Democratic Caucus Chair Aguilar holds news conference

Tom Suozzi's Victory and its Implications

• House Democrats celebrate Tom Suozzi's successful election in New York's 3rd congressional district, viewing it as a rejection of extreme Republican policies and a return to bipartisan problem-solving.
• Suozzi's campaign emphasized his support for key Democratic legislative achievements and connected with voters on economic issues.
• The Asian-American community played a significant role in Suozzi's victory, motivated by Donald Trump's mockery and disrespect towards Asian-Americans.

Democratic Priorities and Criticisms

• Democrats highlight the economic progress made under President Biden's leadership, including job creation, wage growth, and the passage of landmark legislation.
• Democrats criticize Republicans for focusing on trivial matters like baseless impeachments and UFO hearings instead of addressing real economic issues.
• Democrats express frustration with Speaker Kevin McCarthy for blocking a vote on the National Security package, which includes aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region.
• Democrats remain hopeful that they can secure funding for Ukraine and other national security priorities, despite the narrow majority in the House.
• Democrats criticize Donald Trump for his influence on the Republican Party and his opposition to funding for Ukraine.

Immigration Reform

• Tom Suozzi has a track record of voting for the Dream and Promise Act and working in a bipartisan way to deliver immigration reform.
• Suozzi supports comprehensive immigration reform and a Senate bill that included a border component before Donald Trump opposed it.

Legislative Strategies and Challenges

• Democrats should focus on multiple priorities, including the Appropriations deadlines and National Security Supplemental.
• The discharge petition is one tool that House Democrats are considering to pass their national security priorities.
• Republicans are less willing to work with Democrats than they were in the past, making it difficult to find common ground on issues like funding for Ukraine and humanitarian aid.

National Security Concerns

• Vladimir Putin's aggression in Crimea, Georgia, and Ukraine should not be ignored, and the US should provide support to Ukraine to prevent further conflicts.
• The FBI's warning about terrorist threats should lead to discussions in the Rules Committee and on the House floor about reauthorizing FISA.
• The Administration has had conversations with members of Congress about FISA, but Democrats want to ensure that they get it right and will have further discussions and debates on the issue.