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New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02), Vice Chair for Communications Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Vice Chair for Policy Derek Kilmer (WA-06) issued a statement following the release of the bipartisan six-bill appropriations package that would fund federal initiatives related to defense, homeland security, health care, foreign operations, and more.
New Dem Members fought for and successfully secured provisions to lower prescription drug and child care costs, support robust workforce development initiatives, safeguard women’s access to reproductive healthcare, strengthen our nation’s defense capabilities, surge resources to restore order at the border, and more.
“As we have done throughout the 118th Congress, New Dems are once again prepared to deliver the votes to prevent a costly and harmful government shutdown and get results for the American people.
“We commend Democratic negotiators for producing a package that adheres to the funding levels established by last May’s bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act, rejects the most extreme proposed cuts and policies sought by far-right Republicans, and includes the transformative Community Project Funding secured by New Dems for their districts.
“Unfortunately, this final package will come to the floor for a vote nearly six months late. House Republicans’ chaotic and reckless approach to the appropriations process has jeopardized our economy, the well-being of the American people, our national security, and confidence in Congress’ ability to govern.
“As New Dems prepare to support this legislation, we implore Speaker Johnson and House Republican Leadership to live up to their commitments and immediately bring to the floor a national security funding bill that will support our allies Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, while delivering essential humanitarian aid to Gaza. Now is the time to restore certainty and stability in Congress – our global security depends on it.”
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The New Democrat Coalition Affordable Housing Task Force, led by Chair Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Vice Chairs Greg Landsman (OH-01), Wiley Nickel (NC-13), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) unveiled their comprehensive Housing Action Plan, which outlines past actions by New Dems and President Biden on affordable housing and charts a path for further action by Congress and the Administration.
The Housing Action Plan includes more than 20 policy recommendations that would make improvements to five key factors in affordable housing: the housing supply, permitting and zoning laws, federal financial incentives, the construction workforce, and data collection and transparency.
Affordable Housing Task Force Chair Torres and Vice Chairs Landsman, Nickel, and Sykes issued the following statement on the Action Plan:
“The number one issue we hear from our constituents is that the cost of housing is too high. Every American deserves to sleep well at night knowing they have a safe, secure, and affordable place to live. Unfortunately, because of a growing shortage of homes, historically high interest rates, and outdated zoning laws, there aren’t enough affordable housing options for millions of Americans – particularly lower-income families.
“That’s why New Dems spent months developing our Housing Action Plan, working with experts and key stakeholders to craft common sense solutions to the many facets of this crisis. With the Action Plan as our guide, the Coalition is well-positioned to lead decisive bipartisan action to deliver for the American people.”
You can read the full Housing Action Plan here ([link removed]) , a one-pager here ([link removed]) .
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"Biden, Democrats continue to fight through gridlock to deliver for America"
By New Dem Leadership Member Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) in The Hill ([link removed])
Let’s play some trivia.
Do you know how Senate vacancies are filled? Easy.
In 37 states, governors temporarily fill vacancies, followed by a special election during the next regular election to select a permanent replacement. In the other 13 states, a special election must be held within a set period to fill the vacancy, with eight states permitting interim gubernatorial appointments.
House vacancies? Well, that’s a little more complicated.
The Constitution mandates that House vacancies be filled by special elections. When or how quickly these elections take place is up to the state. That means dozens of unique procedures to fill vacancies. However, according to secretaries of State who testified in front of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, where I served as chair, those special elections generally take about three or four months.
So, why might that be a problem?
Here’s where this discussion gets uncomfortable...
READ THE OP-ED HERE ([link removed])
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Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) ([link removed]) was featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal after she announced a new $2.1 million federal investment she secured for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada (CCSN)’s low-income housing renovations and significant food pantry upgrades. Specifically, it includes over $1,300,000 to add a brand-new elevator to a multi-story apartment complex that houses seniors and individuals with disabilities, as well as $850,000 to invest in new shelving, new appliances, and increased capacity that will deliver cost savings, increase the quality of food, and help serve more families.
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New Dem AI Working Group Welcomes Personal AI for Demonstration and Discussion
Yesterday, the New Dem AI Working Group met with Personal AI ([link removed]) to observe a demonstration of their user-owned, user-controlled, no code personal language model built for each individual user, followed by a conversation on the CREATE AI Act, privacy, training, accuracy, bias, and ownership of AI.
New Dems Meet with the Carbon Removal Alliance
This week, New Dem Members met with the Carbon Removal Alliance to discuss innovative carbon capture technologies and how Congress can act to further reduce emissions.
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Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04) ([link removed]) introduced the Veterans Education and Transfer Extension Act (the VET Extension Act), with the support of Congressmen Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08), to expand educational benefits for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by promoting access to higher education.
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Rep. André Carson (IN-07) ([link removed]) hosted his 2024 Youth Opportunities Fair in Indianapolis with guest Ivy Tech Community College. This event featured over 75 local vendors offering summer jobs and internships, afterschool programming, college readiness, and enrichment opportunities. The Youth Opportunities Fair is free and open to all ages. This annual event is a gateway to a world of possibilities, featuring a diverse array of summer and year-round programs, jobs, and internships, tailored to ignite our local youth’s passions and propel them towards success.
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Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) ([link removed]) will host a virtual discussion this Saturday, March 23rd to discuss affordable health coverage available to Massachusetts residents through the MassHealth Connector. The event aims to answer constituent health coverage questions and honor the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law.
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Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) ([link removed]) Celebrated the announcement that Intel Corporation will receive $8.5 billion in direct funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, in addition to $11 billion in loans. This award will support the construction of Intel’s microchip manufacturing plants in America, including in Chandler, Arizona where it will create 6,000 construction jobs and 3,000 manufacturing jobs.
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