Issues & Achievements

Proven Progressive Leadership

Healthcare

Healthcare is a human right

Healthcare touches every part of our lives, and must be defended and expanded. Carolyn has been a champion for all facets of American healthcare, from voting to fund universal vaccination programs to fighting to protect reproductive healthcare, to defending the ACA from GOP sabotage, and ensuring pre-existing condition protections for all Americans. During the COVID-19 crisis, she has called for free testing, treatment, and vaccinations for all, and is holding pharmaceutical companies accountable in her roles as both the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and on the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.

Education

The best investment in our future

Carolyn Maloney started her career working as an ESL teacher with children in East Harlem. When the program was cut, her colleagues elected her to lobby for its restoration - and she won. Carolyn advocates with that same passion for students and teachers today and has carried her commitment to students throughout her career. She remains steadfast in her mission of increasing access to education, from advocating for the elimination of student debt to increasing the number of public schools in New York City.

Gun Control

Inaction on common sense gun control is literally killing Americans

As the proud owner of a lifetime “F” from the NRA, Carolyn has worked to ban assault weapons, high capacity magazines, and bump stocks, worked with the NY-12 community and her colleagues in government to end gun violence, held town halls on gun violence and attended rallies to end gun violence - and her work has earned her 2020 endorsements from Everytown for Gun Safety and Brady United Against Gun Violence.

Government Oversight

Of the people. By the people. For the people.

Government is supposed to work for us - and Carolyn Maloney has spent her career making sure it does. Now, as the first woman to chair the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Reform, she's doing even more to curb government abuse - including taking on the administration.

Women's Rights

Equality can't wait

Carolyn is a nationally-recognized leader in women's rights, passing legislation to preserve and promote the issues that matter most to women. She has made advocating for women's rights a central point of her illustrious career and sponsored or supported a myriad of groundbreaking legislation. Additionally, Carolyn has long-fought to build a Women's National History Museum on the National Mall to recognize the rich history of female American achievement and the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act (H.R. 1980) was just passed by the house. Her work on women’s rights has earned her the endorsements of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the National Women’s Political Caucus, NARAL Pro-Choice America, the National Organization of Women Political Action Committee, and Off the Sidelines PAC. 

Working Families

Policies that support the working and middle class

Our nation’s families are facing more challenges than ever and Carolyn has been a staunch ally in preserving and expanding the protections for working families since co-sponsoring the pioneering Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (H.R. 1). She has since sponsored a variety of bills that would expand on the original legislation including the Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2016 (H.R. 5518) to ensure that more workers are covered. 

Affordable Housing

Everyone needs a place to live.

Housing is a necessity, and in NY-12, it's increasingly unaffordable. Whether advocating for NYCHA tenants, creating senior housing, or helping renters negotiate agreements with major landlords, Carolyn Maloney has worked hard to keep rents down and expand affordable housing options in the district. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carolyn has worked to ensure that residents are a protected priority and has co-sponsored a number of relevant bills.

LGBT Rights

Equal means equal

Since her early days on City Council, Carolyn Maloney has fought to uplift underserved and marginalized communities through advocacy, legislation, and leadership. As a member of the Congressional LGBT Caucus, she has pushed to pass legislation that ensures that the LGBT community is treated equally under the law and protected from discrimination. 

The Environment

We need a Green New Deal - and Carolyn's an original cosponsor.

As an original co-sponsor on the Green New Deal, Carolyn has continuously pushed bold and transformative change to help save our planet from the climate crisis. 

Infrastructure

Bringing our transit into the 21st century

Carolyn Maloney has brought over $10 billion back to New York's 12th district for infrastructure that creates good jobs. Her projects have transformed the way New Yorkers move around, not just in NY-12, but in the entire New York region. 

Foreign Policy
& National Security

America must lead by example

Having served NY-12 through the worst terrorist attack in our nation’s history, Carolyn has a deep understanding of the government’s responsibility when it comes to keeping Americans safe. She has been a voice for American leadership around the globe, including a strong state department, support for Israel, defending against foreign interference in our democracy, and re-establishing Congress’ authority to declare war. 

Racial Justice

We must address the systemic inequality and racism in our country.

As a senior member of the House Financial Services committee, the Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, and now the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Carolyn has focused on expanding access to financial services, sponsoring and co-sponsoring civil rights legislation, increasing diversity in high-paying economic sectors, and ending abuses of power by state governments and private industry. She is also supporting numerous CBC-led legislative efforts to end police brutality and reform our broken criminal justice system.

The Economy

It has to work for everyone

As the former Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, and current Ranking Member, Carolyn Maloney has fought to ensure that every American sees the benefits of the world’s largest economy. She has been active in highlighting and reducing income inequality by demanding the Bureau of Economic Analysis to report who's benefiting from our growing GDP and supporting a myriad of legislation aimed at protecting individuals including her landmark 2009 Credit CARD Act. Additionally, Carolyn has been a leading proponent of a $15 federal minimum wage, a champion of fair tax laws, and an advocate for small businesses.

Senior Issues

Helping seniors thrive

Too many seniors are in vulnerable positions, and all have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. As a staunch advocate for both Medicare and Social Security, Carolyn has continuously supported legislation to improve the lives of seniors in New York and beyond.

Immigration

We need comprehensive immigration reform

Our immigration system has been broken for far too long, and recent actions by the administration show that without Congressional action, the situation will continue to deteriorate. Carolyn vehemently opposed the construction of President Trump’s southern border wall and has pushed comprehensive immigration reform to allow more opportunities for those who wish to pursue a better life in America.

New York City

Improving the lives of everyday New Yorkers

From securing federal funding for necessary infrastructure projects to ensuring New Yorkers receive financial coronavirus relief, Carolyn has always had the backs of her constituents.

Cannabis

Legalization, reducing harm, creating jobs and promoting consumer safety 

Carolyn has been an advocate for cannabis legalization and to protect legal cannabis businesses, earning her a 100% rating from the National Cannabis Industry Association. She has voted in favor of reducing restrictions on marijuana beginning with the 2005 Medical Marijuana Use Amendment (H. Amdt. 272), which prohibited the Department of Justice from arresting and prosecuting those involved in the medical marijuana industry in states where it was legal. 

Disability Rights & Accessibility 

Prioritizing accessibility and disability rights

Carolyn has always stood alongside the disability community and has fought to ensure that their rights are protected in NY-12 and around the nation. She has co-sponsored legislation to benefit communities around the country and pressured MTA leadership to make the subway system more accessible. She has been endorsed by the 504 Democratic club.

Veterans

Fighting for those who fight for us.

Our government must honor the debt it owes those who rush into danger to defend our nation. Carolyn Maloney has worked to pass legislation that increases veteran benefits, healthcare, and access to technology