Q&A with Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Tom Reed

March 26, 2019 by TWN Staff
Q&A with Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Tom Reed
Tom Reed

The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Rep. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., is committed to bringing members together across party lines and finding areas of agreement on key issues facing our country. Read Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s responses here.

What is your primary objective for the Caucus during the 116th Congress?

We’re incredibly proud of the progress the Problem Solvers Caucus has made by working together. It’s some of the most rewarding work I’ve been a part of in Congress.

At the beginning of this year we achieved a significant victory when we stood strong in the face of extreme pressure and successfully supported the Rules package to organize the House of Representatives. The Rules package included commonsense changes proposed by the Problem Solvers Caucus, marking the first time in nearly two decades that the Rules package received bipartisan support.

These changes are already helping “Break the Gridlock” in Congress and enabling progress on much-needed legislation to move the country forward. The Problem Solvers Caucus recently amended HR 1 by utilizing a new rule from the package. The amendment was given preference because at least 20 Democrats and 20 Republicans cosponsored it, per the rules changes. The Problem Solvers Caucus is stepping up and developing the muscle memory through the rule changes to achieve bipartisan victories.

What do you think should be the top policy objectives of Congress over the next two years?

One area where we’re confident we can reach common ground is infrastructure. We all want safe bridges and roads in our communities – this is not a partisan issue. And yet we haven’t been able to solve this problem for the American people because of the loud voices of the extremes on the left and right.

Our broken immigration system is also an area where we should focus. Our southern border is a weakness that needs to be addressed and the time to act is now. Unfortunately the rhetoric coming from both sides makes it difficult to negotiate. If we all just sat down and listened to one another, we believe could find common ground to get this issue fixed.

What do you do for fun outside of work when you are in Washington, DC?

DC is an amazing city and I’m fortunate to work here on behalf of the American people. But Corning, NY is my home and that’s where you will find me every weekend with my wife Jean. We still live in the home that my grandfather built – the home where my 11 older siblings and I were raised by our mom after our dad died when I was 2.

On the weekends, my son Will and I enjoy fishing and hunting. During the summer, Jean, my daughter Autumn, Will and I spend our time in the Finger Lakes – a true treasure in our backyards.

I’m also a hospice volunteer in my personal time. When my mother became sick, there was nothing I wouldn’t have done to cure her, but she taught me that what truly mattered to her was comfort and time spent with her family. Surrounded by a wonderful team of hospice care providers, we watched as her wishes were met. That experience inspired me to give back to others in similar situations.

Related articles |

Q&A with Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Josh Gottheimer

Q&A with New Democrat Coalition Chair, Rep. Derek Kilmer

A+
a-

In The News

Health

Voting

Spotlight

March 25, 2024
by Dan McCue
CPAC Releases Ranking of Most Conservative Members of Congress

WASHINGTON — The Conservative Political Action Conference, also known as CPAC, on Monday released its annual ranking of members of... Read More

WASHINGTON — The Conservative Political Action Conference, also known as CPAC, on Monday released its annual ranking of members of the House and Senate based on their conservative bona fides or lack thereof. To produce this year’s scorecard, the CPAC foundation’s Center for Legislative Accountability analyzed... Read More

March 22, 2024
by Dan McCue
After a Decade on Capitol Hill, Brad Howard Steps Out on His Own

WASHINGTON — After a decade on Capitol Hill, most recently as chief of staff for former Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla.,... Read More

WASHINGTON — After a decade on Capitol Hill, most recently as chief of staff for former Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., and communications director of the Blue Dog Coalition, Brad Howard knew it was time for change. “It was time to move into the private sector,” he... Read More

March 22, 2024
by Tom Ramstack
Judge Upholds DC Law Giving Noncitizens Voting Rights

WASHINGTON — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit Thursday against the District of Columbia Board of Elections that sought to... Read More

WASHINGTON — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit Thursday against the District of Columbia Board of Elections that sought to invalidate a law giving noncitizens a right to vote in local elections. The Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act would allow anyone who is a resident... Read More

March 21, 2024
by Dan McCue
$1.2T Spending Plan Unveiled Ahead of Saturday Shutdown Deadline

WASHINGTON — House and Senate leaders released an over-$1.2 trillion, six-bill appropriations package early Thursday morning, giving lawmakers less than... Read More

WASHINGTON — House and Senate leaders released an over-$1.2 trillion, six-bill appropriations package early Thursday morning, giving lawmakers less than 48 hours to pass it ahead of the midnight Friday deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown. The 1,012-page package, which was released just before 3... Read More

March 20, 2024
by Tom Ramstack
Trump Wins Right of Appeal to Try to Disqualify Georgia Prosecutor

ATLANTA — Former President Donald Trump is getting another chance to exclude a prosecutor he accused of political reprisal in... Read More

ATLANTA — Former President Donald Trump is getting another chance to exclude a prosecutor he accused of political reprisal in his upcoming criminal trial in Atlanta on charges of illegally trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election vote count in Georgia. Trump asked the judge overseeing... Read More

March 13, 2024
by Dan McCue
FDA Believed Poised to Approve First Med for a Serious Liver Disease

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration appears poised to approve the first medicine developed specifically to treat the serious... Read More

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration appears poised to approve the first medicine developed specifically to treat the serious liver disease known as MASH later this week.  Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis -- formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — is often associated with obesity. In patients who... Read More

News From The Well
scroll top