New Democrat Coalition Leadership released a statement following the unveiling of a six-bill appropriations package that would fund federal initiatives related to transportation, housing, the environment, agriculture, Veterans affairs, and more.

“New Dems applaud bipartisan negotiators for finally reaching a compromise that paves the way for the passage of the full-year funding bill. This deal is consistent with last May’s bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act, which our Members played an instrumental role in passing. New Dems also commend the negotiators for rejecting the far-right’s poison pill riders that would have restricted Americans’ fundamental freedoms.

“We are pleased that the package includes many priorities that New Dems fought for and secured — essential provisions to improve the lives of hard-working Americans, including a boost in funding for Veterans’ health care and mental health, critical public safety resources, and policies to address the challenges at the southern border and make housing more affordable. Additionally, this package includes vital Community Project Funding that New Dems secured for their districts across the country.

“We must note that these bills are coming for a vote more than five months late. Make no mistake: if House Republicans had adhered to the bipartisan agreement they negotiated last year, we could have avoided needless instability and economic uncertainty for the American people and our agencies. We hope this agreement marks the beginning of the end for House Republican chaos.

“New Dems call on our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this package without delay.”

New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Vice Chair for Communications Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on President Biden’s State of the Union address:

“Tonight, President Biden once again demonstrated that it is Democrats – guided by the American people – who are moving our country forward. From lowering everyday costs and investing in American manufacturing to expanding access to affordable health care and rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, President Biden has led the way in improving the lives of hard-working families. 

“Under President Biden’s steady leadership, New Dems have focused on real-world solutions and sought common ground wherever possible. Our work has enabled the President to sign more than 400 bipartisan bills into law, including historic legislation to create 15 million good-paying American jobs, address the mental health and overdose crises, and provide critical health care to Veterans. The first term of the Biden administration will go down as the most productive in modern history, and we must finish the job and tackle the challenges that lie ahead. That’s why New Dem Members invited guests who reflect both the profound impact Democratic policies have had on Americans and the work that remains.

“We were also pleased to hear President Biden’s resolute commitment to act quickly to secure the southern border and fix our broken immigration system, fight the rise of authoritarianism and terror by providing aid to our allies and humanitarian relief to innocent civilians, defend Americans’ fundamental freedoms, and safeguard democracy.

“Congress holds the power of the purse, and we need bipartisan action to face these challenges head-on. Unfortunately, rather than work with Democrats on these issues, Republicans continually kowtow to former President Trump, choosing to block bipartisan national security and border legislation to score political points while also neglecting our allies in need.

“As the largest Democratic ideological caucus in the House, New Dems know how to get things done, and know nothing will get done without New Dems at the table. Our Members remain committed to delivering bipartisan solutions to our nation’s most pressing challenges. We join President Biden in once again calling on responsible Republicans to join us at the table.”

Yesterday, New Dems welcomed Suffolk Construction CEO John Fish to our weekly meeting to discuss what Congress and the private sector can do to address the affordable housing shortage, strengthen the economy, grow the workforce, and reform the immigration system. New Dems are committed to working across the aisle to tackle these issues head-on and deliver for the American people.