New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 2/27
Press Releases
New Dem Leadership on the State of the Union: Under Trump, America is in a “State of Chaos”
New Democrat Coalition Leadership issued a statement following President Trump’s State of the Union Address to Congress:
“Tonight, the President had the opportunity to show the American people that he was focused on tackling their biggest problems. He didn’t even try.
“Unfortunately – and unsurprisingly – hardworking Americans heard none of the answers they were seeking. Nothing on lowering prices at the grocery store. Nothing about making it easier to buy a home. Nothing about making health care affordable for all Americans. Instead, they were met with the same routine of gaslighting and grievances by a President who does nothing but offer hollow promises. The majority of Americans who believe the state of the union is not strong were proven right, and their hopes were not lifted by the President.
“Thanks to President Trump, the true state of our union is chaos. The American people are facing rising prices driven even higher by Trump’s illegal tariff taxes on small businesses and working families, health care that costs too much or is completely unavailable because of Republican legislation, and one of the worst job markets in more than 20 years.
“They face violence in the streets at the hands of masked federal agents, the threat of foreign conflicts stoked by the President, and a two-tiered justice system that serves an audience of one. All the while, the stench of corruption permeates every action by the Trump Administration, enriching his billionaire buddies off the backs of everyday Americans.
“The American people deserve better from their government, and New Dems know how to deliver better for American workers, families, and the country as a whole. We’re fighting in Congress to make good on our promises and deliver lower prices, affordable health care, and safer communities. Our Republican colleagues can either join us in this effort or sacrifice the well-being of their constituents to satisfy a failing President. The choice is theirs.”
New Dem Members Call on Trump Admin to Refund His Illegal Tariffs Ahead of State of the Union
New Democrat Coalition Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) and Former New Dem Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led 45 New Dems in a letter to the Trump administration demanding answers and transparency on their plans to refund the $175 billion in illegal tariffs that raised the cost of groceries, household goods, housing, and everyday life for working Americans.
This follows the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision that the President violated federal law by illegally exceeding his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs. Chair Beyer previously called on the Supreme Court to limit the President’s use of emergency powers following oral arguments in this case last November and celebrated the Court’s ruling last week.
The letter reads in part:
“The economic damage President Trump has already done to business investment, manufacturing, relationships with our allies and trading partners, and working families’ budgets will linger for years to come. We are also deeply concerned by the President’s intention to impose new tariffs under Sections 122 and 301 of the 1974 Trade Act to replace his illegal IEEPA tariffs which are sure to exact even more economic harm on the American people… President Trump must set aside his erratic tariff policy and instead pursue a trade agenda that protects workers, supports manufacturers and other exporters, and does not punish Americans who are already struggling with persistently high prices for everyday goods.”
Consumers and small businesses bore the brunt of Trump’s inflationary illegal tariffs, but the administration has yet to lay out any plans to refund them for their lost money. Instead of creating the “millions and millions” of jobs and “manufacturing boom” President Trump promised, his tariffs led to the worst non-recession year for job creation in more than 20 years, as companies laid off more than 1 million workers and eliminated more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs.
The full letter can be read here, and below:
New on Substack
New Dems Release a New Episode of the Fly-In: Unfiltered Thoughts on Trump’s State of the Union
In this episode, hosts Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) give their unfiltered thoughts on Trump’s State of the Union Address after his first year back in office and share what it was like experiencing it from the House floor. Despite breaking the record for longest State of the Union speech in history, the members explain how Trump failed entirely to address any of the issues American families are struggling with — from cost of living and health care to public safety.
New Dems in Action
New Dems Tout Affordability Agenda at House Democratic Issues Conference
New Democrat Coalition leaders, including Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) Vice Chair for Policy Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Vice Chair for Communications Marc Veasey (TX-33), NDC Leadership Members Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), National Security Working Group Chair Gil Cisneros (CA-31) and Environment, Climate, & Clean Energy Working Group Chair Scott Peters (CA-50), held a press conference at the annual House Democratic Issues Conference to discuss New Dems’ efforts to deliver the lower cost of living that hardworking Americans deserve.
Member Highlights
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced Rion and Waverly as the winners of her Black History Month Essay Contest on the House floor. Students in grades 7–12 in Washington’s 10th Congressional District were invited to celebrate Black History Month by submitting essays that honor Black Washingtonians who have significantly impacted our region.
Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) hosted a telephone town hall following the State of the Union to hear his constituents' thoughts directly and answer their questions.
Member Legislation
Rep. Sharice Davids Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Aviation Safety, Protect Flyers
Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) helped introduce the ALERT Act (H.R. 2953), in response to last year’s deadly midair collision of Flight 5342 from ICT to DCA. This bipartisan legislation is aimed at modernizing aviation safety systems, strengthening air traffic controller training, and reducing the risk of future tragedies.
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