Chris Van Hollen

Senator Chris Van Hollen takes a progressive stance on economic issues, advocating for policies that aim to create more good-paying jobs, reduce costs for families, and ensure the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share in taxes. He supports raising the minimum wage, strengthening workers' rights, and closing tax loopholes that benefit the wealthy. Overall, Van Hollen's economic policies can be characterized as Somewhat Liberal.
Source: "Jobs, the Economy, and Lowering Costs | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen"

Senator Chris Van Hollen takes a strongly liberal stance on education policy. He is a staunch advocate for fully funding Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background or disability status. Van Hollen has introduced the Keep Our PACT Act to create a 10-year mandatory funding path for these critical programs, which have been chronically underfunded. He also supports expanding early childhood education, community schools, and affordable higher education options. Overall, Van Hollen's education platform aligns with progressive policies aimed at promoting educational equity and opportunity for all students.
Source: [2025-01-31] Van Hollen, Lee Introduce Bill to Fully Fund Title I, IDEA

Senator Chris Van Hollen takes a progressive stance on energy and climate change, advocating for policies that address the climate crisis and promote clean energy solutions. He has introduced legislation to require the largest fossil fuel companies to pay into a Polluters Pay Climate Fund, which would finance efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change. Van Hollen also supports measures to increase energy efficiency, expand renewable energy, and create clean energy jobs. His approach leans towards the liberal end of the spectrum, with a focus on holding polluters accountable and transitioning to a sustainable energy future.
Source: Climate Change and the Environment | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

Senator Chris Van Hollen takes a balanced and pragmatic approach to foreign policy, emphasizing the need for robust diplomacy, strategic foreign aid, and targeted sanctions to address global challenges. He believes in maintaining strong alliances and promoting democracy, human rights, and international cooperation. Van Hollen has worked to hold bad actors accountable, such as North Korea and China, while also supporting efforts to boost American competitiveness and innovation. Overall, his foreign policy stance can be characterized as Somewhat Liberal.
Source: National Security and Foreign Policy | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

Senator Chris Van Hollen believes that government assistance programs should provide a safety net for those in need, while also empowering individuals to become self-sufficient. He supports expanding access to job training, education, and other resources that help people find good-paying jobs and achieve financial independence. Van Hollen's stance on government dependency appears to be Somewhat Liberal, as he advocates for a balanced approach that combines a social safety net with policies that promote economic opportunity and self-reliance.
Source: (About Chris | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen)

Senator Chris Van Hollen is a strong advocate for expanding access to affordable healthcare and protecting the Affordable Care Act. He has worked to lower prescription drug costs, increase funding for medical research, and ensure coverage for pre-existing conditions. Van Hollen's healthcare stance can be considered Somewhat Liberal, as he supports a public option within the ACA exchanges and has pushed for measures to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for all Americans.
Source: The Fight on Health Care

Chris Van Hollen supports comprehensive immigration reform, including providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and TPS recipients, and securing the border through effective measures rather than divisive policies. He has worked to stand up against actions that violate due process and family unity, and believes that embracing immigrant communities is consistent with American values and beneficial for the economy.
Source: Immigration Reform | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

Senator Chris Van Hollen's stance on national security and foreign policy appears to be Somewhat Liberal. He advocates for a balanced approach that utilizes diplomacy, strategic foreign aid, targeted sanctions, and the use of military force only as a last resort. Van Hollen has worked to hold bad actors accountable, protect American interests, and promote peace, democracy, freedom, and human rights globally. He has also pushed for a smarter defense budget that meets security needs while cutting waste and opposing destabilizing nuclear weapons systems.
Source: National Security and Foreign Policy | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

Senator Chris Van Hollen strongly opposes the Republican budget plan, which he says will provide massive tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of vital public services for American families. Van Hollen argues the budget will increase the deficit and debt, while also driving up the cost of living through Trump's tariffs and cuts to agencies like the Social Security Administration. He advocates for a more balanced approach that protects programs like Medicaid and Medicare while ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share.
Source: [2025-04-05] Van Hollen Statement on Passage of Republican Budget...

Chris Van Hollen believes the "War on Drugs" has failed, as it did not stop drug use and was enforced in a discriminatory manner that disproportionately impacted communities of color. He supports treating drug addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one, and has a pro-drug reform stance, including allowing rehabilitated drug offenders to access student loans. Van Hollen's overall stance on drug policy leans Somewhat Liberal.
Source: Senator Chris Van Hollen on X: "The "War on Drugs" failed. It did not stop drug use and was designed & enforced in a manner that had a discriminatory impact on communities of color. This is another step by the Biden Admin to undo harmful policies and establish a fairer justice system. Much work still to do."