Grace Meng — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New York, 2026
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Grace's Positions on Key Issues
Economy
HighGrace Meng supported the 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations bill, which included funding for the Economic Development Administration and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, aiming to create and preserve jobs. She emphasizes the importance of stable employment with wages that support families, stating that the economy functions best by building from the middle out and the bottom up. She also criticized President Trump's 2026 State of the Union for failing to improve economic conditions for families.
“President Trump had an opportunity tonight to unify our country—especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding—and put aside the partisan rhetoric. Instead, he spent nearly two hours spewing lies, stoking hatred, and delivering one of the most divisive presidential addresses in American history. [...] This is all to distract from Trump’s failure to deliver on his campaign promises. He promised to lower prices ‘on day one.’ He pledged to cut electricity costs ‘in half.’ He vowed to usher in a ‘Golden Age of America.’ Yet families across the country continue to struggle, and sixty percent of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders remain pessimistic about the economy and our nation’s future. So, after tonight, the American people should ask themselves a simple question: Is your life better than it was a year ago? If the answer is no, then we must come together and chart a better path forward—one where our families and communities can thrive. CAPAC is committed to leading that charge.” - Grace Meng, CAPAC Chair, Statement on the 2026 State of the Union Address to Congress”
Immigration
HighRepresentative Grace Meng advocates for comprehensive immigration reform to ensure an equitable, functional, and secure system that supports economic competitiveness and national values. She introduced the ICE Badge Visibility Act (H.R.4298) and co-introduced the Language Access for All Act of 2026 to codify language access in federal services. Meng opposes policies that restrict immigrant access to Small Business Administration loans, viewing such actions as harmful to entrepreneurship. She also opposed H.R. 7296, the SAVE America Act, which she stated would disenfranchise minority voters.
“America has long stood as the land of opportunity, where hard work opened the door to a better life for you and your family. The SBA’s decision to deny hard-working legal immigrants the capital they need to start or grow a business will effectively lock millions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) families out of the American Dream. There are more than 3 million AANHPI-owned small businesses across the country that are responsible for nearly a trillion dollars in economic activity. This cruel decision is rooted in xenophobia and will only weaken our economy, hurt job creation, and stifle the spirit of entrepreneurship that makes our country great.” - Grace Meng, CAPAC Chair, Hmong Daily News”
Healthcare
HighGrace Meng voted against H.R. 6703, a bill aimed at lowering healthcare premiums. She criticized cuts to Medicaid, stating they were intended to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest. Meng supported and applauded the House passage of legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, which she argues help 22 million Americans afford health insurance. She advocates for the Senate to renew these ACA tax credits to deliver relief to working families.
““President Trump and Republicans have created a health care crisis, forcing millions of hardworking Americans to pay double, triple, or even quadruple more for health care premiums as they allowed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to expire,” said CAPAC Chair Meng. “However, thanks to the efforts of House Democrats and a few Republicans, we have advanced legislation that would restore the ACA tax credits that help people afford health insurance, including the 1.5 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who receive coverage through the ACA. The Senate must take up this bill immediately to reverse these outrageous premium hikes and deliver relief to working families across the country.” (Grace Meng, CAPAC Press Release, applauding House passage of ACA tax credits extension)”
Climate & Energy
MediumGrace Meng scored 97% in 2024 and 98% lifetime with the League of Conservation Voters, and was endorsed by the LCV Action Fund as a House Champion. She voted Nay on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. She also supports ambitious climate jobs programs, such as the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act, and strong wildlife and public land protections. This indicates a consistent focus on environmental and climate initiatives.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
MediumRepresentative Grace Meng is endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All, an organization dedicated to securing reproductive freedom and electing supporters of abortion rights. She voted in favor of restoring abortion access. She also co-signed a letter and a press release with other members of Congress to advocate against cuts to international family planning and reproductive health programs and to reverse threats to reproductive freedoms globally.
Foreign Policy
HighRepresentative Grace Meng supported the 2026 National Security Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act, stating it helps make the country and world safer, stronger, and more prosperous. She advocates for U.S. investment in global health, asserting that the nation cannot ignore international affairs. Additionally, she co-led a letter demanding answers regarding the waste of taxpayer-funded health supplies intended for international use.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 2026 National Security Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act. America is at a fork in the road in our international affairs. Over the past year, our soft power has been decimated. Millions of people in need have been recklessly cut off from vital assistance. While this bill won't write every wrong, it represents Democrats and Republicans reaching an agreement that asserts Congress's authority, pushes back against this administration's overreach, and stands up for proven policies that have made our country and world safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” — Rep. Grace Meng, House Floor Remarks, January 15, 2026.”
Education
HighGrace Meng advocates for international basic education, viewing it as a fundamental right crucial for reducing poverty and fostering peace. She co-led a bipartisan resolution emphasizing continued U.S. leadership in global education efforts. Meng also introduced the Language Access for All Act to codify translation services for federal programs, aiming to ensure equal access for individuals with limited English proficiency. Additionally, she sought increased mobile library services for the Rego Park Library.
““Every American deserves equal access to federal services and programs in a language they can understand. Language access is essential to ensure individuals are able to access small business loans or receive the right medical care,” said Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, on January 23, 2026, when introducing the Language Access for All Act.”
Gun Policy
MediumGrace Meng voted against H.R. 2189, known as the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, which sought to modernize federal firearms laws. She also voted against H.Res. 1042, a resolution for the consideration of H.R. 2189. In February 2026, Representative Meng introduced the Uniform Standards for Federal Law Enforcement Act, aiming to codify a clear use of force policy for federal law enforcement.
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