December 02, 2022

New Dem Weekly Wrap 12/2/2022

New Democrat Coalition Elects New Leadership Team & Inducts 17 New Members

Left to Right: Vice Chair-- Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10); Vice Chair-- Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03); Chair-- Annie Kuster (NH-02); Vice Chair-- Derek Kilmer (WA-06); Vice Chair-- Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

This week, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) elected Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) as the next NDC Chair in the 118th Congress. Reps. Sharice Davids (KS-03), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) were elected to be the next Vice Chairs. Current Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) will serve as Chair Emeritus in the new Congress. 

In addition, by a unanimous vote, the NDC inducted 17 Members-elect to join the Coalition in the 118th Congress. Our Freshmen Members-elect voted unanimously for Representative-elect Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) to serve as the Freshman Leadership Representative. Our new Members-elect bring a diverse set of experiences and ideas to the Coalition and are united behind New Dems’ mission of breaking through the gridlock in Washington to deliver for hardworking Americans across the country. Now at 96 Members, the New Democrat Coalition will remain one of the largest House ideological caucuses.

“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to lead the New Democrat Coalition during the 117thCongress,” said Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “Through our work as a Coalition, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact our Members have had in passing once-in-a-generation legislation to improve Americans’ lives.

“Going into the 118th Congress, I am thrilled to pass the torch to NDC Chair-elect Annie Kuster who will no doubt expertly guide our Coalition through a closely divided Congress. At the same time, I’m excited to continue working to advance the Coalitions’ top priorities in my new role as Chair Emeritus. New Dems are laser-focused on delivering real results for hardworking Americans by strengthening our economy, supporting working families, protecting our fundamental freedoms, and defending our democracy. At 96 Members strong, the New Democrat Coalition will continue to play a critical role in setting and driving Democrats’ policy agenda in Congress and we are prepared to work with anyone to find commonsense solutions to the kitchen table issues Americans care about most.”

“I am honored and grateful to my colleagues for the opportunity to Chair the New Dem Coalition in the 118th Congress,” said Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02). New Dems have been the majority makers – this November, it was Members of the New Dem Coalition who stopped the much-heralded ‘red wave’ in its tracks. The narrower-than-anticipated GOP margin gives us tremendous leverage to govern from the middle and deliver real results for our constituents. I will work with all corners of the Coalition to stand united against radical policies that will move our country backward and my focus will be advancing our common-sense legislative priorities.

“As Chair, I am committed to supporting the priorities of each of our Members and their unique districts, strengthening the diversity of our membership, expanding our reach through bipartisan collaboration when possible, and protecting our Members to win back the majority in 2024. As we confront the opportunities and the challenges of the 118th Congress, New Dems will continue to deliver results for hard-working families across the country.”

The NDC Leadership team for the 118th Congress:

Chair: 

  • Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) 

Vice Chairs:

  • Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03)
  • Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10)
  • Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06)
  • Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Freshman Leadership Representative:

  • Representative Elect Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) 

Chair Emeritus: 

  • Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) 

In the coming days, Chair-elect Kuster will appoint additional members to the leadership team pursuant to the Coalition’s bylaws. 

Members-elect inducted into the NDC for the 118th Congress:

  • Rep-elect. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) 
  • Rep-elect. Dr. Yadira Caraveo (CO-08) 
  • Rep-elect. Don Davis (NC-01) 
  • Rep-elect. Valerie Foushee (NC-04) 
  • Rep-elect. Val Hoyle (OR-04) 
  • Rep-elect. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) 
  • Rep-elect. Jeff Jackson (NC-14) 
  • Rep-elect. Greg Landsman (OH-01) 
  • Rep-elect. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) 
  • Rep-elect. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) 
  • Rep-elect. Wiley Nickel (NC-13) 
  • Rep-elect. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) 
  • Rep-elect. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) 
  • Rep-elect. Eric Sorensen (IL-17) 
  • Rep-elect. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) 
  • Rep-elect. Shri Thanedar (MI-13) 
  • Rep-elect. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)

New Dems Mourn the Loss of Rep. A. Donald McEachin

Text:

Today, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on the tragic passing of New Dem Rep. Donald McEachin (VA-04):

“New Dems are devastated to learn about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Rep. Donald McEachin.

“As we mourn the loss of our fellow New Dem, we remember the incredible impact he had on this Congress, his community, and our country. Don was a fierce advocate for Virginia with an unparalleled passion for protecting our planet.

“During his time in Congress and as a Virginia state legislator, he worked tirelessly to advance legislation to fight climate change and transition to a clean energy economy. While serving on the New Dem Climate Change Task Force, the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, he worked to ensure our nation would be a better place for the next generation of Americans. There’s no doubt it will be, thanks to his efforts. 

“New Dems are thinking about and praying for the entire McEachin family and his staff during this heartbreaking time.”

New Democrat Coalition Celebrates Election of Leader Jeffries, Whip Clark, and Chair Aguilar to Lead the House Democratic Caucus

Graphic congratulating Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Katherine Clark, and Rep. Pete Aguilar on their respective elections to lead the House Democrats in the 118th Congress.

This week, House Democrats voted unanimously to elect Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) as Democratic LeaderRep. Katherine Clark (MA-05) as Whipand New Dem Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) as the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus.  

New Dem Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the below statement following today’s election:  

“New Dems are thrilled to congratulate Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Chair Pete Aguilar on their well-deserved elections to the top three leadership posts in the House Democratic Caucus.  

“These Members represent the strength and diversity of our party, Caucus, and country. They understand that House Democrats come from different districts and backgrounds and will ensure every Member’s unique voice is heard.  

“Our Coalition is especially proud of our fellow New Dem Rep. Aguilar. He recognizes the role our Coalition is poised to play in a closely divided Congress, understands our policy priorities, and knows what it takes to reclaim the House majority in 2024.   

“As we prepare to enter the 118th Congress, Democrats are united and ready to continue working to deliver for the American people. A razor-thin House Republican majority presents the opportunity for our Caucus to reach across the aisle to tackle kitchen table issues. New Dems look forward to working with Reps. Jeffries, Clark, and Aguilar to build on the historic progress we’ve made under Speaker Pelosi and President Biden’s leadership to strengthen our economy, protect fundamental freedoms, and defend our democracy. There is no doubt these three dedicated public servants will thrive in their new roles, and New Dems are excited to contribute to their success.”

 

Press Releases

New Democrat Coalition Leadership Endorses Rick Larsen for Ranking Member on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
This week, New Democrat Coalition Leadership Members endorsed Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) for Ranking Member on the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee. Rep. Larsen will enhance Democrats’ ongoing work to modernize our nation’s infrastructure and aid our transition to a green economy through new innovative policies.

New Dem Leadership Endorses Two Democratic Caucus Rules Changes to Return the DCCC Chair to an Appointed Position & Create a New Leadership Representative for Battleground Members
On Tuesday, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Leadership Members endorsed two new changes to the House Democratic Caucus rules: NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Leadership Member Brad Schneider’s (IL-10) proposal to return the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chair to an appointed position and New Dem Rep. Susie Lee’s (NV-03) proposal to create a Battleground Leadership Representative within the Democratic Leadership.  These rule changes were adopted by the Democratic Caucus on Wednesday.  

Member Highlights

Member Action

Larsen Chairs Aviation Subcommittee Hearing on Accessibility
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) recently chaired an Aviation Subcommittee hearing that focused on 
enhancing the air travel experience for passengers, particularly for passengers with disabilities, by ensuring transparency, prioritizing public health, promoting consumer protections and ensuring reliable air travel.

Carter Announces More Than $5 Million in Federal Funds for Coastal Resiliency Projects in Louisiana
Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02) announced that The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is awarding the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) with one of three impacting Louisiana that were awarded over $5.49 million in funding through the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) grant program. 

Member Legislation

House Passes Jacobs’ Resolution to Condemn the use of Hunger as a Weapon of War
The House passed Rep. Sara Jacobs’ (CA-53) bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 922, to condemn the use of hunger as a weapon of war and recognize the effect of conflict on global food security and famine. This resolution formally calls on both Congress and the Administration to continue addressing these crises and hold perpetrators accountable.  

Kilmer Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Encourage Evidence-Based Policymaking
Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced H.Con.Res.116, a bipartisan resolution to establish a Commission on Evidence-based Policymaking. The resolution, co-led by New Dem Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03), aims to advance the Modernization’s Committee’s 2021 recommendation to “establish a bipartisan, bicameral Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking to encourage and facilitate better use of data in the legislative process.” The Commission would convene experts to review, analyze, and make recommendations to Congress in an effort to better incorporate federal data and evidence-based policymaking throughout the legislative process.

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS-11

Photo from New Dem press conference celebrating the new leadership team for the 118th Congress and the 17 Members-elect who were inducted into the Coalition on Thursday.

This week, New Dems held a press conference to celebrate the new leadership team for the 118th Congress and the 17 Members-elect who were inducted into the Coalition on Thursday.

Screenshot of tweet from New Democrat Coalition account that reads:

Congratulations to New Dems Steven Horsford, Troy Carter, Lucy McBath, and Marilyn Strickland on their elections to Congressional Black Caucus leadership for the 118th Congress!



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