Editing Max Baucus (section)

==Political positions==

[[File:MAXWH.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Senator [[Chuck Grassley]] (left) and Representative [[E. Clay Shaw Jr.|E. Clay Shaw]] (right) with Baucus at the [[White House]]]]

As a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] member of the Senate, Baucus was conservative,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dscc.org/content?content_item_KEY=1448|title=Biography of Senator Max Baucus|publisher=Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee|access-date=2009-05-11}}</ref> and frequently broke with his party on the issues of [[Taxes in the United States|taxes]], the [[Environmental policy of the United States|environment]], health care, and [[Gun politics in the United States|gun control]]. The web site That's My Congress gives him a 23 percent rating on progressive issues it tracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thatsmycongress.com/senate/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213140716/http://thatsmycongress.com/senate/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 13, 2009|title=Progressive Rankings and Contact Information for Members of the Senate in the 111th Congress|access-date=2009-09-30}}</ref> [[NARAL Pro-Choice America]]'s [[political action committee]] endorsed Baucus during his [[United States Senate election in Montana, 2008|2008 election]] campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/elections/pro-choice-winners.html |title=Winning Pro-Choice Candidates |publisher=NARAL Pro-Choice America |access-date=2009-05-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506185441/http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/elections/pro-choice-winners.html |archive-date=May 6, 2009 }}</ref>

===Civil rights===

The [[American Civil Liberties Union]] rated Baucus at 60 percent in December 2002, indicating a mixed [[civil rights]] voting record.<ref name="oti">{{Cite journal |title=Max Baucus on Civil Rights |url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Max_Baucus_Civil_Rights.htm |journal=[[On the Issues]] |date=2009-09-01 |access-date=2009-09-16 }}</ref>

====LGBT rights====

In 2006, the [[Human Rights Campaign]] (HRC) gave Baucus a 67% overall rating indicating having a mixed record on voting for gay rights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Notebook/Note_06n-HRC.htm|title=Public Notes on 06n-HRC|website=www.ontheissues.org|access-date=2018-08-23}}</ref> In 1996 Baucus voted in favor of the [[Defense of Marriage Act]] (DOMA) which prohibited "marriage between members of the same sex in federal law, and provide that no state is required to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states" and defined marriage as being between a single man and a single woman.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Max_Baucus_Civil_Rights.htm#06n-HRC|title=Max Baucus on Civil Rights|website=www.ontheissues.org|access-date=2018-08-23}}</ref> However, in 2004 he voted against the [[Federal Marriage Amendment|proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/7773|title=The Voter's Self Defense System|website=Vote Smart|language=en-US|access-date=2018-08-23}}</ref> and in June 2012, he definitively spoke out in support for [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Charles S. Johnson|url=http://m.helenair.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/montana-democrats-endorse-same-sex-marriage/article_b17b1846-b2bb-11e1-ae1c-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Max Baucus on his position on Marriage Equality|publisher=M.helenair.com|date=2012-06-10|access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref> He has supported measures to curb job discrimination and hate crimes based on [[sexual orientation]]. He voted in favor of the [[Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00281 |title=United States Senate Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Roll Call |publisher=Senate.gov |access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref>

====Tobacco tax extension====

In 2012, Baucus added to a transportation bill in Congress that extended the regulations covering cigarette manufacturers to "roll your own cigarette" stores that operate mass cigarette rolling machines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lvrj.com/business/roll-your-own-cigarette-operations-to-be-snuffed-out-161539845.html |title=Roll-your-own cigarette operations to be snuffed out|publisher=Lvrj.com|access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref>

====Voting rights for Washington, D.C.====

Baucus voted against giving voting representation to the District of Columbia.<ref>{{cite web | title = Project Vote Smart – Senator Max S. Baucus Voting Record | work = Project Vote Smart | url = http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=53315 | access-date = 12 June 2010}}</ref>

===Economic issues===

[[File:Baucus Geithner 4.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Baucus (foreground) meets with [[Secretary of Treasury]] nominee [[Timothy Geithner]] (left) in 2008]]

Baucus has a 74% pro-business voting record as rated by the [[United States Chamber of Commerce]]. He twice voted to make filing [[bankruptcy]] more difficult for debtors,<ref name="Max Baucus on the issues">{{cite web|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Max_Baucus.htm|title=Max Baucus on the issues|publisher=OnTheIssues.org|access-date=June 5, 2009}}</ref> once in July 2001 to restrict rules on [[personal bankruptcy]], and a second time in March 2005 to include means-testing and restrictions for bankruptcy filers. He has frequently visited places of employment within the state and has personally participated in activities that he calls "Work Days".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://baucus.senate.gov/about/values.cfm |title=Congressional website |publisher=Baucus.senate.gov |access-date=2012-10-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926191626/http://baucus.senate.gov/about/values.cfm |archive-date=2007-09-26 }}</ref>

Baucus voted for the [[Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001|Bush tax cuts]] in 2001. He has usually voted against repealing portions of that bill and against repealing more recent tax cut bills that benefit upper income taxpayers. In 2008, he voted in favor of permanently repealing the [[estate tax]].<ref name="Max Baucus on the issues"/>

In March 2005, Baucus voted against repealing tax subsidies benefiting companies that [[outsourcing|outsource]] U.S. jobs offshore. On January 4, 2007, he wrote an editorial in the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' calling on Democrats to renew President [[George W. Bush]]'s fast-track authority for international trade deals.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116787470676166607?mod=todays_us_opinion |title = A Democratic Trade Agenda |work = The Wall Street Journal |author = Max Baucus |date = 4 January 2007 |access-date = 6 June 2009 }}</ref> In response, the Montana State Senate passed a resolution, 44-6, "that the U.S. Congress be urged to create a replacement for the outdated fast track system".<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aAu.irc2WjF0 |title = Baucus Told by Montana Legislature to Oppose New Trade Measure |work = Bloomberg.com |author = Mark Drajem  |date = 27 February 2007 |access-date = 6 June 2009 }}</ref>

On October 27, 2009, he introduced the [[Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009]] to Congress together with Representative [[Charles Rangel]].

On August 9, 2011, [[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Majority Leader]] [[Harry Reid]] appointed Baucus to the [[United States Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Walsh|first=Deirdre|title=Reid taps Sen. Murray to co-chair debt committee|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/08/09/debt.committee.appointments/index.html?eref=rss_topstories|access-date=9 August 2011|newspaper=CNN|date=August 10, 2011}}</ref>

===Environmental issues===

Baucus's environmental record in Congress was mixed. He supported Democratic leadership in voting against oil and gas subsidies and [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]] drilling, as well as by voting in favor of national standards to reduce oil consumption and spur the use of [[hydrogen-powered car]]s. But he voted against the [[corporate average fuel economy]] standards (CAFE) and on increasing federal funds for [[solar power|solar]] and [[wind power]]. He was a leader in the massive [[Montana Legacy Project]] conservation project. The [[League of Conservation Voters]] (LCV) gave Baucus a 79% rating for 2012; Baucus's lifetime LCV rating is 68%. {{citation needed|date=November 2013}}

===Foreign affairs===
====Cuba====

As a senator, Baucus opposed the [[United States embargo against Cuba]] and travel restrictions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/07/politics/07cuba.html |author=Christopher Marquis |work=New York Times |date=2004-05-07 |quote=Senator Max Baucus{{spaces}}... said the new plan amounted to a misuse of taxpayer money: 'At a time when the United States faces very real terrorist threats in the Middle East and elsewhere, the administration's absurd and increasingly bizarre obsession with Cuba is more than just a shame, it's a dangerous diversion from reality.'|title=Bush Proposes a Plan to Aid Opponents of Castro in Cuba |access-date=May 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516055455/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/07/politics/07cuba.html |archive-date=May 16, 2013 }}</ref>

====Iraq War====

Baucus voted for the [[Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002]]. He voted with a majority of Democrats against Senator [[John Kerry]]'s amendment stipulating a firm deadline for [[Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq (2007–2011)|withdrawal of American combat personnel]] from [[Iraq]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/109/senate/2/votes/181/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=May 12, 2010 |title=109th Congress, 2nd session, Senate vote 181}}</ref>

On July 29, 2006,<ref>[http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/breaking_news/15173991.htm Sun Herald news report]{{dead link|date=October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14140498 |title=Montana senator's nephew dies in Iraq |publisher=NBC News |date=2006-01-08 |access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref> Baucus's nephew [[United States Marine Corps|Marine]] Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus was killed in combat in [[Al Anbar Governorate]]. Phillip, a 28-year-old resident of [[Wolf Creek, Montana]], had been a member of the [[3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion]], [[1st Marine Division (United States)|1st Marine Division]], [[I Marine Expeditionary Force]].<ref>[http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=9799 DefenseLink: "DoD Identifies Marine Casualty"]</ref>

On January 10, 2007, the day of President Bush's address on his [[Iraq War troop surge of 2007|plan to increase troop levels]] in Iraq, Baucus spoke against the increases and called for a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.workingforchange.com/blog/index.cfm?mode=entry&entry=0D157470-E0C3-F090-A6CADAAEE8EEBF77|title=Today, I am proud Max Baucus is my U.S. Senator|author=David Sirota|publisher=[[Working Assets|Working for Change]]|date=January 10, 2007|access-date=2007-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121174440/http://www.workingforchange.com/blog/index.cfm?mode=entry&entry=0D157470-E0C3-F090-A6CADAAEE8EEBF77|archive-date=January 21, 2007|author-link=David Sirota}}</ref>

====Israel====

Baucus was one of the Senate's largest career recipients of [[Israel lobby in the United States|pro-Israel]] [[Political action committee|Political Action Committee]] (PAC) contributions, receiving $550,589 since 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/industries.php?cycle=Career&cid=N00004643 |title=Max Baucus: Campaign Finance/Money – Industries – Career |publisher=OpenSecrets |date=2010-08-01 |access-date=2010-08-29}}</ref>

====Japan====

Baucus went on a trade mission in Japan, inspecting the [[Tesla Motors]] facility in Tokyo, saying "Tesla is a great example of how exports and trade help the U.S. economy and create good-paying jobs at home in America. Our trade ties overseas help Tesla sell a world-class product that's manufactured in the U.S. by top-notch American workers," Baucus said. "There are millions of consumers in Japan and across the Pacific ready to buy more American-made goods, and we can continue to open those markets and boost U.S. exports with an aggressive trade agenda."<ref name=Equities.com>{{cite web|title= Baucus Sees U.S. Export Success Story at Tesla Motors in Tokyo|url=http://www.equities.com/news/headline-story?dt=2012-08-25&val=415136&cat=energy|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122050932/http://www.equities.com/news/headline-story?dt=2012-08-25&val=415136&cat=energy|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2013|work=Equities.com|access-date=September 2, 2012}}</ref>

====Vietnam====

On July 14, 2009, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' published an editorial on Baucus's attitude over Vietnam's "[[tra fish|tra]]" and "[[Basa fish|basa]]" [[pangasius]], saying there was no reason for America to launch a [[trade war]] with [[Vietnam]] over [[fish]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124753151017535963 |title=Max Baucus's Fish Sense |publisher=WSJ |date=2009-07-14 |access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref><ref>[http://www.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Khong-co-ly-do-gi-ve-ca-tra-basa-Viet-Nam/20097/10881.vnplus Không có lý do gì về cá tra, basa Việt Nam] {{in lang|vi}}</ref> "He's dead right about a trade issue now percolating in Washington," said the newspaper. The article, entitled "Max Baucus's Fish Sense{{snd}}Protectionism often hurts the protectionist", outlined this controversial topic in Washington and underlined the possibility that the [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]] could effectively ban imports from Vietnam of pangasius fish, which are similar to U.S.-produced [[catfish]].<ref>[http://english.vietnamnet.vn/biz/2009/07/858241/ US Senator warns against trade barriers to Vietnam's fish] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718040424/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/biz/2009/07/858241/ |date=July 18, 2009 }}</ref>

The ostensible reason for the move would be food safety and the USDA is considering whether Vietnamese fish should be subject to a stricter safety inspection regime. But the article noted that there have been no reported cases of Vietnamese fish making American consumers sick and the proposed inspections would be onerous.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/US-senator-protests-over-ban-on-Vietnams-fish/20097/105923.vov|title=US senator protests over ban on Vietnam's fish|publisher=vovnews.vn|access-date=2012-10-19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727023724/http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/US-senator-protests-over-ban-on-Vietnams-fish/20097/105923.vov|archive-date=2011-07-27}}</ref> It quoted Baucus as telling ''Congress Daily'', "If we expect other countries to follow the rules and drop these restrictions, it is critical that we play by the rules and do not block imports for arbitrary or unscientific reasons."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_fcbfd3ec-f7a8-5dd1-851f-889361d3c2a7.html|title=Catfish fight could hurt beef producers|publisher=Billingsgazette.com|date=2009-06-27|access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref>

===Gun policy===

In 1994, Baucus cast a pivotal vote in favor of Senator [[Dianne Feinstein]]'s (D-CA) "Assault Weapons" Ban.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pro-gun-voters-put-heat-on-democratic-senators/ | work=Fox News | title=Pro-gun voters put heat on Democratic senators | date=March 9, 2013}}</ref> In 2013, Baucus was one of four Democrats to vote against the [[Joe Manchin|Manchin]]-[[Pat Toomey|Toomey]] Amendment to expand [[background check]]s for potential gun buyers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Senate rejects gun background checks|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/04/17/guns-background-checks-manchin-senate/2090105/|work=USA Today|access-date=April 19, 2013|first1=Gregory|last1=Korte|first2=Catalina|last2=Camia|date=April 17, 2013}}</ref> He is an avid hunter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mtoutlaw.com/baucus/|title=Max Baucus Finally Walks Home}}</ref>

In 1999, Baucus was the only Democrat to vote against an amendment by Senator [[Frank Lautenberg]] (D-[[New Jersey|NJ]]) that sought to "regulate the sale of firearms at gun shows"— after the [[Columbine High School massacre]].<ref name=stir/>

In 2014,  he cast one of only four Democratic votes against universal [[Gun show loophole|gun show background checks]].<ref name=stir>[https://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/max-baucus-stirring-controversy-on-all-sides-090295 "Baucus stirs controversy on all sides,"] ''Politico''.</ref> The [[Progressive Change Campaign Committee]] ran ads in Montana saying: "Senator Baucus, it was WRONG to vote 'no' on stopping gun violence. 79% of Montana voters support background checks. Stand with us, not gun manufacturers."<ref name=we>[https://theweek.com/articles/465220/why-liberals-are-glad-sen-max-baucus-retiring "Why liberals are glad Sen. Max Baucus is retiring,"] ''The Week''.</ref> The group planned to spend money to unseat Baucus over his vote on gun control in the 2014 election, but he chose not to seek reelection.<ref name=we/>

===Health care reform===

{{See also|America's Healthy Future Act}}

In 2013, Baucus was criticized for his comments concerning the implementation of Obamacare provisions specifically stating it could turn into a "train-wreck". He feared that the changes and their specific implementations would have a negative impact on small business owners stating "When I am home, small businesses have no idea what to do, what to expect. They don't know what affordability rules are; they don't know when penalties may apply. They just don't know.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/article/2013/aug/06/context-obamacare-train-wreck/|title=In Context: Obamacare|work=PolitiFact Wisconsin|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/147928-baucus-warns-of-huge-train-wreck-enacting-obamacare-provisions/|title=Baucus warns of 'huge train wreck' enacting ObamaCare provisions|last=Baker|first=Sam|date=2013-04-17|work=TheHill|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en}}</ref> While Baucus was very supportive of the intent of the new legislation saying "I spent two years of my life working on the Affordable Care Act. There is nothing I want more than for it to succeed," he was very critical of the resulting rollout.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://swampland.time.com/2013/11/06/obamacare-architect-slams-health-care-law-rollout/|title=Obamacare Architect Slams Health Care Law Rollout|last=Pickert|first=Kate|magazine=Time|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en-US|issn=0040-781X}}</ref>

====Senate finance committee====

As chairman of the [[Senate Finance Committee]], Baucus called the first Senate meeting of interested parties before the committee to discuss [[Health care reform in the United States|health care reform]], including representatives from pharmaceutical groups, insurance companies, and HMOs and hospital management companies. Some viewed the meeting as controversial because it did not include representatives from groups calling for [[single-payer health care]].

====Opposition to single payer health care====

Advocate groups attended a Senate Finance Committee meeting in May 2009 to protest their exclusion as well as statements by Baucus that "single payer was not an option on the table." Baucus later had eight protesters removed by police who arrested them for disrupting the hearing. Many of the single-payer advocates said it was a "[[pay to play]]" event.<ref name=schultz>[http://www.edschultzshow.com/videoblog/details.asp?BID=111]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} MSNBC The Ed Show: Is Single payer on or off the table?</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=3665Single-payer|title=Doctors Protest Exclusion of Single-Payer at Senate Finance Committee|date=2009-05-05|publisher=The Real News Network|access-date=2009-05-11}}</ref><ref>[http://blog.sustainablemiddleclass.com/?p=1105 "Polls Show Strong Support for Single-Payer Health Program"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611022707/http://blog.sustainablemiddleclass.com/?p=1105 |date=2009-06-11 }}. Sustainable Middle Class (citing 2009 polls by CNN and CBS News/NYT). Retrieved on July 22, 2009.</ref> A representative of the [[Business Roundtable]], which includes 35 memberships of [[health maintenance organization]]s, health insurance and [[pharmaceutical]] companies, admitted that other countries, with lower health costs, and higher quality of care, such as those with [[single-payer health care|single-payer]] systems, have a competitive advantage over the United States with its [[privatization|private system]].<ref name=rn_sh>{{cite web|url=http://www.healthcare-now.org/real-news-network-single-payer-advocates-protest-senate-hearing-video/|title=Real News Network: Single-payer advocates protest Senate hearing (Video)|date=May 7, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015184711/http://www.healthcare-now.org/real-news-network-single-payer-advocates-protest-senate-hearing-video/|archive-date=October 15, 2009}}</ref>

At the next meeting on health care reform of the Senate Finance Committee, Baucus had five more doctors and nurses removed and arrested.<ref>[http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/05/14/news/state/20-health.txt Health care reform advocates get arrested while protesting] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518153544/http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/05/14/news/state/20-health.txt |date=May 18, 2009 }}, The Billings Gazette</ref><ref>[https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h7ew3LLepcTvECvIELrvXJ77lT_AD984OQPO3 Police eject protesters from Senate health hearing]{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, The Associated Press</ref><ref>[http://www.singlepayeraction.org/blog/?p=690 Make it the Baucus 13] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726055924/http://www.singlepayeraction.org/blog/?p=690 |date=2011-07-26 }}, Single Payer Action</ref> Baucus admitted a few weeks later in June 2009 that it was a mistake to rule out a single payer plan<ref name="nytimes.com">Herszenhorn, David (June 23, 2009). [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/us/politics/24baucus.html?_r=2&hp=&pagewanted=all "Baucus Grabs Pacesetter Role on Health Bill"]. NYT. Retrieved on July 22, 2009.</ref> because doing so alienated a large, vocal constituency and left President [[Barack Obama]]'s proposal of a [[Public health insurance option|public health plan]] to compete with private insurers as the most liberal position.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> Obama expressed deep frustration with Baucus regarding negotiations over the Affordable Care Act saying "A part of me wanted to get up, grab Baucus by the shoulders, and shake him till he came to his senses."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Obama |first1=Barack |title=A President Looks Back on His Toughest Fight |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/11/02/barack-obama-new-book-excerpt-promised-land-obamacare |access-date=27 August 2021 |magazine=The New Yorker |date=November 2, 2020}}</ref>

Baucus has used the term "uniquely American solution" to describe the end point of current health reform and has said he believes America is not ready yet for any form of single payer health care. This is the same term the insurance trade association, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), is using. AHIP has launched the Campaign for an American Solution, which argues for the use of private health insurance instead of a government backed program.<ref name="cjr.org"/> Critics have said [[Medicare (United States)|Medicare]] is already effectively a single-payer system.<ref>[http://www.democracynow.org/2009/5/13/baucus_raucus_caucus_doctors_nurses_and Baucus's Raucous Caucus: Doctors, Nurses and Activists Arrested Again for Protesting Exclusion of Single-Payer Advocates at Senate Hearing on Health Care], Democracy Now</ref>

Years after his departure from the Senate, Baucus said it would make sense to seriously consider a single-payer system.<ref>Gail Schontzler. [http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/montana_state_university/baucus-backs-single-payer-health-system/article_e481abc1-3bf0-55f2-a49e-c9786a1f11a6.html Baucus backs single-payer health system]. Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 8 Sept 2017.</ref>