WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Sunday referred to as on incoming Democratic lawmakers who will govern within the minority to at all times be conscious of different folks’s views — even when they might be fallacious.
At a reception meant to welcome new, principally younger, Democratic lawmakers to Washington, the nation’s oldest and outgoing Democratic president — reflective as he shared some conflict tales of his previous and pointed to challenges forward — urged the brand new era of legislators to hear and work throughout the aisle.
“We don’t try this anymore,” he mentioned within the White Home State Room. “The one biggest loss we now have is that we don’t know one another anymore.”
The brand new slate of roughly 30 Democratic lawmakers arrive ready to be within the minority within the govt and legislative branches. Democrats confronted a crushing loss within the 2024 general election — after Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris misplaced her bid for the presidency. Republicans additionally maintained management of the Home within the November election and gained a slim majority within the Senate.
New incoming lawmakers on Sunday expressed hope they’ll make a distinction.
California Rep. Sam Liccardo, a former San Jose mayor, informed The Related Press that whereas he expects limitations as a brand new Democratic member of Congress, he believes there can be alternatives to make change by specializing in widespread areas of settlement.
“I’m not anticipating as a first-term member I would be the one to chop the deal on the border,” he mentioned. “Then again, there are different points like housing prices, low-income home tax credit, the place there have been relative consensus to construct a majority on.”
On the reception, Biden recalled his entry to Washington greater than 50 years in the past. He was simply 29 when he was first elected to Congress in 1972, having ousted longtime incumbent Republican Caleb Boggs. On the time of his election, Biden did not meet the Senate’s minimal age requirement however turned 30 a few weeks after he gained his race.
He talked concerning the significance of constructing relationships with lawmakers throughout the aisle. “You don’t have to surrender your rules to construct relationships,” Biden mentioned.
He additionally talked concerning the challenges the U.S. faces internationally and domestically. “We’re in a wholly new period, every part has modified. Our security relies on who our companions are and who our allies are.”
New Democratic Arizona Rep. Yassamin Ansari, talking on CNN on Sunday, mentioned she’s hopeful to work on points like housing affordability, local weather points and reproductive freedom. “These are points that younger folks have mentioned loud and clear are necessary to them.” “And I feel, a few of these points, we will additionally work on in a bipartisan approach.”
And whereas new Rep. Adam Grey, D-Calif., was elected to workplace, his district additionally voted for Trump over Harris by 5 factors.
“I feel what People wish to see is border safety,” Grey informed CNN, “Clearly, the final Congress wasn’t severe sufficient, which is why the American folks despatched me right here and despatched a robust message that they need change. Establishment just isn’t going to do it.”
Liccardo mentioned Biden’s previous expertise exhibits that “he appreciates the significance of the passage of the torch.” The Sunday occasion “is a chance for him to bless and share a second with the following era of leaders within the nation.”
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