New Democrat Coalition Leadership released the following statement in support of the national security supplemental funding bills introduced in the House that reflect the Senate-passed, bipartisan National Security Act, 2024:

“For the last six months, New Dems have repeatedly urged House Republican leadership to bring forward legislation that supports our imperiled allies, Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and delivers much-needed humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and around the world. 

“Now, following months of House Republicans playing political football and ultimately blocking the Senate-passed national security package, the House will finally have the opportunity to vote on legislation that provides crucial aid to our allies in their battles against tyranny and terror. 

“New Dem leadership supports this essential national security funding and urges our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in voting for its passage.

“Now more than ever, for the sake of global democracy and freedom as well as our own national security, Congress must act swiftly and decisively to support our allies and protect innocent lives. 

“America is always at its strongest when we stand with our friends – not when we turn our backs on them. We look forward to delivering this critical funding to President Biden’s desk without delay.”

Read more about the Coalition’s repeated calls for a comprehensive security supplemental here.

New Democrat Coalition leaders, including NDC Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) and New Dem Reps. Nikki Budzinksi (IL-13), Angie Craig (MN-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) led a press conference calling on House Republican Leadership to join Democrats in funding the Affordable Connectivity Program, which will expire on April 30th without additional Congressional action.

Ahead of the press conference, 95 New Dem Members – led by Reps. Craig and Budzinski – sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson calling on him to deliver for the American people and bring legislation to the floor that provides the ACP with the funding it needs without delay.

Enacted as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law championed by New Dems last Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) currently empowers 23 million households across the country to access affordable broadband. Without additional funding from Congress, the ACP will cease entirely on April 30th, and millions of households could lose crucial internet access. 

“The Internet is an essential utility that American families rely on every day to do their jobs, complete education, get their medication, and fully participate in American society,” said New Dem Reps. Angie Craig and Nikki Budzinski. “We’ve been hearing from our constituents across the country who are calling for the immediate extension of this program, and Republicans would be wise to listen. The time is now for Speaker Johnson to join Democrats in protecting this critical lifeline.”

The letter to Speaker Johnson reads in part:

“As New Dems, we are committed to fighting to lower everyday costs for Americans; letting the ACP lapse will lead to a direct increase in broadband costs for consumers. We reaffirm our call to House Republicans to deliver for the American people and provide the ACP with the funding it needs without delay.”

You can read the full letter here.

New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Vice Chairs Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Brad Schneider (IL-10) issued the below statement following the Iranian attack against Israel and the news that House Republican Leadership will move to put a bill on the floor to hold Iran accountable:

“New Dems unequivocally condemn Iran’s attack against Israel and commend the multinational effort that prevented the majority of the more than 300 drones, rockets, and missiles from reaching Israel with deadly effect. We will continue to stand with and support our Democratic ally during this critical time.

“For months, New Dems have called for a vote on the essential national security funding package to protect our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan in their fights against tyranny and terror and to deliver aid to civilians in Gaza. 

“It’s now imperative Speaker Johnson immediately allow the House to vote for the bipartisan national security package that passed the Senate two months ago. 

“It’s long past time that House Republican Leadership live up to their responsibilities, and uphold America’s ironclad commitment to defending our allies as they fight to defend themselves against oppressive powers.”

The New Democrat Coalition is calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring legislation to the floor to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program in a letter shared exclusively with Axios.

Why it matters: Efforts by Democrats to renew the internet bill discount are kicking into full gear as the program's expiration looms over more than 23 million Americans.

State of play: The program — which offers low-income households $30 and Tribal households $75 per month to help pay their internet bills — will expire at the end of April...

On Wednesday, the New Democrat Coalition Workforce Task Force hosted an apprenticeship roundtable with industry stakeholders on the importance of expanding apprenticeship opportunities across various industries, including early child care, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.