Problem Solvers Caucus

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Problem Solvers Caucus

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group within the United States House of Representatives that aims to foster cooperation and dialogue between members of the Democratic and Republican parties. The caucus was founded in 2017 and is composed of an equal number of members from both parties. The primary goal of the caucus is to find common ground on key issues and to advance legislation that can gain broad support across the political spectrum.

History

The Problem Solvers Caucus was established in January 2017 by a group of lawmakers who were frustrated with the increasing polarization and gridlock in Congress. The caucus was inspired by the work of No Labels, a political organization that promotes bipartisanship and problem-solving in government. The founding members believed that by working together, they could break through partisan barriers and achieve meaningful legislative progress.

Membership

Membership in the Problem Solvers Caucus is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Each member is committed to working collaboratively and to supporting the caucus's mission of finding bipartisan solutions. The caucus operates under a set of principles known as the "Break the Gridlock" rules, which require members to support certain procedural reforms and to work together on key issues.

Key Issues and Initiatives

The Problem Solvers Caucus focuses on a wide range of issues, including:

• Healthcare
• Immigration
• Infrastructure
• Federal Budget
• Criminal Justice Reform

The caucus has been involved in several high-profile legislative efforts, including attempts to stabilize the Affordable Care Act markets, comprehensive immigration reform, and infrastructure investment.

Achievements

One of the notable achievements of the Problem Solvers Caucus was its role in the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. The caucus also played a significant part in the negotiations that led to the First Step Act, a major criminal justice reform bill signed into law in 2018.

Criticism and Challenges

Despite its successes, the Problem Solvers Caucus has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Some progressives argue that the caucus compromises too much on key issues, while some conservatives believe that it undermines party unity. Additionally, the caucus has faced challenges in maintaining its bipartisan balance and in achieving consensus on contentious issues.

See Also

• United States House of Representatives
• Bipartisanship
• No Labels
• First Step Act
• Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018