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Problem Solvers Caucus Successfully Bridges Divide

During his last two campaigns, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, has touted his involvement in the Problem Solvers Caucus as one way he works to move past the gridlock we see so often in our federal government.

The idea was good in theory, but no one had seen the caucus accomplish much.

That changed a couple of weeks ago when Congress came together to pass a 2017 federal budget that keeps the government operating until September. The caucus previously indicated that it would lead the effort to avoid a government shutdown by supporting such a funding bill if it contained no ideological riders. The Daily Beast took note of the caucus in early October. In an April 2 story, the publication reported the Problem Solvers Caucus had been meeting with Republicans and Democrats every other week to build trust. Reed told The Daily Beast caucus members were willing to stand up to both Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to pass bills rather than score political points.

Kudos to Reed not only for being a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus but for standing up as a co-chair of the group. It is good to once again have a congressman who crosses political divisions.

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