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Chris Van Hollen

Sen. Chris Van Hollen · Democrat · Maryland · Senate

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

Seat note: Seat not up in 2026 (Class 3, term ends 2029-01-03)

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.

  • November 5, 2026 · Public statement on the record · Democratic caucus leadership vote (secret ballot) · stance: conditional

    “no one should be committing to anybody as the next Democratic leader”

    Summary: Van Hollen said no one should commit to supporting Schumer (or anyone) as leader without first discussing how the party will advance a bold agenda; he has indicated he does not intend to run himself.

    Context: Remarks the day after the election (reported by Common Dreams)

    Source: Van Hollen Says No Rubber Stamp for Schumer as Majority Leader Without Support for 'Bold Agenda' (Common Dreams), published November 5, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

  • November 2, 2026 · Public statement on the record · General statement about the leader · stance: undecided

    “At this point I just want to see … the outcome of the 2026 midterms.”

    Summary: Pressed on whether he would support Schumer, Van Hollen said he wanted to see the midterm results first.

    Context: Interview with POLITICO

    Source: Chuck Schumer's leadership hopes run through the midterms (POLITICO (via Yahoo News)), published November 2, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

  • November 2, 2026 · Public statement on the record · Democratic caucus leadership vote (secret ballot) · stance: conditional

    “who doesn't sign up to take on some pretty big fights.”

    Summary: Van Hollen said he would not support anyone for Senate leadership who does not sign up to take on some pretty big fights.

    Context: Interview with Lever editor-in-chief David Sirota (Nov. 2, 2026)

    Source: Will The Blue Wave Come For Schumer? (The Lever), published November 3, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

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

    “Look, I think everybody wants to get through this election, and then we'll go from there,”

    Summary: Asked about Schumer, Van Hollen said he did not want to discuss it until after the election.

    Context: Interview with the Associated Press before the Senate recessed to campaign

    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: No verified public position found

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

    • November 18, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored 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 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 · Sponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Sponsored 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

    • June 16, 2026 · Recorded vote · past record, not a current commitment

      Voted Yea on S.J.Res.172, Senate roll 174, 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 174, 119th Congress session 2: S.J.Res.172, On the Motion to Discharge (Motion to Discharge Rejected 47-48) (voteview.com (UCLA, compiled from senate.gov roll calls; senate.gov XML refused automated download)), published June 16, 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 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored 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: No verified public position found

  • 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

Elections: Supports the specific demand

  • A constitutional amendment to end Citizens United: Supports the specific demand

  • Every voter in the country gets the option to vote by mail: Supports the specific demand

    • May 22, 2025 · Cosponsored a bill · past record, not a current commitment

      Cosponsored S.1887 (Vote at Home Act of 2025), 119th Congress.

      Context: Vote at Home Act of 2025 (Senate): no state may restrict voting by mail in federal elections and states must mail ballots to registered voters; a direct match.

      Source: S.1887 - Vote at Home Act of 2025 (119th Congress), bill status and cosponsors (govinfo.gov (GPO bulk BILLSTATUS, the congress.gov bill status record)), published January 23, 2026, checked November 5, 2026

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: No verified public position found

  • A pathway to citizenship for people who already live and work here: No verified public position found

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

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