Michael F. Bennet

Where Michael stands

Positions inferred from the public record. Each one shows our confidence level — and when the evidence isn't there, we say so.

• What should the federal government's overall approach to taxes and spending be?

  Clear record

  Raise taxes on high earners to fund expanded programs

  Lower taxes, smaller governmentHigher taxes, expanded programs

  Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act's 15% corporate minimum tax and stock buyback excise tax (2022).

  Source →

• How should Social Security and Medicare be changed, if at all?

  Some evidence

  Lift the payroll tax cap on high earners to fully fund current benefits

  Reduce or restructure benefitsExpand benefits

  Cosponsored Social Security 2100 framework proposals to lift the payroll tax cap on high earners.

• What should the federal government's role be in setting wages and protecting workers?

  Some evidence

  Modestly raise the federal minimum wage and update labor standards

  Less federal labor regulationStronger federal worker protections

  Supported gradual federal minimum wage increases via the FY2022 budget framework.

• How should the federal government structure healthcare coverage and costs?

  Clear record

  Keep and strengthen the ACA; add a public option for those who want it

  Market-based, private insuranceSingle-payer government insurance

  Voted for IRA ACA premium subsidy extensions (2022); has sponsored public option legislation.

  Source →

• How should the federal government address climate change and energy policy?

  Clear record

  Set aggressive emissions targets with binding federal requirements

  Prioritize energy production and affordabilityRapid transition off fossil fuels

  Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act's $369B in climate investments (2022).

  Source →

• What should federal abortion policy be?

  Some evidence

  Federal protection up to viability (~24 weeks) with later-term exceptions

  Federal restrictions on abortionFederal protection for abortion access

  Supported the Women's Health Protection Act to codify Roe-era protections after Dobbs.

• What should federal firearms policy be?

  Clear record

  Strengthen background checks and red flag laws

  Expand firearm rightsExpand firearm restrictions

  Voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (2022) expanding under-21 background checks.

  Source →

• What should US immigration policy be?

  Clear record

  Pair stronger border security with expanded legal immigration pathways

  Reduced immigration, stricter enforcementExpanded immigration, humane policy

  Voted for the Laken Riley Act (2025); long-tenured Gang of Eight comprehensive reform supporter.

  Source →

• How should the federal government approach criminal justice and policing?

  Some evidence

  Modest reforms: training standards, body cameras, sentencing review

  Stronger enforcement, expanded authorityDecarceration and federal reform

  Supported the EQUAL Act to end the crack-powder cocaine sentencing disparity.

• How should the federal government approach democratic institutions and elections?

  Some evidence

  Pass federal voting access protections and ban partisan gerrymandering

  Cosponsored the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.