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New Democrat Coalition

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This article is about the caucus in the United States House of Representatives. For the ideological faction of the Democratic Party in the United States, see New Democrats (United States).

New Democrat Coalition
AbbreviationNDC
ChairBrad Schneider
Founded1997; 28 years ago (1997)
IdeologyThird Way
Liberalism
Political positionCenter[4] to center-left[7]
National affiliationDemocratic Party
Colors  Blue
Seats in the House Democratic Caucus
109 / 215[a]
Seats in the House
109 / 435[a]
Website
newdemocratcoalition.house.gov
Part of a series on
New Democrats
Ideology
Organizations

The New Democrat Coalition is a caucus in the House of Representatives of the United States Congress made up of Democrats, primarily liberals and centrists, who take a pro-business stance and a liberal-to-moderate approach to fiscal matters. Most members hold socially liberal views.[8]

The caucus has been described as being center[9] to center-left.[11]

When the 119th Congress commenced on Jan. 3, 2025, the New Democrat Coalition touted 110 members (including one nonvoting member), making it the largest House Democrat ideological caucus, followed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus.[12][13]

Overview

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The New Democrat Coalition is a caucus within the House of Representatives founded in 1997[14] by Representatives Cal Dooley, Jim Moran, and Tim Roemer.[15]

The Coalition supported "Third Way" policies during the presidency of Bill Clinton. The Coalition consists of liberal, moderate, and centrist Democrats.[16][17] After the sharp decline of the Blue Dog Coalition in the 2010s, the New Democrat Coalition gained some of the Blue Dog Coalition's former clout by also having members from swing districts.[18][19][20]

The group is known as fiscally moderate[21][22] and pro-business. For example, the New Democrat Coalition supports free trade and the high-tech sector.[23][24] The New Democrat Coalition also supports immigration reform.[5]

Ideologically, it is positioned between the House Progressive Caucus and the Blue Dog Coalition.[25] The Coalition has been described as both socially liberal and fiscally moderate-to-conservative.[26][27]

Policy positions

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The NDC advocates "working to bridge the partisan divide with a solutions-oriented approach to politics", combating climate change, transitioning to sustainable energy, increased access towards healthcare, and strengthening U.S. national security.[28]

Economy

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According to their Economic Opportunity Agenda,[29] they value the diversification and strengthening of global supply chains, the enaction of legislation to address current constraints to global trade, the reduction of costs for U.S. consumers, and to buttress the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. They believe in a transparent exclusion process from Section 301 tariffs, and pursuing free trade agreements with the United Kingdom, Kenya, and Taiwan. The NDC lays out their plan to the reduction of energy prices and the transition to sustainable energy by instituting the investments made in the Inflation Reduction Act[30] and easing market barriers towards cleaner energy.

Healthcare

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On April 3, 2019, Representative Ami Bera introduced HR 2061,[31] proposing state market mechanisms to increase enrollment, particularly focusing on auto-enrollment for those qualifying for $0 premium health plans.

Abortion rights

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The New Democrat Coalition supports the right to travel for abortion, the protection of doctors who conduct abortions, and the enshrining of protections for reproductive care for servicewomen and military families.[32] They also support the codification of abortion rights as protected by Roe v. Wade.[33]

National security

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According to their National Security Principles[34] they value the modernization and sustainment of the U.S. Military, reinforcement of American internationalism, strengthening of regional commitments, reinforcing U.S. cybersecurity, and addressing the deficit.

Cybersecurity

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When it comes to cybersecurity, the New Democrat Coalition's cybersecurity task force[35] confronts digital security with fostering public-private information sharing, developing stronger defenses against cyberwarfare and cyberterrorism, establishment of a strong pipeline of workers to address said cyberwarfare and cyberterrorism, investment into stronger defenses in the public and private sectors, and securing the Internet of Things.

Climate change

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According to the NDC's Principles for U.S. Climate Policy,[36] they propose American global coordination towards climate solutions, transition to a clean energy economy, enacting climate-forward policies towards disaster relief and the transition of local communities to a sustainable energy grid, and recommitting to the Paris Agreement.

Foreign policy

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Israel

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Main article: United States support for Israel in the Israel–Hamas war

On October 12, 2023, five days after the October 7 attack on Israel, the NDC endorsed a bipartisan resolution on standing with Israel and unequivocally condemning Hamas.[37] Later, on October 20, they endorsed Biden's request for supplemental funding for both Israel and Ukraine.[citation needed]

Russian invasion of Ukraine

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On April 20, 2024, the NDC affirmed their commitment to Ukraine by endorsing the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024.[38] They would later applaud the success of the bill on April 23.[39]

Electoral results

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House of Representatives

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[40]

Election year Democratic seats ±
2000
74 / 212
 Steady
2002
73 / 205
 Decrease1
2004
74 / 202
 Increase1
2006
63 / 233
 Decrease11
2008
59 / 257
 Decrease4
2010
42 / 193
 Decrease17
2012
53 / 201
 Increase11
2014
46 / 188
 Decrease7
2016
61 / 194
 Increase15
2018
103 / 233
 Increase42
2020
94 / 222
 Decrease9
2022
94 / 213
 Steady
2024
109 / 215
 Increase15

Caucus chairs

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Current caucus rules only allow for a single chair who serves a single, 2-year term. However, when the caucus began it permitted multiple chairs and 4-year terms.[41]

Leadership

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As of the 118th United States Congress, the Coalition's leaders[42] are as follows:

Membership

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New Democrat Coalition in the 118th United States Congress

As of January 13, 2024, the New Democrat Coalition has 110 members. Those members include 109 U.S. Representatives and one non-voting delegate of the House of Representatives.[43] Of these, 85 were reelected in the 2024 United States House of Representatives elections, while 25 non-incumbents endorsed by the caucus PAC were elected to congress; this raises the expected number of members to 110.[44]

Alabama

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Texas

Virginia

Washington

Non-voting

Expected New Members[45]

Campaign arm

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The NewDem Action Fund, formerly known as the NewDemPAC,[46] is the campaign arm of the caucus.[47]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b This figure does not include Stacey E. Plaskett, a non-voting Delegate who is a member of the caucus.

References

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  1. ^ a b Hood, John (December 6, 2006). "Meet the New House Centrists". National Review.
  2. ^ a b Stanage, Niall (March 2, 2015). "Centrist Dems ready strike against Warren wing". The Hill.
  3. ^ a b "United House Democrats Return to Squabbling Ways". National Journal. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  4. ^ [1][2][3]
  5. ^ a b c Kim, Sueng Min (March 24, 2014). "House Democrats press for immigration vote". Politico. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  6. ^ "Will the Congressional Progressive Caucus become the Freedom Caucus of the left?". MinnPost. December 4, 2018.
  7. ^ [5][6]
  8. ^ "Will the Congressional Progressive Caucus become the Freedom Caucus of the left?". MinnPost. December 4, 2018.
  9. ^ [1][2][3]
  10. ^ "Will the Congressional Progressive Caucus become the Freedom Caucus of the left?". MinnPost. December 4, 2018.
  11. ^ [5][10]
  12. ^ "New Democrat Coalition Celebrates S wearing-In of New Dem Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  13. ^ "Leadership | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  14. ^ Ruyle, Megan (February 26, 2013). "A new chairman at helm, New Dems seek more influence in this Congress". The Hill.
  15. ^ Heilbrunn, Jacob (November 17, 1997). "The New New Democrats". The New Republic.
  16. ^ Benen, Steve (December 20, 2021). "As Manchin balks at Dems' agenda, moderates have the most to lose". MSNBC.
  17. ^ "Here's what to watch in Congress and national politics in 2022 | The Spokesman-Review". www.spokesman.com.
  18. ^ "New Dems hope to be a force in 113th Congress". The Hill. November 17, 2012.
  19. ^ "Democrats: Not giving up on spending bill". Arkansas Online. December 23, 2021.
  20. ^ "House Democratic Factions All See Gains After Midterms". Roll Call. November 13, 2018.
  21. ^ Skelley, Geoffrey (December 20, 2018). "The House Will Have Just As Many Moderate Democrats As Progressives Next Year".
  22. ^ "The House passes a $2 trillion spending bill, but braces for changes in the Senate". NPR. November 19, 2021.
  23. ^ "Trade". November 19, 2021.
  24. ^ "Innovation". November 19, 2019.
  25. ^ Brooks, David (September 17, 2020). "Opinion | No, the Democrats Haven't Gone Over the Edge" – via NYTimes.com.
  26. ^ Theodore F. Sheckels, ed. (2020). The Rhetoric of the American Political Party Conventions, 1948–2016. Rowman & Littlefield.
  27. ^ Blake, Aaron (April 29, 2012). "Why the Blue Dogs' decline was inevitable". The Washington Post.
  28. ^ "About Us | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  29. ^ "Economic Opportunity Agenda | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  30. ^ US EPA, OAR (November 21, 2022). "Summary of Inflation Reduction Act provisions related to renewable energy". www.epa.gov. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  31. ^ "H.R. 2061 | Congressional Chronicle | C-SPAN.org". www.c-span.org. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  32. ^ "New Democrat Coalition Chair Statement on 51st Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Decision | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  33. ^ "New Democrat Coalition Chair Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  34. ^ "National Security | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  35. ^ "National Security | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  36. ^ "Climate Change and Clean Energy | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  37. ^ "New Democrat Coalition Leadership Endorses Bipartisan Resolution Standing with Israel, Unequivocally Condemning Hamas | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  38. ^ "New Dems Stand Firm, Help Pass Critical National Security Package to Support Our Allies and Deliver Humanitarian Aid | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  39. ^ "New Dem Chair Applauds Senate for Sending National Security Funding to President Biden's Desk | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  40. ^ "25th Anniversary". New Democrat Coalition. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  41. ^ "25th Anniversary". New Democrat Coalition. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  42. ^ "Leadership | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  43. ^ "Leadership | New Democrat Coalition". newdemocratcoalition.house.gov. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  44. ^ "New Democrat Coalition Members". New Democrat Coalition. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  45. ^ "Endorsed Candidates". New Democrat Coalition Action Fund. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  46. ^ Pathé, Simone (October 17, 2018). "NewDemPAC Helps Candidates Navigate Trump, Raise Money". Roll Call. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  47. ^ Schneider, Brad (August 25, 2021). "Mainstream Democrats keep winning — let's not stop now". The Hill. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
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