Problem Solvers Caucus Continues to Prove Bipartisanship is Possible in Endorsements of Key Bills

WASHINGTON – Today, December 20, 2019, the Problem Solvers Caucus announced the endorsement of H.R. 2382, the USPS Fairness Act; H.R. 1869, the Restoring Investment in Improvements Act; H.R. 1175, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act; and H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act.

H.R. 2382, the USPS Fairness Act, introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4) and Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2), along with Problem Solvers Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY-23) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), fully repeals the prefunding mandate, reverting back to a pay-as-you-go system that would then allow the Postal Service to be able to focus on investing and innovating services in order to better meet its mission to service every American household and business. It has 297 cosponsors and has received endorsement from 44 members of the Caucus.

H.R. 1869, the Restoring Investment in Improvements Act was introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN-2) along with Problem Solver Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), is bipartisan legislation that ensures restaurants and retailers are able to properly benefit from a tax provision meant to aid renovations and spur investment. It has 288 cosponsors and was also endorsed by 44 members of the Caucus.

H.R. 1175, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act was introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21) and makes permanent the lower taxes, reduced compliance burdens, and fewer regulations to keep parity in the marketplace for the 5,300 breweries, 8,000 wineries, and 800 distilleries across the country. Without this, excise tax rates would return to those higher levels, raising costs for small businesses and consumers.  A one-year extension of this Act was added onto the Appropriations package and passed the House earlier this week. It has 324 cosponsors and was endorsed by 42 Problem Solvers.

H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act was introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12) and would create a new grant program within the US Department of Education to provide teachers across the country the relevant resources, tools and training to teach school children about the Holocaust and the repercussions that hate and intolerance can have on our society. It has 297 cosponsors and was endorsed by 40 members of the Problem Solvers Caucus.

In backing these four initiatives, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-3), have come together to build bipartisan consensus on policies that help our hardworking families, help our government work better, help develop our local economies, and help educate our children.

“These bills will provide real help to real people.  From helping small business owners to benefit from necessary tax provisions to providing resources to teachers that will enable them to teach our children about the dangers of hate, these bills will greatly benefit the lives of many,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed. “Finding the common ground on issues such as these and working together to find solutions is critical – that’s why I’m proud that the Problem Solvers Caucus is overcoming the political divide and working to create positive change for the American people.”

“The Problem Solvers Caucus continues to push bipartisan legislation forward, to achieve real results for the hardworking families we each represent and for residents all across the country,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. “We are continuing to break through the gridlock to endorse legislation that can bring those on both sides of the aisle together. With this set of bill endorsements, we’re ensuring that our children are educated about the horrors of the Holocaust and the repercussions of hate, that our government and postal services work better, and that we’re spurring local economic development.”

Rep. Tom Suozzi said, “The Problem Solvers Caucus’ endorsement of these four initiatives proves that by working together with common purpose, we can bring about real positive changes in people’s lives. Of particular importance to my constituency is the Never Again Education Act which will teach our nation’s children the important lessons of the Holocaust and the horrific consequences of hate and intolerance.”

“Due to some of the political posturing and partisan differences right now in Washington, the vast majority of the American people believe that Republicans and Democrats cannot come together to do anything positive. The group of Members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats, known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, once again, prove that notion wrong. I, along with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, am a co-sponsor of all four of these pieces of legislation that would benefit Americans from all walks of life.  House leadership should bring these bills up for a vote as soon as possible,” said Rep. Bill Johnson.

“Coastal Virginia is home to more than 45 breweries, wineries, and distilleries, which is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (H.R. 1175). This bill will ensure these local businesses receive tax relief so they can continue contributing to the local economy and producing the very best beer, wine, and spirits,” said Rep. Elaine Luria.

“This package of bills makes it clear that, across issue areas and across party lines, our caucus is able to come together for real reforms that will help people across the nation,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal. “I am proud to have co-sponsored all of the bills on this list and I will continue pushing for legislation that helps our workers, supports local businesses, strengthens the knowledge of our students and uplifts our nation’s families.”

“It is great to see the Caucus come together on these bipartisan issues. These bills will deliver real results for the American people,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick “I am glad to see the Problem Solvers endorse this package of bills, and I look forward to voting in favor of them on the House floor.”

“I’m proud that all four of these important, bipartisan bills have the endorsement of my colleagues and I in the Problem Solvers Caucus,” said Rep. Dan Lipinski. “I’m especially proud to support the Never Again Education Act and provide educators with the resources they need to emphasize the importance of the Holocaust and the horrific outcomes hate and intolerance can lead to. This will be a tremendous learning tool for our children.”

“I’m proud to have such broad, bipartisan support for my legislation, including the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus. My bill will allow local restaurants and retailers to write-off improvements so that they can make the investments that they need to keep their stores competitive and safe, hire more workers, and plan for the future,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta.

“As a co-sponsor of all four bills included in the endorsement package, I am happy to see this overwhelming bipartisan support. In particular, I am pleased about the support for H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act. It is important that America’s youth learn about the horrors of the past so they can ensure they are not repeated. Implementing the proper resources and curriculum needed to educate our students on the lessons and consequences of the Holocaust will do just that,” said Rep. Don Bacon.

Rep. Anthony Brindisi said, “This package of bills includes key, bipartisan, pieces of legislation that will address real problems with real solutions. Whether it’s cutting taxes, bolstering the Postal Service and education opportunities, or providing relief for small businesses, it is important to remember that members of both parties can work together to find commonsense solutions to improve everyday American’s lives.”

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 48 members – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).

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