RLC Weekly: Standing Up For The People

February 7, 2025
In The News

Dear colleagues,

President Trump and Elon Musk have a mission to overwhelm the public's attention with chaos, crisis, and absurdity. House Democrats will not let them, especially as it relates to people's Personal Identifiable Information, America's energy sector, and the rising cost of living. In case you missed them, here are a few stories of the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and House Democrats taking action for their communities:

Economic Consequences of Federal Workforce Attacks

House Democrats from across the country are sounding the alarm on Trump and Musk's harassment of federal workers and dangerous data breaches in government agencies. Among them was RLC Leader Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), who pointed out the consequences of firing energy experts that help facilitate energy permits and ensure public safety. "Houston is home to 11% of U.S. energy jobs and more than 4,700 energy-related firms," Rep. Fletcher said during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing. "And before making these multibillion investments that Americans rely on, the people who are undertaking them need to be able to rely on the process... I can't imagine that anyone waiting on a permit wants that kind of chaos and delay." See more from Rep. Fletcher here.

House Democrats also cited the impact that a purge on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would have on local economies. Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21) said, "NOAA plays a key role in predicting wildfire, detecting smoke, and monitoring drought conditions. Losing funding means less warning time, more property loss, and worsening air quality across the state." See more from the House Committee on Natural Resources Committee Democrats here

Ensuring Lower Drug Prices

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Rep. Richard E. Neal (MA-01), and Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03) sent a letter to the Comptroller General to ensure that the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program continues to perform under the Trump Administration. As more of Project 2025 is implemented, it is critical that House Democrats elevate programs like this, which is providing a discount between 38%-79% for prescription drugs. For inspiration on how to highlight the impact of this program in your district, visit the RLC's website.

Protecting Clean Water in Rural America

At a time when the Trump Administration is removing helpful resources from government websites, RLC Leader Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) discussed protecting clean water in rural Florida with key stakeholders this week. Following his meeting with the Florida Rural Water Association, he took to social media to remind people that he "secured WRDA authorization of $100M+ for the Taylor Creek expansion & other water infrastructure for Orange, Osceola, and Polk." It is another example of Democrats providing the resources people need to make life better. The RLC will see to it that those investments – signed into law and passed by Congress – reach everyday Americans.

What Else?

  • The Trump Administration has stopped $5 billion from going to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which many states have used to pay for highways projects. Read more here.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed a memo shortly after his confirmation stating that all of the department’s grant and loan programs should prioritize projects in “communities with marriage and birthrates higher than the national average." From the New York Times here.

For more updates on how to help implement the Investing in America agenda locally, please follow us on social media and share your story on how these investments are making a difference in your community. You can also visit our website for additional resources that will help track these historic investments.