New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 5/23/25
Press Releases
New Democrat Coalition Leadership Condemns House Republican Passage of Disastrous Tax Scam Bill
New Democrat Coalition Leadership issued a statement following the passage of the Republican reconciliation bill on the House floor.
“House Republicans just passed their irresponsible, dangerous, and morally bankrupt tax scam bill. In doing so, they have found a new low—never before in recent history has a group of lawmakers so deliberately and knowingly worked to inflict so much extreme devastation and financial burden on working people in America.
“For weeks, New Dems and House Democrats have raised the alarm on the cruelty of this bill. We’ve explained how sweeping cuts to federal programs would take healthcare away from 14 million people, take food assistance away from tens of millions of families with children, and raise costs across the board for the poorest 10% of households in the country. House Republicans willfully ignored these facts and callously forced through their cuts to finance trillions of dollars in tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. They are lining the pockets of their billionaire backers and burdening our children and grandchildren with another $5,000,000,000,000 of federal debt.
“These numbers speak for themselves, yet fail to capture the gut-wrenching human toll of this bill. Millions will lose health care, and many will die. If House Republicans get their way, children will go hungry, families will lose their homes, hardworking Americans will be less healthy, less safe, and poorer for generations.
“This is not ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ but rather one terrible deal for America’s families. Despite its House passage tonight, the Republican agenda is not inevitable. The Senate must reject this proposal outright, and New Dems will continue to do everything in our power to prevent this bill’s twisted vision of a poorer future from becoming reality.”
New Dems Host Care Economy Roundtable in Wilmington, DE on Third Stop of “New Dems on the Road” Tour
The New Democrat Coalition made the third stop on its New Dems on the Road Tour, an initiative spearheaded by Vice Chair for Policy Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) to get New Dem Members out of DC to hear from American workers, businesses, industry experts, nongovernmental organizations and local leaders about how to improve policy in Washington.
New Dem Care Economy Task Force Chair Sarah McBride (DE-AL) hosted House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) and Economic Growth & Cost of Living Working Group Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) and in her district for a care economy roundtable discussion with medical professionals, advocates, non-profit leaders, labor representatives, and care providers.
Attendees talked through some of the biggest challenges facing the care economy, and discussed strategies for building the bipartisan support needed to advance nationwide Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) reforms and expand access to high-quality and affordable childcare and elder care.
“Every family, in every zip code, deserves access to affordable child care, elder care, and paid leave—and today’s conversation made clear that the need is urgent, the solutions are real, and the time to act is now,” said Task Force Chair Sarah McBride. “These investments don’t just support families—they strengthen our economy and stabilize our communities. As Chair of the New Dem Care Economy Task Force, I’m committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to build on Delaware’s leadership and advance comprehensive, nationwide policies that uplift caregivers and working families. I’m grateful to Whip Clark and Rep. Houlahan for joining me for this important conversation...”
New Dems Mourn the Passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly
New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) issued a statement following the news that Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11) passed away this morning.
“I speak personally and on behalf of the entire New Dem community in expressing our profound sadness at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Gerry Connolly.
“Like all my colleagues, I am better for having known Gerry, who nobly dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to serving the people of Northern Virginia. A diligent legislator and ardent defender of our democracy, Gerry worked as hard as anyone to advance real solutions in Congress, and never rested in his effort to protect the rule of law and the freedoms guaranteed to the American people.
“As the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform, and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gerry always spoke with a strong voice and great clarity. Among his many achievements, Gerry helped found the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, was acting President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and was a champion for government modernization and for protecting election integrity..."
New Dem Chair Schneider Condemns Criminal Charge of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver
New Democrat Coalition Chair Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) issued a statement following the criminal charge of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) related to the incident at the Newark, NJ ICE detention facility:
“The criminal charge of Congresswoman McIver is yet another example of the Trump Administration’s continued assault on the rights and freedoms guaranteed to the American people and to Members of Congress who have the duty of oversight.
“Congresswoman McIver did nothing wrong – and certainly nothing illegal – throughout the ordeal on May 9th, yet now finds herself the next target of this Administration’s lawless campaign of persecution. Amidst the Administration’s efforts to weaponize the justice system against its political opponents, defy Supreme Court orders, and deny due process wherever it sees fit, it has never been more important for Congress to speak out and stand up against these injustices on behalf of the American people.
“New Dems will not back down, and we refuse to be silenced. We will continue to advocate for Congresswoman McIver, and will not rest until the precious rights and freedoms of every American are protected.”
New Dems in the News
Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02) joined MSNBC to discuss the Republican budget bill, highlighting that it adds trillions of dollars to the deficit and makes major cuts to Medicaid, all to put more money in the pockets of billionaires.
Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Spectrum News1 to discuss his bill to extend access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to volunteer EMTs and firefighters.
Weekly Highlight
New Dems Drop Episode 8 of "The Fly-In": "Bumpy Ride" with Rep. Steven Horsford
In Episode 8, “Bumpy Ride” Reps. Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Marc Veasey (TX-33) are joined by Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Ways & Means Committee Member to talk through recent developments and next steps on the Republican reconciliation package, the impacts of Trump’s trade war, and how best to address the housing affordability crisis. The Members also discussed the strangest news from last week and Walmart’s price increase announcement.
New Dems Welcome Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson
This week, New Dems welcomed Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson to discuss their book, Abundance. New Dems have always believed in the power of good ideas and practical problem-solving, and are grateful to Ezra and Derek for their insight on how to improve the lives of everyday Americans.
Member Highlights
Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) sent a letter to Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) urging him to immediately withdraw his Clark County public land sale proposal that sends proceeds of Nevada public land sales to Washington to pay for House Republicans’ tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill.
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) spoke on the House floor to defend Medicaid and SNAP against devastating cuts, sharing the story of a constituent who relies on Medicaid to care for her disabled son. Rep. McDonald Rivet also highlighted her amendment to address how cuts to Medicaid will worsen the maternal health crisis in this country.
Congressman Scott Peters’ (CA-50) Veterans Claims Education Act (VCEA) was passed in the House. The bill would provide educational resources to steer veterans toward Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accredited entities instead of scammers.
Member Legislation
Rep. Lucy McBath reintroduces the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06) joined Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) to re-introduce the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act (H.R. 3449) to authorize $80 billion over a 4-year period and help those who need it most get from point A to point B. The bill brings more frequent service on bus & rail lines, and prioritizes services to places with existing poor service, disadvantaged communities, & areas of persistent poverty.
Reps. Sam Liccardo and Eugene Vindman Introduce Bill to hold Executive Branch Officials Accountable for Blocking Congressionally Appropriated Funds.
Congressmen Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Dave Min (CA-47), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07)introduced the Protecting Our Constitution and Communities Act (POCCA) (H.R. 3454), a new bill designed to empower Americans harmed by the Trump Administration’s unlawful impoundment of federal dollars.
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