New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 3/6
Press Releases
New Dem Leadership Slams Republicans for Killing War Powers Resolution, Giving Trump a Blank Check
New Democrat Coalition Leadership issued a statement after House Republicans voted down a war powers resolution directing the President to end ongoing military actions against Iran unless authorized by Congress, as required by Article I of the Constitution.
“Congress represents the voice of the American people – a voice that must be heard and respected, especially in matters of war. Today, Speaker Johnson and House Republicans denied the American people the chance to be heard and instead gave President Trump a blank check to take our nation deeper into a war for which he has not yet coherently explained the goals, strategy, or desired end game.
“The Administration’s conduct has too often been confused, incoherent, or ill conceived, five days into this unauthorized regional war that has already claimed the lives of six American service members. Meanwhile, the conflict is quickly escalating and shows no signs of slowing, threatening American allies across the region. Our State Department issued evacuation orders for American citizens in 14 countries without a plan or committed resources to affect these orders. Now, the President has said he wants to pick the next leader of Iran, squarely involving the US in regime change.
“The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war for exactly this reason: to prevent a reckless President from miring the U.S. in a deadly and chaotic conflict with no regard or consideration for the repercussions at home or abroad.
“We again extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen servicemembers, and our thoughts are with our troops – we are praying for their success and safe return. New Dems will continue fighting to rein in this chaotic President and demand the transparency and clarity the American people deserve.”
New Dem Leadership Demands Necessary DHS Reforms Ahead of Appropriations Vote
New Democrat Coalition Leadership released the following statement ahead of the House vote on the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which would provide additional funding for ICE and CBP’s brutal and violent operations in American communities.
“New Dems believe that when the American people ask us to do something, it is our job to listen. Americans have made it clear that they are tired of seeing our communities overrun and our Constitution undermined by out-of-control immigration agents unconscionably targeting and brutalizing hardworking neighbors while killing innocent people simply exercising their constitutional rights. Congress has the power to end this chaos and abuse, and we must use it. That is why we are voting no on this partisan DHS appropriations bill.
“Instead of working with Democrats to rein in ICE and CBP operations, Congressional Republicans are once again determined to bend to the Trump administration’s demands and put crucial funds for TSA, FEMA, the Disaster Relief Fund, and the Coast Guard at risk.
“Republicans need to come to the table and finally work with Democrats to deliver the much-needed changes at DHS that Americans are desperately asking for.”
New Dem Veterans Urge Passage of War Powers Resolution, Prevent “Mistakes of Past Wars”
A group of New Democrat Coalition Veterans led by Veterans Task Force Chair Herb Conaway (NJ-03) and including New Dem Vice Chair Salud Carbajal (CA-24), National Security Working Group Chair Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Reps. Jason Crow (CO-06), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) issued a statement ahead of the war powers resolution vote in the House:
"We are veterans who stood watch for this country and who still carry the costs of decisions made in war. The ongoing military actions against Iran were ordered with too many unknowns and too little regard for the men and women who are being asked to risk their lives. Six servicemembers have already been killed, and sadly more are likely to follow. The Trump Administration seems bound to repeat the mistakes of past wars—shifting justifications, rash decision-making, unclear objectives, and no credible plan to protect troops or prevent regional escalation.
“These lessons are not theoretical. As warriors, caregivers, mechanics, communicators, and leaders in uniform, we fought for this country, treated its wounded, buried its dead, and watched families pay the price for strategic failures. The Trump Administration has charged headlong into another conflict in the Middle East while offering no transparency about the risks it poses to American servicemembers, embassy personnel, or stranded civilians across the region. The American people don’t want young men and women dying in another forever war. Without a clear strategy and a full accounting of the risks, these strikes risk drawing us into another open-ended conflict.
“The Constitution grants Congress alone the authority to declare war precisely to prevent reckless decisions that send Americans into harm’s way without a clear national purpose. The Administration has failed to prove there was a credible, imminent threat to justify this campaign. We urge passage of the Khanna–Massie War Powers Resolution to restore that essential check. If the President seeks to take the nation to war with Iran, he must come to Congress and make the case openly, honestly, and with a plan that respects the sacrifices of veterans and protects those still in uniform."
New Dems in Action
New Dems meet with Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán
New Dems were joined at their weekly lunch by the Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán. The Ambassador answered questions about immigration, the US-Mexico relationship, the state of the USMCA, and more.
New Dem Housing Working Group Leadership Meets with Manufactured Housing Institute
New Dem Housing, Infrastructure, and Transportation Working Group Chair Norma Torres (CA-35) and Housing Task Force Chair Emilia Sykes (OH-13) met with the Manufactured Housing Institute to learn more about issues related to manufactured housing such as financing, land use, and regulatory barriers.
Member Highlights
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) spoke during a meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on the need to reverse the devastating cuts to SNAP made in the Big Ugly Bill.
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06) celebrated House passage her bipartisan Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act (H.R. 4307). This act establishes guidelines to ensure DOL staff are equipped with sufficient tools and resources to report labor or sexual exploitation. It also establishes a clear framework for DOL employees to assist law enforcement in preventing labor or sexual exploitation.
Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31) joined 10 veteran members of Congress condemning the President’s actions in Iran and standing in support of the bipartisan War Powers Resolution. Cisneros said “As a Navy veteran, a current member of Congress, and former Under Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, I know that is not the way that things are to be done...We must pass this bipartisan War Powers Resolution now to reign in Trump's deadly overreach for the safety and security of every American.”
Member Legislation
Rep. Morelle Introduces Bill marking March 3 as National Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) announced the reintroduction of his resolution designating March 3 as National Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Awareness Day (H.Res. 1098). In continuing his annual introduction of this resolution, Morelle is committed to elevating awareness of TNBC, supporting patients and families, and advancing research to combat one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Rep. Peters Introduces Legislation to Combat Drought, Build Local Water Infrastructure
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50) introduced the Drought Relief Obtained Using Government Help Today (DROUGHT) Act (H.R. 7845), which would help address the Western water crisis caused by severe and ongoing drought conditions affecting the Colorado River and its reservoirs. The bill would allow federal funding to take on a greater share of the rising cost of water infrastructure projects.
Rep. Johnson Introduces Bill Mandating Voter Notification Of Polling Place Changes Amid Texas Suppression Efforts
Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), a member of the House Administration Committee, announced the introduction of the Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Act (H.R. 7182). The legislation establishes clear, minimum notification requirements to ensure voters are promptly informed of any polling place changes, so no one is disenfranchised due to confusion or lack of notice.
Rep. Elfreth Introduces Legislation to Improve Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts Across Local, State, and Federal Governments
Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) introduced the Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act (H.R. 7788). The bill would build on the Whole Watershed Act, which Congresswoman Elfreth led during her time in the Maryland State Senate, by empowering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collaborate with state and local partners to support restoration projects across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Rep. Pappas Reintroduces Updated DISCLOSE Act to End Corrupting Influence of Dark Money in American Elections
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) reintroduced the DISCLOSE Act (H.R. 7802), legislation to end the scourge of dark money in our democracy, shine a bright light of transparency on politics, and make government more accountable to the will of voters. The bill is sponsored by all 47 senators who caucus with Democrats, and 142 Democrats in the House.
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