The Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives, is eager to engage in discussions about immigration and other important reforms. Co-chairs Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Tom Suzzy (D-N.Y.) recently sent a letter requesting a meeting with President Trump to address these key issues, after the caucus formed a working group this year focused on related challenges. Nearly 50 lawmakers added their names to the request.
“As co-chairs, we represent a bipartisan coalition of almost 50 House members,” they noted. “We regularly convene to explore opportunities for compromise and collaborate on legislation that garners support from both parties.”
In their letter, they expressed a desire to discuss three significant topics: immigration, regulatory reforms, and national debt.
The request follows a recent significant bill passed by Capitol Hill Republicans that encompasses many of Trump’s priorities, including extending the 2017 tax cuts, eliminating certain taxes, allocating $150 billion to border security, and renewing green energy tax credits, though it did involve substantial cuts to Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office predicts this package could add $3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. Fitzpatrick, representing a mixed-support district, was one of the few Republicans, along with Rep. Thomas Massey (Ky.), who opposed the legislation.
On the topic of national debt, the caucus suggested forming a bipartisan finance committee to devise plans aimed at stabilizing the nation’s finances. “While cutting unnecessary spending is a start,” one co-chair insisted, “there’s a lot more work that needs to happen.”
The letter acknowledged Trump’s efforts to successfully reduce illegal border crossings to historic lows, expressing gratitude for restoring order at the border. However, they emphasized, “There’s still more to be done.” They highlighted the need to solidify border security, improve overwhelmed asylum systems, and tap into key sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
Last year, Republicans predominately blocked bipartisan border security agreements, despite efforts to push past campaign rhetoric. A proposed package sought significant funding for U.S. customs, border security, and immigration services, aiming to equip the President with measures to close borders if illegal crossings surged.
The group also aims to forge bipartisan agreements that would enhance U.S. infrastructure projects. “Permission reform,” as they described it, entails expediting the approval process for energy and infrastructure initiatives, often at the cost of environmental assessments. Historically, Republicans have advocated for reducing such reviews, and some Democrats have recently joined the push to hasten renewable energy developments.
They referenced failed attempts from previous Congresses led by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and former Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), which ultimately did not culminate in an agreement.
The proposal aimed to support both fossil fuel and renewable energy initiatives. Even though it advanced favorably in committees with bipartisan support, it was never brought to a full vote due to disagreements, especially among Republicans.
“Our outdated permitting procedures hinder crucial infrastructure and energy projects, stunting our global competitiveness, slowing national growth, and increasing energy costs,” the letter elaborated. “Cutting through bureaucratic delays is vital for facilitating construction in America. Both parties recognize the importance of addressing this issue.” They noted hope in reaching a comprehensive permit reform agreement by the end of the 118th Congress.
