“There may be slim majorities, but we still have an important opportunity to make long-term change” Chair DelBene via Politico 

New Dems “sought to appeal to Biden’s history as a legislator, urging him to continue banging heads together in Congress until a reconciliation bill passes. ‘Clearly, the president may be able to take actions, but we feel that for long-term durable policy, Congress needs to act,’ New Dem leader SUZAN DELBENE (D-Wash.) told Playbook on Wednesday night. ‘We have the House, the Senate and the White House. There may be slim majorities, but we still have an important opportunity to make long-term change. This whiplash of things going back and forth [via executive action] doesn’t really help over the long term.’”  

New Dems Meet with White House via Punchbowl 

On Wednesday, Punchbowl previewed that New Dems were heading to the White House in the afternoon. “Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), the chair of the New Democrat Coalition, and the caucus’ vice chairs will head to the White House to meet with senior administration officials about their priorities for the rest of the Congress and their strategy for the midterms.” 

New Dems Support Biden’s Budget to Lower Costs and Reduce the Deficit via The Washington Post 

“Some found reasons for optimism in the Biden budget plan. ‘This budget calls for lowering costs for consumers, increasing public safety, investing in our global security, and responsibly reducing the deficit over the long-term,’ said a statement from the New Democrat Coalition, a group of centrist House Democrats.”  

NDC Member Bill Action 

Biden Requests Federal Funding for Kilmer’s Pilot Program to Spur Economic Growth and Create Jobs  

NDC Chair Emeritus Derek Kilmer’s (WA-06) Recompete pilot program, based on the NDC-endorsed Rebuilding Economies and Creating Opportunities for More People Everywhere to Excel Act (RECOMPETE Act) was included in President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This bipartisan legislation will create jobs and opportunities in persistently distressed communities using flexible grants that address local needs.  

House Passes Craig’s Bill to Cap Insulin Copays at $35 per Month  

Rep. Angie Craig’s (MN-02) bill, H.R. 6833, the Affordable Insulin Now Act, passed the House. This legislation will cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month, lowering drug costs for hardworking families who are currently paying high costs for insulin and other diabetic treatments. 

House Passes Sewell Legislation to Help Part-Time Workers Save for Retirement  

Rep. Terri Sewell’s (AL-07) bill, H.R. 2944, was included in the SECURE Act 2.0, which passed the House this week. Rep. Sewell’s bill makes it easier for part-time workers to start contributing to their employer’s 401k plan. The legislation incentivizes saving by lowering the number of years of service required for part-time workers to make retirement contributions.  

House Passes Williams Legislation to Increase Access to Care  

Rep. Nikema Williams’ (GA-05) bill, the Care is an Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Act, passed the House. This legislation will require Economic Development Districts to show in their Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies how they will increase access to care-based services, including childcare. 

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced the Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act to implement a federal per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) study to uncover the health hazards PFAS exposure presents to communities. This legislation requires federal agencies with existing PFAS research to work with the National Academies of Science to conduct a two-phase study on PFAS exposure and toxicity, and to develop a federal research and development plan to address PFAS exposure.  

Davids and Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Combat Opioid Misuse Among Student Athletes 
NDC Vice Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced the Student Athlete Opioid Misuse Prevention Act address the ongoing opioid crisis among youth. This bipartisan legislation would expand prevention programs and improve mental health supports for student athletes.  

Kilmer Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Federal Government Efficiency, Save Taxpayers Money  

NDC Chair Emeritus and Chairman of the Modernization Committee Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced the Improving Government for America’s Taxpayers Act to drive better implementation of recommendations from the U.S. Government Accountability Office and improve government efficiency. This bipartisan legislation would direct the GAO to streamline the recommendations process and identify Congressional oversight actions that can help agencies implement open priority recommendations.  

Schneider Leads Members of Congress Urging Biden Administration to Prioritize, Welcome More Ukrainian refugees to the United States 

NDC Leadership Member Brad Schneider (IL-10) led a bipartisan group of 60 Members of Congress in writing to President Biden urging him to build on the humanitarian efforts already underway to help Ukrainians by allowing for the expedited resettlement of Ukrainian refugees in the U.S.  

Plaskett Appointed to Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Board of Directors  

NDC Leadership Member Stacey E. Plaskett (VI-AL) was appointed to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Board of Directors this week. 

Of the appointment, Rep. Plaskett said, “As a newly appointed member of the CBCF board of directors, I am charged with the CBCF’s mission of advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. I am honored and look forward to excellent collaboration with my fellow colleagues (academics, business leaders and elected officials) to advocate for equitable policies in the legislative process and leveraging my role as a Member of Congress to advance the vision of this amazing organization.”  

Fletcher Leads Letter to Treasury Seeking Support for Local Governments in Expanding Broadband Congresswoman  
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) led a letter to Secretary of the Department of the Treasury Janet Yellen requesting further guidance on how local governments can use Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLRF) grants to expand broadband infrastructure and deployment in their communities. The letter asks for clarification in SLRF guidance to assure communities they can use this funding to expand and strengthen their zoning and permitting offices to contribute to the efficient deployment of broadband networks.  

Crow Presses Biden Administration to End Federal Contracts with For-Profit ICE Facilities 
Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) led a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and ICE Acting Director Tae D. Johnson requesting the suspension of ICE detention expansion, phase out of private, for-profit facilities, and a review of all ICE detention facilities.