New Democrat Coalition Celebrates 25th Year

WASHINGTON — The New Democrat Coalition, the largest Democratic caucus in the House of Representatives, turns 25 this week; an anniversary that coincides with but by no means caps, a very busy and effective year for the group.

At the coalition’s core is a dedication to pro-economic growth, pro-innovation and fiscally responsible policies, and its 98 members are staunch advocates for solutions-oriented thinking.

It’s through this approach that in this Congress and in years past it has been able to repeatedly bridge the gap between right and left by, as the group says on its website “challenging outmoded partisan approaches to governing.”

Again from its website: “New Democrats believe the challenges ahead are too great for members of Congress to refuse to cooperate purely out of partisanship.”

“For 25 years, the New Democrat Coalition has been a wellspring of innovative solutions and a force for opportunity, prosperity and progress,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a written statement Monday morning.

“Guided by Chair Suzan DelBene’s effective leadership, it remains a respected voice within our House Democratic Caucus: bringing lawmakers together around a mission to grow and empower America’s middle class,” she said.

“Always bringing new ideas to the table, the New Democrat Coalition has long strengthened House Democrats’ legislative agenda,” Pelosi continued. “From promoting greater health care protections to fighting for historic investments in our infrastructure, New Democrats have worked to help every American climb the economic ladder.

“Founded at the dawn of a new information age, the coalition has also fought to invest in research and technology to ensure our nation can compete and succeed on the world stage. With the America COMPETES Act, New Democrats are now advancing our caucus’ fight to bolster America’s scientific excellence, strengthen our supply chains and lower costs for working families,” she said.

In a recent letter to coalition members, DelBene, D-Wash., highlighted the collaborative nature of the coalition’s work while applauding both its members and its leadership team for their efforts “to move our coalition and our country forward.”

“I am particularly thankful for the guidance of my predecessor and fellow member of the Washington State delegation, NDC Chair Emeritus Derek Kilmer,” she said. “In the New Year, I look forward to working together to advance … policies that provide more opportunities for more people in more places.”

Looking back over the past year, DelBene noted the coalition has worked closely with the Biden-Harris administration to advance the president’s economic agenda.

“Our members had several productive meetings and calls with Biden, White House officials, and the president’s cabinet, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese,” she said.

DelBene went on to say the New Dems have been key players in the legislative process and helped enact laws to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, jumpstart the economy, and move the country forward with innovative policy solutions.

“As much progress as we have made, our work is never done,” she added. “While Democrats in the House have passed countless bills this year, it’s time for the Senate to act on NDC-endorsed top priorities, including the For the People Act, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Equality Act, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the American Dream and Promise Act, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

“New Dems’ 100 Day Agenda paved the way for the House-passage of these bills, and we will continue working with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle and Capitol to break through the gridlock and deliver these wins for the American people,” she said.

Pelosi added, “Through years of consensus building and results-focused legislating, New Democrats have helped forge a brighter, more promising future for our children and grandchildren.

“As we celebrate their quarter-century of pioneering leadership, let us salute the New Democrat Coalition’s invaluable contributions to our caucus’ continued fight for the people,” she concluded.

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