How the Minority Continues to Get Anything Done

Experts and political activists frequently talk about supermajorities and strive for this outcome because they believe this is the only way anything gets accomplished. However, closer inspection of the minority member’s work shows both the potential and necessity for bipartisan action and the courage and conviction of certain members to lead on issues that must be addressed.

Within the New Democrat Coalition, there are nine task forces, covering a range of issues from health care to border security. These task forces directly reflect the priorities of the New Democrat Coalition membership.

I had the opportunity this week to speak with the executive director of the New Democrat Coalition, Andy Flick about the Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force, chaired by Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) and co-chaired by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), and Susan Wild (PA-07). In our discussion, questions arose regarding the task force’s policy development, influence on other New Dem members, and the impact it may have on the House majority.

While a mission statement is expected in the next few weeks, the priorities of the Climate Change Task Force include the implementation of IRA and IIJA, identifying executive action on climate, and instituting bipartisan permitting reform to speed clean energy deployment.

So, how will the New Democrats achieve anything in the minority? Cabinet secretaries of the Biden-Harris Administration will be visiting the Climate Change Task Force soon, so questions regarding implementation can be addressed. Further, the Climate Change Task Force and the New Dems will look closely at the investments being made, ensuring that these investments can be leveraged for their districts which boils down to being aware of what is coming down the pipeline and making sure they are ready for it.

On The Slate

Demonstrating its willingness to act on a bipartisan basis, the Climate Change Task Force is exploring working with the Conservative Climate Caucus, which is chaired by Representative John Curtis (UT-03). The Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), seems to have a good rapport with Representative Curtis on the topic of climate, which is yet another encouraging step towards bipartisan action.

Representatives John Curtis (UT-03) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) wrote a joint op-ed in support of H.R.1, advocating for the prioritization of American clean energy, as well as permitting and regulatory reform. House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy (CA-20), has suggested that H.R.1 and permitting may become tied to the debt ceiling negotiations.

Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) brought forward the Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act, which passed the House as an amendment to H.R.1 on March 30. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) co-sponsored this legislation, which bans China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and other sanctioned nations, from purchasing oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves. It is very encouraging to see two members of the BCA slate work together successfully.

Positive Notes

In March, New Dem members spoke with Princeton permitting expert, Jesse Jenkins, and Grid United energy expert, Michael Skelly. This is promising, as it demonstrates that New Dem members are taking clear steps to become more educated, which is always a good sign. Hard work such as this leads to better law.

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