New Democrat Coalition Weekly Wrap 10/13

New Democrat Coalition Leadership Endorses Bipartisan Resolution Standing with Israel, Unequivocally Condemning Hamas

This week, New Democrat Coalition Leadership released the following statement endorsing the bipartisan resolution led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). The vast majority of House Members, over 400 from both sides of the aisle, signed the resolution, standing with Israel as it defends itself against the terrorist attacks Hamas launched targeting Israeli civilians:

“The New Democrat Coalition resolutely stands with Israel and unequivocally condemns the heinous terrorist attacks launched by Hamas over the weekend. Hamas barbarically murdered more than 1,200 people in cold blood, wounded thousands more, kidnapped Israeli citizens and soldiers, and is now holding more than 100 hostages. Our Coalition supports Israel’s right to defend itself and protect its citizens, and will work with our colleagues to ensure Israel has the capability and resources to be successful in its mission. As a Coalition, we mourn with all those who’ve lost loved ones – including several Americans killed in these brutal assaults.

“More than 90 percent of House Members have already signed onto this resolution and it deserves immediate consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives. Congress is united in our unwavering, ironclad support of Israel and as New Dems we call for swift passage of this bipartisan resolution.”

READ THE RELEASE

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member joins CNN to Discuss Israel and the Speaker's Race

This week, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) joined CNN to discuss the U.S. response to the crisis in Israel, asserting that the primary objectives in the moment are to ensure that U.S. assets and citizens are protected, supply Israel with the resources it needs, and prevent conflict from spreading.

In the interview, Rep. Smith also commented on the lack of a Speaker, stating "the fact that the Republican party is completely dysfunctional is a significant problem." He stressed that this would impede Congress' ability to take legislative action to support both Israel and Ukraine.

WATCH ADAM'S INTERVIEW

U.S. must invest in agricultural innovation to ensure global food security

By New Dem Freshman Leadership Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)

This week, New Dem Freshman Leadership Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Member of the House Agriculture Committee, penned an op-ed in The News-Gazette emphasizing the importance of investing in agricultural innovation. Rep. Budzinski described how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the fragile nature of our global food system and stressed that agricultural research can help resolve such threats before they harm our food supply.

Rep. Budzinski highlighted her bill, the America Grows Act, which would increase public funding for agricultural research at USDA.

READ NIKKI'S OP-ED HERE

Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) was featured in a Seattle Times op-ed discussing his bipartisan efforts through his roles on the Modernization Committee, Bipartisan Working Group, and as New Dem Vice Chair for Policy. He expressed hope that Republicans and Democrats could come together on an enlightened path forward.

READ THE OP-ED

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) joined CNN This Morning to discuss her efforts to support the Jewish community in her district and emphasized the importance of electing a new Speaker to facilitate Congressional support for Israel.

WATCH MIKIE ON CNN

Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) spoke to FOX News to dispel viewers of any notion that Democrats are responsible for the Speakership turmoil and stressed the importance of restoring regular order to support Israel.

WATCH GLENN ON FOX NEWS

Rep. S teven Horsford (NV-04) talked to CBS about attending a Culinary Union meeting. Amid the backdrop of political unrest on Capitol Hill and the void left by Kevin McCarthy's ousting as Speaker, Horsford emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the concerns of everyday workers over political infighting.

WATCH STEVEN ON CBS

Rep. Pat Ryan Introduces Legislation Demanding Tommy Tuberville Stop Threatening U.S. and Israeli Security, Lift Months-Long Nomination Holds
Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18) introduced H.Res.778. This resolution formally demands Senator Tommy Tuberville drop his nomination hold and allow the Senate to confirm key commanders and military officers leading the US effort to support Israel.

Spanberger, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Disclose Drug Prices in Ads, Increase Price Transparency for Consumers
Reps. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and Zach Nunn (R-IA-03) introduced the bipartisan Drug-Price Transparency for Consumers Act (H.R.__). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would require that direct-to-consumer advertisements for pharmaceuticals include a disclosure of pricing information.

Reps. Panetta, Fitzpatrick, Kilmer, Cole, and Bipartisan Senate Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Tax Credit to Early Childhood Educators
Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) reintroduced the bipartisan Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act (H.R.__). The bill would help early childhood educators cover the cost of supplies, books, and other classroom materials by allowing them to claim the above-the-line $300 tax deduction currently available only to K-12 teachers.

On National Manufacturing Day, McBath Welcomed U.S. Trade Representative to Peachtree Corners for Investing in America Roundtable at Siemens

On Friday, October 6th, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-07) welcomed United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai to Siemens in Peachtree Corners for an Investing in America roundtable conversation.

Joined by leadership from Siemens, local elected officials, and representatives from the small business community, Friday’s event was an opportunity to discuss the many ways in which the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic investments in American manufacturing. In particular, Siemens showcased their work on electric vehicle charging and the upstream infrastructure that will be required to accommodate this clean energy technology.