February 14, 2019

New Democrat Coalition Chair Statement on Conference Committee Bill to Keep Government Open, Fund Key Priorities

New Democrat Coalition Chair Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) released the following statement after the bipartisan, bicameral legislation to keep the federal government open and fund key national priorities passed the House of Representatives:

“This legislation represents a true bipartisan compromise that keeps our government open and upholds our nation’s values. While it is not the agreement Democrats would have written on our own, it represents the best possible deal to responsibly fund our government and secure our border.

“Rather than funding for an ineffective border wall, this bill prioritizes border security funding for methods and technologies that have been proven effective. Experts have said, and an overwhelming majority of Americans agree, that a medieval style wall is a waste of money and it is not reflective of our values. This bill also rejects irresponsible budget cuts and instead invests billions more dollars in important New Dem priorities like funding for economic development assistance programs, environmental protection, and transportation infrastructure.

“The New Democrat Coalition believes the challenges ahead are too great for Members of Congress to let partisanship prevent us from working together to find common ground. I thank all the conferees, particularly the House Democratic conferees, for their commitment to forging a bipartisan consensus to fund government, invest in our priorities, and keep our country safe. It’s about time Congress get to work on more legislative priorities that will strengthen our families, communities, and economy.”

Earlier today, New Democrat Coalition Leadership Members, Reps. Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Scott Peters (CA-52), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Pete Aguilar (CA-31), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Ami Bera (CA-07), Jim Himes (CT-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), released this statement in support of the conference report.

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