New Democrat Coalition Re-elects Leadership; Releases Detailed Agenda for 110th Congress

Dec 6, 2006 Issues: National Security, Trade, Critical Infrastructure and Manufacturing, Technology, Education and Entrepreneurship, Energy, Financial Services and Retirement Security, Health Care, Tax Reform and Fiscal Responsibility

WASHINGTON, DC-- Today, in preparation for the Democratic Majority, the New Democrat Coalition took a series of moves to strengthen their role as Congress' largest centrist coalition in the 110th Congress.

First, the New Democrat Coalition reelected their current leadership team, which reorganized and refocused the group in 2005.  Rep. Ellen Tauscher (Calif.) was re-elected as the Chair of the coalition.  Reps. Adam Smith (Wash.), Ron Kind (Wisc.), Artur Davis (Ala.) and Joe Crowley (N.Y.), will all retain their positions as Vice-Chairs.

Joe Crowley has also been named Whip of the group, and will lead the floor effort on legislation the group endorses in the areas of technological innovation, economic competitiveness and national security.

Additionally, for the first time in the group's history, the New Dems have also adopted a set of by-laws with strong membership and attendance requirements that will help to further organize the coalition, aid the ambitious whip program being implemented, and promote the group's centrist agenda.

The New Democrat Coalition will have a total of 63 Members in the 110th Congress, consisting of 47 current members and 16 freshmen the group recruited and supported in the recent elections.

Details of the agenda are below:

New Democrat Coalition's Common-Sense Agenda for 110th Congress

The talent, intellect, and entrepreneurial spirit of the American people have made our country the world leader in economic and technological advancements.  These advantages improve all aspects of life in America and make it possible for us to meet the wide range of 21st century challenges.  As the U.S. makes the vast transition into the globalized world we need leadership and policies that will tap into our strengths and ensure that America maintains its prosperity and global leadership.

The New Democrat Coalition, always leaders on the economy and innovation, is committed to enacting policies that maintain U.S. competitiveness, meet the challenges posed by globalization in the 21st century, and strengthen our national security.  The three pillars of our agenda that NDC members are dedicated to addressing when Democrats regain control of the House in the 110th Congress are listed below.  These policies mesh well with the House Democrats' Innovation Agenda, and NDC members are well positioned on strategic committees to see these necessary reforms enacted.

Technological Innovation - To remain a global leader we must continue to develop and embrace the best technologies including:

  1. The deployment and utilization of high-speed broadband access
  2. Simplify and make permanent the Research & Development tax credit
  3. Implementing Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) to reduce healthcare costs and provide savings for patients and businesses
  4. Promoting ‘green' energy technology that will improve our environment and reduce our dangerous dependence on Mid East oil

Economic Competitiveness - Our economy is the strongest in the world and we need policies that will maintain this strength in the globalized 21st century, including:

  1. Advancing forward-thinking trade policies that open markets for U.S. businesses, farmers, and workers, improve living standards in America and around the world, and promote strong labor and environmental standards.
  2. Allowing the world's best and brightest to come work in the U.S. through the H-1B visa program
  3. Encouraging capital formation and investment in the U.S.
  4. Educating Americans to compete for the best jobs in the 21st century, and ensuring the No Child Left Behind Act is updated to achieve that

Strong, Smart National Security Policy - A secure homefront and a sensible national security policy are core NDC principles, including:

  1. Implementing all 9-11 Commission recommendations
  2. Recognize the threat of violent Muslim extremism and bring to bear the full weight of American intelligence, military and diplomatic strength to combat that threat
  3. Ensure the readiness of our military by providing the troops, equipment and training required to be prepared for future conflict
  4. Ensure that the services have the funds they need to protect the quality of life members and their families depend upon
  5. Long-term extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) that includes life insurane
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