New Democrat Coalition Update 06/18/2020
Despite the ongoing challenges to gathering in person, the New Democrat Coalition has continued to meet on a weekly basis to share ideas and set the direction of the Coalition on the legislative issues before Congress.
Following a full Coalition call and subsequent conversations with Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Karen Bass and CBC Members to discuss action Congress can take to help rectify the injustice many Black Americans are experiencing, the NDC endorsed the Justice in Policing Act. This comprehensive legislation seeks to reform the law enforcement system, end police brutality, and better advance impartial justice. While there is no single policy that will erase decades of systemic racism and reform policing, this legislation is a good first step toward driving real change.
The NDC also endorsed the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act, which was introduced by a bipartisan group of Members, including New Dem Reps. Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Cedric Richmond (LA-02). The legislation would create a commission to analyze the societal influences that impact the social status of Black men and boys in the United States.
The NDC, led by New Dem Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Ron Kind (WI-03), Rick Larsen (WA-02), and Gregory Meeks (NY-22), endorsed a bipartisan resolution to reaffirm the U.S.'s commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and encourage participation in reforming the WTO Appellate Body.
Lastly, NDC Chair Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and NDC Whip Pete Aguilar (CA-31) issued a statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to rule against the Trump Administration’s challenge against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, highlighting the important role Dreamers play in our nation and the need for action in the Senate on the Dream and Promise Act.
Members continue to work to advance economic and public health responses to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and are eager for the Senate to act. The staggering impact of the coronavirus on our communities increases by the day. And yet, the federal government is still struggling to keep up with the needs of communities in our regions and across the country. Further action is needed.
More on what New Dems have been up to below.
NDC Highlights
NDC Statement on the Supreme Court Decision on DACA
NDC Chair Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and NDC Whip Pete Aguilar (CA-31) issued a statement following the Supreme Court’s ruling against the Trump Administration’s challenge to end DACA.
NDC Endorses Justice in Policing Act
The NDC, led by New Dem Chair Derek Kilmer (WA-06), endorsed the Justice in Policing Act. This bicameral, comprehensive legislation seeks to better hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement, and build trust between law enforcement and communities.
NDC Endorses Bill to Study Societal Forces Affecting the Social Status of Black Men and Boys
The NDC, led by New Dem Chair Derek Kilmer (WA-06), endorsed the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act, which was introduced last year by a bipartisan group of Members, including New Dem Reps. Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Cedric Richmond (LA-02).
NDC Endorses Resolution to Reform the World Trade Organization
The NDC, led by New Dem Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Ron Kind (WI-03), Rick Larsen (WA-02), and Gregory Meeks (NY-05), endorsed H. Res. 746. The bipartisan resolution, led by New Dem Rep. Ron Kind, reaffirms the United States’ commitment as a member of the WTO and encourages the Administration to participate with other WTO members in reforming the Appellate Body to address longstanding concerns and help ensure it is in working order.
NDC Member Legislation
New Dem Vice Chair Scott Peters (CA-52) and Rep. Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) introduced a bipartisan resolution to reduce the stigma that prevents veterans and servicemembers from seeking mental health care. The legislation would designate June as National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Awareness month and June 27th as National PTSI Awareness Day.
Wild, Bustos Introduce Legislation to Increase Mental Health Crisis Care
Reps. Susan Wild (PA-07) and Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced the Crisis Care Improvement and Suicide Prevention Act to allow states to upgrade crisis care programs and strategies to meet increased demand in this critical moment. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate existing strains, like the opioid crisis, mental health needs in the United States have reached epidemic levels and have only heightened the need for comprehensive crisis services.
Rep. Ed Case (HI-01) introduced the Air Travel Public Health Emergency Act to ensure the health and safety of air passengers and the public by authorizing states to implement reasonable guidelines and restrictions on air travel during public health emergencies, including pre-board tests and related denial of boarding.
Luria Introduces Legislation to Protect Military Families’ Access to Health Care
Rep. Elaine Luria (VA-02) introduced the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act, which would allow TRICARE dependents to remain on their parents’ policy until age 26 without a premium increase. The bill would bring equity to TRICARE beneficiaries by conforming eligibility for dependents with that offered by private insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act.
McBath Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Provide Seniors with Meals and Care
Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) introduced the bipartisan Helping Our Most Elderly (HOME) Meals Act to support home-based meal delivery programs through a grant program. The bill is designed to alleviate older Americans’ barriers to nutrition and reduce their risk of contracting the virus due to limited food access.
Torres-Small Introduces Legislation to Expand Funding for Rural Health Care Providers
Rep. Xochitl Torres-Small (NM-02) introduced the bipartisan Increasing Rural Health Access During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Act to invest additional funding in rural communities to increase access to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crow Introduces Legislation to Increase Police Accountability
Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) introduced the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, which addresses the issue of police accountability and is designed to build trust between police departments and the communities they serve. The legislation provides incentives for local police organizations to voluntarily adopt performance-based standards to ensure that incidents of deadly force or misconduct will be minimized through the appropriate management and training protocols and properly investigated, should they occur.
Horsford Introduces Legislation to Ban Nuclear Testing
Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the Preserving Leadership Against Nuclear Explosives Testing (PLANET) Act. This legislation would prevent the Trump administration from restarting explosive nuclear weapons testing by restricting funds for fiscal year 2021 and all previous years from being used for such a purpose.
NDC Member Action
Fletcher Attends the Funeral of George Floyd
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) attended the funeral of George Floyd, which was held in her congressional district in Houston, Texas. Read her twitter thread reflecting on the funeral.
Pappas Issues Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Affirming Workplace Rights for LGBTQ Workers
Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) issued a statement after the Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ workers are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Rep. Pappas renews his call for Senate passage of the New Dem-endorsed Equality Act.
Kuster, Pappas Call for Increased Support to Nonprofit Organizations
New Dem Vice Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) sent a letter to Congressional Leadership to include significant support for non-profit organizations in upcoming COVID-19 response legislation.
Schrier Launches District Heroes Program
Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08) launched the WA-08 Heroes Program to highlight neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations of the 8th Congressional district that have come to the aid of their communities and stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Axne Pushes to Keep Domestic Violence Survivors Safe
Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) sent a letter to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to request funding for domestic violence programs in Iowa be distributed quickly, and to urge the use of federal funding to ensure survivors have safe housing options.
Luria Demand Answers from SBA on EIDLs for Minority-Owned Businesses
Rep. Elaine Luria (VA-02) sent a letter to the Small Business Administrator (SBA) Jovita Carranza demanding answers regarding recent SBA actions that limit the effectiveness of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, including for minority-owned businesses.
Davids Pushes to Save Jobs at Federal Agency Amid Layoffs
Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03) sent a letter to the Deputy Director of Policy for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services calling for the agency to immediately put forward a plan to save thousands of jobs following news of potential layoffs.
Escobar, Torres-Small Demand DHS and ICE Answers About Detainees Telephone Accessibility
Reps. Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Xochitl Torres-Small (NM-02) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demanding answers about the significant barriers to phone access experienced by individuals in ICE custody at the El Paso Service Processing Center in El Paso, Texas and the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral, New Mexico.
Smith, Cooper Lead Members in Demanding Answers on Administration’s Consideration of Nuclear Testing
Reps. Adam Smith (WA-09) and Jim Cooper (TN-05) led Members, including 22 New Dem Representatives, in sending a letter to President Trump urging him not to resume explosive nuclear testing after a 28-year hiatus. The letter comes in response to reports indicating the Administration is considering taking this step.
Spanberger: America Tests Positive for Our Collective Disease via Richmond Times-Dispatch
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-) penned an op-ed discussing the systemic racism and institutional racial disparities that have plagued the United States since its founding and the steps that must be taken to begin healing the nation: “Our treatment resides in the policy changes and collective commitment for sustained progress in favor of humanity and justice for all. One voice, one vote alone might not heal us, but a chorus of individuals participating, demanding more and advocating is essential to our nation’s health.”
Lee: Relief for State, Local Governments a Must via Las Vegas Review Journal
Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) penned an op-ed in the Las Vegas Review Journal calling for bipartisanship and addressing the crucial need for federal relief for state and local governments: “We know that addressing state and local budget shortfalls puts Nevada, and our nation, on the quickest path to recovery. Now it’s a matter of Congress passing these common-sense solutions. Whether you lean to the left, to the right or somewhere in between, we all want to get back to the lives we knew. Let’s put partisanship aside and support our state and local governments so that we can all start moving forward to the part where things get better.”
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