Recess Round Up: June 2, 2017
Here's what the Blue Dogs were up to when the House of Representatives was in session in May 2017. We hope you enjoy catching up on all of the great work our members are doing for the American people.
Blue Dog Co-Chairs to President Trump: ‘Real solutions that create economic growth demand a budget proposal with realistic growth assumptions and accurate accounting.' Last month, the co-chairs of the Blue Dog Coalition released a statement calling on Republicans and Democrats to come to together to develop a budget in a bipartisan way. The co-chairs stated the following: "Developing a budget that is right for America should not be done in a partisan way—Republicans and Democrats must work together. That's what the American people expect of us: to do our jobs and govern. We look forward to working with our Republican and Democratic colleagues to find a long-term, comprehensive solution that responsibly balances America's budget."
Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA): In addition to holding several recent town halls, Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, has been heavily focused on deliberations surrounding the FY18 budget. During recent budget hearings for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Rep. Bishop expressed significant concern over proposed cuts. He specifically stressed the need to provide adequate funding for the Rural Development agencies, for research programs, and for maintaining robust resources for food and drug safety and inspection. Separately, Rep. Bishop authored a letter to the Chief of the Defense Health Agency highlighting concerns over health care access for military children with special needs and Department of Defense medical reimbursement policies. As Co-Chair of the Military Family Caucus, Rep. Bishop is committed to addressing the challenges facing our nation's military families – 21 bi-partisan members of Congress also signed the letter.
Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA): The House of Representatives passed H. R. 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. Rep. Jim Costa co-sponsored this legislation, which eliminates the requirement of getting two permits for the same pesticide application – streamlining the process and saving money for our nation's farmers. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate.
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX): Rep. Henry Cuellar released a statement on the importance of NAFTA to the American economy, following the Trump administration's formal notification to Congress that they intend to open negotiations for a new trade deal. "If the Trump administration is sincere, I am more than ready to roll up my sleeves and work with them, to forge a deal that boosts American jobs," said Rep. Cuellar.
Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL): Rep. Dan Lipinski introduced H.R. 2377, the Apprenticeship Improvement Act of 2017 to help expand the use of pre-apprenticeship programs. This legislation would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to include pre-apprenticeship programs, which would allow U.S. Department of Labor funds currently distributed to states to be used to help reimburse sponsors of pre-apprenticeship programs in the same manner as they do sponsors of apprenticeship programs.
Rep. Lipinski also introduced the Airline Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) in the wake of the recent incidents on commercial flights. The bill requires airlines to provide better service, accommodations, and guarantees of timely arrival for all airline passengers.
Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR):Congressman Schrader's bipartisan bill to lower drug costs was unanimously approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health during the markup of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017. The bill will increase competition among new generic drugs competing with off-patent brand drugs.
Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ): Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema and Congressman John Katko (R-NY) introduced legislation to help Americans prepare and save for parenthood. The Working Parents Flexibility Act allows an individual and his or her employer to contribute pre-tax income to a Parental Leave Savings Account, similar to a health savings account. Earnings on the account are not taxed and can be withdrawn tax-free by the owner during the first year of parenthood.
Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA): Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) introduced H.R. 2599, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017. This legislation will provide much needed protections for Medicare beneficiaries and other patients receiving prosthetic and orthotic services. "Medicare beneficiaries in need of prosthetic and orthotic services deserve to know they're getting the very best care," Rep. Thompson said.