New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 6/5
Press Releases
New Dems Celebrate Passage of Discharge Petition to Surge Resources to Ukraine
New Democrat Coalition Leadership issued a statement following House passage of the Ukraine Support Act (H.R. 2913) after Democrats successfully forced a floor vote with a successful bipartisan discharge petition. The legislation would authorize $1.3 billion in defense aid to Ukraine, provide $8 billion in loans, and impose new sanctions on Russia.
“Today, New Dems proudly joined Ranking Member Gregory Meeks and our colleagues in answering the pleas of Ukrainian freedom fighters and advancing the support they need to beat back Putin’s authoritarian aggression.
“President Trump and Congressional Republicans may be willing to block assistance for Ukraine and stand aside while Russia continues its years-long illegal invasion, but Democrats refuse to abandon our allies in their time of need. Just this week, a Russian attack claimed the lives of two dozen innocent civilians, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of American inaction.
“We urge our Senate colleagues to swiftly move this package to the President’s desk to help Ukraine defend its people and capitalize on Russia’s slowed progress, weakened resolve, and dwindling resources to end this conflict.
“Successfully forcing a vote on this bill is just the latest example of House Democrats leveraging every legislative tool at our disposal to force Speaker Johnson to bring to the floor commonsense legislation on critical issues, from Ukraine and the Iran War to healthcare and the Epstein files.
“While Speaker Johnson and House Republicans refuse to lead, turning their back on American families and their communities at every opportunity, New Dems will continue to drive an agenda that lowers costs, defends democracy, delivers accountability, and improves the lives of the American people.”
New Dem Leadership Statement on Passage of War Powers Resolution
New Democrat Coalition Leadership issued a statement after House Democrats forced the passage of a resolution directing the President to end ongoing military actions against Iran unless authorized by Congress, as required by Article I of the Constitution.
“Working people are being crushed at the gas pump, the grocery store, and in their everyday lives thanks to President Trump’s war of choice with Iran. Americans did not want this war when it started, and now an overwhelming majority in poll after poll say they want it to end.
“We are on day 95 of the Iran War, 35 days past when the President is required by law to come to Congress for authorization. This vote is a long-overdue check on an out-of-control president and a clear message from Congress: the American people do not want more forever wars, servicemembers in danger, rising gas prices, or billions in wasted taxpayer money.
“The Constitution explicitly gives Congress alone the authority to take our nation to war. The War Powers Act recognizes the need for the President to have the capacity to act to address impending threats while preserving congressional authority.
“The President must present a plan to Congress and the American people. Our thoughts remain with the troops, and we are praying for their safe return. New Dems will keep fighting to rein in this president, uphold the Constitution, and deliver the transparency, accountability, and economic relief the American people deserve.”
New on Substack
New Dems Release New Episode of The Fly-In: "Gerrymanders and Gumbo" with New Orleans Rep. Troy Carter
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This week, co-hosts Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Marc Veasey (TX-33) are joined by Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), who represents a district impacted by Republican lawmakers’ gerrymander effort in the wake of the Louisiana v. Callais Supreme Court Decision.
Carter gives an overview of the immediate effects of the demolition of the Voting Rights Act in his community and across the country, placing this moment in historical context and discussing the path forward for Democrats in the fight to restore voting rights.
The Members then take on the Republican reconciliation bill that would give a $70 billion blank check to ICE and CBP without any of the reforms demanded by the American people. They connect this legislation to the Trump Administration’s widespread corruption, which sees Trump, his sons, and his allies raking in profits off of backroom deals and contracts while the American people suffer with higher prices and an unpredictable economy.
Landsman and Veasey wrap up the show by quizzing Rep. Carter on one of his passions: gumbo. They cover Carter’s famous gumbo recipe and figure out the do’s and don’ts of cooking this iconic dish.
Member Highlights
Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and 37 other members in questioning Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about staffing shortages at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that are slowing the distribution of congressionally approved research funding.
Congressman Rick Larsen's (WA-02) bill to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission for seven years passed the House of Representatives on a 374-49 vote (H.R. 2860). The Northwest Straits Commission ensures that local communities have the resources and expertise they need to keep marine habitats healthy and recover endangered and threatened species in Northwest Washington state.
Congresswoman Lucy McBath's (GA-06) bill, the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act (H.R. 2768) passed in the House of Representatives. This legislation takes first steps in designating the Benton Mackaye Trail, which stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, as a national scenic trail.
Member Legislation
Reps. McClellan and Moran Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral CONSENT Act to Protect Against Unsolicited Intimate Images
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), and Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Curbing Online Non-Consensual Sexually Explicit Nudity Transfers (CONSENT) Act (H.R. 9155) to eliminate the nonconsensual distribution and transmission of intimate images, particularly on social media and dating apps.
Rep. Lee Introduces Legislation to Help NV Veterans Exposed to Radiation and Toxins
Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Sergeant Dave Crete, Chairman of The Invisible Enemy, to introduce the Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act (H.R. 9127). This bill would ensure that veterans who suffered from exposure to toxic radiation and materials at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) can access their VA benefits.
Rep. Soto Introduces Protect Our Homes Act to Improve Disaster Relief and Lower Housing Costs
Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) introduced H.R. 9159, the Protect Our Homes Act—legislation to establish a loan program within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help communities repair residential common areas after natural disasters and/or protect property from future disasters.
Reps. Bynum, Bacon, Pappas, and Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Bill to protect Veterans' Benefits
Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), joined Congressmen Don Bacon (R-NE) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) in introducing the Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act (H.R. 9105), comprehensive legislation to hold claims sharks and other predatory actors accountable for exploiting veterans and survivors’ earned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
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