Ted W. Lieu

Where Lieu stands

Immigration & border

Five years from now, America should have an immigration system that is secure, orderly, humane, and consistent with our values. We need comprehensive immigration reform. That means securing the border and providing the resources needed to process legal immigration efficiently. It means a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other long-term undocumented residents who work hard, pay taxes, and contribute to our communities.

Health care

Healthcare in America is too expensive. Congress should be lowering costs, not taking healthcare away from millions of Americans. First, we need to reverse the disastrous Republican cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. These programs are lifelines for seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families. We should strengthen them, not cut them. We also need to keep driving down prescription drug costs.

Energy & environment

I am honored to represent California’s 36th Congressional District, which will host the Olympic Athletes Village at UCLA and the first LA 28 medal event, the Women’s Triathlon in Venice Beach. Ahead of the Olympics, we must ensure that athletes are able to get to and from their events safely and efficiently. Just as importantly, we must make sure the millions of Angelenos and visitors from around the world attending the Games can reliably travel to the venues while minimizing traffic impacts on Los Angeles County residents.

Energy & environment

No. I strongly oppose expanding offshore oil drilling off California’s coast. Our coastline is an environmental and economic treasure. Offshore drilling puts it at unnecessary risk. We have seen the damage oil spills can cause to our beaches, marine life and coastal communities. And aging offshore infrastructure only increases those risks. I have consistently fought to end offshore drilling in California.

Crime & public safety

A simple drug test can mean the difference between life and death.

Crime & public safety

One of my first ads when I first ran for Congress was about protecting Americans’ privacy rights. Things have only become more complicated when it comes to privacy. New technology does not change our constitutional rights. Surveillance tools can have legitimate public safety uses. But they need clear rules and strong safeguards.

Housing

Affordable housing and homelessness are among the biggest challenges facing our district and state. There simply is not enough housing, and too many families are one unexpected expense away from losing their homes. Congress recently took an important bipartisan step by passing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which I supported.

Foreign policy

As a veteran, I understand the enormous responsibility that comes with sending our troops into harm’s way. There is no more solemn duty for a member of Congress. The United States must stand with our allies and protect our national security. But using military force should always be a last resort. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war for a reason.

Elections, ethics & government

Presidents should not be able to unilaterally put their own name on federal property.

Elections, ethics & government

I believe the public has a right to know when AI has been used to create or materially alter videos or photos used in political ads. Anyone who uses AI-generated images, video, or audio should be required to clearly disclose that fact. We also need strong protections against deceptive deepfakes that falsely depict a candidate saying or doing something they never said or did.

Technology & AI

America should lead the world in AI. But we cannot allow AI companies to run wild or force local communities to bear the costs of that growth. My position is simple: American consumers should be held harmless from higher electricity rates caused by data centers. AI companies have enormous resources. They should help pay for the new energy generation, transmission, and grid upgrades that their data centers require.

Priorities

Southern California is the birthplace of the modern film and television industry. From the movies and television shows that have entertained audiences around the world to the hardworking people behind them, this industry is a vital part of our community and economy.