New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 10/27/2023
Press Releases
New Dem Chair on Election of Far-Right Extremist Mike Johnson as Speaker
New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) released a statement following the election of Mike Johnson as the 56th Speaker of the House. Johnson led over 100 House Republicans in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the 2020 election. As recently as last night, Johnson refused to acknowledge whether Joe Biden is the legitimately elected President of the United States.
“Nearly a month after the House GOP ousted their own Speaker, Republicans have chosen a far-right fringe Member of their conference to hold one of the most powerful offices in the country.
“Mike Johnson — Republicans’ fifth choice for Speaker in less than a year — is a danger to both our domestic and national security. He was a key architect in the attempt to overturn the 2020 election, has voted against codifying same-sex marriage and protecting legal access to contraception, spearheaded efforts to cut programs like Social Security and Medicare, and supports a nationwide ban on abortion with no exceptions for rape, incest, or life of the mother.
“Importantly, Johnson also opposes aid for Ukraine at a pivotal moment when continued American support is essential to defending their democracy. On top of that, his plan for the 118th Congress leaves out assistance for Israel in their fight against Hamas and humanitarian aid for Gaza and fails to address our southern border.
“After weeks of dysfunction, House Republicans have elevated a man who disregards personal freedoms, the safety of our allies, and American democracy to be second in line to the presidency.
“As New Dems, we will continue fighting for what is right, even in the face of chaos. Republicans had a choice: continue down the far-right path that has paralyzed Congress, or finally choose reason over extremism. Unfortunately, they have gone with the former.
“But in a closely divided government, bipartisanship is still the only way we can fund the government, support our allies, and tackle key priorities like lowering costs, growing the middle class, and securing our border. While New Dems sincerely hope this new Speaker will put partisanship aside to deliver for the American people and our allies, we fully reject this extremist approach to governing.” Read the release
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New Democrat Coalition Applauds Designation of 31 Regional Tech Hubs, Including 17 Represented by New Dems
New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Vice Chair for Policy Derek Kilmer (WA-06) released a statement applauding the Biden Administration’s announcement designating 31 Regional Tech Hubs as part of the $10 billion Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
New Dem Leadership Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Standing with Israel, Unequivocally Condemning Hamas
New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Vice Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) released a statement following the passage of the bipartisan resolution led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). The resolution reiterates that the United States Congress stands with Israel and unequivocally condemns the terrorist attacks Hamas launched targeting Israeli civilians.
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NDC Immigration & Border Security Task Force Chair Stanton Leads 34 New Dems in Letter Calling for Swift Consideration of Administration's Border Security Request
New Democrat Coalition Immigration and Border Security Task Force Chair Greg Stanton (AZ-04) led 34 New Dem Members in a letter to Congressional leadership calling on the Senate to quickly bring a bipartisan border security package reflecting President Biden’s supplemental request to the floor.
Throughout the 118th Congress, New Dems have called on the Administration and House leadership to advance additional funding to streamline immigration processes, secure the border, and tackle the fentanyl crisis.
“Border communities can’t wait any longer – they need the federal government to step up,” Chair Stanton said. “The President’s request directs unprecedented resources to secure the border and crack down on deadly fentanyl. New Dems stand ready to reach across the aisle to get it done.”
The letter reads in part:
“As members of the New Democrat Coalition, we understand emergency funding is necessary to secure our border, ensure a humane and orderly immigration process, and stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States… Securing our nation’s southern border is a bipartisan goal, and the shared responsibility of all members of Congress. We ask that you swiftly bring this important package to a vote in the Senate.”
Member Highlights
Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02) went on MSNBC's The Last Word to talk about the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine and her support for legislation to get weapons of war off our streets.
Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) celebrated the opening of Factorial Energy’s new solid state battery manufacturing facility in Methuen, MA. This facility is the only electric vehicle, solid state battery manufacturer in the United States and will be creating hundreds of good-paying, clean energy jobs.
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joined 19 colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Senate and House Armed Services Committee leadership, urging them to retain language in the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) eliminating the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from income calculations when determining eligibility for the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Basic Need Allowance (BNA) program.
Rep. Susie Lee's (NV-03) legislative efforts to expand child care and job opportunities for military families was featured on ABC 8.
Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) applauded the announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has designated the iFAB Tech Hub in Champaign, Illinois as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.
New Dems in Action
New Dems Hold Farm Bill Forum
This week, Members of the New Dem Farm Bill Task Force convened with stakeholders to discuss efforts to support farmers, uplift rural communities, improve nutrition programs, and more in the must-pass Farm Bill. This builds on months of work from our Farm Bill Task Force to ensure passage of a bipartisan farm bill that invests in the future of American agriculture.
New Dems welcome Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks to weekly Member Lunch
This week, New Dems welcomed Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks to our weekly Member lunch for a robust conversation ranging from the Israel-Hamas war to efforts the Administration is taking to support military families.
New Dem Artificial Intelligence Working Group Holds Roundtable Discussion on Democracy and Disinformation
Yesterday, the New Dem Artificial Intelligence Working Group welcomed representatives from the Center for Humane Technology, RAND, and Public Citizen for a roundtable discussion on democracy and disinformation. Members engaged in a robust conversation with the speakers about how generative AI can be used to create deceptive synthetic media, spread dis/misinformation, its impact on democratic institutions, and what actions Congress can take to erect guardrails to protect American democracy and national security.
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