New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 05/21/2021
This week, the House passed bills that included provisions from two New Dem-endorsed bills to better prepare our country, protect our democracy, and respond to domestic terrorism following the January 6th insurrection. The Coalition was proud to support both these measures to help our country prevent and better prepare for any future threats. This comes after the NDC endorsed a slate of bills last month in response to the events of January 6th.
New Dem Members also urged House leadership to recommit to regular order and the committee process. As the House develops the next legislative packages to build back better, we have the opportunity to resume a more thoughtful, deliberative, and collaborative approach to legislating. To meet this opportunity, the Coalition urged a return to regular order both in name and spirit that empowers individual Members and Committees to fully utilize their policy expertise and authorities to craft the strongest legislation with the broadest coalition of support possible.
New Dem Members held a press conference to outline the Coalition’s infrastructure priorities for the American Jobs Plan. We are eager to work with the Biden-Harris administration to move our policy priorities forward, show Americans governance can work again, and build back better.
Lastly, the NDC hosted a meeting with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to discuss the American Rescue, Jobs, and Families Plans as well as other New Dem priorities to promote trade, innovation, and economic development. The NDC will continue engaging with Administration as Congress develops legislation to build back better.
More on what New Dems have been up to below.
NDC Highlights
NDC Infrastructure Task Force Outlines Infrastructure Priorities
- NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Vice Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03), Leadership Member Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), and Infrastructure Task Force Co-Chairs Norma Torres (CA-35) and Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07) outlined the Coalition’s infrastructure priorities to build back better as the House continues to develop legislation in response to President Biden’s American Jobs Plan. New Dem Members will work to update our transportation infrastructure, create quality jobs, invest in our nation’s preparedness and resilience, and develop more affordable housing. Specifically, the Coalition is focused on:
- Building funding and financing to last
- Building resilient, innovative infrastructure for the future
- Building with smart and inclusive planning, zoning, and development
House Advances New Dem-Endorsed Legislation to Respond to the January 6th Insurrection
- This week, the House advanced legislation that included provisions of two New Dem-Endorsed bills to better prepare our country, protect our democracy, and respond to domestic terrorism following the January 6th insurrection.
- First, the House passed the bipartisan H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. This bill would establish a 9/11-style independent commission to investigate what happened on and leading up to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The House-passed bill is based in part on the NDC endorsed H.R. 1178, Commission on Domestic Terrorism Act, co-led by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11).
- The House also passed H.R. 3237, the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, to better prepare the Capitol complex from future potential threats. Included in the bill is $8.6 million for body cameras for Capitol Police officers whose job duties include interacting with the public, which is based on New Dem-endorsed H.R. 284, by Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-09), to require uniformed, on-duty U.S. Capitol Police officers to utilize body-worn cameras in line with recommendations of the 1-6 Task Force.
NDC Members Urge Commitment to Regular Order and Committee Process for Upcoming Legislative Packages
- The Coalition sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer urging that the House utilize regular order both in name and spirit as the House starts to legislate the framework set forth by President Biden’s American Jobs and Families Plans. NDC Members believe House leadership should empower Committees and Members to work collaboratively to get the policy right.
- Over the last few Congresses, NDC Members have secured appointments to key committees and are well-positioned to help craft these bills during the Committee process. NDC Members believe House leadership should empower Committees and Members to work collaboratively to get the policy right. Read the full letter.
NDC Members Meet with Commerce Secretary Raimondo
- The NDC hosted a meeting with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to discuss the American Rescue, Jobs, and Families Plans as well as other priorities within the purview of the Commerce Department.
- The Coalition and its Members have actively engaged with the Biden administration on these plans, previously meeting with Secretaries Buttigieg, Granholm, and Yellen, White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, and Chairs DeFazio, Neal, and Pallone.
- This week, by unanimous vote, the NDC inducted Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) as its newest Member. Congressman Mrvan understands the importance of good-paying jobs and a growing economy that works for everyone. In the House, he will look for opportunities to be a servant leader and bring Northwest Indiana together to make smart, local investments and grow the regional economy. With Rep. Mrvan’s addition, the Coalition now has 95 members.
Bill Action
Biden Signs COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into Law
- President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law. The bill seeks to help combat the rise in anti-Asian hate by strengthening the tracking, reporting, and response to all COVID-19 related hate crimes. The legislation was amended in the Senate to include the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, a bill first introduced by Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) in 2016 to strengthen America's response to hate crimes. Read more from Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) on the need for this legislation and to Stop Asian Hate.
House Passes Axne Mental Health Bill Named for Iowa Veteran
- The House voted to advance Rep. Cindy Axne’s (IA-03) bipartisan legislation to expand mental health care for rural veterans. The Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans’ Mental Health Act, named in memory of Iowa veteran Brandon Ketchum, establishes new Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) programs through the VA and supports additional research on rural veteran mental health care needs.
NDC Member Legislation
Larsen, Brownley, Kilmer Introduce Bill to Boost Electric Bus Fleets, Combat Climate Change
- Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced legislation to boost the use of electric buses in local transit fleets to combat climate change and keep people and the economy moving. The Generating Reduced Emissions by Electrifying New Buses (GREEN Buses) Act amends the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No (Low-No) Emission Vehicle Program to require the deployment of electric buses by organizations engaged in public transportation.
Demings, Quigley Introduce Gun Violence Prevention Package
- Reps. Val Demings (FL-10) and Mike Quigley (IL-5) introduced the Protecting Our Communities Act. The goal of the legislative package of common-sense efforts is to close obvious loopholes in America’s gun laws, prevent mass shootings, and protect law enforcement officers and the public from high-powered, rapid-firing, and untraceable weapons.
- Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to promote career opportunities and boost diversity in the U.S. transportation industry. The Promoting Service in Transportation Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop a series of broadcast, digital, and print media public service announcement campaigns to promote job opportunities and improve diversity in the transportation workforce.
DelBene Introduces Legislation to Expand Smart City Technology
- NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) introduced the Smart Cities and Communities Act to promote the use of smart city technologies and enhance federal coordination of these programs. Smart technologies enable cities to improve community livability, services, communication, safety, mobility, and resilience to natural disasters; to reduce costs, traffic congestion, air pollution, energy use, and carbon emissions; and to promote economic growth and opportunities for communities of all sizes.
Schneider, Brownley Introduce Bill to Decarbonize Aviation, Fulfill Climate Commitments
- NDC Leadership Member Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced the Sustainable Skies Act, new legislation to fight carbon emissions and promote the transition to sustainable aviation fuel. The legislation would create a tax credit starting at $1.50 per gallon for blenders that supply sustainable aviation fuel with a demonstrated 50% or greater lifecycle estimate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard jet fuel.
Bourdeaux, McBath Introduce Bipartisan Flexible Transit Legislation
- NDC Infrastructure Task Force Co-Chair Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07) and Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) introduced the bipartisan Build Up the Suburbs (BUS) Act, legislation which would expand funding eligibility for flexible transit options, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Express Lane Transit (ELT). Both BRT and ELT utilize existing infrastructure to link metro areas with the inner and outer suburbs, providing critical transit services for areas without the density to support fixed rail transit.
Blunt Rochester Introduce Bill to Help Low-Income Americans Maintain Access to Clean Drinking Water
- Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) introduced the bipartisan Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act. The bill would establish permanent programs at the Environmental Protection Agency that would assist low-income households in maintaining access to clean drinking water and sanitation services.
Craig Announces National Public Works Week
- Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced H.Res.399, a bipartisan resolution to recognize this week as National Public Works Week. This resolution celebrates the vital work of our nation’s public works professionals who manage water, sewer and public transportation systems and maintain public buildings and grounds. The resolution expresses gratitude to these public works professionals for playing a key role in helping the United States recover from the COVID–19 pandemic.
Fletcher Introduces Legislation to Expand Eligibility for Adapted Vehicles for Disabled Veterans
- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced the Care Access Resources (CARS) for Veterans Act. This legislation expands the eligibility for disabled veterans to obtain vehicles modified for their disabilities. Currently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a program that provides service-connected disabled veterans with a one-time payment to adapt their vehicle for their medical needs if their disability prevents them from driving. To adapt for the limited life cycles of vehicles, the CARS for Veterans Act authorizes the VA to provide an eligible person with an additional vehicle if 10 years have elapsed since they received their previously covered vehicle.
Lawson, Demings Introduce HUD Inspection Act of 2021
- Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) and Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) introduced the HUD Inspection Act of 2021. This bill forces U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to take greater action when federal assisted housing properties fail to come into compliance with federal housing laws.
NDC Member Action
- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) co-led a coalition of 135 Members of Congress in submitting public comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its proposed regulations to repair and rebuild the Title X family planning program. In their public comments, the members supported new program regulations to uphold a patient’s confidentiality, protect specialized providers from harmful discrimination, and prioritize equitable access to care for people with low incomes. Read the full letter.
Demings Announces Formation of House Haiti Caucus
- Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) formed the House Haiti Caucus to advocate for the Haitian people and their wellbeing, as well as an intense desire to see Haitian democracy thrive.
Larsen Discusses U.S. Maritime Economy, National Security with the American Maritime Podcast
- Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, joined the American Maritime Podcast to discuss the importance of a strong maritime sector to national security and defense readiness, President Biden’s infrastructure proposal and maritime transportation, and how the domestic maritime sector creates jobs and contributes to the U.S. economy.
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