Candidate Positions

Original source: http://www.speculativebubble.com/politics/christopher-dodd.php

SEN. DODD: Yes, I disagree. I think it’s a huge issue here. The fact of the matter is we’re exporting a lot of valuable jobs in this country and we shouldn’t be doing it. I offered legislation that was passed that prohibited the Defense Department for outsourcing contracts, going off our shores here when many hard-working Americans ought to be allowed to do those jobs.

I talked earlier about providing tax incentives. When you have people literally driving to the international airports to fly to some country to provide some funding for a local project in those nations, bypassing the very communities that could very well use those kind of jobs and economic growth, that is wrong. I will continue to do what I can to see to it that we limit outsourcing American jobs.

Original source: http://www.chrisdodd.com/node/1286

…That may be the case with Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.), whose plan to tackle climate change involves a bold move for any politician: a new tax — in this case, on carbon emissions. “You cannot be serious about acting on the urgent threat of global warming, about making us less captive to Middle East oil, or investing in renewable energy, unless you have a corporate carbon tax that eliminates the last incentive there is to pollute — that it’s cheaper,” Mr. Dodd said in a speech last month. He would spend the $50 billion in annual revenue on research into renewable technologies. And he would couple the tax with legislation to mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and raise automobile fuel economy standards to 50 miles per gallon by 2017…..

Original source: http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/06/12/senate.education/index.html

“By an 80 percent margin, Americans prefer investment in public schools to vouchers, said Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Connecticut, citing exit polls from last November’s election.

Original source: http://www1.wsvn.com/news/articles/voice_your_choice/MI44317/

Gun Control: Voted for ban on assault-type weapons and to require background checks at gun shows. Favored leaving gun-makers and dealers open to civil suits.

Original source: http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3824

I agree with the President’s stated goal of achieving comprehensive immigration reform this year. With over 12 million undocumented workers in our country, the American people expect Congress and this administration to find a workable solution to this longstanding problem - one that protects American jobs and security while providing a pathway to earned citizenship for undocumented workers, many of whom play an important role in our economy. Unfortunately, last year, efforts to pass an immigration reform bill were blocked by the Republican-controlled House. In this Congress, we have an opportunity and an obligation to tackle this issue head-on on a bi-partisan basis. But without Presidential leadership, comprehensive reform will not be possible. Hopefully, this time the President will have the courage to stand up to members of his own party who fought against reform last year.

Original source: http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3274&pr=press/Speeches/107_01/0905.htm

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS: HEARING ON STEM CELL RESEARCH
Statement of Senator Chris Dodd

September 5, 2001

“For months, we have heard from scientists, bioethicists, religious leaders, and fellow citizens. Their sentiments have often differed, but they have reflected our collective thought process. We have learned about the tremendous potential of stem cells to give new hope for therapies and possible cures for some of the most debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes. In fact, earlier this year, Israeli scientists coaxed some human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells. While this is an early development, imagine what this could mean in the fight against juvenile diabetes. And, just this week, we read about University of Wisconsin researchers who have coaxed human embryonic stem cells into blood-making cells.

“At the same time, we have been challenged by the deeply held convictions of stem cell research opponents. Weighing the suffering caused by juvenile diabetes and the possibility of lessening that against what some believe to be nascent life, is a terribly complex issue. Ethically, morally, and legislatively. The debate is being held around our nation, and I am pleased to have the discussion brought here today.

“As of August 9th, under the President’s proposal, only research on stem cell lines already in existence may be funded with federal dollars. The President has said that taxpayer money should only be used in cases where the life or death decision has already been made. Again, I understand and respect the convictions of those who oppose federal funding for stem cell research on the basis that it destroys embryos, but I wonder if that decision has been any less determined in the case of the thousands of frozen embryos in fertility clinics due to otherwise be destroyed.

 Original source: http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3838

“Throughout my career I have believed that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare. I am deeply troubled by today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the Partial Birth Abortion Act of 2003, a decision which will needlessly endanger women’s health throughout the country.  I voted against this legislation in 2003 because it did not include an exception to allow this type of medical procedure when a mother’s health is at risk.  In overturning long-standing Supreme Court precedent, today’s decision will create uncertainty throughout the country for women and doctors on what medical procedures are legal, and will undermine their ability to decide what is most appropriate for a patient’s health, free from politics.  While I am disappointed by today’s decision by the Supreme Court, it has renewed my pledge to continue to support a woman’s right to reproductive choice.”