Blue Dog Coalition Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Leadership Pens Op-Ed
Today, the Blue Dog Coalition marked its 30th year of fighting for pragmatic policy and commonsense action. To celebrate this milestone, Coalition leadership penned an op-ed to reflect on the history of the Coalition, the present moment, and what the future holds.
Their op-ed can be found here.
The Coalition now totals 10 members from districts across the nation, in order of coalition seniority: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Jim Costa (CA-21), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Josh Gotthimer (NJ-05), Jared Golden (ME-02), Lou Correa (CA-46), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and Adam Gray (CA-13).
Here’s what they are saying:
“For 30 years, Blue Dogs have put loyalty to place over loyalty to party politics, and we’ve held a set of beliefs that don’t always fit neatly in one bucket. Our Coalition is working to break through D.C. gridlock by meeting folks where they’re at with policies most Americans agree on,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “As a Co-Chair of the Coalition, I look forward to taking on wasteful government spending, fighting for the trades, and building the political power of ordinary Americans.”
“By focusing on commonsense, mainstream values like national security and fiscal sustainability and core Democratic priorities like Social Security, health care and support for unions, Blue Dogs have spent decades ensuring the Democratic Party remains a big tent,” said Rep. Jared Golden. “Blue Dogs are holding the line against extreme partisanship, and we’ll keep holding the line for years to come."
“Since its inception, the Blue Dogs have always been focused on delivering for their constituencies and putting people over party,” said Rep. Vicente Gonzalez. “Over the last three decades, our philosophy has always resonated because it’s simple: get results. Americans are done with political gridlock, done with Congress turning its wheels without moving an inch forward. As Communications and Outreach Chair, I understand that South Texans and Americans at large want their leaders to cooperate, collaborate, and compromise to get things done. I’m happy to say that 30 years on, our legacy of finding common sense solutions is still being carried on.”
“For 30 years, the Blue Dogs have led from the middle and governed with common sense,” said Rep. Adam Gray. “While too much of our national politics has devolved into partisan nonsense, the Blue Dogs have kept our commitment to reaching across partisan lines to prioritize bi-partisan solutions. As the Whip of the Blue Dog Coalition for the 119th Congress, I’m ready to work with my colleagues and stand up for hardworking Americans who want a government that finally works for them.”
“I remain a proud member of the Blue Dog Coalition because it remains a beacon of commonsense that focuses on the concerns most Americans have: putting food on the table, education, jobs, healthcare, Social Security, and national security. Its work is tempered by fiscal responsibility and avoids the partisan rancor and extremism that divides our country,” said Rep. Sanford Bishop. “The Blue Dogs have been hard at work for hard working Americans for 30 years and the coalition will continue to be for the decades ahead.”
“For 30 years, the Blue Dogs have worked on behalf of Americans to keep our fiscal house in order. Three decades later, our commitment to sensible, bipartisan solutions is more important than ever,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “Let’s continue rolling up our sleeves and getting things done for the American people.”
“For 30 years, the Blue Dog Coalition has been the unwavering voice of fiscal responsibility, pragmatic leadership, and bipartisan collaboration in Congress. Through every challenge, we’ve remained committed to a government that is accountable to the American people, crafting fiscally responsible policies that ensure a strong national defense and a secure future,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “I am proud to be a Blue Dog, and I remain committed to continuing our work of finding common ground to deliver effective solutions for the American people.”
“I am pleased to be a part of the Blue Dog Coalition in the House of Representatives and congratulate them on their 30 year anniversary,” said Rep. Henry Cuellar. “The Blue Dogs ensure that Congress handles taxpayer dollars appropriately and effectively. We have a long record of cutting wasteful spending, and I am honored to be a part of this incredible group.”
“Thirty years after its founding, the Blue Dog Coalition continues to embody the Democratic Party’s vital link to working Americans who live beyond the big metros -- in rural communities, exurbs and small towns and cities. At a time when Democrats urgently need to expand their appeal across geographical and class lines, they should study the Blue Dogs’ success as a model for how the party can reconnect with its working class roots.” said Will Marshall, President of the Progressive Policy Institute. “In fact, the Blue Dogs are an important bellwether of Democratic strength. As their ranks grow, it means the party is enlarging its coalition and working to build a durable governing majority. Conversely, when the Blue Dogs contract, it’s a sign that the party is shrinking and needs a major course correction. PPI salutes the Blue Dogs on their 30th anniversary and urges Democratic leaders to heed their advice about how to make the party more competitive in every part of America.”
“Happy 30th Anniversary to the Blue Dog Coalition! Since its founding, the Coalition has been a steadfast advocate for fiscal responsibility, bipartisanship, and pragmatism. We commend the Blue Dogs’ efforts to push for fiscal responsibility, including restoring PAYGO rules,” said Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. “Working with the Coalition has been a pleasure, and we are grateful to both past and present members for their leadership. We look forward to many more years of collaboration. Congratulations on 30 years!”