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☆ Progressive Rep. Pramila Jayapal says Biden is 'very, very interested' in getting more workers overtime pay
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Now a key progressive leader says President Joe Biden is "very, very interested" in their recommendation. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said she spoke this week with Biden about the recommendation, which could allow more than 30 million workers to get paid overtime "for work they're already doing." Jayapal said she spoke with Biden about the issue at a White House event celebrating Biden's nomination of Julie Su as Labor Department secretary. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Congressional Progressive Caucus included the measure last year on a slate of recommended executive actions for the president.

☆ As the 4-day workweek gains traction, Congressman Mark Takano is reintroducing his proposal to make it law
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Takano is reintroducing his act to make the standard workweek just 32 hours long. Takano has reintroduced his 32 Hour Workweek Act, which would tweak the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to make the standard workweek 32 hours, instead of the 40 it's currently at. It's not the first time that Takano has pushed to make the working week shorter. "So a four-day work week is something that connects a lot of Americans." Last month, Maryland lawmakers introduced the Four-Day Workweek Act of 2023, which would reduce an employee's workweek to 32 hours without cutting their pay while giving employers a tax credit.

☆ A group challenging Biden's student-loan forgiveness in the Supreme Court this week says it's 'very clear' the relief is illegal: 'We feel very good about our case'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The Job Creators Network, one of the groups challenging Biden's student-debt relief in the Supreme Court, said it feels "very good" about its case. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments for two lawsuits that blocked the relief. Biden's administration and Democrats have pushed back on the plaintiffs' standing to sue. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court is taking on two lawsuits that paused Biden's plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for federal borrowers. Both of the lawsuits challenging Biden's plan said the broad debt relief is an overreach of that authority and should not be done without Congressional approval.

☆ Days before the Supreme Court takes on Biden's student-loan forgiveness, Elizabeth Warren urges it to 'do its job and apply the law as it is written'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-26 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Sen. Elizabeth Warren urged the Supreme Court to uphold Biden's student-debt relief. "The Supreme Court needs to do its job and apply the law as it is written." GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn, for example, wrote on Twitter on Thursday that "canceling student debt is Biden's gift to young left-wing activists. She also led GOP senators in filing an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court urging it to strike down Biden's debt relief. This scale of student-loan forgiveness is unprecedented, so it's hard to determine which way the Supreme Court will rule.

☆ Bernie Sanders says it's time for a four-day work week
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Sen. Bernie Sanders said on Twitter that it's time for a four-day work week. Sanders referenced new findings from a UK-based four-day work week pilot program. The progressive from Vermont chimed in on the four-day work week debate on Twitter, writing: "With exploding technology and increased worker productivity, it's time to move toward a four-day work week with no loss of pay. Sanders was referencing the latest findings out of the UK on the four-day work week. "So a four-day work week is something that connects a lot of Americans."

☆ Lawmakers call on 8 states to pass wealth taxes to help pay for childcare, affordable housing, and ending homelessness
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Lawmakers and advocates are pushing to pass wealth taxes in eight states, after a federal plan failed to pass. The taxes would target both realized and unrealized capital gains, assets like stocks and bonds. "Funding our future means using the revenue generated from the Washington state wealth tax to expand access to affordable homes for working Washingtonians," Frame said. In California, a wealth tax on the unrealized capital gains of the top 0.1% would yield nearly $22 billion, according to California assembly member Alex Lee. Targeting capital gains and unrealized gains are not a new idea, but haven't been able to pick up the federal traction they need to be implemented across the country.

☆ George Santos once bragged about having no student debt from a school he never actually attended: 'I hate looking at youth today and seeing them sitting on their behinds'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

In a 2020 podcast, Rep. George Santos bragged about graduating from NYU without student debt. Santos has previously criticized student debt relief, saying it would be an unfair policy. That didn't stop him from sharing his opinions on student debt during his initial, and failed, congressional run three years ago. In May 2022, he wrote on Twitter: "Allow me to solve the student debt issue: Step 1: You take out the loan. "Student debt cancellation will change lives, and I'm proud to have fought for it," Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal wrote on Twitter.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., told members of the Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday that she plans to run for Senate in 2024, adding her name to the list of contenders who want to fill the seat held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Asked about her remarks, Lee told reporters: "What I said was that I’m very sensitive and honoring Senator Feinstein. Lee, 76, has served in the House since 1998 and previously served in both California's state Senate and state Assembly. A spokesperson for Feinstein told the Los Angeles Times last month that she "has no plans to step down and will announce her plans for 2024 at the appropriate time." Schiff is also reportedly interested in the Senate seat, though he has not disclosed his plans yet.

Friday’s release of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns from his four years in the White House and two years prior is an important and long overdue public service. It also would have been a warning shot to any future presidents who may want to keep their tax returns private. ), chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, asked the agency for information related to Trump’s tax returns. Ultimately, though, it’s on House Democrats that the Trump tax documents release on Friday were so limited. So they couched their court case as looking into the effectiveness of mandatory IRS audits of tax returns of all sitting presidents.

☆ House Democrats reject a rules change that could've empowered junior members amid concerns about aging leadership
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

"Six years is a pretty long time," Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia told Insider at the Capitol earlier this month. "I'm not for term limits," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told Insider during a briefing with reporters at the end of November. "I'm not taking a position on any single rules proposal that is before the House Democratic Caucus," he said. Another prominent young lawmaker — 33-year-old Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York — has also been vocal in her criticism of the system. "Whatever the mechanism is, we need to have more opportunities for people to bring their leadership to bear in different places," she told Insider.

☆ New research may have just paved the way for a 4-day work week
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A new global study found a four-day work week was a "resounding success" in a pilot program. The research found the shortened work week was a "resounding success on virtually every dimension." Over the trial period, revenue among the participating companies rose 8.14%, and when compared to the same time period last year, revenue jumped 37.55%. The four-day work week has also caught attention of some lawmakers. "The 32-hour work week would go a long way toward finally righting that balance."

Shortly before Pelosi’s announcement Thursday that she was stepping down, Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff signaled he would not run for House leadership and would focus his efforts on a future Senate bid instead. 2 leadership post, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal of Washington decided to run for another term leading her caucus of roughly 100 House liberals. Aguilar originally had his eyes set on the assistant leader position, but Clyburn’s move forced him to run for caucus chair. 4 and Democratic Caucus chair will move up to No. That left Rep. Joe Neguse, 38, who had been campaigning behind the scenes for months for caucus chair, as the odd man out.

☆ House progressive leader Pramila Jayapal calls herself a Biden 'convert,' says he should run for reelection
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus called herself a Joe Biden "convert." Rep. Pramila Jayapal backed Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. But she has since found an ally in President Joe Biden, known as a moderate. But she has since found an ally in President Joe Biden, known as a moderate. They're hoping speculation about Klain leaving the White House isn't true, POLITICO reported.

☆ Rising star Hakeem Jeffries announces bid to lead U.S. House Democrats
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Richard Cowan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

He would build on Pelosi's historic accomplishments as the first female House speaker and the first woman to lead a party in either chamber of Congress. Jeffries satisfies the demand of many House Democrats that younger blood replace the 82-year-old Pelosi, who has had a grip on leadership for the past two decades. 2 position of Democratic whip and moderate Representative Pete Aguilar was expected to seek the job heading the Democratic caucus, which Jeffries now holds. If Jeffries wins the Nov. 30 leadership election, Democrats will be placing party power squarely with New Yorkers. While he is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Jeffries at times has had strained relations with some progressives, who have questioned his ties to corporate America.

Jeffries, 52, would be the first Black House Democratic leader, representing both the party's diverse voter base and bringing a new generation of leadership. House Democrats are scheduled to vote on their leaders on Nov. 30. Jeffries, who has held the leadership post of House Democratic Caucus chairman since 2019, also would represent a stylistic contrast to Pelosi, who made her announcement on Thursday. Current House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer, 83, said he would not seek a leadership position in the next Congress and backed Jeffries. Clyburn told reporters ahead of Pelosi's announcement that he intends to remain in the House Democratic leadership regardless of the path she takes.

Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday she will not be seeking re-election as House Democratic leader. Dozens of politicians, Republican and Democratic alike, expressed their gratitude for Pelosi's leadership. President Joe Biden greets Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries, before Biden addressed the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference in Philadelphia earlier this year. "Nancy Pelosi's historic ascension to become the first woman Speaker of the House will forever inspire our nation on the power of possibility," he said. "Look I've been on both sides of Nancy Pelosi, it's much more pleasant when you're on the good side of her.

Rep. Steve Horsford defeated Republican Sam Peters in Nevada's 4th Congressional District. Senate Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. (3 Districts) Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. NV-01NV-03NV-04 House Governor Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. RenoNorth Las Vegas MayorDemocratic Rep. Steve Horsford defeated Republican Sam Peters in Nevada's 4th Congressional District.

☆ Meet Maxwell Alejandro Frost, the 25-year-old gun-violence-prevention advocate backed by Bernie Sanders who will be the first Gen Z member of Congress
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Bryan Metzger | Sophia Ankel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

At 25, Frost is set to become the first Gen Z member of Congress. Frost, who would also be Congress' only Afro-Cuban member, beat Republican candidate Calvin Wimbish by nearly 20 points, per Decision Desk HQ. "It still hasn't fully sunken in," Frost told Insider at the time. At 25 — the minimum age to serve in the US House — Frost will be the youngest member of Congress. "You get in for one reason, and then you find out there's a lot of things that are messed up," he told Insider in May.

Rep. Steve Horsford is running against Republican Sam Peters in Nevada's 4th Congressional District. Senate Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. (3 Districts) Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. NV-01NV-03NV-04 House Governor Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. RenoNorth Las Vegas MayorDemocratic Rep. Steve Horsford faces Republican Sam Peters in Nevada's 4th Congressional District.

☆ A Progressive Reversal on Ukraine Letter
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Congratulations to Democratic leaders for taking on a progressive revolt in Congress and causing a reversal of a statement suggesting reduced support for U.S. aid to Ukraine. Vladimir Putin watches American politics closely, and this was a sign of U.S. retreat that needed to be beaten back. Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal , chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, withdrew on Tuesday a letter that 30 Members of the caucus had sent a day earlier to the White House. The letter had urged President Biden to pursue diplomacy with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The missive was a terrible message to send while Mr. Putin is bombing civilian targets in Ukraine even as his troops retreat from territory they occupied early in the invasion.

☆ U.S. Congress progressives withdraw letter urging negotiations to end Ukraine war
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Congressional Progressive Caucus withdrew a letter to the White House urging a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine, Chair Pramila Jayapal said on Tuesday. “The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine," Jayapal said in a statement. She added: "The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting." read moreReporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Chizu NomiyamaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ House progressives press Biden to engage in direct talks with Russia on Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Summer Concepcion | Summer Concepcion Is A Politics Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

A group of progressive House Democrats asked President Joe Biden in a letter Monday to directly engage with Russia in an effort to end the conflict in Ukraine. The push by progressives, which asks the president to take a more aggressive strategy on the Ukraine war, swiftly prompted pushback from fellow Democrats and some Ukrainians. The lawmakers urge the president to pair the military and financial support the United States has provided to Ukraine with a “proactive diplomatic push” that involves direct talks with Russia. It comes as Republicans threaten to cut aid to Ukraine if they retake control of the House in the midterm elections next month. “We’d all like to see this war end today, and quite frankly it could end today if Putin did the right thing and pulled his troops out.”

☆ House Democrats Urge Biden to Speak Directly With Russia to End Ukraine War
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Lindsay Wise | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON—A group of 30 House Democrats sent a letter to President Biden on Monday asking him to seek direct talks with Russia to reach a diplomatic settlement to the war in Ukraine, marking a new sign of unease in Congress over America’s approach to the fighting. The letter’s signatories include Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D., Wash.), the chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, as well as influential progressives Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D., Calif.). Rep. Barbara Lee (D., Calif.), the only member of Congress to vote against the resolution authorizing war in Afghanistan in 2001, also signed the letter.

☆ Liberal U.S. lawmakers withdraw Ukraine letter after blowback
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Patricia Zengerle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Clodagh KilcoyneWASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Congressional Progressive Caucus withdrew a letter to the White House urging a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine, the group's chairperson, Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, said on Tuesday. “The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine," Jayapal said in a statement. The letter drew immediate pushback, including from some members of the Progressive Caucus. In her statement withdrawing the letter, Jayapal said that, because of the timing, the letter was being conflated as being equivalent to McCarthy's remark. As such, it is a distraction at this time and we withdraw the letter," Jayapal's statement said.

☆ An ex-Hill staffer who worked closely with a top progressive Democrat says there's no chance she didn't vet the controversial Ukraine letter. 'She keeps a tight grip on media relations'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A top progressive Democrat withdrew a controversial letter to the White House on Ukraine, blaming a staffer for its release. But an ex-Hill staffer who worked closely with her office said that's "absurd." "Everyone who has worked with her office knows that she keeps a tight grip on media relations," the former Hill staffer said. "Everyone who has worked with her office knows that she keeps a tight grip on media relations. After intense criticism, Jayapal withdrew the letter Tuesday and said she accepted responsibility for its release.

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