The 115th Congress Convenes

MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP 

This week, Members were sworn in for the 115^th Congress. With Republicans in control of the House and Senate, it is their responsibility to govern and deliver results for the American people. While Democrats in Congress will continue to be willing to work with Republicans on issues where we can find agreement, we will also meet our responsibility to represent the plurality of Americans who did not support the President-Elect’s agenda. Unfortunately, Republicans are beginning this new Congress on the wrong foot, by pursuing a partisan agenda, instead of working together to meet our nation’s challenges.  

This week, the Senate began the reconciliation process to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). After six years—and 65 votes to repeal the ACA—Republicans still don’t have a plan to replace the law. Repealing the ACA without a replacement has severe consequences for millions of Americans: 30 million Americans would lose their coverage and millions more would see their health care costs increase and benefits eroded. In addition, a new report shows that the Republican effort to repeal the ACA without a replacement would lead to three million jobs lost by 2021. Democrats will continue to hold Republicans accountable in their efforts to repeal the ACA and make America sick again.

Finally, the intelligence community released a report today confirming that Russia interfered in the election. In response, House Democrats have put forward legislation to create an independent commission to investigate Russia's interference in our election and its effects on our democratic institutions. I call on the President-Elect to listen to our intelligence agencies – not attack them – and work with Congress to uncover the full scope of Russia’s interference and take an appropriate response. This is not a partisan issue – both parties should care deeply about responding to any effort to create distrust in our institutions and undermine our democracy. 

Sincerely yours,

Steny H. Hoyer

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DEMOCRATIC NEWS UPDATE