Press Releases
New Democrat Coalition Urges Continued Progress on NAFTA Working Group Discussions Over August
Today, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Chair Derek Kilmer, Vice-Chair for Policy Suzan DelBene, and NDC Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Ron Kind, Rick Larsen, Gregory Meeks, and Lizzie Fletcher released the following statement on the status of the discussions between Ambassador Lighthizer and the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Working Group: "New Democrats support updating NAFTA to reflect 21st century trade issues. We are encouraged by the progress being made by the NAFTA Working Group … Continue Reading
July 25, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Statement on Budget and Debt Ceiling Agreement
Today, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan budget and debt ceiling agreement that removes sequestration, sets the framework for our appropriations process for the next two years, and suspends the debt ceiling until July 31, 2021. Failure to reach this agreement would have resulted in drastic across the board cuts to national security and domestic spending, moved the United States closer to default on our financial obligations, and increased the risk of an another government … Continue Reading
July 25, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Urges Trump to Prioritize Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation
Today, New Democrat Coalition Members, led by Infrastructure Task Force Co-Chairs Stacey Plaskett, Jason Crow, Elissa Slotkin, and Salud Carbajal, sent a letter to President Trump urging him to recommit to working with Congress on comprehensive and bipartisan legislation to bring America's infrastructure into the 21st Century. Modernizing America's aging infrastructure is essential to creating jobs, spurring economic growth, and increasing our global competitiveness. As one of the most … Continue Reading
July 24, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Statement on House Passage of Rep. Ruiz’s Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act
Today, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Raul Ruiz's H.R. 3239, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Custody Act, which would establish basic humanitarian standards of care for individuals in CBP custody. Immigrants are people coming to U.S. in search of a better life, many of whom cross the border outside of ports of entry because of insurmountable wait times, and even those who cross legally can be detained. Last week, the New Democrat … Continue Reading
July 17, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Endorses Rep. Ruiz’s Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act
Today, the New Democrat Coalition announced its endorsement of Rep. Raul Ruiz's H.R. 3239, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Custody Act, which would establish basic humanitarian standards of care for individuals in CBP custody. In the event that the federal government restricts the free movement of an individual - including their detainment by CBP - then it is the federal government's responsibility to respect these basic rights and uphold the … Continue Reading
July 17, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Urges Democratic Leadership to Move Bipartisan Drug Pricing Bills
Today, New Democrat Coalition Healthcare Task Force Members, led by co-chairs Reps. Angie Craig, Kurt Schrader, Kim Schrier, and Greg Stanton, sent a letter to House Democratic Leadership, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, and Assistant Leader Ben Ray Luján, urging the House to move bipartisan drug pricing bills forward. Specifically, the Task Force Members request House Democratic Leadership to consider bringing the bipartisan drug … Continue Reading
July 12, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Statement on House Passage of NDAA
New Democrat Coalition Chair Derek Kilmer released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2500, FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. This responsible national defense authorization bill authorizes the funding needed for a strong, smart national defense strategy. It lays out our priorities to defend our nation, protect our interests abroad, and, most importantly, support our troops. "Ensuring the safety and security of our country and all Americans is a fundamental … Continue Reading
July 08, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Urges Ambassador Lighthizer to Resolve Outstanding Issues
Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Derek Kilmer, Vice-Chair for Policy Suzan DelBene, and NDC Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Ron Kind, Rick Larsen, Gregory Meeks, and Lizzie Fletcher sent a letter to Ambassador Robert Lighthizer urging him to continue working with NDC and the Speaker's Working Group to resolve the outstanding issues that must be addressed for a successful, bipartisan passage of the updated North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). "While we appreciate your willingness to … Continue Reading
June 26, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Announces First Ever Economic Policy Pitch Day Champion
The New Democrat Coalition congratulates Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) on winning the New Democrat Coalition's first ever policy pitch day. The popular vote winner was Rep. Phillips's "Companies Are Responsible Employers" (CARE) Award, a certification for businesses that share success and treat employees well by offering living wages, paid family leave, secure retirement, and other benefits. CARE certified companies would be given tax and regulatory relief and become known to consumers as … Continue Reading
June 20, 2019
House Passes New Democrat Coalition-Supported Priorities in H.R. 2740
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2740, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2020. This bill includes several New Democrat Coalition-supported priorities and amendments. Specifically, this bill: Supports a 21st century workforce by investing in workforce development grants, apprenticeships, and community colleges Secures America's role as an international leader … Continue Reading
June 18, 2019
House Passes New Democrat Coalition-Led Amendment to Strengthen State Department Mission, Advance U.S. National Security Priorities
During floor consideration, the House of Representatives passed a New Democrat Coalition-led amendment in H.R. 2740, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2020. The National Security Task Force Co-Chairs, led by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and co-sponsored by Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Anthony Brown (MD-04), and Brendan Boyle (PA-02), offered an amendment to act upon … Continue Reading
June 13, 2019
House Passes New Democrat Coalition-Led Amendment to Modernize Workforce Trend Data Collection
During floor consideration, the House of Representatives passed a New Democrat Coalition-led amendment in H.R. 2740, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2020. The Future of Work Task Force Co-Chairs, led by Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11) and co-sponsored by Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Haley Stevens (MI-11), offered an amendment to modernize how … Continue Reading
June 11, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Inducts Two Additional Members
Over 100 strong, New Dems make up over forty percent of the Democratic Caucus Today, by a unanimous vote, the New Democrat Coalition was proud to add Reps. Donna Shalala (FL-27) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) to join the Coalition in the 116th Congress. These new Members bring an abundance of real-world experience and are dedicated to advancing the New Dem priorities that focus on growing the economy, embracing innovation, and promoting smart and fiscally responsible government. The New Democrat … Continue Reading
June 05, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Climate Change Task Force Statement on Passage of Legislation to Address Ocean Acidification
The New Democrat Coalition Climate Change Task Force expressed support for the House passage of H.R. 1921 - the Ocean Acidification Innovation Act (Rep. Kilmer), H.R. 1237 - the COAST Research Act (Rep. Bonamici), and H.R. 1716 - the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act (Rep. Pingree). These pieces of legislation expand research and innovation to understand and address ocean acidification and coastal community vulnerabilities, which are driven in large part by climate change. The bills … Continue Reading
June 05, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Lays Out NAFTA 2.0 Priorities
Today, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) released NAFTA 2.0 priorities. These priorities were developed by our Trade Task Force and approved by the full Coalition. "The New Democrat Coalition looks forward to working constructively with the Administration and our colleagues in Congress as we consider the path forward for an updated trade agreement with Canada and Mexico," the priorities note. NDC Members support updating NAFTA to reflect the modern trade issues of the 21st century economy. … Continue Reading
June 04, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Chair Statement on House Passage of the Dream and Promise Act
Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Derek Kilmer released the following statement following the House passage of H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, which provides permanent status and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. "Dreamers and TPS holders are valuable, contributing members of our communities and the US economy. They are our neighbors, friends, and colleagues. They strengthen our communities … Continue Reading
June 03, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Statement on Trump’s Tariff Announcement
Today, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Chair Derek Kilmer, NDC Vice-Chair for Policy Suzan DelBene, and New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Ron Kind, Rick Larsen, Greg Meeks, and Lizzie Fletcher released a statement in response to President Trump's threat to impose a blanket tariff on all Mexican imports: "There is bipartisan agreement that President Trump has abused trade authorities granted to him by Congress. His announcement last week that he intends to unilaterally tax … Continue Reading
May 23, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Chair Statement on House Passage of SECURE Act
Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Derek Kilmer released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1994, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act which would help more Americans-including seniors, home health-care workers, and students-to save more for a secure retirement and delivers an urgently needed fix for Gold Star military families facing drastic tax hikes following the GOP tax bill: "Too many American families are in danger … Continue Reading
May 22, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Releases Technology Task Force Goals for the 116th Congress
Today, the New Democrat Coalition Technology Task Force Co-Chairs Darren Soto, Sharice Davids, Kendra Horn, and Harley Rouda released their goals for the 116th Congress. The Technology Task Force will meet with stakeholders and develop policy positions for the Coalition to advance in both the near term and long term. Technology Task Force Mission Statement for the 116th Congress: The New Democrat Coalition Technology Task Force will work to ensure that America leads the way in the 21st … Continue Reading
May 22, 2019
New Democrat Coalition Releases Housing Task Force Goals for the 116th Congress
Today, the New Democrat Coalition Housing Task Force Co-Chairs Denny Heck, Katie Hill, and Ben McAdams released their goals for the 116th Congress. The Housing Task Force will meet with stakeholders and develop policy positions for the Coalition to advance in both the near term and long term. Housing Task Force Mission Statement for the 116th Congress: America faces a housing shortage that totals millions of housing units across the country. Home prices and rents are rising faster than … Continue Reading