DemocratJoe Biden

The record on this issue — recorded votes this official cast, and sourced claims about what they believe. Each is labelled with which it is, because a vote is what someone did and a statement is what they said. Neither is scored, and neither affects the Integrity Score.

• Trade & TariffsStated position

  I'm not going to enter any new trade agreement with anybody until we have made major investments here at home and in our workers.

  SourcesNBC New York / New York Times interview with Thomas FriedmanHolland & KnightU.S. Department of Commerce· archivedForbesOffice of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (press release)Federal Register· archivedOffice of the U.S. Trade Representative· archivedOffice of the U.S. Trade Representative· archivedAl JazeeraBrookings InstitutionTax FoundationStatement by Vice President Joe Biden on Trump's Failing Trade Deal with China, American Presidency Project· archivedOffice of Sen. Chris Van Hollen (press release)Biden Foreign Policy Speech at CUNY Graduate Center, July 11, 2019Biden Build Back Better Speech Transcript, Rev.comBiden DNC Acceptance Speech, ABC News full textThe White House (archived)· archivedOffice of the U.S. Trade Representative· archivedBiden Campaign Press Release / Fact Sheet: The Biden-Harris Plan to Fight for Workers, American Presidency Project· archivedU.S. Government Accountability Office· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedFinal 2020 Presidential Debate Transcript, Commission on Presidential Debates· archivedU.S. Department of the Treasury· archivedOffice of the U.S. Trade Representative· archived2020 Democratic Party Platform· archived
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• Criminal Justice, Policing & Public SafetyStated position

  I'm offering $20 billion to states to change their state laws to eliminate minimum mandatories and set up drug courts.

  SourcesPolitiFactThe White House (archived)· archivedJustice Action Network (Biden's questionnaire response)City of Minneapolis (official)· archivedCBS NewsThe White House (Archived)· archivedMarijuana MomentPolitiFactPolitiFactPolitiFactNPRThe White House (Biden administration archives)· archivedNPRNPRFederal Register (govinfo.gov)· archivedFederal Register (govinfo.gov)PolitiFactU.S. Senate roll call vote record· archivedFederal Register (govinfo.gov)The White House (Archived)· archivedU.S. Government Accountability Office· archivedNational Low Income Housing CoalitionU.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness· archivedCongressional Research Service (IF10922, May 9, 2024)PolitiFactPolitiFactPolitiFactPolitiFactSolitary WatchOffice of Sen. Cory Booker (senate.gov)· archivedFederal Bureau of Prisons· archivedU.S. Department of Justice, COPS Office· archivedThe White House (Archived)· archivedWhite House (archived)· archivedThe White House, Office of Management and Budget (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (Archived)· archivedCommission on Presidential Debates· archivedThe White House (Archived)· archived
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• Healthcare & Prescription DrugsStated position

  What I'm going to do is pass Obamacare with a public option — become Bidencare. I'm going to reduce drug prices by making sure that there's competition that doesn't exist now by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices with the insurance companies.

  SourcesAARP2020 Democratic Party Platform (American Presidency Project)NBC NewsU.S. Government Publishing Office (Public Law 117-169)· archivedPolitiFactABC News — Biden DNC Acceptance Speech Full TextCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services· archivedCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services· archivedCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services· archivedCongress.gov· archivedPolitiFactKFF Health NewsCNBCPolitiFactEuronewsMedicare.gov· archivedCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services· archivedFederal Register (govinfo.gov)· archivedFederal Trade Commission· archivedCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services· archivedCommission on Presidential Debates — October 22, 2020 Debate Transcript· archivedFederal Register (govinfo.gov)· archivedFederal Register (Executive Order 14036)· archivedU.S. Food and Drug Administration· archived
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• Jobs, Manufacturing & LaborStated position

  [Send economic recovery legislation to Congress] including the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, card check, union and bargaining rights for public service workers, and a broad definition of 'employee' and tough enforcement to end the misclassification of workers as independent contractors.

  SourcesThe White House (Biden administration, archived)· archivedCongress.gov· archivedFederal Register· archivedThe American Presidency Project — Biden Remarks on Clean Energy Future, Wilmington, DE (July 14, 2020)· archivedU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedRev (Biden Build Back Better speech transcript, July 9, 2020)ABC News — Biden DNC acceptance speech full text (Aug. 20, 2020)The White House (archived)· archivedCBS NewsThe American Presidency Project — Biden Remarks, Luzerne County, PA (Oct. 24, 2020)· archivedFederal Register (govinfo.gov)AxiosFederal Register (govinfo.gov)· archivedNPRThe White House (archived), Executive Order 14005· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe American Presidency Project — Biden Campaign Press Release: Build Back Better by Advancing Racial Equity (July 28, 2020)· archivedCongress.gov· archivedFederal Register (DoD, GSA, NASA)· archivedCongress.gov· archivedThe White House (Biden administration, archived)· archivedThe American Presidency Project — Biden Campaign Press Release: 21st Century Caregiving and Education Workforce (July 21, 2020)· archivedCommission on Presidential Debates — September 29, 2020 Debate Transcript· archivedThe American Presidency Project — Biden Campaign Press Release (July 14, 2020)· archivedOffice of Management and Budget (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe American Presidency Project — Biden Campaign Press Release: Build Back Better for American Workers (Sept. 7, 2020)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedU.S. Department of the Interior· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe American Presidency Project — Biden-Harris Plan to Fight for Workers (Sept. 9, 2020)· archived
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• Housing & InfrastructureStated position

  We'll rebuild America's infrastructure — modern roads, bridges, highways, broadband, ports and airports — as a new foundation for economic growth.

  SourcesThe American Presidency Project (Biden Campaign Press Release — Build Back Better: Advancing Racial Equity)· archivedWhite House (archived)· archivedWhite House (archived)· archivedRev.com — Joe Biden 2020 DNC Acceptance Speech Transcript· archivedgovinfo.gov (Public Law 117-58, approved Nov. 15, 2021)· archivedPolitiFact Biden Promise TrackerWhite House (archived)CBS NewsU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development· archivedNational Low Income Housing Coalition2020 Democratic Party Platform (The American Presidency Project)The American Presidency Project (Biden Campaign Press Release — The Biden Plan to Build a Modern, Sustainable Infrastructure)· archivedU.S. Environmental Protection Agency· archivedU.S. Environmental Protection Agency· archivedFederal Register (govinfo.gov)PolitiFact Biden Promise TrackerNPRThe American Presidency Project (Biden Campaign Press Release — The Biden Plan for Rural America)· archivedFederal Register (HUD interim final rule, June 10, 2021)U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness· archivedU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (archived press release, Jan 14, 2025)· archivedPolitiFact Biden Promise TrackerWhite House (archived)· archivedWhite House (archived)· archivedgovinfo.gov (U.S. Government Publishing Office)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedWhite House (archived)· archivedWhite House (archived)· archivedU.S. Government Accountability Office· archivedWhite House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archived
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• Economy, Taxes & InflationStated position

  We'll not only build back, we'll build back better — with 5 million new manufacturing and technology jobs so the future is made in America.

  SourcesCoalition for a Prosperous America (republication of Biden campaign document from joebiden.com/madeinamerica, July 2020)Washington Times — pool report of Biden virtual fundraiserThe White House (archived), Executive Order 14026· archivedU.S. Senate roll call vote 74, 117th Congress· archivedCommission on Presidential Debates· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedInternal Revenue Service· archivedPublic Law 118-273 (via GovInfo)· archivedFederal Register (via GovInfo)· archivedCommittee for a Responsible Federal BudgetThe White House (archived)· archivedCBS NewsTax Foundation — analysis of Biden 2020 campaign tax planThe White House (archived)· archivedBiden Campaign Press Release via American Presidency Project· archivedABC News — Full text of Biden's 2020 DNC speech· archivedBiden Campaign Press Release (NCPSSM endorsement) via American Presidency Project· archivedBiden Remarks on Racial Economic Equity, Wilmington DE — American Presidency Project· archivedInternal Revenue Service· archivedThe White House (archived)· archived
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• Government Reform, Ethics & DemocracyStated position

  We will restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act and stamp out voter suppression in all its forms. We will curb the corrupting influence of money in politics and protect the integrity of our elections from all enemies, foreign and domestic.

  SourcesFederal Register (Executive Order 13989, govinfo.gov)· archivedAmerican Presidency Project — 2020 Democratic Party Platform· archivedUnited States Senate· archivedRev — March 15, 2020 Democratic Presidential Debate TranscriptGovInfo (U.S. Government Publishing Office)· archivedUnited States Senate· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedGovernment ExecutivePolitiFactOffice of Management and Budget, Statement of Administration Policy· archivedPolitiFactNPRCongress.gov· archivedWiley LawThe White House (archived whitehouse.gov)· archivedU.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs· archivedThe White House (Biden Archives)· archivedPolitiFactGovernment ExecutivePolitiFactPolitiFactJust SecurityU.S. Senate Roll Call Votes· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (Biden Archives), press briefing transcript· archivedU.S. Senate Roll Call Votes· archivedFederal Register (via GovInfo)· archivedWhite House Counsel's Office (archived whitehouse.gov)· archived
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• Social Security, Medicare & RetirementStated position

  [The platform proposes enabling] older workers to choose between their employer-provided plans, the public option, or enrolling in Medicare when they turn 60, instead of having to wait until they are 65.

  SourcesThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedCBS NewsRev.comU.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo.gov)· archivedAssociated Press (via PBS NewsHour)The White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived, Biden administration)· archivedAARPgovinfo.gov (enrolled bill, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Public Law 117-169)· archivedCBS NewsNPR IllinoisABC NewsCommission on Presidential Debates· archivedAmerican Presidency Project — Biden Campaign Remarks, Pembroke Pines FL· archivedCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services· archived2020 Democratic Party Platform (American Presidency Project)· archivedU.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)· archivedAmerican Presidency Project — Biden Campaign Press Release· archivedThe White House (archived, Biden administration)· archived
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• Abortion & Reproductive RightsStated position

  Every woman should be able to access high-quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion. We will repeal the Hyde Amendment, and protect and codify the right to reproductive freedom. Democrats oppose and will fight to overturn federal and state laws that create barriers to reproductive health and rights.

  SourcesABC NewsThe American Presidency Project (2020 Democratic Party Platform)· archivedNPRU.S. Senate Roll Call Vote 117-2 No. 170· archivedThe American Presidency Project (Biden Campaign Press Release: NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses Joe Biden for President)· archivedOnTheIssues.org (sourcing July 31, 2019 Democratic Primary Debate, Detroit)Federal Register (govinfo.gov)· archivedCBS NewsNPRThe White House (archived)· archivedFederal Register· archivedCDC National Center for Health Statistics (Health E-Stat 100)· archivedFox NewsNPRFederal Register· archivedFederal Register· archivedFederal Register· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe American Presidency Project (Biden Campaign Press Release: The Biden Agenda for Women)· archived
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• Immigration & Border SecurityStated position

  Biden will remove the uncertainty for Dreamers by reinstating the DACA program, and he will explore all legal options to protect their families from inhumane separation.

  SourcesCBS NewsFederal Register (Department of Homeland Security)· archivedCommission on Presidential Debates· archivedNBC NewsPolitiFactCBS NewsCBS NewsDepartment of Homeland Security· archivedEpiscopal News ServiceFederal Register (Presidential Determination No. 2022-02)Federal Register (Presidential Determination, FY 2025)Federal Register (HHS, Administration for Children and Families)· archivedForbesHouston Public Media (AP)CBS NewsNational Immigration ForumHuman Rights Watch news reportThe White House (archived)· archivedWhite House (Biden administration archives)· archivedWhite House (Biden administration archives)· archivedFederal Register (Department of Homeland Security)White House (Biden administration archives)· archivedAmerican Presidency Project — Biden Campaign Press Release· archivedFederal Register (DHS and DOJ)· archived
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• Civil Rights, Racial Justice & LGBTQ IssuesStated position

  One thing the Senate and the president can do right away is pass the bill to restore the Voting Rights Act. Just yesterday, it was renamed in the Congress in memory of John Lewis... Protect that sacred right to vote that he was willing to die for. If they don't, I've been saying all along, it's one of the first things I'll do as president if elected.

  SourcesMetro WeeklyPolitiFact (citing joebiden.com/blackamerica/)United States Senate (roll call vote record)· archivedThe White House (archived official transcript)· archivedCBS NewsFederal Register (govinfo.gov)· archivedABC NewsCBS NewsFederal Register (via govinfo.gov)· archivedNPRNPRBoston GlobeWhite House (archived)· archivedFederal Register (via govinfo.gov)· archivedNewsweekCBS NewsWashington BladeCenters for Disease Control and Prevention· archivedFederal Register (govinfo.gov)PolitiFact (citing joebiden.com/blackamerica/)Federal Register (govinfo.gov)The White House (archived Executive Order 14075)· archivedOffice of Management and Budget (memorandum M-24-01)· archivedU.S. Small Business Administration· archivedNPRCBS NewsCBS NewsCBS NewsWRAL / Reuters Fact Check (citing NowThis interview with Ady Barkan)The AdvocateTimes Live (reporting on Philadelphia Gay News interview)ABC Newsgovinfo.gov (Public Law 117-228)· archivedgovinfo.gov (H.R. 1280, House-passed)· archivedThe American Presidency Project (Biden campaign statement)· archivedFederal Register (via govinfo.gov)· archivedFederal Bureau of Prisons· archivedThe American Presidency Project (Biden campaign speech transcript)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived fact sheet)· archivedWhite House (Biden archives)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archived
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• Guns & the Second AmendmentStated position

  Democrats believe that gun companies should be held responsible for their products, just like any other business, and will prioritize repealing the law that shields gun manufacturers from civil liability.

  Sources2020 NH Democratic Primary Debate Transcript (American Presidency Project)· archivedHawaii Tribune-Herald / Associated PressBlack EnterpriseDuke Center for Firearms LawSecurity MagazinePolitiFact Biden Promise TrackerU.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo) - H.R. 8, Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (House-engrossed text)· archivedFederal Register - ATF final rule, Definition of "Engaged in the Business" as a Dealer in Firearms (Apr. 19, 2024)U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo) - Public Law 117-159, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act· archivedThe White House (archived), statement of July 29, 2022· archivedPolitiFactCBS NewsPolitiFact Biden Promise TrackerPolitiFact Biden Promise TrackerFox NewsGun Owners of AmericaThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived), fact sheet of September 23, 2024· archivedThe White House (archived), statement of February 14, 2021· archivedU.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo) - H.R. 1808, Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 (House-engrossed text)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archived
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• Climate, Environment & EnergyStated position

  we are going to achieve a carbon-pollution free electricity sector by 2035 [and] put our nation on the road to net-zero emissions by no later than 2050

  SourcesThe American Presidency Project (Biden Campaign Press Release — The Biden Plan to Build a Modern, Sustainable Infrastructure and an Equitable Clean Energy Future)· archivedCBS NewsWhite House (archived) - Executive Order 14008· archivedU.S. Energy Information Administration· archivedAssociated Press (via PBS NewsHour)GristFederal Register (via govinfo.gov)· archivedNPRCongressional Research ServiceThe White House (archived)· archivedU.S. Department of Energy· archivedNPRAssociated Press (via PBS NewsHour)govinfo.gov - Public Law 117-169· archivedU.S. Environmental Protection Agency· archivedNPRNPRU.S. Environmental Protection Agency· archivedU.S. Department of Energy· archivedU.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General· archivedU.S. Department of Energy· archivedPolitiFactBruegel InstitutePV MagazineEcoWatchAssociated Press (via PBS NewsHour)White House (archived)· archivedU.S. Environmental Protection Agency· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedWhite House (archived) - Leaders Summit on Climate fact sheet· archivedThe American Presidency Project (Biden Campaign Press Release)· archivedWhite House (archived) - Instrument of Acceptance· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (Biden administration archives)· archivedThe American Presidency Project (Build Back Better Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden on Our Clean Energy Future, Wilmington, Delaware)· archivedWhite House (archived)· archivedThe American Presidency Project (Biden Campaign Press Release — The Biden Plan to Secure Environmental Justice and Equitable Economic Opportunity in a Clean Energy Future)· archivedOffice of the U.S. Trade Representative· archivedOffice of the U.S. Trade Representative· archived
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• Education & Student DebtStated position

  Forgive all undergraduate tuition-related federal student debt from two- and four-year public colleges and universities and private HBCUs and MSIs for debt-holders earning up to $125,000.

  SourcesThe HillFederal RegisterThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedCBS NewsBiden Campaign via Democracy in Action archive· archivedThe White House (Biden archives)· archivedCBS NewsU.S. Department of Education· archivedU.S. Department of Education· archivedCBS NewsFederal Register (govinfo.gov)· archivedThe White House (Biden archive)· archivedThe White House (Biden archives)· archivedBrookingsWhite House (archived)White House (archived)· archivedNPRFederal Register (govinfo.gov)· archivedFederal RegisterInside Higher EdABC NewsOffice of Sen. Chris Van Hollen (senate.gov)· archivedPublic Law 117-2, American Rescue Plan Act (govinfo.gov)· archivedThe White House (Biden archive)· archivedBiden Campaign Press Release — Joe Biden Outlines Plan for Students, Educators, and Our Future (American Presidency Project)· archivedBiden Medium post — Joe Biden Outlines New Steps to Ease Economic Burden on Working People· archivedU.S. Department of Education· archivedThe White House (Biden archives)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (Biden archive), official transcript· archivedFederal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education· archived
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• Foreign Policy, Defense & WarsStated position

  If Iran moves back into compliance with its nuclear obligations, I would re-enter the JCPOA as a starting point. We would then work with our allies in Europe and other world powers to extend the deal's nuclear constraints, as well as address other issues of concern.

  SourcesCouncil on Foreign Relations — 2020 Presidential Candidate Questionnaire (Biden's own submitted answers)· archivedNPRWhite House (archived)· archivedNPRWhite House (archived)· archivedCongressional Research Service (hosted by DTIC, U.S. Department of Defense)AxiosThe White House (archived)· archivedU.S. Government Accountability Office· archivedU.S. Department of the Treasury· archivedU.S. Customs and Border Protection· archivedNPRCNBCBrookings InstitutionCongressional Research Service· archivedDemocracy in Action (full transcript, Biden CUNY foreign policy speech)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archivedRev.com — Final 2020 Presidential Debate Transcript (Nashville, October 22, 2020)· archivedThe White House (archived)· archived
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