Bipartisan Restlessness

By: Brady Noble

The wheels of American democracy began flowing this morning with bipartisan legislation regarding the use of federal money in disaster prevention, and post-disaster support for victims. There were several possible solutions discussed, including one spearheaded by GOP congressman Sam Graves (MO-06). Graves noted that forests should be cleared out to prevent the spread of wildfires. This was met with some pushback from the Democrats, who believed that this would lead to the destruction of several ecosystems and overall do more harm than good. Nevertheless, solutions were being proposed, and Representatives were working reaching across the aisle to come to a compromise. With newly found bipartisanship, Republican representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) noted that “it is inspiring to see Republicans and Democrats working together, too bad it's not the same in the real world”. This optimism was short lived, and it was not long before partisan bickering came to the forefront. Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-3) made a statement, “I hope that the democrats are quick ensuring flood insurance and pre-disaster mitigation. The Republicans have done their job, it is time for the Democrats to step up.

After a few party caucuses, another solution came to fruition. Rep. John Louis (GA-5) challenged Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) for her seat as Speaker of the House. When asked why he would make a better speaker than Pressley, he cited his work in creating support for bipartisan legislation. “Some of my legislation almost passed both chambers,'' he noted. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes (NY-14) soon followed in challenging Pressley’s seat. Ocasio-Cortes stunned the chamber when she stated that she regretted her previous work with Pressley. Finally, Steny Hoyer (MD-5) jumped on, challenging Pressley. The voting began and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes was subsequently named Speaker of The House. 

Continuing with the theme, Republican Thomas Massie (KY-4) challenged incumbent House Minority Leader, Kelly Armstrong (R-ND At-large). Massie believed that he would better because, Armstrong “succumbed to the wishes of the Democrats”. He continued to state that he will consider more perspectives from both sides of the aisle.

Bipartisan Bills or Climate Change

By: Allison Gerth

The US House of Representatives committee has been working on climate disaster relief for citizens of the United States throughout the past two committee sessions. While electing representatives to lead the different political parties throughout the weekend, multiple campaign slogans were created. One popular slogan was “ding dong, Dingell for Democrats!”, although she is not representing the democratic party she made it through the first round of elections before losing the race. 

The definition of bipartisan means “of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other's policies”. Throughout the committee, a common theme between both parties was talk of bipartisanship, even if it was discussed more than necessary. Arguments between the two parties would happen when bills “leaned toward” one party over another, leading to people of different parties being upset with each other. Lois Frankel, a Democrat representing Florida, stated, “We are currently struggling to figure out a way to adhere to bipartisan principles while also helping our constituents”. During the Democratic party caucus Frankel tried multiple times to have some Representatives focus more on the preparations, responses and short and long term solutions in the same bill for natural disasters. This would be instead of focusing on funding and bipartisanship. While the Democrats were trying to think of short and long term goals for the climate disasters, Republicans were busy working on merging their numerous bills. 

Throughout the party caucus’ happening during the committee, several Republicans wrote bills to try and send to the Senate. Having over ten bills, the Republican Representatives had to work on merging the bills. The Representatives were working to merge a majority of the current bills into one that would be composed of the best qualities of each bill. Overall, the House of Representatives has been especially stuck on the topic of bipartisanship, but many representatives want to further the discussion.

Republican Vs. Democrat: Tensions High

By: Jasmine Jacobs

Yesterday the U.S House of Representatives got busy and elected leaders for their represented party, with over 10 candidates the voting process was long and brutal but at last they came to the final vote with time to spare. The top leaders for their respective  parties are Bustos, Pressely and Lamb for Democrats and Armstrong, Roy and Lucas for Republican. Ducan Hunter, a Republican, stated that he was pleased with how the election went, he believes that the representatives are very organized and charismatic people. Ben Roy Lujan a Democratic also stated that the election went well and hopes that the leaders will be able to take action with the problems at hand.

With the leaders now acquainted with their new positions debate is finally kicking off. The Republicans and Democrats must get along if they want to get anything passed but with both sides having different opinions on what they should do getting along will be hard. The U.S Representatives are debating climate disaster relief and non-biodegradable materials but with countries in peril and future disasters just moments away, will short or long term solutions be better?  Puerto Rico, North Carolina and many other places have been hit hard by natural disasters, each disaster is unique so creating a solution to help the broad scope of natural disasters will be challenging, but the bright, young and energetic delegates are the right people for the job. 

Some delegates have quoted a well known scientist to help convey that this a global crisis and must be solved one delegate quoted Bill Nye saying, “I didn’t mind explaining photosynthesis to you when you were 12, but you’re adults now and this is an actual crisis” . Delegates are working hard to create an effective and cost efficient resolution. Some ideas from both sides include planting trees, increasing funds for FEMA, decreasing funds for FEMA, education on global climate change and carbon tax. Regardless of the pressure the parties are throwing at each other, working papers are in the works, but will they do enough to help the countries already affected and future countries in need or will the papers cause more damage?The delegates must not only focus on providing aid but they also have to tackle ecological mitigation, which presents its own unique challenges. The only thing that the Republicans and Democrats agree on is that something should and needs to be done.