Press Releases
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New Dem Members met with small business owners and industry representatives to discuss the impact and costs of Trump’s tariffs on small businesses
Yesterday, New Dem Vice Chair for Outreach Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and New Dem Trade Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) hosted a roundtable discussion on how small businesses have been hurt by the Trump Administration’s sweeping tariffs.
Vice Chair Carbajal and Rep. Beyer, who is a member of the Ways & Means Committee and the Joint Economic Committee, were joined by several New Dem Members for the discussion, including New Dem Vice Chair for Communications Marc Veasey (TX-33), Leadership Member Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Reps. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), and Lucy McBath (GA-06).
“President Trump’s chaotic tariffs have imposed a heavy burden on the American people, including our small business owners,” said Rep. Carbajal, Vice Chair for Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition. “Small businesses fuel the American economy, but President Trump’s tariffs act as deadweight for our entrepreneurs — leading to higher costs, lower margins, and tougher times. I’m grateful to our guests for sharing their stories. Their insights are vital as our Coalition works to champion a more stable economic future.”
“President Trump’s tariffs have driven up costs for American consumers and businesses alike, and I appreciate that they’ve joined us to shed light on the real challenges Americans are facing,” said Rep. Don Beyer, New Dem Trade Task Force Chair Don Beyer. “Unlike large corporations, most small businesses can’t bribe the president with gold bars, ornate plaques, or massive donations to his ballroom project. They also can’t afford to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to retain a MAGA-aligned lobbyist. As a result, while some companies have won exemptions or relief, small businesses have been left to absorb the full impact of these higher prices.”
During the roundtable, small business owners shared some of the specific challenges that they have faced since Trump took office and how his tariff policy has affected their ability to stay in business. Some of these challenges include their ability to source products, keep competitive pricing, hire staff, and more. Members and stakeholders also discussed the pain Trump’s tariffs have inflicted on small businesses, including how the Trump administration continues to impose tariffs despite the recent Supreme Court ruling and the Administration’s unclear plan to refund illegally collected tariffs. Last month, New Dems sent a letter to the Administration demanding answers and transparency on the refunds process.
Additionally, stakeholders shared ideas for what New Dems can do to create smarter, more durable trade policy that helps small businesses. Earlier this year, New Dems released our New Dem Affordability Agenda, which calls for Congress to restore its responsibility to oversee international trade and roll back Trump’s tariffs.
Roundtable guests included
John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO, Small Business Majority
Eva St. Clair, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Princess Awesome
Jonathan Gold, Vice President, Supply Chain & Customs Policy, National Retail Federation
Sarah Wells, Founder, Sarah Wells Bags
Dan Anthony, Executive Director, We Pay the Tariffs
Ivy Horan, President, MGI Corporate Gifts
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New Dem Members met with mental health experts on the growing need for mental health and substance use disorder services and what Congress can do to expand access to these resources
Yesterday, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, New Dem Healthcare Working Group Chair Terri Sewell (AL-07), Mental Health Task Force Chair Shontel Brown (OH-11), and New Dem Leadership Member Andrea Salinas (OR-06), who Co-Chairs the bipartisan Congressional Mental Health Caucus, hosted a roundtable discussion with mental health organizations on how Congress can tackle the nation’s mental health crisis.
New Dem Reps. Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Don Beyer (VA-08), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) also joined the conversation.
“New Dems take our role seriously in advancing practical, effective health care policy, and mental health must be at the center of that work,” said Healthcare Working Group Chair Terri Sewell (AL-07). “I’m grateful for the important work that these organizations do every day and appreciate the opportunity to hear from them directly about what New Dems can do to ensure every American has access to the support they need.”
As the Trump Administration works to slash crucial funding for mental health programs, guests discussed the urgent need to protect and expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services, including through Medicaid, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, school-based programs, crisis response systems, peer support models, and culturally competent care. Participants also shared the importance of safeguarding the 988 crisis line, addressing workforce shortages and burnout, and ensuring mental health parity laws are fully enforced.
Additionally, participants focused on the growing needs of youth and adolescents, and the impact of external factors such as social media and gambling on their mental health. Participants emphasized the role Congress can play in investing in prevention, science-based treatments, and services that support both patients and the behavioral health workforce.
New Dems have worked tirelessly to ensure Americans have access to the mental health resources they need. Last year, New Dems released our Healthcare Action Plan, which advocates for increased funding for federal programs that support access to mental health services.
Representatives from the following organizations participated in the roundtable:
Mental Health America
NAACP Center for Health Equity
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
American Psychological Association
American Psychiatric Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH)
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
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October 10, 2024
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced new federal funding to help ensure mid-Michigan families have access to affordable mental health services and substance use disorder treatment.
The $600,000 grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will allow Hamilton Community Health Network to expand its work to deliver high-quality, affordable mental health services and substance use disorder treatment to mid-Michigan families, particularly those in medically underserved communities.
“Every Michigander—regardless of their zip code—should have access to the health care services they need, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment,” said Congressman Kildee. “I’m proud to support Hamilton Community Health Network’s work to help ensure we deliver on that promise for all mid-Michigan families.”
“This funding will have a positive impact on Hamilton’s ability to expand quality, affordable behavioral health care services to the communities we serve. This includes mental health services for individuals and families, as well as treatment for substance use disorder, integrated in a primary care model. We are thankful for Congressman Kildee’s longstanding support of Community Health Centers, especially Hamilton Community Health Network,” said Clarence R. Pierce, Hamilton Community Health Network CEO.
Congressman Kildee has long been a champion for increased access to mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. In September 2023, he introduced new legislation to bring mental health providers into primary care offices and streamline access to mental health care. Additionally, through his Community Project Funding initiative, he has delivered significant federal resources to local substance use disorder treatment centers.
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September 13, 2024
WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today introduced new bipartisan legislation—supported by Republicans and Democrats—to help recruit more police officers and improve public safety in mid-Michigan.
Congressman Kildee’s bill provides $50 million a year for state and local law enforcement agencies to create “Pathways to Policing” programs, designed to encourage candidates from communities not widely represented in law enforcement—or with non-traditional educational and career backgrounds—to pursue careers in the field. The bill also provides $50 million a year for nationwide marketing and recruitment campaigns to encourage more people to begin careers in law enforcement.
Michigan law enforcement agencies have struggled to recruit new officers in recent years, with the state losing 4,500 law enforcement officers between 2001 and 2023—an almost 20% decline. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, Michigan lost 900 law enforcement officers.
“Local police departments help keep our communities safe, but too often they have trouble recruiting and retaining their officers,” said Congressman Kildee. “My bill would ensure police departments have the resources they need to grow their forces and serve our communities. By investing in new recruitment programs, we can improve public safety and provide pathways to good-paying jobs for Michiganders.”
Congressman Kildee introduced the bill alongside Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), David Valadao (CA-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20).
“Congressman Kildee hit another home run for the residents of the City of Saginaw. The Pathways to Policing Act would assist the Saginaw Police Department in the recruitment of underrepresented members of our local community to start a career in law enforcement. I would like to thank Congressman Kildee for introducing this bill and continuing to keep public safety a high priority in his work in the United States Congress,” said Chief Robert Ruth, Saginaw Police Department.
“Thank you, Congressman Kildee, for your new bill to support Bay County law enforcement and put new police officers on the beat. The Pathways to Policing Act would give local law enforcement agencies across mid-Michigan the resources needed to recruit and retain new officers, and better serve the communities we protect,” said Troy Cunningham, Bay County Sheriff.
“As a Sheriff, I fully support Congressman Kildee’s Pathways to Policing Act. This legislation provides a critical bridge between our communities and the next generation of officers, creating a pathway for more diverse, community-oriented recruits. By offering funding for training and recruitment, this act will help ensure we have police forces that reflect the values and diversity of the communities they serve while promoting transparency and trust in law enforcement. It’s exactly the kind of police evolution we need,” Christopher R. Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff.
Congressman Kildee has long championed efforts to support law enforcement and improve public safety in mid-Michigan. He previously introduced the Invest to Protect Act to fund local police departments, recruit officers and help reduce crime. Kildee also secured over $6 million in new community project funding for mid-Michigan law enforcement in Fiscal Years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
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Bipartisan bill would prioritize domestic manufacturing of critical drugs to prevent shortages
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) introduced last week the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act, bipartisan legislation that would encourage U.S. manufacturing of critical pharmaceuticals and reduce dependence on foreign sources. Michigan healthcare organizations have endorsed the bill, saying it will help ensure all patients receive the life-saving medications they need.
“I’m encouraged by the introduction of the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act as an important step in addressing vulnerabilities in our pharmaceutical supply chain,”said Phillip Bergquist, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA). “Health center patients are among the most vulnerable members of our communities and drug shortages and other challenges accessing medications can adversely impact their health. This legislation will support efforts to reduce drug shortages and lessen those negative impacts in the future.”
MPCA’s member health centers provide healthcare for about one in fifteen Michigan residents.
“Drug shortages severely hamper a hospital’s ability to provide every patient with the best treatment,” said Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) CEO Brian Peters. “We applaud Rep. Slotkin for leading on this important issue and introducing legislation that should increase domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthen our pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent future drug shortages.”
The MHA is the statewide leader representing all community hospitals in Michigan. Established in 1919, the MHA represents the interests of its member hospitals and health systems in both the legislative and regulatory arenas on key issues and supports their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care.
"Our patients need and deserve reliable access to proven high quality, life-saving medications. Ensuring that pharmaceutical companies are appropriately incentivized to meet this critical demand while also encouraging them to be Made in America is a winning proposition for everyone involved. The American Made Pharmaceuticals Act will provide a critical step towards making this a reality,” said Assistant Dean and Chief of Clinical Ethics at the University of Michigan and cancer surgeon Dr. Andrew Shuman.
Specifically, the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act would:
Establish a demonstration program at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to test providing preferential treatment for U.S. manufactured generics, biosimilars, and critical medicines under the Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs in at least 8 states for at least 7 years.
Require the Department of Health and Human Services to consider mechanisms to give U.S. manufactured drugs and biosimilars preference, including preferential treatment on a formulary, lower cost-sharing, rebate waivers under the Medicaid program, utilization of the Medicare Star Rating system, or bonus payments to providers of services and suppliers.
Require eligible pharmaceutical companies to provide transparency on manufacturing locations, maintain appropriate inventory and emergency reserves, and have an action plan for when links in the supply chain break down.
Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report to Congress on activities under the program as well as recommendations for any legislative and administrative actions deemed appropriate.
“Michiganders have seen the consequences of an outsourced pharmaceutical supply chain firsthand during drug shortages that have left patients without vital treatments,” said Slotkin. “If COVID taught us anything, it’s that we can’t allow our country to be dependent on others for absolutely critical supplies like life-saving prescription drugs. That’s why I launched the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus in 2022 and why I’m introducing the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act today. This legislation would ensure more drugs are made in America, so we can reduce our dependence on other countries, bring jobs back to places like Michigan, and help protect patients from drug shortages.”
Slotkin has long been an advocate for securing supply chains for critical products including pharmaceuticals. Last summer, she introduced the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act, which would expand the supply of critical drugs during shortages. In 2022, Slotkin’s Strengthening America’s Strategic National Stockpile Act was signed into law, improving the U.S. stockpile of critical medical supplies and expanding domestic manufacturing of those supplies. Additionally, she is a co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus, which also works to address drug shortages and encourage domestic production of essential medicines.