Weekly Wrap
This week, the House of Representatives passed NDC Rep. Collin Allred’s resolution to condemn the Administration’s recent court filing to attack the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and take away health care protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions. The House also passed long-term, bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act to ensure Congress does everything in its power to protect Americans from violence and abuse, while ensuring that survivors have access to essential services and justice. Co-Chairs of the NDC National Security Task Force, Reps. Brad Schneider, Anthony Brown, Brendan Boyle, and Abigail Spanberger, also recognized the 70thanniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – history’s most important, most successful military and political alliance.
Coalition Highlights
NDC Chair Condemns the Administration’s Recent Federal Court Filing
- NDC Chair Derek Kilmer issued a statement after the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 271 to condemn the Administration’s recent court filing to attack the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and take away health care protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions:
“In the wake of the Administration’s court filing that pushes for the complete and total repeal of the Affordable Care Act, Congress must act to lower health care costs and expand health care access. I wasn’t in Congress when the ACA passed, and I don’t think the law is perfect. But the overall impact of the ACA has been undeniably positive; expanding coverage and securing critical protections for millions of Americans. Rather than unwinding the progress that’s been made, Congress should build on the success of the existing law. I will continue to fight for affordable health care for all Americans. I feel strongly that folks in DC should be working to make people’s lives better – not sabotaging the American health care system.”
NDC Releases National Security Statement on 70th Anniversary of NATO
- Co-Chairs of the NDC National Security Task Force, Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Anthony Brown (MD-04), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), released a statement recognizing the 70th anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty:
“April 4th marks the seven-decade anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – history’s most important, most successful military and political alliance. Emerging from the devastation of World War II, this vital partnership formed the foundation for the decades of peace and prosperity that followed, both in Europe and here in the United States. As we turn to the future and face an increasingly aggressive Russia, the NATO alliance remains just as critical today as ever to ensure our security and defense. The New Democrat Coalition remains steadfast in support of our collective defense commitment to our NATO allies and looks forward to strengthening this alliance for years to come.”
NDC Chair Statement on the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
- NDC Chair Derek Kilmer released a statement after the House of Representatives passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2019:
“Domestic violence is real, and no one should ever suffer in silence in the face of abuse. I’m proud to support a full, long-term, bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act to ensure Congress does everything in its power to protect Americans from violence and abuse, while ensuring that survivors have access to essential services and justice. This bill will make some vital improvements to address gaps in current law, based on extensive consultation with victim service providers, law enforcement, and other experts. With this vote, we are expanding housing protections and financial assistance for victims and survivors, as well as improving protections for Native American women and children in my region.”
NDC Talks Trade with Canadian and Mexican Ambassadors
- NDC Members met with Canadian Ambassador MacNaughton and Mexican Ambassador Barcena to discuss USMCA, our trade relationship with the two countries. The New Democrat Coalition supports updating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now referred to as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), to reflect the modern trade issues of the 21st century economy.
- Since its founding, NDC has been integral to the Congressional consideration of every major trade initiative. Over the upcoming weeks and months, the Trade Task Force will continue to facilitate discussions with key stakeholders and our Members to formulate the Coalition’s priorities in and around USMCA.
Blunt Rochester Discusses the Future of Retirement and Workforce
- NDC Future of Work Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) spoke at The Future of Prosperity event hosted by POLITICO to discuss the future of the nation’s retirement system and its workforce: “If you want to recruit and retain employees, then you need to invest in them.” Watch the full event.
Stevens Discusses the Impact of Automation in Nation’s Economy
- NDC Future of Work Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) spoke at the Aspen Institute’s Age of Automation: Policies for a Changing Economy to discuss the future of our nation’s economy and labor force: “I think we’ve got to be laser-focused on what’s right in front of us: the skills gap. We need to put our money where our mouth is and invest in job training.” Watch the full panel.
Member Highlights
Committee Action
Energy and Commerce Committee Passes Craig, Peters’ Bill to Lower Health Insurance Premiums
- Rep. Angie Craig’s (MN-02) bill, also co-sponsored by Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), passed the Energy and Commerce Committee. The State Health Care Premium Reduction Act would make health care more affordable and drive down costs through the creation of state-based markets.
- Rep. Blunt Rochester’s (DE-AL) bill passed the Energy and Commerce Committee. The MORE Health Education Act would reverse funding cuts to Affordable Care Act (ACA) education, marketing, and outreach efforts by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Bill Introductions
Sewell Introduces Bill to Phase in a Minimum Wage Increase
- Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) led a group of over a dozen Democratic lawmakers in introducing the Paying Hourly Americans Stronger Earnings (PHASE)-in $15 Wage Act, legislation that would calculate a new federal wage floor based on the regional cost of living and purchasing power.
Cuellar and Escobar Introduce Resolution Condemning Trump’s Threat to Shut Down Border
- Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced a resolution condemning President Trump’s recent threat to shut down the United States-Mexico border. Any potential closure of the border would cause extensive economic harm to U.S. markets and sever the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries.
- Rep. David Trone (MD-06) introduced the Providing Officers With Electronic Resources (POWER) Act), which establishes a new grant program at the Department of Justice to help law enforcement agencies secure high-tech, portable chemical screening devices that assist officers in the detection of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
Member Happenings
Schrier Discusses the Future of the Affordable Care Act on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal
- Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08) joins C-SPAN Washington Journal to discuss the nation’s health care system, the NDC Health Care Task Force, and the future of the Affordable Care Act. Watch the full interview.
Larsen: NATO at 70: Strategic Advantages of NATO at Home and Abroad via The Hill
- On the 70th anniversary of NATO, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) addresses the importance of the North Atlantic Treaty and its impact on the nation in his op-ed for The Hill. “My view is straightforward: I support the alliance because NATO is vital for American security… The United States is better able to respond to hostile actions when acting as the leader of a unified alliance. In addition to moral leadership, the alliance brings important military capabilities.”
Davis Leads 222 House Members in Calling for $41.6 Billion for the NIH
- Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53) led a bipartisan coalition of 222 House members in urging a $41.6 billion investment in the National Institutes of Health, a $2.5 billion increase from last year. Davis led a similar effort in 2018 that resulted in $2 billion more for medical research.
Stanton: We must do better by the people, for the people via Atwatukee Foothills News
- Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-09) defends H.R. 1, the For The People Act, in his op-ed for the Atwatukee Foothills News. "I have a simple principle: The American people ought to know who is writing big checks to their elected officials and candidates for office,” writes Stanton. “This new legislation means more everyday voters’ voices will be heard, and politicians will be able to focus on the issues that matter most to constituents – like quality jobs, affordable health care, clean air and water, and strong infrastructure.”
Kuster Expresses Concern About the Price of Insulin Medication
- Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02) voiced her concerns at the rising costs of insulin and other prescription drugs: “It’s unconscionable that the price of insulin has put this critical medication out of reach for many Granite Staters and people across the country,” said Kuster. “Diabetes is a serious illness, and no one who is struggling with it should have to worry about having access to the medicine they need to live. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I’m committed to working with my colleagues to lower the out of control costs of insulin and other medications.”
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