January 07, 2023

New Democrat Coalition Chair Kuster on the Start of the 118th Congress & Republican Speaker Election

Washington, D.C. – Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the start of the 118th Congress and the chaos surrounding the Republican Speaker election: 

“For more than 25 years, New Dems have worked to break through the gridlock in Washington to deliver real results for the American people. That’s exactly what we did in the 117th Congress, and we will continue that commitment in the 118th. 

“Unfortunately, House Republicans’ failure to quickly organize has delayed this essential work, hurting our nation, and the American people in the process. But now with a Speaker in place, New Dems are ready to get to work. 

“As we move forward, nothing will become law in the 118th Congress without New Dems at the table. Our Members will work with anyone to get things done and there is so much to fight for. This Congress, we must take action to lower costs for hard working Americans, strengthen our workforce, reform our immigration system, expand childcare, and more. New Dems are committed to advancing commonsense and bipartisan legislation to answer these critical challenges.

“While our ultimate goal is to find common ground, we will also stand our ground when it comes to protecting fundamental American values and our democracy. 

“In the last election, the American people rejected Republican extremism and sent mainstream Democrats back to Congress. It’s clear Republicans have failed to learn this lesson. And, regrettably, it appears the new Speaker will be even more beholden to the most extreme elements of the Republican party. 

“That’s why New Dems will work as hard as we can to make progress when possible while working every day to win back the House in 2024.”

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Press Contact

CONTACT: Emma Weir, emma.weir@mail.house.gov



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