Rosa Delauro — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Connecticut, 2026

Rosa DeLauro advocates for the reform and overhaul of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), explicitly stating she will not vote to abolish the agency. She led Catholic Democratic members of Congress in outlining principles on immigration, affirming the dignity of human life and the right to migrate while recognizing a nation's right to regulate its borders humanely. She voted against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that included funding for ICE, citing concerns about the agency being 'lawless'.

““I want to have an agency that is overhauled,” DeLauro said. “That is what I will work for. I will continue to work for and speak loud and clear about it, which I believe I have. ... But, on the issue of abolishing ICE? “It’s not doable.”” — Rep. Rosa DeLauro, at a meeting with faith leaders in Hamden, February 6, 2026 (ctmirror.org, ctpublic.org)”

Rosa DeLauro opposed the fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill, stating it would increase healthcare costs and harm working-class families. She advocated for extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which benefit over 143,000 Connecticut residents, to maintain healthcare affordability. DeLauro also supported a bipartisan funding package that included allocations for rural health and community health centers, while rejecting cuts to federal health programs.

“This 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill only deepens the harm wrought on the middle class, working class, and vulnerable Americans. I cannot support this never-ending attack on our health care and public school systems and our workers. I urge my colleagues to vote no. Thank you, and I yield back." - Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Statement at the Subcommittee Markup of the 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill (Source: democrats-appropriations.house.gov)”

Rosa DeLauro supports increased funding for environmental protection and climate resilience. She voted for the fiscal year 2026 appropriations package that allocates nearly $9 billion for the EPA and boosts funding for the Army Corps of Engineers by $2 billion to strengthen water infrastructure and climate resilience. The package also protects national parks and public lands by denying new oil and gas leasing and safeguarding endangered species. Her voting record consistently shows support for pro-environment measures.

“I am proud of this package, though it is only the first step. However, ongoing conversations over the remaining six bills have been productive, and negotiations are progressing at a pace that is very encouraging. As of this evening, I am confident we will be able to complete our work and avoid any kind of continuing resolution prior to the January 30th deadline. That is a testament to the ability of our Ranking Members, the Committee staff, and of course, Chairman Cole and our counterparts in the Majority. This bill is a reasonable compromise. I will vote for it, and I will be proud to do so. Thank you." - Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member Statement to House Rules Committee in Support of Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; Interior and Environment Appropriations Package, 2026”

Rosa DeLauro has consistently voted against legislation restricting abortion access, including measures to ban federal health coverage for abortion and limit interstate transport of minors for abortion. In 2026, she opposed funding bills that contained provisions targeting abortion rights and reproductive healthcare, citing concerns about undermining the healthcare system. She also introduced an amendment to prevent the defunding of population programs, advocating for gender equality in healthcare as a matter of human rights. She holds a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and is endorsed by EMILY's List.

“I cannot support this never-ending attack on our health care and public school systems and our workers. I urge my colleagues to vote no. - Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Statement at the Subcommittee Markup of the 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill, House Appropriations Committee, 2026.”

Rosa DeLauro supported the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, citing its investments in Connecticut’s economy, job creation, and strengthening the defense industrial base. She also backed outbound investment screening requirements to prevent U.S. capital from aiding the Chinese Communist Party’s agenda. DeLauro opposes abolishing ICE, advocating for its reform and supported conditional DHS funding to cut enforcement and reduce detention beds. She also criticized President Trump's military action in Iran, expressing concern about a prolonged war.

“I supported the National Defense Authorization Act which makes major investments in Connecticut’s economy, creates jobs in our communities, and strengthens our defense industrial base. I also celebrate the inclusion of outbound investment screening requirements, a major priority of mine for years. We cannot allow U.S. capital and capabilities to fuel the Chinese Communist Party’s agenda. - Rosa DeLauro, Statement on Vote to Pass 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (2026)”

Rosa DeLauro strongly opposes the fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill, urging colleagues to vote against it. She argues the bill's proposed $12 billion cut to the Department of Education, including $4.7 billion from Title I, would harm public schools, students, and teachers, undermining the American Dream. She emphasizes the critical importance of public education for future generations. Additionally, she supports continuing education through the "Rosa DeLauro and Tom Cole GLOBAL Advancement Awards."

“I cannot support this never-ending attack on our health care and public school systems and our workers. I urge my colleagues to vote no. - Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member Statement at the Subcommittee Markup of the 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill (2026)”

Representative Rosa DeLauro consistently supports gun safety measures, evidenced by her vote in favor of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022. She voted against H.Res. 1042, which aimed to modernize federal firearms laws, and criticized a proposal to weaken gun trafficking efforts, stating it would reduce ATF support for law enforcement. DeLauro has also repeatedly introduced Ethan’s Law to mandate secure firearm storage, emphasizing children’s health and safety.

““The proposal will weaken our ability to stop gun trafficking, and it will greatly reduce ATF support for state and local law enforcement,” Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said during the June 24 hearing. “It’s a bad proposal.””