RELEASE: Problem Solvers Caucus Members Participate in Bipartisan, Bicameral Meeting on Fall Legislative Agenda

This week, 25 Members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus participated in a bicameral meeting on the fall legislative agenda. Attendees spoke with each other as well as representatives from the Administration about a number of pressing issues that Congress faces in September, including health care, tax reform, infrastructure, and the budget.

Congressmen Tom Reed (NY-23) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, led the discussion. The two Members expressed optimism that the conversation was the beginning of a broader effort to continue to work across the aisle and with their colleagues across the Capitol, and have scheduled another similar meeting later this month.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for bipartisan leaders to step forward together to get things done,” said Co-Chair Tom Reed. “The meeting this week showed that our colleagues in the Senate are confident in the ability of this Caucus and will rise with us to govern.”

“There are very real challenges for Congress this month and this year, and the Problem Solvers Caucus is ready to tackle them head-on,” said Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. “It was beneficial for our Caucus to share the table with our Senate colleagues this week to see where there are areas that we can work together to deliver real results for the American people.”

“Congress has big things to tackle this fall—and effective governing requires bipartisan, bicameral collaboration,” said Caucus Member Martha McSally (AZ-2). “Already the Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC) has cut through the gridlock to put forth a plan to stabilize the individual health insurance market and provide relief to small businesses, which is the product of a PSC working group I was honored to co-lead. This week we took the next step by meeting with eight members of the Senate to find common ground to address several pressing matters. This isn’t about rhetoric, this is about results.”

“Time is running out to pass the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus plan to cut health insurance premiums 30% and prevent a $194 billion debt increase,” said Caucus Member Dan Lipinski (IL-3). “We encourage our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us to ensure that Americans continue to have access to affordable healthcare.”

“This week’s meeting continued the important work of the Problem Solvers Caucus to address our nation’s biggest challenges in a bipartisan fashion,” said Caucus Member Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-6). “From budget priorities to tax reform and infrastructure, it is clear there is a growing consensus in both chambers that the best way to achieve our goals is what we should have been doing all along: Working together.”

“Our work on this caucus is a much-needed breath of fresh air from all of the partisan politics consuming Washington,” said Caucus Member Congressman Faso (NY-19). “After meeting with a bipartisan group of Senators this week I am optimistic that there is the will to find a bipartisan fix to our healthcare system, and to find common ground regarding other areas of government in need of reform. Our nation’s healthcare system is incredibly complex, and as we continue to debate systemic changes it is critical that Upstate New Yorkers aren’t left at risk. This understates the importance of these incremental bipartisan solutions and the work of this caucus.”