DPCC COCHAIRS: WORKING FAMILIES DESERVE ACTION ON MORE THAN 275 BIPARTISAN HOUSE BILLS STUCK IN THE SENATE

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WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chairman David Cicilline (RI-01) and Co-Chairs Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Ted Lieu (CA-33) say there is no excuse for Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's inaction on more than 275 bipartisan bills the House has passed and sent to the Senate.

"In less than a year, House Democrats have passed nearly 400 pieces of legislation that get government working For The People by driving down health care costs, raising wages, and cleaning up corruption in Washington," said Cicilline. "Sadly, more than 275 bipartisan bills passed by the House are currently sitting on Mitch McConnell's desk waiting for a vote. He'd rather tout himself as the grim reaper than vote on these bills that will help his constituents and the American people. Senator McConnell should do his job or his constituents will pick someone who will."

"All year, we have been working for the people, passing more than 275 bipartisan bills to lower the cost of lifesaving prescription drugs, boost hard-working Americans' wages, help ease veterans' transition to civilian life, and more," said Cartwright. "These bills stand to deliver real results for all Americans, but Republicans in the Senate haven't taken up a single one. It's time for Senate Republicans to stop playing politics and start legislating."

"As we head home for Thanksgiving break, the House of Representatives continues to work on issues that the people in our districts want us to take action on," said Dingell. "We've passed over 275 bipartisan bills that address lower prescription drug prices and healthcare costs, raise wages for hard-working men and women, support survivors of domestic violence, and common-sense policies to prevent gun violence and save lives. It's time for the Senate to act."

"Democrats have been hard at work, and have passed over 275 bipartisan bills since the start of this Congress that are stuck in the Senate," Lieu said. "Standing in the way of progress is the Republican-led Senate, which hasn't taken up any of these bills including ones that would lower drug costs, safeguard our elections, support veterans and strengthen gun safety background checks. These issues have overwhelming support from a diverse array of Americans. But, somehow, Mitch McConnell seems to think he answers to someone else, unlike Democrats who are working for the people."

FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE NUMBERS:
(As of November 15, 2019. Bills only, resolutions not included.)

• The House has passed nearly 400 bills this Congress as Democrats continue to deliver For The People.
• But more than 300 bills, or 80% of the bills the House has passed, are stuck in the Senate.
• Most of the bills that are stalled in the Senate - more than 275 - are bipartisan.
• Bipartisan legislation stalled in the Senate includes bills to:
  • Give American workers a long overdue raise by raising the minimum wage and making sure women are paid fairly for their work.
  • Protect the retirement of Americans who worked hard all their lives.
  • Enact gun safety background checks.
  • Cut taxes for Gold Star families.
  • Protect consumers from being ripped off by fine print contracts.
  • Protect people with pre-existing conditions, reverse health care sabotage & lower drug costs.
  • Support veterans (more than 30 bills).