New Dems Meet with President Obama
On Tuesday, the New Democrat Coalition, the House’s largest coalition of centrist Democrats, met with President Barack Obama at the White House to discuss its legislative strategy for the upcoming year.
“We appreciate that the President took the time to meet with us today to discuss our shared values and shared priorities on issues ranging from the economy to health care,” Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), the chair of the New Democrat Coalition, said. “It was a very productive meeting and we told the president that if he’s looking for a group of pragmatic Members to work with, he can call us and call often.”
The meeting focused on several policy areas where the 68-member New Democrat Coalition has championed practical solutions to issues that focus on innovation, economic growth and transparency.President Obama asked the New Dem Coalition to continue to play a leading role financial regulatory reform, which he has identified as a major component of his economic plan. Bloomberg News called the New Dems’ 21-point regulatory reform plan, “The most detailed blueprint to emerge yet from Congress.”
To hasten health care reform, the New Dems pledged to continue advocating for the use of improved information technology in our health care system. New Dems pushed to including Health IT funding in the recent economic recovery package.
Finally, in order to bolster key segments of our economy and maintain American economic competitiveness in a global economy, the New Democrat Coalition will work with the Administration to forge a new trade agenda that maintains U.S. engagement and a competitive edge in global commerce. The New Democrat Coalition’s advocacy and support has been key to approval of past trade agreements.
“Like President Obama, the NewDems are focused on enacting an agenda for change,” said Congressman Joe Crowley (NY-07), Whip of the New Dem Coalition. “We are united in the need to reform our financial regulatory system, establish a 21st century health care system, and keep U.S. businesses as the global leaders in innovation and scientific advancement. I am proud that the President recognized the work of the New Dems and thanked us for our shared efforts this year. We look forward to continuing to work together to make the strides necessary to put America back on track."
“There is tremendous opportunity for partnership between the White House and the New Democrat Coalition,” said Rep. Ron Kind, a New Dem Vice-Chair. “This group of members represents much of what President Obama campaigned on – bipartisanship, common sense, and investing in our future. From health care technology to regulatory reform, economic revitalization to expanded trade – our shared commitments are great, and I am confident the NDC will be working closely with the White House to address great challenges we face.”
“The New Dems’ priorities well align with the president’s focus on economic recovery, regulatory reform, and access to credit for our vital small business,” said New Dem Vice-Chair Melissa Bean (IL-08). “There are numerous areas where New Dems can be allies for President Obama on Capitol Hill, and we’re ready to help.”
“Achieving healthcare reform is a top priority of President Obama and the New Dems. We both understand deeply that our economic competiveness and future prosperity depends on containing costs and ensuring that all Americans have meaningful access to affordable, quality healthcare,” said New Dem Vice-Chair Allyson Schwartz (PA-13). In just a few short weeks, we have achieved tremendous progress in strengthening healthcare, including making significant investments in modernizing medicine. Today’s meeting was productive, thoughtful, and a further demonstration of New Dems’ commitment to working with President Obama to put forth uniquely American solutions to healthcare reform.”
“After meeting with President Obama today it is clear that the New Dem coalition and the White House are consistent in both policy and approach,” said New Dem leader Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09). “We will work with President Obama to usher in a new era of responsibility with polices geared toward long-term economic growth through healthcare and financial regulatory reform.”
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