Press Releases
New Dems Unveil Plan for Investing in America’s Energy Future
Today, the New Democrat Coalition, led by the Coalition's Energy Task Force, announced key energy principles to build America's clean energy future. New Democrats are committed to swift and thoughtful action to ensure that as comprehensive energy and climate change legislation is drafted there is a common-sense approach to addressing our energy needs. The New Dems believe an investment in America's energy future should support economic growth, national security, innovation and … Continue Reading
May 19, 2009
New Dems Introduce Bill Empowering Doctors, Nurses to Make the Best Patient Care Decisions
Today, the New Democrat Coalition unveiled legislation to empower doctors, nurses and other health care providers to make the best decisions for their patients by increasing access to quality research on effective practices. The Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) Act of 2009, was introduced by Representative Kurt Schrader (OR-5), a freshmen Member of the Coalition, who was joined by 11 members of the New Dems, including the Coalition's leadership. Building on the American Recovery and … Continue Reading
May 19, 2009
New Dems’ Statement on CAFE Standards
Today, the leadership of the New Democrat Coalition and the Coalition Energy Task-Force co-chairs released the following statement in response to the Administration's CAFE standards announcement: "The New Democrats support this administration's efforts to bring business, government officials and environmental leaders to the table to reach an agreement on new CAFE standards for vehicles sold in the United States. Providing market certainty to the auto industry, especially during these … Continue Reading
May 07, 2009
New Democrats Unveil Prescription for Health Care Reform
Today the New Democrat Coalition's Health Care Task Force -- led by Representatives Jason Altmire (PA-04), Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) and Lois Capps (CA-23) -- unveiled principles for health care reform that focus on increasing access, improving health outcomes, and containing costs for Americans, including those already insured through the private system, and reducing the overall cost of health care to the economy. The New Dems are committed to harnessing innovation, reforming the existing … Continue Reading
March 10, 2009
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 … Continue Reading
February 20, 2009
New Dems Praise Geithner Framework
The New Democrat Coalition, the largest coalition of centrist House Democrats, praised Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner for producing a bold, innovative and transparent framework for financial stability. Geithner's outline, which includes leveraging public dollars to attract private investment in illiquid assets and a new focus on foreclosure mitigation and unfreezing the credit markets for small businesses, represents the kind of coordinated action necessary to move a still-reeling … Continue Reading
February 10, 2009
New Dems Urge Strong Action on Economic Recovery Package
On Tuesday, the leaders of the New Democrat Coalition, the largest coalition of centrist House Democrats, called for quick and decisive action on the economic recovery package. The unemployment rate is on pace to reach double digits by the summer. Banks have lost trillions and can't lend. Businesses have stopped hiring. The time to act is now. The New Democrat Coalition, longtime leaders on the economy and innovation, is committed to enacting policies to maintain our competitive edge, meet … Continue Reading
February 05, 2009
Coalition Warns That Increased Trade Barriers Could Undermine U.S. Economy
Today the New Democrat Coalition, the largest coalition of centrist Democrats in the House and a leading coalition on trade issues, applauded President Obama's opposition to protectionism. New Democratic leaders also were encouraged to see the Senate adjust its version of the bill and urged further action to ensure the final bill does not prompt retaliatory action from our trading partners and harm U.S. job creation. The New Democrat Coalition has long been committed to enacting policies … Continue Reading
December 28, 2008
New Democrats Call for Funding of Innovation Infrastructure in the Stimulus
Today, leaders of the New Democrat Coalition, the largest coalition of moderate Democrats in the House, called for significant investment in innovation infrastructure as part of an economic stimulus package. The leaders emphasized the need for several measures that would: Free up capital for stalled Research & Development through tax incentives; Implement Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) to reduce healthcare costs and provide savings for patients and businesses; Promote green … Continue Reading
November 24, 2008
New Dems Praise Announcement of Obama's Economic Team
Poised to tackle the unique economic challenges of the times, the leadership of the New Democrat Coalition, the largest coalition of moderate Democrats in the House, resoundingly praised President-elect Obama's announcement of his economic team today. New Democrats have emerged as the go-to group in the House working to restore economic confidence and modernize regulation of the financial services sector. Twelve NewDems serve on the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Ellen Tauscher … Continue Reading
November 18, 2008
New Dems Announce New Leadership Slate
Poised to tackle the unique economic challenges of the times, the New Democrat Coalition, the largest coalition of moderate Democrats in the House, announced today a new leadership team for the 111th Congress. Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (CA-10) was elected to retain her position as Chair of the group for an additional term. Rounding out the leadership team are the NewDem Whip, Rep. Joe Crowley (NY-07), PAC Chair, Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), and Vice-Chairs Ron Kind (WI-03), Melissa Bean … Continue Reading
November 07, 2008
New Dems Continue Big Gains on Election Day
For the second straight cycle, the New Democrat Coalition, the largest coalition of moderate Democrats in the House, has grown its membership. On Tuesday, the NewDems continued their strong growth with 15 of the 19 winning candidates in races called so far being backed by the Coalition. Three additional NewDem-backed candidates, Charlie Brown in California's 4th district, Darcy Burner in Washington's 8th, and Frank Kratovil in Maryland's 1st, remain in tightly-contested elections previously … Continue Reading
September 23, 2008
Coalition's Energy Task Force Unveils Clean Energy Investment Bank Legislation
With soaring energy prices and consumers feeling the pain at the gas pump, the New Democrat Coalition's Energy Task Force introduced legislation today that will help diversify the nation's energy portfolio and bring down energy prices. The 21st Century Energy Technology Deployment Act was introduced by Congressmen Jay Inslee [WA-01] and Steve Israel [NY-02], two co-chairs of the NewDems task force. They were joined by their fellow co-chairs Congressmen Ron Klein [FL-22] and Ed Perlmutter … Continue Reading
September 18, 2008
New Democrat Coalition's Financial Services Task Force Announces Working Group on Regulatory Modernization
With the unprecedented federal takeover of insurance giant AIG, and continuing instability on Wall Street rattling investors worldwide, the New Democrat Coalition's Financial Services Task Force, chaired by Reps. Melissa Bean (IL-08) and Tim Mahoney (FL-16), today announced a working group that will focus on the need for regulatory modernization of the financial services industry. "I am pleased that two of the most constructive and thoughtful members of the Financial Services Committee, Reps. … Continue Reading
April 15, 2008
New Dems Offer Roadmap Forward on Health IT
Set goal of fully interoperable nationwide Health IT exchange with 75% adoption by 2018 Today, Members of the New Democrat Coalition joined New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg in urging Congress to take action on measures that would encourage rapid nationwide implementation of health information technology. At a press conference with Mayor Bloomberg, the New Dems unveiled a roadmap that will guide their efforts to achieve a fully interoperable health IT exchange by 2018 with adoption by at … Continue Reading
November 07, 2007
Progress Report: New Democrat Coalition's Agenda for the 110th Congress
Last December, shortly after Democrats regained control of the House and Senate, New Democrats released a robust agenda. While we've accomplished much of our agenda, we have more work to do, and remain committed to advancing policies that maintain U.S. competitiveness, meet the challenges posed by globalization in the 21st century, and strengthen our standing in the world. Technological Innovation - To remain a global leader we must continue to develop and embrace the best technologies … Continue Reading
July 27, 2007
New Democrat Coalition Co-Chairs Back The Health Information Technology Promotion Act
Today, the Co-Chairs of the House New Democrat Coalition; Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), and Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) made strides toward improving a healthcare system that is plagued by risisng costs and declining quality of care by voting for H.R.4157, The Health Information Technology Promotion Act. "Even though the United States has the most advanced medical care in the world, our healthcare system is still stuck in the past, remaining heavily reliant on inefficient paper … Continue Reading
April 24, 2007
New Democrats Join House Leadership in Launching the Innovation Agenda for the 110th Congress
Today, New Democrat Coalition Chairwoman, Rep. Ellen Tauscher, Vice-Chair, Rep. Ron Kind, and fellow New Democrats, Reps. Melissa Bean, Brian Baird, Ron Klein, and Rush Holt joined fellow House Democrats to launch the Innovation Agenda for the 110th Congress. The New Democrats, always leaders on the economy and innovation, have played a key role in developing and championing the Innovation Agenda over the past two years. "This week's kick-off of the Innovation Agenda is a down payment on our … Continue Reading
March 21, 2007
Supplemental is a New Way Forward for Iraq,Not Another Blank Check
Today, the leadership of the New Democrat Coalition announced that it will be key voting the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act. "Passing this supplemental funding legislation with strict accountability standards is the first step in carving a new way forward for Iraq, and it will help us provide the best possible care for our returning troops wounded in combat," said New Dem Chairman Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif). "Our members are making the passage of this … Continue Reading
December 12, 2006
New Dems Bolster Influence by Securing Key Committee Slots
Today, the House New Democratic Coalition (NDC), the largest centrist coalition in Congress, got a boost on their agenda for the 110th Congress when House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi and the House Democratic Steering Committee named the Members who will serve on influential House committees. It was announced that six New Dem Members -- including three New Dem Vice-Chairs: Reps. Ron Kind (Wisc.), Artur Davis (Ala.), and Joe Crowley (N.Y.) -- will be joining the House Ways & Means … Continue Reading