New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 1/9
Weekly Highlight
New Dems Unveil Workforce & Education Agenda
The New Democrat Coalition Workforce & Education Working Group, led by Working Group Chair Frank Mrvan (IN-01) alongside Education Task Force Chair Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) and Apprenticeship & Training Task Force Chair Val Hoyle (OR-04), released the Coalition’s Workforce & Education Agenda, the New Dems’ plan to empower the next generation of American workers to achieve their potential with world-class K-12 education, concrete pathways to good-paying jobs, and robust support throughout their careers to adapt to the jobs of the future.
The Workforce & Education Agenda sets a comprehensive policy roadmap with the goal of creating a world-class public education system, better non-college pathways to success, and robust worker support from a person’s first job to their last job.
Press Releases
New Dem Leadership Urges Senate to Extend ACA Tax Credits, Lower Healthcare Costs
New Democrat Coalition Leadership issued a statement following the House floor vote and passage of legislation that would extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for three years.
New Dem Leadership previously called on Republicans to support the discharge petition to bring the three-year extension to the House floor for a vote.
“Yesterday, 17 House Republicans joined every House Democrat in voting to do what Congress could have and should have done months ago: extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits to lower costs for millions of Americans and save lives.
“Now, the Senate must do the same – and quickly. As of January 1st, more than 20 million Americans have watched their monthly insurance bills double, triple, or worse. Families are being forced to choose between going to the doctor or paying their rent, getting their prescriptions or putting food on the table.
“Senate Republicans need to put the well-being of the American people over their partisan politics and vote to send this commonsense, bipartisan extension to the President’s desk.”
New Dems Celebrate the Extraordinary Career of Congressman Steny Hoyer
New Dem Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) issued a statement following Rep. Steny Hoyer’s (MD-05) announcement that he will retire at the end of this term, celebrating Rep. Hoyer’s legacy and thanking him for over 40 years of service in the House.
“I join my colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition in celebrating and honoring the incredible career and legacy of our beloved colleague, Steny Hoyer.
“Congressman Hoyer’s remarkable tenure in the House of Representatives defined generations of progress. He has not only been a giant in the halls of Congress – he is a friend and mentor to countless lawmakers, including myself, throughout his four decades of service.
“As the second highest ranking House Democrat for 20 years, he spearheaded an agenda to make the American people safer, healthier, and more prosperous. He helped guide the Democratic caucus through moments of national crisis, from the Great Recession to the COVID-19 pandemic, with compassion and a clear sense of purpose. His commitment to commonsense, bipartisan dealmaking throughout his historic career serves as an enduring example to every lawmaker who answers the call to serve their community.
“The House will not be the same without Steny. New Dems are forever grateful for his leadership.”
New Dem Doctors & Health Care Working Group Chair Urge Republicans to Lower Healthcare Costs
New Dem Doctors Reps. Kim Schrier (WA-08), Ami Bera (CA-06), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and Herb Conaway (NJ-03) joined New Democrat Coalition Health Care Working Group Chair Terri Sewell (AL-07) in urging their House Republican colleagues to vote in favor of a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.
The extension is expected on the floor tomorrow after every House Democrat and a handful of Republicans forced a vote through the use of a discharge petition. New Dems have repeatedly called on Speaker Johnson and House Republicans to join Democrats in reversing the skyrocketing monthly healthcare costs that took effect on January 1st.
“Over the last year, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration have waged an all-out assault on health care access, affordability, and public health in America. Tomorrow, House Republicans have the chance to finally vote to improve the lives of their constituents.
“This vote comes at a critical moment in the ongoing Republican-created healthcare crisis. On January 1st, Congressional Republicans forced more than 20 million Americans already struggling with the out-of-control cost of living to pay thousands of dollars more per year for their health insurance.
“As physicians and New Dem health care leaders, we know first-hand the devastating effects of these cruel Republican cuts across the country. We need to act – now. House Republicans must put the wellbeing of their constituents over their extreme agenda and join Democrats in lowering healthcare costs and saving lives.”
Member Highlights
Congressman Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) wrote a guest post on Andrea Flores' Substack channel earlier this week, sharing a commonsense immigration plan to fix the system he believes both parties have gotten wrong for far too long. This New American Immigration Plan outlines a path to secure our borders, boost U.S. economic power, and create strategic legal pathways --- all without abandoning our American values.
Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), Vice Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, announced that she sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem seeking clarity on how the Dallas Police Department (DPD) cooperates with ICE. This follows DPD Assistant Chief Israel Herrera telling the Police Oversight Board that ICE agents are not required to show proof of identity to DPD during operations.
Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27), on the one-year anniversary of the devastating Southern California wildfires, led a letter with 42 members of the California delegation demanding immediate federal action to support survivors and strengthen long-term wildfire resilience, calling on the White House and Congress to deliver long-overdue supplemental disaster funding.
Member Legislation
Rep. McBath, Frankel Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6), Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2), Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), and Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced the Protecting Students on Campus Act (H.R. 6857), bipartisan legislation to confront rising antisemitism and other forms of discrimination at colleges and universities.
Rep. Cisneros Introduces Bipartisan Reform to Duty Status, Pushing for Equity and Fairness
Congressmen Gil Cisneros (CA-31) and Jack Bergman (MI-01) introduced the bipartisan Duty Status Reform Act (H.R. 6976) which would reduce the Reserve Component’s (RC’s) duty statuses from roughly 30 to four. This change would create a coherent structure, ensuring our servicemembers receive equitable benefits and pay when called to service.
Reps. McBath, Scott Introduce a Bill to Cut State Costs and Ensure Children Don’t Go Hungry During Summer
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6) and Congressman David Scott (GA-13) introduced the Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act (H.R. 6819), a bill to protect children from hunger, strengthen states’ fiscal stability, and fight back against the President Trump’s and Congressional Republicans’ attacks on our nation’s nutrition program.
Rep. Cisneros, Sen. Duckworth, Colleagues Introduce the PROTECT Military Families Act
Congressmen Gil Cisneros (CA-31) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) in the House and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in the Senate introduced the PROTECT Military Families Act (H.R.6958), a bicameral bill that aims to protect military families from deportation and forced separation detrimental to military morale and mission readiness.
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