November 18, 2022

New Dem Weekly Wrap 11/18/2022

Press Releases

New Dems Celebrate the Historic Service of Speaker Nancy Pelosi

New Democrat Coalition Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the below statement following Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s speech before the U.S. House of Representatives:  

"Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been the most influential and effective Speaker in the history of American politics. Her name has forever been woven into the fabric of our great nation.

“Over many years, she expertly guided the Democratic Caucus and the House to deliver historic victories that have and will continue to improve the lives of the American people, especially our nation’s children. From the Affordable Care Act to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and most recently the Inflation Reduction Act, Speaker Pelosi has cemented her place in history as a master legislator. New Dems worked closely with Speaker Pelosi to advance our shared priorities. In the Speaker, New Dems always had a partner, a straight shooter, and a friend.   

“America is undoubtedly a better place today because of Speaker Pelosi’s service to our country and her unwavering commitment to the American people.  

“After one of the most impressive political careers this nation has ever seen, we respect her decision to pass the torch to the next generation of Democratic leaders. Inspired by Speaker Pelosi’s historic legacy of achievement, New Dems stand ready to continue our work together in Congress to find solutions to our nation’s most pressing challenges.” 

New Dem Chair DelBene on Leader Hoyer’s Announcement

New Democrat Coalition Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the below statement following Leader Steny Hoyer’s announcement that he would not seek an elected leadership position in the 118th Congress:

“Throughout his career, Leader Hoyer has been and will always be known as one of the most dedicated and consequential political leaders in American history. He also is and always has been a true friend of the New Dems and a mentor to nearly all of us. 

“We’ve leaned on him through times of crisis and hope. Every recent Democratic accomplishment – from the American Rescue Plan to the Affordable Care Act to the CHIPS and Science Act – has been made possible because of his focus on finding consensus to get things done for the American people.

“Leader Hoyer has served as a great uniter, legislator, partner, negotiator, and friend. Since our Coalition’s founding 25 years ago, New Dems have worked hand-in-hand with Leader Hoyer to advance legislation to create good-paying American jobs, grow our economy, and improve opportunities for Americans from all walks of life. 

“His work has touched all Americans – especially through his work on the Americans with Disabilities Act, his Make It in America Plan, his Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, and his focus on early learning and ‘Judy Centers.’ New Dems look forward to continuing our work with Leader Hoyer to tackle the issues Americans care about most, from lowering costs and supporting workers to improving our education system. 

“There is no doubt the next generation of Democratic Leaders will look to Leader Hoyer’s example and carry on his legacy for generations to come.”

Bill Action

House Passes Pappas Bill to Improve VA Community Care Program
The House passed Rep. Chris Pappas's (NH-01) bipartisan bill, H.R. 7277, the Improving Oversight of the Veterans Community Care Providers Act, which will require the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to deactivate ineligible providers from its Community Care Network and help mitigate both the risk of veterans receiving care from unqualified health care providers and of VHA making payments to fraudulent providers.
 
House Passes Luria Bill to Help More Americans Afford Phone and Internet Access 
The House passed Rep. Elaine Luria’s (VA-02) bipartisan bill, H.R. 4275, the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Act of 2022, that would help more Americans afford crucial phone and internet service by providing transparency into enrollment of these programs and examining effectiveness of outreach for the programs.

   

Member Highlights

Member Action

Castro Leads 85 Members Calling on Biden Administration to Remove Barriers to Affordable Health Care for DACA Recipients
Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) 
led 85 colleagues in a bicameral letter calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to remove barriers that prevent Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients from accessing affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
 
McBath Joins Protect Our Care “Lower Costs, Better Care” Tour in Georgia
Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) 
joined Protect Our Care and local leaders for the Johns Creek stop of the “Lower Costs, Better Care” Tour celebrating historic progress in the Inflation Reduction Act passed earlier this year.
 
Manning Sends Veterans Day Message 
Rep. Kathy Manning (NC-06) 
sent a special Veterans Day outreach including a video message and highlights of veterans' legislation and visits.

Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force Co-Chairs Kuster and Trone Send Letter to House and Senate Leadership
Reps. Annie Kuster (NH-02) 
and David Trone (MD-06) sent a letter alongside other members of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force urging House and Senate leadership to prioritize consideration of the House-passed Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act. This legislation would dedicate billions of dollars to combat America's worsening addiction and mental health crises, providing life-saving resources to communities across the country. 

Member Legislation

McEachin Introduces FAIR Proceedings Act  
Rep. Donald McEachin (VA-04) introduced the Funding Attorneys for Indigent Removal (FAIR) Proceedings Act to guarantee legal counsel during removal proceedings for immigrant children, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, torture, and violence; and those living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. This law, if enacted, would not only guarantee the government ensure access to counsel, but it would also appoint or provide an attorney for these vulnerable individuals. 

Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ensure a Cleaner and Healthier Atmosphere for the Future 
Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) introduced the House companion of S. 4420, the Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies Act of 2022 (CREST Act). This legislation would expand research, testing, and public-private partnerships to advance carbon removal technologies to meet our goal of curbing climate change. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through natural or engineered processes to clean our air and ensure we stop increasing global warming.  

Carter Introduces Bipartisan Workforce Reentry and Training Program for Veterans  
Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02) introduced H.R. 9283, the Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) Improvement Bill to support veterans and V.A. systems in Louisiana and across the country. This bipartisan legislation would strengthen this program within the Department of Veterans Affairs that  helps veterans re-enter the civilian workforce into meaningful roles that also support their fellow veterans.  

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS-11

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This week, Rep. Ron Kind (WI-03) delivered a farewell address on the House floor, as he nears the end of his 25-year long career in the House. Rep. Kind was a founding member of the New Democrat Coalition and served as Chair from 2013-2017.

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