December 28, 2016
Dear Democratic Colleague,
The American people have clearly expressed their hope that the new Congress and new
Administration will act to create economic growth which increases wages and good-paying jobs
across the nation.
While the American people worry for the financial security of their families, Republicans are
opening the new Congress by turning their backs on the outside calls for help with an inside
power grab in the House Rules.
The Republican rules package for the new Congress is deficient in many respects. With their
opening salvo of the 115th Congress, Republicans will move to violate freedom of speech on the
House Floor, violate the regular order of the House of Representatives, violate our sacred
commitments to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and violate their own point of order
principles to attack the Affordable Care Act.
1.
“Decorum” and Freedom of Speech – When it comes to addressing the daily
tragedy of gun violence, the American people want Republicans to schedule votes, not
silence voices. The Republican rules package is nothing less than an egregious attack on
the sacred freedom of expression on the House Floor. The manner in which the Sergeantat-Arms and House Administrative officers are directed to create and implement policy
and to assess fines offends the dignity of the House, assaults freedom of speech, and may
even be unconstitutional.
2.
Continuing Litigation – The Republican rules package empowers the Speaker in
unprecedented ways to continue litigation from one Congress to the next. Each Congress
starts with a blank slate, and all bills and actions must be reintroduced for full
consideration by the newly elected Members. Violating this principle represents a
massive power grab to allow Republicans to shield their special interest legal agenda and
waste of taxpayer dollars from review by the new Congress.
3.
Authorization and Oversight Plans – Republicans are once again putting Social
Security, Medicare and Medicaid in the crosshairs. Republicans are directing their
committees to proceed to moving “programs or agencies from mandatory funding to
discretionary appropriations.” This would have a direct impact on the pillars of
Americans’ retirement security.
4.
ACA Repeal – The Affordable Care Act has been successful in meeting its goals
of reducing cost, increasing access and improving quality of care. With the rules,
Republicans are admitting that repealing the ACA will increase costs. They are violating
their own rule that establishes a point of order against their own bill that has a net effect
of increasing direct spending. Again, this is a recognition on the part of Republicans that
the Affordable Care Act reduces spending.
Recognizing the Republicans’ open assault on the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and
Social Security, we are working with the Senate to increase public awareness. First, in the
opening week, we are calling on Members to fully participate in actions on the Floor of the
House. Second, we urge you to carry the message across America by holding events in your
districts on Saturday, January 7. Third, as part of the “Our First Stand: Save Health Care” day of
action, we are asking you to participate in rallies on Sunday, January 15 on Martin Luther King
Day weekend (please note change of date from January 14 to 15).
I hope you can join us on our Caucus conference call tomorrow, Thursday at 1:30 pm Eastern, to
prepare for opening day. The new Congress will convene on Tuesday January 3 at 12:00 noon.
Thank you for your ongoing leadership for America’s working families.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year.