The Problem Solvers Caucus Identifies Issue Areas For The 117th Congress
The 28 Democrats and 28 Republicans of the Problem Solvers Caucus have identified the following issue areas as some of their key priorities for the 117th Congress.
COVID-19: There is overwhelming support to ensure the country has the resources and authority to increase testing and enhance vaccine distribution and delivery. Quickly expanding access to the vaccine will help bring about an end to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout America as soon as possible. The Problem Solvers Caucus will build on the “908 Coalition” to suggest bipartisan policies to help rebuild the economy and get the American people back on their feet.
Infrastructure: Despite strong bipartisan support for reinvestment in America’s infrastructure, years of gridlock have left highways, roads and bridges, transit and railways, ports and airports, broadband, and water and sewer systems in disrepair. This is an issue the Problem Solvers Caucus has made a priority since the 115th Congress and will work to pass a bipartisan, comprehensive infrastructure package.
Broadband Expansion: Millions of Americans do not have access to reliable high-speed broadband, leaving ranchers, farmers, students, lower-income and rural communities, and other hard-working Americans at a disadvantage. Given the modern importance of connectivity, expanding access to high-speed internet will ensure all Americans can participate in the digital economy and utilize critical telehealth services.
Small Business and Innovation Incentives: The small business community, the largest employer in the nation, was the hardest hit sector in 2020. Congress must provide support and incentives to help maintain and reopen small businesses that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same, innovation for next-generation technologies and industries must be encouraged to provide opportunities for future Americans to prosper.
Immigration Reform & Border Security: For too long, Congress has been unable to agree on real solutions to break the immigration impasse and more effectively secure borders. Problem Solvers members said Congress must ensure a legal, reliable workforce pipeline for ranchers, farmers and high-tech, high-skilled job creators. The Problem Solvers Caucus, for many years, has explored viable solutions to fix DACA, reform the visa system, address family separation and boost border security. Members plan to look for ways to turn past agreements into a comprehensive reform both sides can agree on.
Debt and Deficit: While in a crisis, it is necessary to borrow to safeguard against deeper economic turmoil. However, national debt has now exceeded a hundred percent of GDP. Though recovery remains the priority, getting the country’s fiscal house in order long-term and managing the deficit is also critical. By taking sound fiscal steps now, caucus members said, the country can avoid unnecessarily exacerbating the deficit and ensure the nation will always be in a position of financial stability and strength for the next crisis.
Health Care: Beginning in the 115th Congress, the Problem Solvers Caucus identified and promoted several proposals to stabilize the individual health insurance marketplace and reduce health care costs, especially the rising costs of prescription drugs.
Labor and Workforce: Due to COVID-19, high unemployment continues to plague the nation. Caucus members said immediate and precise plan is needed to get Americans back to work and develop the skills to ensure Americans are positioned best to prosper.
Police Reform: In the 116th Congress, caucus members worked to help reconcile the Justice In Policing Act and the JUSTICE Act to help find common ground. Members said they want to continue that work in this Congress. Where possible, members said Congress should look for opportunities to support best practices in law enforcement while rightly addressing issues of racial injustice.
Energy and Climate: The Caucus will continue to work to promote clean energy innovation and an-all-of the above energy policy to guide us into the future.
Election Security: Members said citizens deserve transparency and confidence that their vote counts.