Skip to main content

PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS HOLDS FIRST “VIRTUAL” FLOOR DEBATE IN HISTORY OF U.S. HOUSE

May 7, 2020

WASHINGTON– This week, the Problem Solvers Caucus returned to Congress "virtually" – holding the first "virtual" Floor debate in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives, to demonstrate ways for the House to function during the current COVID-19 emergency.

"As a Caucus, we don't just sit back and wait, we look for ways to overcome our problems," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY). "As we navigate these unprecedented times, we are committed to working in a bipartisan manner to do what is in the best interest of all Americans. Together, we will get through this."

"Just like any floor debate, we heard different points of view on how to help the American people through this crisis from vantage points all across our country," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair, Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). "In my District in North Jersey, we're one of the hardest-hit areas in the country. It's Congress' job to figure out how to come together to ensure we're getting resources to the communities that need it, and that includes all the first responders, frontline workers, and public service workers employed by our state and local governments who are helping keep us safe and protected. We will not get through this without their efforts, and that's something I know we can all agree on."

For the last several weeks, Members of the bipartisan Caucus have been working hard to advance the interests and needs of their constituents from Districts across the country, while also looking to enable opportunities to legislate remotely. This week, the 24 members used their 60-minute Floor debate to discuss the issue of state and local aid in the next COVID-19 package.

The Caucus recently sent a letter to Congressional House leadership calling on Congress to begin planning and approving ways for the U.S. House of Representatives to function during the present COVID-19 emergency. In the letter, the Caucus outlined suggestions for leadership to consider, including voting options, floor debate, and committee procedures.

Discussions are still ongoing regarding when the House will come back into session.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is considering holding additional "virtual" Congress sessions in the future.

To view this week's "virtual" Congress click here.

###

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprised of 50 members – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).