Cooper and New Democrat Coalition: Swift, Balanced Action Now

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March 1, 2013

40 Members Send Letter to President and House Leadership

Washington, D.C. – 40 Members of the New Democrat Coalition sent a letter to President Barack Obama and congressional leadership, urging them to take swift, balanced action to avert this self-inflicted wound on our economy.

In the letter, led by New Democrat Coalition Chair Ron Kind (WI-03), Vice Chairs Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), the New Dems expressed a desire to pick up where prior efforts left off to identify specific spending reductions and revenue options in a formal, bipartisan process. The letter encouraged leadership to follow in the footsteps of American businesses and families by taking a serious look at our expenses and eliminate those things we can do without, identify opportunities for new revenue and invest in those programs that do create jobs and spur innovation.

The New Dems wrote, “The cuts scheduled to take effect in the second half of the current fiscal year alone will significantly reduce America’s investments in the very things that help create jobs and grow our economy…We must avoid the sequester and put in place a balanced, long term fiscal plan that puts our federal budget on a responsible course. The country simply can’t afford more budget games and brinksmanship. It is no way to conduct the nation’s business.”

To see a copy of the letter, please click here. 

Statement supported by New Dem Leadership Members, led by Chair Representative Ron Kind(WI-03), and Vice-Chairs Representative Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Jim Himes (CT-04), Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), and Representative Allyson Schwartz (PA-13).

The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.