New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 4/24
Press Releases
New Dems Host Discussion on How Congress Can Lower Grocery Costs
New Dem Rural Revitalization Working Group Chair Kim Schrier (WA-08) hosted a roundtable discussion with agricultural producers, labor groups, and anti-hunger advocates on how the rising cost of groceries is hurting families across the country, and what Congress can do to lower these costs.
Rep. Schrier was joined by several New Dem Members for the discussion, including Representatives Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Shontel Brown (OH-11).
“Families shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they can afford their trip to the grocery store,” said Rural Revitalization Working Group Chair Kim Schrier. “I was grateful to hear directly from leaders in the agricultural industry on how New Dems can support our farmers, lower grocery costs, and ensure nobody in our country goes hungry.”
During the roundtable, stakeholders shared thoughts on what is driving the rising costs of groceries, such as rising fuel and fertilizer prices, and where families are being hit hardest. They also discussed ways New Dems can ensure farmers receive the support they need to meet demand and help small- and medium-sized producers stay in business.
Tackling the rising cost of groceries has been a top priority for New Dems this Congress. Last fall, New Dems released our Rural Revitalization Agenda, which proposes ways to support farmers and fight hunger, especially in rural communities. New Dems also released our Affordability Agenda, which calls for Congress to promote a more affordable and competitive marketplace, which will help bring down the cost of groceries.
New Dems Host Tribal Roundtable Discussion
New Democrat Coalition Vice Chair for Outreach Salud Carbajal (CA-24), alongside Reps. Sharice Davids (KS-03), Raul Ruiz (CA-25) hosted a roundtable discussion between New Dem Members – including Reps. Derek Tran (CA-45) and Jim Costa (CA-21) – and Tribal stakeholders representing a number of interests.
Together, the group discussed priorities in the 119th Congress for Tribal and Native communities, actionable policies New Dems champion in the House, and the importance of continued collaboration to ensure these essential interests are represented in Congress.
“I appreciated hearing from our guest speakers and getting insight on their policy priorities for everything from business development strategies to workforce training programs,” said Vice Chair Salud Carbajal. “As New Dems, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to engage Tribal and Native stakeholders on commonsense solutions that reflect our shared priorities. I’m looking forward to carrying today’s discussion into our ongoing policy work.”
“Listening directly to Tribal leaders is essential to getting policy right. From workforce development and economic growth to housing, they made clear what their communities need and what’s at stake right now,” said Rep. Sharice Davids. “At a time when we’re seeing new challenges to Tribal sovereignty, I take my role as Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus seriously by making sure those voices aren’t just at the table, but heard, respected, and reflected in the decisions that shape federal policy.”
New on Substack
New Dems Release a New Episode of the Fly-In: Abundant Energy & Election Integrity with Rep. Scott Peters
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This week, Fly-In co-hosts Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Marc Veasey (TX-33) are joined by Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50) from San Diego, one of the foremost experts on energy policy on the powerful House Energy & Commerce Committee. After discussing his personal connection to Martin Luther King Sr., Peters talks through his work in Congress to accelerate clean energy production and lower prices.
Then, the three Members discuss the impact of Trump’s war in Iran on the American people and Congressional Republican efforts to disenfranchise millions of voters through the SAVE Act.
Landsman, Veasey, and Peters also react to the clip of the week, which features Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent lying about consumer confidence. To wrap up, Peters is quizzed by the hosts on how well he knows his favorite musical artists’ discography – tune in to find out who it is!
Six Ways Congressional Republicans are Ripping off Rural Americans
This week, New Democrat Coalition Vice Chair for Policy Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Rural Revitalization Working Group Chair Dr. Kim Schrier (WA-08) responded to House Republicans passing a partisan resolution “recognizing the work of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress in support of” rural communities:
"House Republicans are drowning in their own hypocrisy, patting themselves on the back for ripping off hardworking rural Americans while stuffing the pockets of their billionaire donors.
"The American people see right through this partisan charade. Meaningless resolutions cannot hide the fact that rural communities are suffering thanks to the agenda of higher costs, market chaos, and defunded federal programs for rural America pushed by Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration.
"America’s heartland deserves better, and New Dems are fighting to strengthen our rural communities. Through our Rural Revitalization Agenda, we’re building momentum around a plan to unleash the potential of rural economies, make healthcare and housing more affordable, and support the family farmers who feed, fuel, and clothe the nation.”
President Trump and House Republicans cannot hide from the damage they have inflicted on hardworking Americans in our rural communities.
New Dems are exposing their record by laying out the facts…
Member Highlights
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06) pressed HHS Secretary Kennedy during a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing, asking him if he believes gun violence is a public health crisis. She also questioned him on previous comments he made at a press conference last year, where he stated that "autism destroys families," and asked him to apologize.
Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led 15 of her colleagues in a letter to the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, to request answers about why the Trump Administration is failing to process Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program renewals in a timely manner—putting DACA recipients at risk of deportation. The lawmakers also raised serious concerns about rising renewal fees and questioned how those funds are being used.
Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) demanded answers from the National Weather Service (NWS) following tornadoes that struck Kansas’ Third District. Davids raised serious concerns about potential breakdowns in forecasting and warning systems that may have put Kansans at risk during last week’s storms. Despite no reported fatalities, she emphasized that gaps in preparedness and response could lead to devastating consequences in the future.
Member Legislation
Rep. McDonald Rivet Introduces Bill to Allow SNAP Families to Buy Hot Rotisserie Chicken
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) introduced the bipartisan SNAP Rotisserie Chicken Act (H.R. 8403). This bill would allow families to buy hot rotisserie chicken through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).
Reps. McBath, Owens Introduce CREATES Act to Streamline Credentialing Process
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) introduced the Credential Repositories and Transparency in States (CREATES) Act (H.R. 8304), which will help states build and maintain their own public credential repositories or registries to connect people with opportunities and good jobs. The bill seeks to bring clarity to a system that has become increasingly fragmented, where students, families, workers, and employers struggle to navigate and understand the hundreds of thousands of degrees, certificates, and training programs that are available in the United States.
Rep. Carbajal Leads Bipartisan Effort to Address Rising Homeowner Insurance Costs
Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24), along with Congressmen Gabe Evans (CO-08), Troy A. Carter (LA-02), and Mike Ezell (MS-04), introduced the bipartisan Commission on Natural Disaster Risk Management and Insurance Act (H.R. 8439), a bill to create a nonpartisan commission to study natural disaster insurance affordability and report policy recommendations to Congress within two years.
Rep. Pappas Introduces the Rural Child Care Access Act
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Rural Child Care Access Act (H.R. 8456), legislation to help child care providers serving small and rural areas upgrade existing or construct new facilities to strengthen services, increase capacity, and support staff by creating a new grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Rep. Davids Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Inspire Youth Entrepreneurship
Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) reintroduced the bipartisan 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act (H.R. 8404) to increase workforce and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for students from underserved communities.
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