Press Releases

Congressional Progressive Caucus Applauds Improvements to ACA Expansion Bill to Include DACA Recipients

June 29, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement on H.R. 1425, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act:

“We’re pleased that, at our request, this bill has been expanded to include health care access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. As the Supreme Court affirmed earlier this month, Dreamers are home. At minimum, Congress should ensure that DACA recipients –including more than 200,000 who are bravely serving as essential workers during this pandemic – have equal access to quality, affordable health care. We’re grateful to the leadership of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for working with us to ensure the inclusion of this critical provision in the final bill. Congress should continue to build on this progress by eliminating the discriminatory and harmful five-year waiting period for lawful residents —including green card holders who are on their way to citizenship — to access key health programs. This is both a taxpayer equity issue and vitally necessary, especially during this health pandemic when so many are struggling and need access to these critical programs.

“More must be done to guarantee universal health care as a human right for all people. We support the important improvements that this legislation makes to strengthen the Affordable Care Act, but until we address the profiteering, exploitation, and inefficiencies in our health care system that make healthcare unaffordable for tens of millions of Americans, our work is not done. As the pandemic has shown clearly, we must untether healthcare from employment and take on our corrupt, for-profit health care system that has widespread and damaging ramifications for public health. Now, more than ever, we need Medicare For All to guarantee quality health care to every person living in the United States.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Celebrates the Historic Passage of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act in the U.S. House of Representatives

June 26, 2020

Washington, D.C. — Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement on passage of H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act:

“The disenfranchisement of the people of Washington, D.C. is a stain on our nation and our democracy. With today’s passage of H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, we have taken an historic step to correct a centuries-old injustice and extend the promise of equal representation to the citizens in our nation’s capital.

“The passage of this legislation, which was cosponsored by every member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is a milestone for our democracy. We’re grateful for the persistence and dedication of CPC Member Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has fought tirelessly for decades to make this vote a reality. We will continue to fight for D.C.’s fundamental right to equal representation and self-determination.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Announces Endorsement of Justice in Policing Act

June 11, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus announced the endorsement of H.R. 7120, the Justice in Policing Act, sweeping legislation to confront systemic racial bias in law enforcement.

“For far too long, the epidemic of police brutality has gone unaddressed in this country, while our loved ones, neighbors, and communities have been oppressed, abused, and murdered by those sworn to protect them,” said CPC Co-Chairs Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02). “Congress must act. We are pleased to endorse the Justice in Policing Act, which takes critical and long overdue action to address systemic racism in police departments and bring justice to Black communities.”

“We are particularly pleased that this comprehensive legislation includes critical provisions long championed by members of the Progressive Caucus, including ending qualified immunity for police officers, limiting transfers of military-grade equipment to local law enforcement, banning chokeholds, and creating a binding national standard for the use of force,” the co-chairs continued. “While we recognize that this legislation, on its own, will not end institutional racism in this country, it is our hope that this legislation can serve as a guidepost as we continue the essential work of dismantling racist systems and reinvesting in Black communities.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus to Hold Remote Hearing on Oversight of Coronavirus Relief Funds on Wednesday, June 10th

June 8, 2020

Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, June 10th at 3:00pm ET, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) will hold a remote hearing entitled “Conducting Effective Oversight: What Congress Can Do to Root Out Corruption and Ensure Coronavirus Relief Funds Benefit the American Public,” featuring experts to discuss the need for greater oversight of the lending authorities in the CARES Act to ensure that these programs assist midsize businesses, and place meaningful conditions on assistance to large corporations.


This week’s hearing will be chaired by CPC Co-Chair Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and CPC Executive Board Member Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45). The hearing will examine the work of the Congressional Oversight Commission and identify solutions to ensure federal funds are being used to keep workers on payrolls.

Wednesday's virtual hearing will be available to watch live here.

WHAT: CPC Remote Hearing; “Conducting Effective Oversight: What Congress Can Do to Root Out Corruption and Ensure Coronavirus Relief Funds Benefit the American Public”

WHO:

  • CPC Co-Chair Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)
  • Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45)
  • Bharat Ramamurti, Member of the Congressional Oversight Commission and Managing Director of the Corporate Power Program at the Roosevelt Institute.
  • Norm Eisen, Senior Fellow, Governance Studies at Brookings Institution
  • Damon Silvers, Policy Director at the AFL-CIO
  • Lisa Gilbert, Vice President of Legislative Affairs at Public Citizen
  • Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus

WHERE: The hearing will air live on the Progressive Caucus’s Facebook Page

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th at 3:00pm Eastern/12:00pm Pacific

BACKGROUND: Over the last few months, the Progressive Caucus has been holding weekly virtual hearings to examine bold ideas to tackle the coronavirus crisis. On April 29th, the CPC held its first remote hearing on the pandemic, focused on the need for expanded worksharing and to prevent layoffs. On Wednesday, May 6th, the CPC held its second hearing, focused on the disproportionate toll of the epidemic on communities of color. And on May 13th, the CPC held its third hearing on strategies for ramping up testing and contact tracing to safely reopen the economy. The hearings are available to watch on the Progressive Caucus’s Facebook page. 

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Congressional Progressive Caucus Leaders Announce Forthcoming Legislation to Amend the Insurrection Act of 1807

June 4, 2020

Washington, D.C. — Today, the leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, CPC Whip Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), along with CPC Co-Chairs Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), announced forthcoming legislation to reform the Insurrection Act and prevent the deployment of the U.S. military into American cities.


“In the coming days, we will be introducing legislation to prohibit the unilateral deployment of U.S. military personnel into American cities without the explicit approval of Congress,” said Representatives Omar, Jayapal, and Pocan. “Time and again, President Trump has governed as an authoritarian — abusing his power at the expense of the American people and our democracy. Now, he’s threatening to weaponize the U.S. military against its own citizens.”

“Even President Trump’s own Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, opposes deploying troops to silence the protests,” added Representatives Omar, Jayapal, and Pocan. “The American public has a constitutionally-protected right to free speech. Deploying the military in an attempt to quash these protests would be an attack on our constitution, our democracy, and our people. Congress must send an unequivocal message that this grotesque abuse of power will be stopped.”

The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows the President of the United States, in rare circumstances, to unilaterally deploy the National Guard and armed forces against the will of a state government. The proposed legislation, which will be introduced in the coming days, would amend the law to require congressional approval prior to the deployment of U.S. troops.

Progressive Caucus Leaders Announce Opposition to FISA Reauthorization

May 27, 2020

Washington, DC – Today, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), announced their opposition to the FISA reauthorization bill amid concerns regarding the lack of reforms to warrantless online surveillance.


“We have grave concerns that this legislation does not protect people in the United States from warrantless surveillance, especially their online activity including web browsing and internet searches,” said CPC Co-Chairs Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Mark Pocan. “Despite some positive reforms, the legislation is far too narrow in scope and would still leave the public vulnerable to invasive online spying and data collection.”

“We cannot in good conscience vote for legislation that violates Americans’ fundamental right to privacy,” continued Congresswoman Jayapal and Congressman Pocan. “Therefore, we will be opposing the bill, as well as recommending a ‘no’ vote to members of the Progressive Caucus. For months, we’ve worked to overhaul the expansive surveillance powers authorized in Section 215. There’s no reason to rush through a multi-year authorization that fails to make critical reforms needed to protect the civil liberties of the American public.”

The Progressive Caucus previously opposed the FISA reauthorization bill considered by the House of Representatives in March.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Statement on the Killing of George Floyd

May 27, 2020

Washington, D.C – Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement on the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN:

“George Floyd should be alive today. His brutal killing, at the hands of four police officers, is another heartbreaking example of the deadly racism that persists in this country.

“George Floyd’s murder was not an isolated incident – but rather part of a pattern of police brutality and white supremacy that pervades our nation, and our criminal justice system in particular.

“The officers responsible for George Floyd’s death must be brought to justice. And public officials – at every level of government – must take action to end police brutality and ensure that the perpetrators of racist killings are held accountable.

“Black lives matter. George Floyd’s life mattered. In his memory, we pledge to do all we can to end the plague of police brutality and anti-Black violence that led to his death.”

Progressive Caucus Leaders Call on Speaker Pelosi to Repeal Egregious Millionaire Tax Breaks Tucked into CARES Act

May 8, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), along with CPC Deputy Whip Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for the repeal of $160 billion in tax breaks for millionaires tucked into last month’s CARES Act.


“One of the Progressive Caucus’s guiding principles as we consider the next relief package is ensuring every action Congress takes addresses inequality. Relief must be focused on those who need it most, and we must resist regressive measures that deliver most benefits to those at the top, while doing little for working families,” the letter notes. “The $160 billion in no-strings-attached handouts was more than aid provided in the CARES Act for hospitals across America...We appreciate your recently stated opposition to these provisions, which are totally unrelated to the pandemic, and urge you to prioritize their repeal in the next relief package.”

The full letter is below.
 


Dear Speaker Pelosi:

Thank you for your leadership as the nation continues to battle the coronavirus and we work together to deliver further relief for those suffering. One of the Progressive Caucus’s guiding principles as we consider the next relief package is ensuring every action Congress takes addresses inequality. Relief must be focused on those who need it most, and we must resist regressive measures that deliver most benefits to those at the top, while doing little for working families.

As small businesses and workers were running out of options last month, Republicans tucked into the CARES Act tax breaks for “net operating losses” that will overwhelmingly benefit the super-rich and large corporations. The $160 billion in no-strings-attached handouts was more than aid provided in the CARES Act for hospitals across America. At a time when workers need a paycheck guarantee and monthly direct cash assistance, the Joint Committee on Taxation found that those with $1 million or more in annual income, who will enjoy 82% of the benefits of one provision, will get an average of $1.6 million each. We appreciate your recently stated opposition to these provisions, which are totally unrelated to the pandemic, and urge you to prioritize their repeal in the next relief package.

We also urge opposition to further tax breaks targeted at the wealthy few and large corporations. Corporate lobbyists are pushing for numerous handouts that have little to do with the pandemic and more to do with locking in or expanding the windfall they reaped from the Republican tax scam in ways that will not promote economic recovery. Whether in the form of tax breaks, loans, or other federal support, any assistance to corporations must at the very least come with adequate guardrails to ensure workers benefit instead of executives and wealthy shareholders. However, our focus as Democrats must be on advancing relief measures that put assistance directly into the hands of the working families that need it most.

Thank you for your continued leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,

Mark Pocan

Pramila Jayapal

Lloyd Doggett 

Congressional Progressive Caucus Holds Remote Hearing on Racial Disparities in the Coronavirus Crisis

May 6, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus held the second in a series of remote hearings on bold solutions to the coronavirus pandemic. Today’s hearing, entitled “A Just Response: Addressing Racial and Economic Disparities in the COVID-19 Pandemic” was chaired by CPC Executive Board members Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16).


The hearing featured expert testimony from four witnesses:

  • Reverend Dr. William J. Barber, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign
  • Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D, M.D., 12th President and Chief Executive Officer of Meharry Medical College
  • Nayna Gupta, Associate Director of Policy, National Immigrant Justice Center
  • Dr. Christina Paz, CEO of Centro San Vicente

The hearing is available to watch here. 

Congressional Progressive Caucus to Hold Remote Hearing on the Disproportionate Impact of the Coronavirus Crisis on Communities of Color

May 4, 2020

Washington, D.C. — Wednesday, May 6th from 2:00-3:30pm ET, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) will hold a remote hearing entitled “A Just Response: Addressing Racial and Economic Disparities in the COVID-19 Pandemic.” This hearing will be the second in a series from the Progressive Caucus examining bold solutions to the coronavirus crisis.

Wednesday’s hearing will be chaired by CPC Executive Board members Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16). The hearing will examine the various factors – including health disparities, economic inequality, and inhumane detention practices – that have put communities of color at greater risk in this pandemic.

Wednesday's virtual hearing will be available to watch live here.

WHAT: CPC Remote Hearing; “A Just Response: Addressing Racial and Economic Disparities in the COVID-19 Pandemic”

WHO: 

  • Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13)
  • Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)
  • CPC Co-Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)
  • Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
  • Reverend Dr. William J. Barber, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign
  • Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D, M.D., 12th President and Chief Executive Officer of Meharry Medical College
  • Nayna Gupta, Associate Director of Policy, National Immigrant Justice Center
  • Christina Paz, CEO of Centro San Vicente


WHERE: The hearing will air live on the Progressive Caucus’s Facebook Page

WHEN: Wednesday, May 6th at 2:00pm Eastern/11:00am Pacific

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