Endorsed Policy and Legislation

Members of the Blue Dog Coalition actively work to build bipartisan support for legislation that supports their commitment to the financial stability and national security of the country. Whether it is a Republican idea or a Democratic idea, members of the Blue Dog Coalition introduce and work to pass legislation they believe to restore fiscal accountability, strengthen our economy and help the American people. The Coalition supports policy development that delivers on their promise of a positive agenda to produce pragmatic, commonsense solutions that move our country forward and address the needs of every community, from rural and tribal communities to metropolitan areas.

Legislation and policy principles endorsed by the Blue Dog Coalition in the 119th Session of Congress:

Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act

This bill would streamline the permitting process, implement reasonable timelines, and return the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to its intended purpose as a procedural review for assessing the environmental impact of federal actions. The SPEED Act is co-led by Rep. Jared Golden (ME-02) and co-sponsored by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Rep. Adam Gray (CA-13), and Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21).

“Being a builder in America should not require a team of expensive lawyers or cost millions of dollars in administrative fees. But unfortunately for far too many of our communities, that is their reality. The SPEED Act addresses this problem by returning NEPA to its congressional intent and establishing clear and enforceable timelines across the NEPA review process. This will allow our nation to build what we need, when we need it. By encouraging investments in critical infrastructure, energy, conservation projects, and reliable water storage, this legislation is a key step in the long work of providing reliable and affordable energy for our constituents," said the Blue Dog Coalition. “We are proud to endorse this much-needed legislation and urge Congressional leadership in both chambers to act swiftly in advancing this proposal.”

Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025

This legislation would reverse the drastic health care cuts from Republicans' partisan budget bill and permanently extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits. This bill was introduced by Blue Dog Whip Adam Gray (CA-13) and co-sponsored by Blue Dog Policy Co-Chair Lou Correa (CA-46), Blue Dog Communications Co-Chair Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21).

“Our national health is in decline – and Congressional Republicans are knee-capping access to health care. Despite our repeated efforts to reach across the aisle and protect the services that working families rely on, while also trying to balance the federal budget, the Majority decided to act unilaterally in a partisan manner to cut more than $1 trillion from your health care systems,” said the Blue Dog Coalition. “Now it's time for those of us who are serious about lowering costs and protecting our people to act. The Blue Dog Coalition is committed to reversing the damage done by our Republican colleagues and ensuring American families can access affordable and reliable health care - no matter where you live or how much money you make.”

Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act of 2025

This bipartisan bill that would prohibit states from creating barriers on the preparation of fruits and vegetables in child care facilities. The bill was introduced by Blue Dog members Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA), as well as Rep. Virignia Foxx (R-NC) and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA).

"We’ve heard from child care providers across the country that burdensome regulations have often made it easier to open a bag of chips for a toddler than to peel a banana,” said the Blue Dog Coalition. “Blue Dogs know that to get effective regulations, you must listen to the people who are changing diapers, turning wrenches, and driving trucks. That’s why we are proud to endorse this bill and stand with child care providers.”

Fiscal Commission Act

The bipartisan bill would establish a bicameral, bipartisan fiscal commission to address our nation’s worsening fiscal landscape.

“Working families understand the bitter reality of living with debt and making tough choices to balance their checkbooks,” said the Blue Dog Coalition. ”As we reckon with the ramifications of the GOP’s reconciliation measure - one of the most fiscally irresponsible laws in our lifetime - one thing is clear: something needs to change. This year, America will spend more on our debt’s interest payments than on defense and health care, making it our nation's second-largest expense. Rather than recklessly adding to our deficit, now more than ever, Congress should learn from this and work to right the ship before it’s too late. This effort to establish a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission is a critical step in the right direction.”

The Fiscal Commission Actis co-sponsored by Blue Dogs Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Rep. Jared Golden (ME-02), Rep. Adam Gray (CA-13), and Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28).

Issues:Congress