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Bernie Sanders

Sen. Bernie Sanders · Independent, caucuses with Democrats · Vermont · Senate

Continuing (seat not up in 2026), already serving.

Seat note: Seat not up in 2026 (Class 1, term ends 2031-01-03); Independent, caucuses with Democrats (caucus field in legislators-current.json)

Seat source: congress-legislators: legislators-current.json (unitedstates/congress-legislators), published September 24, 2026, checked November 5, 2026; U.S. Senate: Senators contact information (XML, includes class) (senate.gov), published October 8, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic leader: Undecided

The Senate Democratic leader is chosen by secret ballot. This page shows what the senator has said, never how they voted.

  • October 12, 2026 · Public statement on the record · General statement about the leader · stance: undecided

    “It's a little bit too early to speculate on that right now,”

    Summary: Sanders (I-VT, caucuses with Democrats) declined to say whether he would support Schumer.

    Context: Interview with the Associated Press

    Source: Chuck Schumer has broad support from his caucus. But the midterms could decide his future as leader (Associated Press (via PBS News)), published October 12, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

The agenda

Each issue is split into the specific demands on the letter. A past vote or bill is dated and shown as a record, not a promise.

Prices: Partial or mixed support

  • Take the power to set tariffs back from the president: Partial or mixed support

  • Ban companies from using personal data to charge people more (surveillance pricing): No verified public position found

  • Outlaw price gouging: Partial or mixed support

    • March 17, 2026 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.3892 (Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026), 119th Congress.

      Context: Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026 (Senate): bans grossly excessive grocery prices; limited to groceries, so partial.

      Source: S.3892 - Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026 (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published September 8, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • July 17, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.2321 (Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025), 119th Congress.

      Context: Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025: makes it unlawful to sell any good or service at a grossly excessive price, enforced by the FTC and states; a federal price gouging ban.

      Source: S.2321 - Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published September 8, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

Single-payer: Supports the specific demand

  • Single-payer: one public plan covering everyone, with no premiums, deductibles, networks or surprise bills: Supports the specific demand

    • April 29, 2025 · Sponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Sponsored S.1506 (Medicare for All Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: Medicare for All Act (Senate): a single national public health insurance program for all U.S. residents with no cost sharing; a direct match for single-payer.

      Source: S.1506 - Medicare for All Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published September 26, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

Child care and leave: Supports the specific demand

  • Cap child care costs at 7% of any family's income: Supports the specific demand

    • September 30, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.2939 (Child Care for Every Community Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: Child Care for Every Community Act: creates a universal child care and early learning program in which fees charged to a family may not exceed 7% of family income; matches the 7% cap.

      Source: S.2939 - Child Care for Every Community Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published December 8, 2025, checked November 5, 2026

    • September 2, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.2295 (Child Care for Working Families Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: Child Care for Working Families Act: caps family child care copayments at no more than 7% of income at every income level and funds state universal, free, high-quality preschool; matches both the 7% cap and free pre-K.

      Source: S.2295 - Child Care for Working Families Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published December 5, 2025, checked November 5, 2026

  • Paid family and medical leave for every worker: Supports the specific demand

    • September 16, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.2823 (FAMILY Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: FAMILY Act: creates a national paid family and medical leave insurance program covering workers regardless of employer; matches paid leave for every worker.

      Source: S.2823 - FAMILY Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published December 5, 2025, checked November 5, 2026

Schools: Supports the specific demand

  • Fund public schools properly, starting with the special education (IDEA) money Congress promised: Supports the specific demand

    • April 3, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.1277 (IDEA Full Funding Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: IDEA Full Funding Act: sets mandatory increases to bring federal special education (IDEA Part B) funding to the full 40% share Congress promised; matches the IDEA funding demand.

      Source: S.1277 - IDEA Full Funding Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published July 23, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

  • Free, high-quality pre-K for every family: Supports the specific demand

    • September 2, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.2295 (Child Care for Working Families Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: Child Care for Working Families Act: caps family child care copayments at no more than 7% of income at every income level and funds state universal, free, high-quality preschool; matches both the 7% cap and free pre-K.

      Source: S.2295 - Child Care for Working Families Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published December 5, 2025, checked November 5, 2026

Housing: No verified public position found

  • Tie federal housing and transportation money to zoning that allows apartment buildings with shops on the ground floor: No verified public position found

Public power: No verified public position found

  • Public power: a national grid planned and coordinated by the Department of Energy, with states and local public utilities: No verified public position found

Iran war: Supports the specific demand

  • Pass a law requiring the president to stop hostilities against Iran that Congress never authorized: Supports the specific demand

    • September 24, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on H.Con.Res.89, Senate roll 244, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers concurrent resolution directing the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran; matches the demand in intent, though a concurrent resolution does not have the force of law. (Senate rejected 49-50.)

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 244, 119th Congress session 2: H.Con.Res.89, On the Concurrent Resolution (Concurrent Resolution Rejected 49-50) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published September 24, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • July 30, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.181, Senate roll 216, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 216, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.181, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 49-50) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published July 30, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • July 23, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.180, Senate roll 207, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 207, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.180, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 47-49) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published July 23, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • June 24, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.185, Senate roll 192, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war. (Motion to proceed rejected 47-50.)

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 192, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.185, On the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Proceed Rejected 47-50) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published June 24, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • June 23, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on H.Con.Res.86, Senate roll 184, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers concurrent resolution directing the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran; matches the demand in intent, though a concurrent resolution does not have the force of law. (Senate agreed 50-48.)

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 184, 119th Congress session 2: H.Con.Res.86, On the Concurrent Resolution (Concurrent Resolution Agreed to 50-48) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published June 23, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • May 19, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.185, Senate roll 129, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war. (Discharge agreed 50-47.)

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 129, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.185, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Agreed to 50-47) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published May 19, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • May 13, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.163, Senate roll 118, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 118, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.163, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 49-50) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published May 13, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • April 30, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.184, Senate roll 113, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 113, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.184, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 47-50) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published April 30, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • April 22, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.114, Senate roll 88, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 88, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.114, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 46-51) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published April 22, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • April 15, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.123, Senate roll 79, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 79, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.123, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 47-52) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published April 15, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • March 24, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.116, Senate roll 69, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 69, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.116, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 47-53) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published March 24, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • March 18, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.118, Senate roll 58, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 58, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.118, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 47-53) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published March 18, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • March 4, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.104, Senate roll 46, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: War Powers joint resolution (binding if enacted) directing removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran; this was a procedural vote to move it forward, and a yea supports ending the war.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 46, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.104, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 47-53) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published March 4, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • June 27, 2025 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.59, Senate roll 328, 119th Congress session 1 (2025).

      Context: Motion to discharge a War Powers joint resolution directing removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran (June 2025 strikes); rejected 47-53.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 328, 119th Congress session 1: S.J.Res.59, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 47-53) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published June 27, 2025, checked November 5, 2026

  • Cut off money for offensive operations Congress never approved: Supports the specific demand

    • June 17, 2025 · Sponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Sponsored S.2087 (No War Against Iran Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: No War Against Iran Act: prohibits use of funds for military force against Iran without congressional authorization; a direct match.

      Source: S.2087 - No War Against Iran Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published July 17, 2025, checked November 5, 2026

Executive power: Partial or mixed support

  • Emergency powers expire unless Congress votes to keep them: Supports the specific demand

    • September 17, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.2838 (Protecting Our Democracy Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: Protecting Our Democracy Act (Senate): emergencies expire unless Congress approves them, and impoundment violations get penalties and enforcement; matches the emergency-expiry and impoundment demands.

      Source: S.2838 - Protecting Our Democracy Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published November 4, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

  • Put tariffs back under Congress's control: Partial or mixed support

  • Protect inspectors general: No verified public position found

  • Stop any president from refusing to spend money Congress approved (impoundment): Partial or mixed support

    • January 30, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on H.R.7148 (S.Amdt.4287), Senate roll 19, 119th Congress session 2 (2026).

      Context: Procedural motion on an amendment to prevent the deferral or rescission of appropriations within 90 days of their expiration (blocking "pocket rescissions"); rejected 47-52. Covers one impoundment tactic, so a yea is partial.

      Source: Senate Roll Call Vote 19, 119th Congress session 2: H.R.7148 (S.Amdt.4287), On the Motion (Motion Rejected 47-52) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published January 30, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • September 17, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.2838 (Protecting Our Democracy Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: Protecting Our Democracy Act (Senate): emergencies expire unless Congress approves them, and impoundment violations get penalties and enforcement; matches the emergency-expiry and impoundment demands.

      Source: S.2838 - Protecting Our Democracy Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published November 4, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

Elections: Partial or mixed support

Filibuster: No verified public position found

  • End the filibuster so the Senate passes bills by majority vote: No verified public position found

Congress: No verified public position found

  • Ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks: No verified public position found

  • Add seats to the House: No verified public position found

  • Get rid of the debt ceiling for good: No verified public position found

Supreme Court: Partial or mixed support

  • Add seats to the Supreme Court: No verified public position found

  • Fixed 18-year terms for justices: No verified public position found

  • An enforceable ethics code for the Supreme Court: Supports the specific demand

    • July 23, 2026 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.5121 (Supreme Court Ethics Act), 119th Congress.

      Context: Supreme Court Ethics Act: requires a Supreme Court code of conduct and creates an ethics investigations counsel with reporting; an enforceable ethics code.

      Source: S.5121 - Supreme Court Ethics Act (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published August 11, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

    • May 20, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.1814 (Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025), 119th Congress.

      Context: Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 (Senate): binding code of conduct for justices with complaint and investigation procedures; an enforceable ethics code.

      Source: S.1814 - Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published October 7, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

  • Stop a single senator from blocking a judge (end the blue slip veto): No verified public position found

Immigration: Partial or mixed support

  • A pathway to citizenship for people who already live and work here: Supports the specific demand

    • July 28, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.2468 (Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929), 119th Congress.

      Context: Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 (Senate): rolling 7-year registry date letting long-term residents apply for green cards and later citizenship; a direct match.

      Source: S.2468 - Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published September 30, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

  • Fix legal immigration so people who want to come the right way can: No verified public position found

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