Blue Dogs Call for End to Partisan Games With Economic Rescue Legislation

March 24, 2020 by Dan McCue
Blue Dogs Call for End to Partisan Games With Economic Rescue Legislation
The U.S. Capitol. Feb. 4, 2020. (Photo by Dan McCue)

WASHINGTON – With the latest economic stimulus bill stalled on Capitol Hill since Sunday, both the Blue Dogs and New Democrat coalitions in the House are calling for an end to the partisanship that is preventing the roughly $2 trillion plan from getting done.

On Tuesday, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., called on the leaders of both parties to put aside partisan gamesmanship and work together to reach a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on an economic rescue package.

“Passing partisan legislation that prioritizes corporations over small businesses and lacks adequate independent oversight of taxpayer dollars is wrong,” Murphy said.

“Using an economic rescue package as a vehicle for a wish list of partisan policies that have nothing to do with the pandemic that we face is also wrong,” she continued. “Leadership of both parties must stop with the partisan games. Now is the time for everyone in Washington to put politics aside and come to a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to ensure we can deliver relief and necessary resources as quickly as possible.” 

Her remarks followed a similar call from Rep. Derek Kilmer, chair of the New Democrat Coalition, who said in an op-ed earlier this week that Congress needs to take bold, bipartisan action to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the American people.

“As Americans grapple with the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis and communities take significant measures to contain its spread, we are already seeing serious disruptions in everyday life and significant economic impacts,” Kilmer wrote.

He went on to call on Congress to support public health efforts and prevent an economic crisis by quickly deploying resources and economic assistance to health care providers and hard-hit individuals and businesses. 

“Now is the time for all our federal leaders to come together to take immediate action. We are hopeful that many of our recommendations will be included in the package and a deal is reached as soon as possible. There is no time to waste,” he said.

On Monday, the Blue Dog Coalition released its policy recommendations for both Congress and the Trump Administration to consider as they continue to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

The recommendations included increased support for rural and tribal areas that particularly lack the resources to respond to both the public health threat and the changing economic dynamics.

This includes measures to ensure rural communities have access to broadband and online learning, as well as critical resources for rural health facilities.

As part of their recommendations, the Blue Dogs also called on the Trump Administration to immediately fill key positions in federal agencies and departments that are critical to pandemic prevention and response, including the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and the disbanded Pandemic Unit within the National Security Council.

Last week, the New Democrats released their preliminary principles and priorities for the continued economic response to the coronavirus outbreak.

These recommendations included providing emergency funding and enhanced reimbursements to protect health care workers through funding for protective gear, training, and dependent care assistance;  providing direct economic assistance and support to individuals;  getting more liquidity into the market where it is needed most through expanded federal low or no interest loans for small and mid-sized businesses; tax relief to support the retention of employees and paid leave;  and providing direct assistance to state, local, and tribal governments. 

A+
a-
  • Blue Dog Coalition
  • Congress
  • Coronavirus
  • economic stimulus
  • New Deal Democrats
  • In The News

    Health

    Voting

    Congress

    March 27, 2024
    by TWN Staff
    Rep. Cleaver New Co-Chair of House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., is the new Democratic co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., is the new Democratic co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. He was invited to serve as co-chair by Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, the co-chairs of the Senate Renewable Energy and Energy... Read More

    March 27, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    New Dem Chair Kuster Announces Retirement Following 2024 Election

    CONCORD, N.H. — Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., who, among other things, is the current chair of the New Democrat Coalition... Read More

    CONCORD, N.H. — Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., who, among other things, is the current chair of the New Democrat Coalition in the House, revealed Wednesday that she will not seek reelection to Congress this year. In a lengthy statement released by her office, Kuster gives no... Read More

    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 Dan McCue
    Greene Files Motion to Vacate Speaker’s Chair

    WASHINGTON — For the second time in five months, a member of the Republican Conference in the House has filed... Read More

    WASHINGTON — For the second time in five months, a member of the Republican Conference in the House has filed a motion to vacate the chair of the party’s speaker. But this time, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., says the motion is intended merely as a... Read More

    March 22, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    Gallagher to Leave Congress April 19

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who already announced he would not seek reelection, surprised many on Capitol Hill on... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who already announced he would not seek reelection, surprised many on Capitol Hill on Friday by announcing he plans to leave April 19, several months before his current term is up. Gallagher’s impending departure will further shrink the razor-thin Republican... Read More

    News From The Well
    scroll top