaii is home to 410,000 of living coral reef, so the issue of protecting our oceans is deeply personal to her.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 2588, the Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Impact Study Act of 2019.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 2587, the Reef Safe Act of 2019.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 5996, the Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2018, which would improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) coral reef program, and expand federal grant making for local coral reef projects and scientific research on coral reefs.
Tulsi has helped NOAA obtain $1.5 billion for coral reef protection.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 4811, the Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2016.
Tulsi stood with the protestors of the DAPL.
17 million Americans are at risk of their drinking water being contaminated by the DAPL. This would also affect the only water supply of the Sioux tribe.
Tulsi believes that “water is life”.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1673, WATER or the Water Affordability Transparency, Equity and Reliability Act, which would authorize $35 billion per year to improve drinking water and wastewater services and create 700,000 to 945,000 jobs.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 8, the Water Development Resources Act which would help the people of Flint, MI with their water crisis and would also provide $199 million for Hawaii’s Ala Wai watershed.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 3275, the Water and Energy Sustainability Act to improve water sustainability in Hawaii and across the country.
Tulsi helped obtain $3 million in federal funding to aid in drinking water infrastructure in the Puna region of Hawaii.
Tulsi helped obtain $20 million clean water research grant for the University of Hawaii.
Tulsi also Secured $6.5 million for groundwater pollution protection programs in Hawaii’s rural communities and nationwide.
Agriculture, Food Security, and GMOs
Tulsi continues to advocate for small farmers, food self-sufficiency, organic agriculture, sustainable agricultural systems that are both profitable for farmers and good for the environment.
Tulsi supports regenerative agriculture to actively rebuild our farmland.
Tulsi has been recognized as a top national advocate for food policy by Food Policy Action.
Tulsi has advocated for the legalization of hemp production for profitable, sustainable agricultural development.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 2436, the Organic Agricultural Research Act of 2017.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R.1587, Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2017
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 113, the Safeguard American Food Export Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 3530, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act.
Tulsi voted NO on H. R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which would hurt small farmers and favor corporate agribusinesses.
Tulsi helped obtain $1.6 million for organic farm facility in Waiane, HI.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 230, the Ban Toxic Pesticides Act of 2019.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 6631, the Ban Nerve Agents In Our Food Act of 2018.
One of Tulsi’s top priorities in Congress, and would be as president, is to fight for sensible, transparent food policy.
Tulsi has led the fight for GMO labeling, recognizing consumers have the right to know how their food is produced.
Tulsi has been recognized as a top advocate for improving our nation’s food system by Food Policy Action.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 913, the Genetically Engineered Food Right-To-Know, which would require genetically engineered whole and processed foods to be clearly labeled.
Tulsi voted NO on DARK, which is the Deny Americans Right to Know Act.
Tulsi voted NO on H. R. 933, the Monsanto Protection Act, which would have prevented courts from stopping the sale and planting of GMO products with health risks.
Education
Tulsi supports tuition-free college.
Tulsi supports improving flexibility and support for our students and teachers.
Tulsi helped introduce and is a cosponsor of H. R. 3218, which would extend and improve the GI Bill Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, to improve GI Bill benefits granted to veterans, their surviving spouses and dependents and the bill passed with bipartisan support.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, to give states more flexibility to determine the best way to measure success in their schools, and provide support for innovation, teacher quality, STEM education, etc.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1880, the College for All Act, which would eliminate tuition and fees at four-year public colleges and universities for families that make up to $125,000 a year, and it would make community college tuition-free for everyone.
Tulsi helped secure $47 million in federal funding for Hawaii’s schools.
Tulsi is against Common Core and believes that we should teach to each student's potential instead of uniform testing.
Healthcare
Tulsi supports Medicare for All and serves on the House Medicare for All Caucus.
Tulsi repeatedly calls out the current healthcare system that “is organized by and for the benefit of big insurance and pharmaceutical companies and not the American people, which must be changed.”
We pay far more on healthcare every year than any other country in the world, yet we have more people uninsured or underinsured.
Tulsi supports reducing the cost of prescription drugs and ensure transparency so people know exactly what the cost is for what they’re paying for.
Tulsi believes that the Affordable Care act was a step in the right direction but points out that issues remain with the number of uninsured and high costs related to deductibles, copayments for medical services, and prescription drugs.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1384, the Medicare for All Act of 2019, which would provide universal healthcare coverage to all Americans.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 4442, the CONNECT for Health Act, to promote cost savings and quality care under the Medicare program through the use of telehealth and remote patient monitoring services.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 465, the Prescription Drug Price Relief Act of 2019 which would significantly lower prescription drug prices for patients in the United States by ending government-granted monopolies for manufacturers who charge drug prices that are higher than the median prices at which the drugs are available in other countries.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 448 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Act, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the negotiation of lower covered part D drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 676, the Expanded & Improved Medicare for All Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 447, the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act.
As President, Tulsi would pass both Sanders and Jayapal’s versions of Medicare for All if either they were to come to her desk.
Tulsi is a twice-deployed combat veteran and serves as Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard, which has made her a staunch advocate for giving our veterans and service-members healthcare.
Tulsi is the Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus, which helped expand healthcare for first responders on 9/11.
Tulsi introduced H. R. 5131, the Access to Care and Treatment (ACT) Now for Veterans Act, which directs the VA to reimburse non-VA medical care providers and helps eligible veterans receive care in a much timelier manner.
Tulsi introduced and co-sponsored H. R. 5458, the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016, which was unanimously passed by the House and expands veterans’ healthcare options by allowing veterans to temporarily pause their TRICARE benefits to participate in an employer’s Health Savings Account (HSA) program if they so choose.
Tulsi co-sponsored H. R. 4345, Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2017, which would authorize federal funding for veteran treatment courts in Hawai‘i. and across the United States
Tulsi was an original co-sponsor of H.R. 4384 - Veterans Administration Bonus Elimination Act of 2016, which denies certain awards or bonuses to senior executive employees of the Veterans Health Administration who fail to satisfy requests for VA hospital or medical services within the VA's wait-time goals or within the timeline specified by the requesting individual, whichever is later.
Tulsi voted for H. R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019, which included funding for veteran's healthcare programs.
Tulsi co-sponsored H.R. 918 , the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act, which provides initial mental health assessments and mental healthcare to veterans with an other-than-honorable discharge who have deployed and served in combat zones
Tulsi co-sponsored H.R. 512 - WINGMAN Act, which allows congressional offices to directly access information on behalf of a constituent without having to go through a middle-man at the VA bureaucracy.
Tulsi co-sponsored H. R. 3775, the Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment (SAVE) Act, which gives survivors the option to seek reimbursable care from non-VA/TRICARE medical providers who can best provide the care these victims need.
Tulsi co-sponsored H. R. 3474, the Hire More Heroes Act, which exempts veterans who already receive health insurance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or reservists covered under TRICARE, from being counted towards the number of employees (50) required by the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act.
Tulsi was an original co-sponsor of H. R. 4571, Fair Access to Insurance for Retired (FAIR) Heroes Act of 2017, which improves access to quality healthcare for disabled veterans.
Tulsi is currently developing her own healthcare plan called Single-Payer Plus.
The Economy and Trade
Tulsi has advocated for Wall Street reform throughout her tenure in Congress.
Tulsi believes in breaking up the big banks deemed “too big to fail.”
Tulsi has called for criminal investigations of Wall Street executives who gamble with money from American taxpayers.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 3711, the 21st Century Glass-Steagall Act of 2013 to help protect Americans from the risky investment behaviors of big banks.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 790, the Return to Prudent Banking Act of 2017 to reinstate consumer protections put in place after the Great Depression and require separation between commercial and investment banking.
Along with Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democratic leaders, Tulsi introduced Raise the Wage to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour by 2024.
Adjusted for inflation, about 40 percent of today’s workers earn less than the minimum wage in 1968.
The Raise the Wage Act would give more than 41 million low-wage workers a raise, increasing the wages of almost 30 percent of the U.S. workforce.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 15, the Raise the Wage Act. (2017-2018)
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act of (2019-2020)
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1869, the Paycheck Fairness Act to address wage discrimination across the United States.
Tulsi introduced the Wall Street Banker Accountability for Misconduct Act, which would require Wall Street's biggest banks to establish a deferment fund funded annually by senior executives who receive compensation more than 10 times the compensation of the median paid employee of the covered bank, receive total compensation of over $1 million, and receive one of the 100 largest compensation packages, and who have authority to expose more than 0.5% of covered bank’s capital.
Tulsi endorses a Universal Basic Income program and is advocate for stopping the automation of jobs in the United States.
Tulsi is against NAFTA, as she believes Americans have suffered and lost their jobs due to the large trade agreement.
Tulsi stood against the TPP, on the basis that it would hurt American workers and boost the profits of large multinational banks and corporations.
Tulsi believes the TPP limited the ability to protect our environment and has increased the outsourcing of jobs.
Tulsi has voted against allowing trade deals to be fast-tracked: “The implications of these agreements are too important to allow an undemocratic process that empowers special interests and wealthy corporations to dictate America's trade policy”
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R.1295, the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015: Providing benefits under the TAA for those who have lost their jobs to free trade under NAFTA such as income assistance or new job training.
Foreign Policy
As part of her long-standing efforts to end regime change war policy, Tulsi strongly opposes the illegal war to arm, fund and train terrorist-aligned rebels in Syria to overthrow Assad.
Tulsi has always emphasized the need to have a clear plan and look at all possible outcomes before going to war. Too many times the U.S. has rushed into regime change war without an intelligent analysis of the potential effects.
Human rights in Syria will be absolutely crushed if Assad is removed and al-Qaeda/ISIS can take over and establish a caliphate in Syria, which is what will happen if the attempt to "dictator topple" Assad succeeds.
“Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire has made multiple trips to Syria, and agrees that U.S. support for the regime change is contributing to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and claimed that if the efforts are successful, it could lead to a takeover by armed religious-driven fanatics...”
The pro-war propaganda of regime change is the exact same mentality that got us into the disastrous war on Iraq, Libya and now Syria, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people in the Middle East, the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and costing American taxpayers over $6 trillion dollars.
Tulsi is one of the very few leaders who have talked with all sides in the Syrian conflict to learn the truth firsthand. "I met with displaced families from the eastern part of Aleppo, Raqqah, Zabadani, Latakia, and the outskirts of Damascus. I met Syrian opposition leaders who led protests in 2011..."
Tulsi informed the House Ethics Committee of her trip a month prior to going to Syria
For security reasons, journalists and government officials who were aware of her trip kept it confidential until she was safely out of the country.
Immediately upon return from her trip to Syria, Tulsi published videos, essays and press releases on the details of her fact-finding trip.
Tulsi’s trip was necessary because the information out of Syria has been extremely limited and highly filtered/propagandized.
Diplomacy is the most effective tool for peace, and far preferable to war and killing
Tulsi’s courageous fact-finding trip to Syria has been supported by scores of Syrians, progressive groups, veterans' organizations, U.S. political leaders and many others aware of the devastating effects of U.S. regime change war in Syria.
As part of Tulsi’s trip to Syria, she had an unplanned meeting with Assad, in addition to dozens of religious leaders, citizens, activists including Assad’s political opponents, and others
Those who criticize her meeting fail to understand that leaders must willing to meet with our adversaries to further the cause of peace. Communication for peace doesn't happen with friends. Obviously, diplomacy sometimes requires interacting with less than savory characters.
As member of powerful House Foreign Affairs and Armed Service Committees, it is Tulsi’s responsibility to meet with foreign leaders and to help decide when, where and whether to go to war.
Here is but one statement the congresswoman has made critical of Assad: "We all know that Bashar al-Assad President of Syria is a brutal dictator but this resolution's purpose was not merely to recognize him as such rather it was a call to action specifically is a call to escalate our war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad…”
One of the most disturbing criticisms of Tulsi in relation to Syria has been the idea that anyone who opposes dictator-toppling wars is a “buddy” of the dictator. By that logic, anyone who opposes going to war with North Korea, is a pal of Kim Jong-un. Anyone who opposed the Iraq war was “buddies” with Saddam Hussein, etc. This is obviously a complete fallacy, smear and distortion of the position of those who, like Tulsi, oppose regime change war policy for well thought and fact-based reasons.
Diplomacy is the most effective tool for peace, and far preferable to war and killing
Tulsi’s courageous fact-finding trip to Syria has been supported by scores of Syrians, progressive groups, veterans' organizations, U.S. political leaders and many others aware of the devastating effects of U.S. regime change war in Syria
Tulsi *strongly* opposed Trump’s bombing of Syria for several important reasons:
He didn’t seek Congressional approval and Congress is deemed to have sole war declaration authority by the Constitution, unless the U.S. is in imminent danger (which was clearly not the case). His bombing of Syria was unconstitutional.
She stated that it sets a very dangerous precedent to make a military attack before a definitive investigation has given us all the information.
Trump impulsively bombed Syria without allowing for an investigation of the chemical weapons attack to be conducted by U.N. authorities. The United Nations investigation, that was in process the day before the airstrikes, should have gone forward.
This act of war is too grave, and the consequences too far reaching, to be launched without Congressional approval and an international investigation
Tulsi’s exact quotes in a Honolulu News Now interview on the bombing:
“You know the important thing here is not what I, you, or what anyone else thinks. In these instances, you have to rely on evidence. Just yesterday prior to President Trump launching this illegal military strike against Syria...the United Nation’s security councils were working through language to launch an independent international investigation into that chemical weapons attack so that they could determine exactly who was behind it, what happened, what kinds of chemical weapons were there because there is a lot of different opinions about what exactly occurred. Once you do that and you gather evidence then you can determine the course of action that needs to occur from there.”
“I’m just looking for the evidence. Maybe President Assad was behind it. If he was, this is a horrific war crime and he should be prosecuted before the international criminal court for that. I would be the first to say that very clearly. Again, we’ve got to look at the evidence to see exactly what occurred, who is behind it...”
Tulsi voted against “humanitarian” bill in relation to Syria because it was a thinly veiled attempt to justify ratcheting up the regime change war against Syria
"...Assad is a brutal dictator...but this resolution calls to escalate war to overthrow Syrian govt"
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Res 922, the No More Presidential Wars Resolution, that would reclaim Congress’ war power authorities by 1.) making presidential wars, without Congressional approval, an impeachable offense and 2.) prohibit the president from perpetuating ongoing wars or supplying military support without Congressional authorization.
H. R. 608, the Stop Arming Terrorist Act was sponsored by Tulsi to prevent the U.S. government from directly or indirectly arming groups that are affiliated with terrorist organizations
Tulsi was a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and has met with leaders of India to promote trade, tourism and information technology, as well as defense and counter terrorism
Tulsi has worked diligently to promote U.S., Hawai’i interests in meetings with India, creating a historic sister state relationship between Goa, India and Hawaii
During her trip to India, Tulsi had a number of important and productive meetings:
Met separately with India’s Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley, Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and Minister of External Affairs (Secretary of State), Sushma Swaraj, to discuss the challenges facing the international community with the aim of improving cooperation between the U.S. and India, particularly in the areas of commerce, security, and defense.
Met with General Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Indian Army (COAS). Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a Captain in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, discussed with Singh the need for the U.S. and India to increase collaboration in the fight against terrorists and the importance of partner-building military-to-military engagements between the U.S. Pacific Command and the Indian military.
Met with India’s Minister for Tourism, Mahesh Chandra Sharma, to discuss strengthening tourism and cultural exchange opportunities between the U.S. and India.
Met with Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (IC) of Commerce and Industry, to discuss ideas to increase commerce between India and the U.S. and minimize barriers to greater foreign investment.
Met with Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Governor Mridula Sinha to discuss establishing a “sister state” relationship between Hawaiʻi and Goa, India’s most popular beach tourism destination, with the aim of increasing economic and cultural exchanges between Goa and Hawaiʻi, as well as promoting tourism.
Delivered keynote address to the prestigious India Ideas Conclave, stressing the importance of having leaders who embrace the aloha spirit and work for the welfare of others as servant leaders. The conclave is known as India’s most eclectic and thought-provoking platform for global leaders and experts to discuss ideas in various fields of human development.
Met with several prominent figures in the India film industry to encourage increased cross-collaboration between those in the film industry in India and in Hawaiʻi.
As part of her diplomatic work, Tulsi also met with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Their meeting focused on enhanced cooperation in the fight against terrorism, working together to protect the environment, and maximizing economic opportunities between the two countries
Tulsi’s meeting with Modi was part of her Congressional responsibilities as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Tulsi follows the spirit of Aloha which means that she is open to understanding the viewpoints of diverse leaders. Prime Minister Modi is a democratically elected leader of the world's largest democracy. India is an important regional military and economic power.
Tulsi voted NO on H. Res 417, which both Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Rep. Brad Sherman felt was timed to attempt to influence India’s upcoming election
H.R. 392: Tulsi co-sponsored the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, which would remove the existing per-country cap on employment-based green cards and ensure all immigrants are treated equally regardless of their country of origin.
Tulsi is against war with Iran. “I think, first, it's important to make sure the American people understand that a war with Iran would be far more costly and far more devastating than anything that we experienced in Iraq. What we would see is a devastating cost on our troops, my brothers and sisters in uniform, a cost on the civilians, people both in Iran and across the region, worst refugee crisis across Europe, as well as a strengthening of terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaida, further undermining our national security. So, it would essentially make the war in Iraq look like a cakewalk when we look at the cost of going to war with Iran.”
Tulsi strongly opposed Trump pulling out of Iran deal: “Pulling the United States out of the Iran nuclear agreement has very dangerous consequences. It will likely result in Iran restarting its nuclear weapons program and spark a nuclear arms race in the region causing countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and others to acquire their own nuclear weapons. It also creates a dangerous conflict for Hawai‘i, especially because it will directly undermine any chance of a peacefully negotiated solution to the crisis we are facing with North Korea and the development of its own nuclear weapons.”
Tulsi cautiously supported the Iran deal, emphasizing, “We need to see a tough, verifiable inspections regime that applies anytime and anywhere, including military sites. Sanctions relief must be tied tightly to Iran's compliance with the deal. Actual snap-back sanctions and enforcement mechanisms must be in place.”
Tulsi has acknowledged that the Iran nuclear deal is imperfect, however, she emphasized that the agreement was better than the alternatives that seek to block Iran’s nuclear weapons program
Tulsi has described that the U.S. policy of regime change war in Iran has set the stage for a contentious relationship with Iran:
“The history of the United States relationship with Iran is rooted in, and defined by, a decades-long policy of regime change, which began with the CIA-led overthrow of democratically-elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq in 1953 in order to keep U.S.-backed Mohammad Reza Shah in power. This ultimately sparked the 1979 Islamic Revolution which grew from strong opposition to years of U.S. interventionist policies in Iran and throughout the region. As Iran’s new anti-U.S. government took power, our threats of intervention grew, and Iran started its nuclear program as a direct response to defend against the possibility of another U.S.-led intervention and regime change plot.”
H.R. 4333 Zero Tolerance for Terror Act, which would allow Congress to quickly impose sanctions if the Iranian government commits an act of terror, provides support for terrorist organizations or violates international law by acquiring ballistic missile technology.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1191, Iran Nuclear Agreement Act of 2015.
Tulsi has been raising alarms in regard to the threat of N. Korea for years, since she was first elected to Congress.
She urged Trump to meet with Pyongyang “without preconditions”
Tulsi has pointed out that if North Korea had already agreed to get rid of nuclear weapons without talks, there would be no point to the talks - preconditions never made any sense
The development of nuclear weapons in N. Korea are a direct result of the U.S. decades old policy of regime change war; dictators like Kim Jong-un feel the need for nuclear weapons to avoid the fate of someone like Gaddafi, who complied with U.S. and got rid of his nuclear weapons and then was overthrown.
Tulsi has strongly fought against U.S. regime change war policy because it has been completely counterproductive to U.S. interests and has caused immense human suffering around the world.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 757, North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1771, North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2014.
For years, Tulsi has strongly pushed to end U.S. assistance to Saudi Arabia’s genocidal war in Yemen
Tulsi strongly believes the United States should completely end our alliance with Saudi Arabia; allying with Saudi Arabia is directly counter to American interests.
Saudi Arabia provides direct and indirect support for extremist groups like ISIS.
According to the NYT, “The Saudi-led war has focused on the airstrikes that have killed thousands of civilians at weddings, funerals and on school buses, aided by American-supplied bombs and intelligence.”
Tulsi strongly supports House legislation to end U.S. military support of Saudi Arabia in Yemen and has condemned Republican leadership’s measures to block a vote.
For years, Tulsi has also voiced her strong opposition to Saudi Arabia’s state sponsored Islamist extremism. Saudi Arabia spends hundreds of billions of dollars to spread their Wahhabi/Salafi/Deobandi (WSD) takfir extremist ideology around the world through literature, media outreach, madrasas, etc, fueling the threat of extremist violence.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 138 - Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress: Cosponsored a bill in the House similar to S. J. Res. 54., ending US involvement in Yemen.
S. J. Res. 54 - A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress: Strong support for the bill to end US involvement in Yemen, which has passed the Senate and has yet to be voted on in the house.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 643, to prohibit the provision of United States security assistance to the Government of Saudi Arabia, and for other purposes.
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, simultaneously creating more devastation, human suffering and refugees in the countries where U.S. regime change war is waged.
As an Iraq war veteran and a Major in the Army National Guard, Tulsi knows the true cost of war.
The result of interventions like Iraq and Libya only propagated more human suffering several times over, resulting in a failed state in Libya and creating a haven for terrorists seeking to establish a caliphate based on their exclusivist ideology.
United States' history of interventions impedes our ability to form relationships with countries that are skeptical of our intentions. Countries like North Korea or Iran believe their nuclear weapons are the only thing defending them from invasion.
Tulsi believes the United States would be far better off spending the trillions of dollars wasted in interventionist wars on more pressing domestic issues in America, like infrastructure, college debt, healthcare, etc.
Research shows most Americans agree with Tulsi in her opposition to regime change war: “71 percent of Americans believed Congress should pass legislation that restrained military action. The survey shows that 86.4 percent believe the military should be used only as a last resort. Additionally, 63.9 percent of those polled felt that military aid, both money and weapons, should not be provided to regimes like Saudi Arabia—the West’s top ally in the Arab world.”
Tulsi stands against torture: "I strongly oppose the use of torture and 'enhanced interrogations'. In 2015, I voted for H.R. 1735, including the amendment to the 2016 NDAA, codifying President Obama’s executive order banning enhanced interrogation/torture methods. This ban solidified our commitment to United States law and international agreements."
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 608 Stop Arming Terrorists Act- Legislation that serves to galvanize the anti-war movement and the opposition to regime change policies that characterize our present foreign policy.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. Amdt. 636 to H. R. 5515: This amendment to bill H. R. 5515 removes the clause which allows the US military to go to war without Congressional approval and only provide an after-the-fact report on the operation.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 4108 - To prohibit the use of funds for the provision of assistance to Syrian opposition groups and individuals: This bill would prohibit the US from continuing to provide support in any form to any group involved in the overthrow of the Syrian government.
Tulsi supported H. R. 1735 - Including the amendment, Section 1045, Limitations on Interrogation Techniques, banning torture and "enhanced interrogations"
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1004 — To prohibit the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities with respect to Venezuela, and for other purposes.
Tulsi strongly feels that we must address the primary root problem of the refugee crisis, which is the U.S. policy of regime change war.
Millions of refugees have fled Syria as a result of illegal U.S./Saudi Arabia war to overthrow Assad by arming terrorist “rebels”
Refugees from Central America are also a result of decades of U.S. regime change war, drug wars and exploitative economic policy.
It’s critical to allow refugees to seek solace in our country, while simultaneously addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Res 435, “Recognizing the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, especially Christians and Yezidis, by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as Daesh, and calling for the immediate prioritization of accepting refugees from such communities.”
Sex Trafficking and Sexual Assault
Sex trafficking is a tragic form of modern-day slavery.
Tulsi is fighting to pass legislation to clear the criminal records of sex trafficking victims.
With a criminal record, sex trafficking victims are vulnerable to being exploited again and again, as the record makes it difficult for them to find jobs and housing.
Tulsi helped introduce H. R. 459, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act.
Tulsi voted YES on H. R. 1862, the Global Child Protection Act
Tulsi voted YES on H. R. 1842, the Strengthening Children's Safety Act of 2017
Tulsi voted YES on H. R. 1188, the Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2017
Tulsi voted YES on H. R. 883, the Targeting Child Predators Act of 2017
Tulsi was a cosponsor of H. R. 1625, the TARGET Act
Tulsi has worked vigorously to bring attention and aid victims of human trafficking, a modern-day form of slavery that compels millions of people in the United States and abroad into exploitative labor and commercial sex.
Tulsi has sponsored legislation to help human trafficking victims, military sexual assault survivors, victims of sexual harassment in Congress, and young athletes who face sexual assault.
Tulsi believes that survivors of sexual assault deserve a fair, safe, and transparent process to seek justice.
Tulsi is an original cosponsor of H. R. 6545, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018, which builds on more than two decades of progress to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including in native and indigenous communities.
Tulsi is an original cosponsor of H. R. 459, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation would create a process for victims of human trafficking to request relief from non-violent federal crimes committed as a direct result of human trafficking.
Tulsi cosponsored H. R. 3775, the Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment (SAVE) Act, which gives survivors the option to seek reimbursable care from non-VA/TRICARE medical providers who can best provide the care these victims need.
Tulsi is an original cosponsor of H. R. 2016, the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, which is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to effort to restore the faith of the American people and military sexual assault survivors by removing decision-making from the chain of command, and empowering experienced trial counsel to determine whether to take a case to a special or general court-martial proceeding.
Tulsi is an original cosponsor of H. R. 4494, the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act - bipartisan, comprehensive legislation would ensure that perpetrators are held personally and financially accountable for their actions by ending taxpayer-funded harassment settlements and require any individual who has settled such a claim using taxpayer funds to fully reimburse the Treasury.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 4396, Member and Employee Training and Oversight On (ME TOO) Congress Act, a bipartisan, comprehensive bill to prevent sexual harassment in Congress, and provide a fair, transparent path to justice for victims.
Tulsi voted to pass S. 534, Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017: bipartisan legislation to strengthen reporting requirements and increase protections for young athletes across the country.
Women's and LGBTQ+ Issues
Tulsi has worked vigorously to bring attention and aid victims of human trafficking, a modern-day form of slavery that compels millions of people in the United States and abroad into exploitative labor and commercial sex.
Tulsi has sponsored legislation to help human trafficking victims, military sexual assault survivors, victims of sexual harassment in Congress, and young athletes who face sexual assault.
Tulsi believes that survivors of sexual assault deserve a fair, safe, and transparent process to seek justice.
Tulsi is an original cosponsor of H. R. 6545, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018, which builds on more than two decades of progress to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including in native and indigenous communities.
Tulsi is an original cosponsor of H. R. 459, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation would create a process for victims of human trafficking to request relief from non-violent federal crimes committed as a direct result of human trafficking.
Tulsi cosponsored H. R. 3775, Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment (SAVE) Act, which gives survivors the option to seek reimbursable care from non-VA/TRICARE medical providers who can best provide the care these victims need.
Tulsi is an original cosponsor of H. R. 2016, the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, which is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to effort to restore the faith of the American people and military sexual assault survivors by removing decision-making from the chain of command, and empowering experienced trial counsel to determine whether to take a case to a special or general court-martial proceeding.
Tulsi is an original co-sponsor of H. R. 4494, the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act - bipartisan, comprehensive legislation would ensure that perpetrators are held personally and financially accountable for their actions by ending taxpayer-funded harassment settlements and require any individual who has settled such a claim using taxpayer funds to fully reimburse the Treasury.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 4396, the Member and Employee Training and Oversight On (ME TOO) Congress Act, a bipartisan, comprehensive bill to prevent sexual harassment in Congress, and provide a fair, transparent path to justice for victims.
Tulsi voted to pass S.534, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017: bipartisan legislation to strengthen reporting requirements and increase protections for young athletes across the country.
Tulsi recently released a video affirming her deep commitment to fighting for equality and protecting for our LGBTQ community.
Tulsi is a vocal advocate of equality for our LGBTQ+ community.
She is a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus in the House.
Tulsi has been given a 100% for her voting record and endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBT lobby organization in the country.
"With the many challenges facing the LGBT community, we're honored to count Tulsi as an ally in standing up for issues of fairness. From her cosponsorship of the Equality Act to supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples and fighting for persons with HIV/AIDS, we applaud Tulsi's commitment to fundamental equal rights for all." - Mike Mings, Director Human Rights Campaign PAC.
The Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
Tulsi believes 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.”
Tulsi is committed to fight to ensure all individuals are treated equally under the law regardless of race, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Tulsi has received a 100% rating for her voting record in favor of LGBT legislation.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 5 Equality Act of 2019 To prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and for other purposes.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1244, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify that all provisions shall apply to legally married same-sex couples in the same manner as other married couples, and for other purposes.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R 2532, the Respect for Marriage Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 2119 Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2017, to prohibit, as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, commercial sexual orientation conversion therapy.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Res.124, expressing opposition to banning service in the Armed Forces by openly transgender individuals.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1755, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 2839, the Restore Honor to Service Members Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 197, the Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 683, the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor H. R. 1199, the Safe Schools Improvement Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 932, the Healthy Families Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Res. 549, the Designating June 26th as LGBT Equality Day.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Res. 208, the Equality for All Resolution, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas that include credit, employment, education, federally funded programs, housing, jury service, and public accommodations.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 3273, the LGBT Data Inclusion Act.
Signed the Marriage Equality Amicus Briefs.
Advocated for LGBT Housing / Privacy Rights.
Advocated to End Bullying and Harassment in Schools.
Tulsi signed a letter urging President Trump to reverse transgender military ban.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 2282, the Equality Act of 2017 which amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation in places of public accommodation.
Securing our Elections and Campaign Finance Reform
The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision opened the floodgates of “dark money” into politics, tainting the integrity of our democracy.
Tulsi recognizes campaign finance reform is essential to bring the power back to the people in our democracy. She is fighting to:
Get Super PAC money out of our elections and limit campaign contributions so the wealthy don’t have an unfair advantage over our electoral process.
Limit “dark money” by forcing transparency of outside groups, corporations, and wealthy donors.
Enforce and prosecute violations of campaign laws.
Make voting accessible.
Empower voters’ influence through a matching program where small donations are matched by government funds.
Tulsi is a PAC free candidate who takes only individual contributions to fund her campaigns.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 20 Government by the People Act - important legislation to enact campaign finance reform.
Since first running for Congress, Tulsi has refused donations from large industries such as Wall Street, Big Pharma, Tobacco, Liquor, etc.
Tulsi is also a PAC free candidate, relying exclusively on individual donations to fund her political campaigns.
Tulsi has been endorsed by End Citizens United: “As a member of the No PAC Caucus, Congresswoman Gabbard is championing reforms to fix the broken campaign finance system and get Big Money out of politics. She is a dedicated reformer fighting on behalf of Hawaiians and understands that Washington works best when every voice is heard — not just the wealthiest ones,” said ECU President Tiffany Muller.
ECU is a grassroots organization fighting to get big money out of our elections.
Tulsi understands that we must every step necessary to ensure the integrity of our elections
We need to make sure that our elections infrastructure, that is becoming more and more reliant on technology, is protected against cyber-hackers who seek to manipulate the outcomes of our elections.
Tulsi has formally introduced a paper ballot and paper ballot backup system, to protect the integrity and security of our elections nationwide.
Tulsi's elections bill also includes money to research auditable, open source election software including blockchain.
Tulsi has also called for an independent investigation into Russia’s attempts to influence our elections.
Tulsi is the original sponsor of H.R. 5147 - Securing America’s Elections Act of 2018, which was introduced to protect our national election infrastructure from cyber-hackers by requiring the use of voter-verified paper ballots or a paper ballot backup in federal elections, it also includes money to research auditable, open source election software.
Tulsi is a co-sponsor of H. R. 530, the Secure Our Democracy Act, which prohibits foreign influence on our election process.
Tulsi also supports H.R. 356, the Protect our Democracy Act, which would establish an independent commission to investigate Trump and Russia.
Religious Freedom and Fighting Islamophobia
Tulsi believes that freedom of religion is an essential right for all; every individual should have to the right to follow the spiritual path of their choice or to follow no religion at all
Tulsi has spoken strongly against the targeting of nominees and candidates for public office as well as everyday Americans based on religion.
Respecting the religious beliefs of others embodies the essence of Aloha
As a veteran who has vigorously fought for religious freedom and tolerance, Tulsi has taken a strong stand against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, anti-Hindu, anti-Catholic, and other forms of hate in all its ugly forms.
As the first and only serving Hindu Member of Congress, Tulsi has worked actively to promote diversity, equality, and pluralism
As a champion of religious freedom, Tulsi’s fight for religious tolerance and secularism has been recognized throughout both secular and religious communities
Anti-Semitism: The majority of religion-based hate crimes in America are anti-Semitic according to recent FBI hate crime statistics. Anti-Semitism and religious bigotry continue to be a problem in many parts of the world. Tulsi stands firmly against anti-Semitism and has condemned anti-Semitic violence in the strongest possible terms.
Hinduphobia: Despite Hinduism being the third largest religion in the world, Tulsi is one of millions of Hindus who have been targeted by discrimination and hate speech specifically for her personal religious beliefs
Islamophobia: Tulsi has repeatedly fought against Islamophobia and has condemned violence, hatred and bigotry towards those of Muslim faith
“At a time of growing divisiveness in America, where too many are “other-izing” those who may look different, worship different, or hold different political views, it is more important than ever to live aloha, to love and treat all others with respect, to be inclusive rather than exclusive. The divisiveness that threatens the fabric of our nation, whether due to race, religion, political ideology, gender, sexual orientation, or other, must end."
Tulsi is a vocal proponent of freedom of religion for all people and has been one of the strongest voices in Congress to work for the respect and equality of people of Muslim faith.
Tulsi was invited by Muslims for Peace to be the keynote speaker for “Prophet Mohammed Day” at Rutgers University. Tulsi’s inspiring message emphasizes the need for religious peace and unity.
Tulsi respects the Prophet Mohammed as a representative of God: “As a Vaishnava Hindu...I recognize and respect both Jesus Christ and the Prophet Mohammed as messengers of God, messengers of love, peace, and universal brotherhood.”
As someone who has vigorously fought for religious freedom and tolerance, Tulsi has taken a strong stand against Islamophobia in all its ugly forms.
Tulsi has spoken against Islamophobic statements by President Trump, Senator Lindsey Graham and Ben Carson.
Tulsi defended Muslims from Ben Carson’s outrageously bigoted statement during the 2016 presidential primary.
Tulsi strongly defended Muslims from Donald Trump’s attempt to conflate Islam with terrorism: “Donald Trump is clearly trying to, unfortunately, capitalize on people's fears for his own political gain...It's important for all of us, for leaders in our country, for people in the media, to make a clear distinction from two things. One is the spiritual practice of Islam, the spiritual and religious path that most Muslims follow; and the other is the political Islam or Islamism that's really a totalitarian Islamic supremacy ideology that is fueling these attacks. That's fueled the San Bernardino shooters, that's fueling ISIS, fueling al Qaeda and these Islamic extremist terror groups that are creating such a threat. And that's why it's so important for us to create this distinction to make sure that we know who our enemy is. The ideology that is our enemy, the radical Islamist ideology and not continue to play on fears of people, as Donald Trump is doing.”
Tulsi is one of the few voices in Congress fighting to end regime change war; the policy of regime change war has caused indescribable death and destruction to the Middle East, affecting primarily Muslim communities.
Those who attack Tulsi’s obvious respect and advocacy for Muslims are participating in a blatant smear campaign which belies her own statements and actions.
“As one who sees everyone as a child of God, I do not like to see anyone attempt to incite hatred or fear of others because of their religion. This is one reason why, as we discuss terrorist organizations and refer to those terrorists who are waging war against us, I am careful to use language and terms that clearly distinguish between religion and radical, political ideology.”
Tulsi treats Muslims with love and respect.
Tulsi spoke with young Muslim women after her keynote speech for Muslims for Peace Prophet Mohammed Day.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Res 569 Condemning violence, bigotry, and hateful rhetoric towards Muslims in the United States.
Civil Liberties and Net Neutrality
Tulsi has spoken strongly against the unconstitutional sharing of Americans’ communications
Tulsi: “I firmly believe that a strong national defense and the protection of our civil liberties are equally important and compatible.” -Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi is an original member of the bi-partisan 4th Amendment Caucus, to protect the privacy and security of Americans in the digital age: "Our laws regarding freedom, privacy, and civil liberties have not kept up with the rapid expansion of technology in today's digital age," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii). "I look forward to working with the bipartisan coalition united behind this caucus to protect and strengthen the Fourth Amendment rights granted to each and every American under our Constitution."
Tulsi helped introduce the bipartisan H. R. 3178 Strengthening Privacy, Oversight, and Transparency (SPOT) Act to expand the functions of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB)
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 699 Email Privacy Act.
Tulsi supports the Electronic Communications Privacy Amendments Act to make much needed and long overdue updates our online privacy law.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R 4124, the USA RIGHTS amendment, to protect the privacy of Americans’ communications and end warrantless backdoor searches of Americans' communications
Tulsi helped introduce H. R. 2588 Preventing Unconstitutional Collection Act to permanently codify protections on Americans’ privacy.
Tulsi voted against legislation to reauthorize the warrantless collection of Americans' calls, emails, texts and other communications under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
As President, Tulsi would pardon Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning and would drop all charges against Julian Assange.
Tulsi strongly supports net neutrality as a “cornerstone of our democracy”
Net neutrality ensures a level playing field for everyone on the internet; large corporations have backed the repeal of net neutrality.
Ending net neutrality promotes “pay to play” politics, enabling those with the most money to have the biggest voice.
Net neutrality is essential to protect our First Amendment rights; an open internet helps level the playing field for all.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 196 Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 2015 to prohibit multi-tiered pricing agreements between ISPs and content providers.
H. R. 2666, Tulsi voted NO on legislation to repeal net neutrality, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act.
Criminal Justice Reform
Tulsi is a staunch advocate of criminal justice reform.
The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the entire world. Criminal justice reform can help achieve lower crime rates, greater productivity, reduced cost, improved mental health, and many other positive outcomes.
Tulsi has denounced the failed War on Drugs, noting that decades of policy that focuses on incarceration over rehabilitation has left generations of people ill-equipped to move on with their lives when they have done their time.
Tulsi has spoken about the urgent need for criminal justice legislation to reduce recidivism, address the lack of transition for people have served their time, reduce the economic impact of billions spent every year on incarceration, and reduce the human impact of families broken up through incarceration.
Tulsi has fought against the privatization of prisons; corporations profiting off incarceration is costly, dangerous and inhumane.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 5682, the FIRST STEP Act
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 4261, the SAFE Justice Act
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 3713, the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 920, the Smarter Sentencing Act
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1854, the Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1809, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
Marijuana Legalization and Opioid Addiction
Tulsi has been fighting to decriminalize marijuana and end the opioid epidemic throughout her years in Congress. She is on the House Cannabis Caucus and has been endorsed by NORML. She has introduced two bipartisan marijuana bills along with Rep. Don Young (R-AK), NORML, and other supporters.
The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2019 would remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances list and allow states the freedom to regulate marijuana as they choose, without federal interference.
The Marijuana Data Collection Act of 2019 would study the effects of state legalized medicinal and non-medicinal marijuana programs from a variety of perspectives, including state revenues, public health, substance abuse, and opioids, criminal justice, and employment.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R.1588, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2019.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R.1587, the Marijuana Data Collection Act of 2019.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 6495, the Marijuana Data Collection Act (2018).
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 4815, the Marijuana Justice Act of 2018.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 2215 SAFE Act of 2017 Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act to allow banking access for marijuana-related services.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1824 Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2017 Veterans Equal Access Amendment to allow VA physicians to prescribe marijuana in states where it is legal
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 5634, the Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2018.
Tulsi is an outspoken advocate against Big Pharma’s efforts to influence policy and mislead the medical community and patients about the dangers of opioid addiction.
Tulsi is a critic of the established history of corruption between pharmaceutical companies and our federal government.
Tulsi believes that pharmaceutical companies should be prosecuted and held responsible for the deaths and lives that have been ruined as a result of their greed.
We need to take back the reins from pharmaceutical corporations and their lobbyists who want to make their own rules, which have been nothing short of disastrous. Here are just a few disturbing numbers:
$106 million in pharmaceutical industry lobbying expenses from 2014-2016
$1.5 million in contributions to 23 members of Congress who pushed the legislation
64,000 drug overdose deaths in 2016
In 2016, a law championed by the drug industry was snuck through Congress to make it harder for the DEA to crack down on Big Pharma to keep these opioids off the streets. The crisis has accelerated ever since, while the pharmaceutical industry profits. Tulsi has introduced legislation to repeal the 2016 Marino-Hatch law.
Tulsi: “The corporate influence over Congress has paralyzed the DEA from taking action against bad actors. We need vast, sweeping change if the DEA is going to be an effective force working on the people's behalf, not the industry they regulate. This is about saving lives.”
Tulsi introduced H.R. 5782 - Opioid Crisis Accountability Act of 2018, to hold drug companies and executives accountable for profiting from the opioid epidemic
Tulsi cosponsored H.R. 5124, the Community Opioid Response Act of 2018.
Tulsi cosponsored H.R. 664, the Stem the Tide of Overdose Prevalence from Opiate Drugs Act of 2017 (STOP OD Act of 2017), to help state and local governments raise awareness of the dangers of opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone, and heroin, expand educational efforts to prevent opiate abuse, and promote treatment and prevention.
Tulsi co-sponsored H.R. 2938, the Road to Recovery Act.
Tulsi co-sponsored H.R. 1245, the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act.
Tulsi voted to pass S.524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016, which was signed into law
Tulsi has called for the repeal of S.483, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2016, also known as the Marino-Hatch Law, which protects pharmaceutical companies from enforcement actions by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Gun Reform
Tulsi strongly supports several gun control measures, including:
A federal ban on military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines
Requiring comprehensive pre-purchase background checks
Closing the gun-show loophole
Making sure that terrorists are not allowed to buy guns
Tulsi’s support of gun control has led to her rating of 100% by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, along with an “F” rating from the NRA and a 0% rating from the Hawaii Rifle Association.
Tulsi participated in the House sit-in in 2016 when Republicans refused to allow any members to vote on any gun control legislation.
In working towards enacting real gun control measures, Tulsi is focusing on bipartisan measures that have a chance of becoming passed into law, rather than using the issue as a political football.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 4909, the STOP School Violence Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 5807, the Assault Weapons Ban.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Res 367, the Establish the Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 3947, the Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act and H.R. 3999 to ban devices that speed up gunfire from semi-automatic weapons.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 2670, the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act ensuring domestic violence perps can’t buy firearms.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. Res 370, the to require legislative hearings in response to gun violence tragedies.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 4365, the Domestic Violence Loophole Closure Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 5576, the Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 226, the Keeping Guns from High Risk Individuals Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1745, the Support Assault Firearms Elimination and Reduction for our Streets Act.
Tulsi voted NO on H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1296, the to regulate assault weapons, to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not unlimited, and for other purposes.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019- To require a background check for every firearm sale.
Infrastructure
Tulsi recognizes our country’s infrastructure, including highways, bridges, airports, transportation safety and public transit projects should be a critical priority for federal investment.
Much of our infrastructure isn’t able to keep up with the current and growing needs of our nation
Tulsi has pushed for renewed investments in infrastructure, while cutting costs from. counterproductive regime change wars abroad.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 22 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST) reauthorized critical funding for highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects in the U.S. through 2020, including more than $1.3 billion in federal transportation funds for Hawaiʻi.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 4836 is bipartisan legislation that was passed, extending protections Hawaii’s and Alaska’s rural airports as part of these states’ critical infrastructure.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 1782 Passenger Fee Restructuring Exemptions Act to limit the passenger security fee for Hawaiʻi, Alaska, and rural populations that rely on air travel.
Tulsi is a sponsor of H. R. 6427 READI Act to improve Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 5609 Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity and Reliability (WATER) Act to make critical improvements to our drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 1137 The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, providing $199 million for Hawaii’s Ala Wai Watershed.
Immigration
Tulsi is urgently fighting for legislation to protect millions of young people from deportation with end of DACA (Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals).
Tulsi has worked with the Hawai’i ACLU, Hawai’i Civil Rights Coalition, Hawai’i Coalition for Immigrant Rights and the National Immigration Law Center to work towards meaningful immigration reform.
See also Keeping Families Together.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 3440, the DREAM Act.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 532, the Dreamer Information Protection Act, which prohibits using DACA hearings for deportation.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R. 496, the Bridge Act, which codifies the DACA program.
Tulsi is a cosponsor of Tulsi cosponsored H. R. 392, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, which would remove the existing per-country cap on employment-based green cards and ensure all immigrants are treated equally regardless of their country of origin.
Tulsi strongly opposes taking children from their parents at the U.S. border, except in extraordinary circumstances such as trafficking, abuse, or neglect
Tulsi stated, “The Trump Administration’s use of children as pawns in the immigration debate is despicable and must end now.”
Tulsi is a cosponsor of H. R.541 — Keep Families Together Act
H. R. 6135 Keep Families Together Act to:
Keep families together at the border.
Limit criminal prosecution for asylum seekers.
Increase child welfare training.
Establish public policy training for family reunification.
Add procedures for separated families.
Add Congressional oversight.