New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 5/9/2025
Press Releases
New Dem Chair Schneider Calls on Republicans to Join Democrats in Voting to Protect Medicaid, SNAP
New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) issued the following statement regarding a discharge petition introduced by New Dem and Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle (PA-02) to force a vote on the House floor to block devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
“Signing this discharge petition should be as easy as saying you support Medicaid and SNAP, but so far not one Republican is willing to put health care and food assistance for millions of people above tax cuts for billionaires.
“If our colleagues across the aisle truly support hardworking families over President Trump’s billionaire buddies, they’ll join us in signing this petition.”
New Dems in the News
Rep. Bera, Democratic Doctor's Caucus Hold Press Conference Slamming Republican Efforts to Gut Medicaid
This week, New Dem Reps. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03), Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) held a press conference in front of the HHS building to slam efforts by the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress to strip Medicaid from millions of Americans.
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined NPR's Morning Edition to underscore how the American people will reject Congressional Republicans' harmful budget cuts.
Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) joined former MSNBC host Katie Phang's Substack show to discuss the Trump Administration's lies about their illegal deportations and rejection of due process.
Weekly Highlight
New Dems Drop Episode 6 of "The Fly-In": "Delays" with Rep. Suzan DelBene
In Episode 6, “Delays” Reps. Landsman and Veasey are joined by Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) to discuss Congressional Republicans punting on their reconciliation plan, Trump’s disastrous impacts on the American economy, the effects of the trade war on families, and some of the most embarrassing moments of the Trump Administration’s first 100 days.
Member Highlights
Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) paid tribute to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on the House floor and pushed back on the Trump Administration’s Executive Order to cut funding to public media.
“Mr. Speaker, you would be hard pressed to find a person in America whose childhood wasn’t profoundly shaped by the magic of public television. Because for over 50 years, PBS has brought our kids educational, inspiring, and commercial-free media..."
Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), along with 40 of her colleagues, sent a letter to the Department of Education urging the Administration to prevent funding cuts to local school distrcits. The letter expresses deep concern for the disbursement of Impact Aid, addressing the program’s effect on school districts across the nation, including Texas, and how it fills funding gaps.
Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), along with fellow New Dem Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-33) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), demanded that $7.7 million in public health grants for Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) abruptly terminated by the Trump Administration be restored to address the measles outbreak that has reached the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50), along with a bipartisan group of Congressmembers, launched the Build America Caucus as a founding member.
Member Legislation
Rep. Joe Morelle Authors Legislation to Support Teachers, Put More Students on Path to Success
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) introduced legislation to strengthen resources for teachers and help maximize student potential. Morelle’s Developing and Advancing Innovative Learning Models Act (H.R. 3250) would create a federal investment in the research and development of Innovative Learning Models (ILMs) to enable schools to adapt to modern educational needs.
Rep. Jennifer McClellan Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Address Mental Health Treatment Shortages
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) introduced legislation to address mental health and substance use disorder facility shortages during a growing mental health crisis. The Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act (H.R. 3266) would establish a new loan and loan guarantee program to build or renovate mental health or substance use disorder treatment facilities, reserve at least a quarter of the funding for pediatric- and adolescent-serving facilities, and prioritize facilities located in high need, underserved or rural areas and able to provide integrated care for patients with complex needs.
Rep. Norma Torres Introduces Resolution to Recognize May Wildfire Preparedness Week
Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), alongside 25 House members, introduced a resolution (H.Res. 383) to designate May 4-10, 2025, as Wildfire Preparedness Week. The resolution emphasizes the importance of wildfire prevention, fire safety education, and preparedness in communities across the United States, especially as the frequency and intensity of wildfires continue to increase.
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