New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 11/17/2023
From the Chair's Desk
New Dem Chair Statement on Passage of Continuing Resolution
New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) released a statement following the House floor vote on the continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government into 2024. The bipartisan CR passed by a vote of 336-95:
“Today, despite Speaker Johnson and House Republicans’ continued efforts to drive a partisan wedge through the government funding process, New Dems and House Democrats demonstrated once again that we'll always put people over politics.
“Let me be clear: this continuing resolution is not a perfect or permanent solution. The GOP ‘laddered’ approach to funding the government introduces more risk into an already complicated process and fails to include the President’s supplemental funding request to support our allies in Israel and Ukraine, deliver critical humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza, strengthen our national security at home and abroad, and address critical domestic priorities.
“However, this bill will keep the government open at a time when millions of workers across the country are in dire need of certainty and stability. The CR maintains current funding levels, extends vital Farm Bill programs through next year, and contains no partisan poison pill amendments.
“Despite its flaws, voting for this legislation is the responsible thing to do to keep the government open and avoid the devastating impacts a government shutdown would have on the U.S. economy and hardworking families.
“The American people deserve better than House Republican dysfunction – luckily, Democrats have been and continue to be the adults in the room to deliver for our country. New Dems remain committed to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and the Capitol to advance President Biden’s national security and domestic supplemental requests, pass a bipartisan NDAA, reauthorize the FAA, and find common ground on full-year appropriations." Read the statement
Press Releases
76 New Dems Implore Congressional Leaders to Bring the President’s Full Supplemental Funding Request Up for a Vote
This week, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02), Vice Chair for Communications Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Vice Chair for Policy Derek Kilmer (WA-06) led a total of 76 New Dems on a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell strongly urging them to schedule a vote on President Biden’s supplemental request for security and humanitarian aid in support of Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and funding to help address the crisis along our southern border. Read the full release & letter
New Dems Urge House, Senate Armed Services Committees to Incorporate the Coalition’s National Security Priorities in Upcoming NDAA
New Democrat Coalition (NDC) National Security Task Force Chair Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) led 44 New Dem Members on a letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committee leadership calling on both chambers to consider the Coalition’s priorities in their upcoming bicameral negotiations to produce a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The letter builds on the National Security Task Force’s five key NDAA priorities released in June, which include supporting Ukraine and our servicemembers, investing in American innovation and energy security, and strengthening the defense industrial base and supply chains. The 44 New Dems also call for provisions to enhance U.S. security cooperation with Israel and strongly urge conferees to eliminate far-right provisions in the House-passed bill that would attack reproductive rights, health care, and marginalized communities. Read the full release & letter
The NewDEAL and New Dems Launch
'2024 Freedom Agenda'
Leading Democratic organizations unveil framework for 2024 elections focusing on Freedom of Opportunity; Freedom in Communities; and Freedom through Democracy
Learn more about the Freedom Agenda
Member Legislation
House Unanimously Passes Larsen-DelBene Bill to Add Mount Vernon Court Location to Western District of Washington
Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Suzan DelBene’s (WA-01) bill, H.R. 786, unanimously passed the House. This bill would add Mount Vernon as a court location in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. This change would make it easier for Skagit, Snohomish and Island County residents to access federal justice system services and attend court. Currently, the Western District of Washington has courthouses in Seattle and Tacoma and holds hearings in Bellingham and Vancouver.
Budzinski Introduces Legislation to Support Families Navigating a New Down Syndrome Diagnosis
Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced H.R. 6412, the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Act. This bipartisan legislation helps parents and families navigate a new Down syndrome diagnosis and ensure their child receives high quality care.
Lee Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Help Veterans Find Good-Paying Jobs
Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) introduced H.R. 6345, the Hire Student Veterans Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would expand the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which is available to employers who hire individuals from groups that have faced significant barriers to employment, to include student veterans using their educational benefits. This change would ensure that all student veterans using their GI benefits can take advantage of valuable paid internships or work opportunities.
Smith Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Pre-Apprenticeships and Create More Pathways to Good Jobs for American Workers
Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) introduced H.R. 6439, the Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act. This legislation would help fund transportation, housing, and childcare stipends, pay for lost hourly wages, and cover certification costs for those enrolled in pre-apprenticeships to make these programs more accessible and expand pathways to obtaining good-paying, high-quality jobs.
New Dems in Action
New Dems Welcome Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to Weekly Member Lunch
This week, New Dems welcomed Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to our weekly Member meeting for a robust conversation on keeping America's schools safe, bolstering workforce development, combatting anti-Semitism, & increasing the affordability and accessibility of higher education.
NextGen NewDems Welcome Steny Hoyer to November Meeting
Yesterday, NextGen NewDems held their monthly meeting where staff heard from Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05). Congressman Hoyer discussed his professional journey–– including his 40+ year career in Congress–– and answered questions from staff.
New Dem Members Attend March for Israel
This week, several New Dem Members attended the March for Israel on the National Mall. Over 290,000 people attended this march to demonstrate support for the Israeli people following Hamas' terrorist attack on October 7th, demand the release of hostages captured by Hamas, and stand firm against rising anti-Semitism in the United States and around the world.
New Dems Welcome PPI for Briefing on New Polling Data
New Dem Vice Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03) welcomed Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) President Will Marhsall, Director of PPI’s Project on Center-Left Renewal Claire Ainsley, and U.K. Labour Party Member of Parliament & Shadow Minister for Europe, North America, & U.K. Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty for a briefing on new polling that sheds light on ways to better appeal to working-class voters. Read PPI's new report
Member Highlights
Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17) issued a letter to the CEOs of Kia and Hyundai demanding accountability for car thefts caused by a security flaw in the automakers’ vehicles.
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection urging the agency to open an investigation “to examine the harm that the lack of access to store-issued digital coupons is having on consumers, particularly senior citizens, low income-individuals, and those without internet access or digital devices.”
Rep. Norma J. Torres (CA-35) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General Robert P. Storch to request the Inspector General review the Defense Department’s Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (MCIOs) and their efforts to deliver justice for victims like Army Spc. Enrique Roman-Martinez, who’s case remains unsolved after he was murdered over three years ago.
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