| Washington, D.C.– The Bipartisan Policy Center will today present six members of Congress with the 2019 Legislative Action Awards. The 2019 recipients are: Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Rep. John Katko (R-NY), and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA).
The annual awards recognize members of Congress who are breathing new life into the legislative process. The 2019 winners have led bipartisan advances on causes such as criminal justice reform and combatting the opioid crisis.
“The Legislative Action Awards recognize members with the unique capacity to identify common interests and get things done,” said BPC President Jason Grumet. “It takes real skill and commitment to govern a divided country. Thankfully, there are still true legislators in the Congress who understand how to build coalitions that deliver sound policy for the American people. It is an honor to recognize six of these leaders today and remind the public that principled collaboration is the essence of effective democracy.”
Recipients have served in their chambers for six years or less, demonstrated skill and courage in the face of political challenges to confront a political problem, provided a positive tenor to the legislative process, and improved the functioning of Congress through their example.
The 2019 winners are the third group to be recognized with this award. Recipients will give remarks at a reception at the Bipartisan Policy Center.
“Americans expect Republicans and Democrats to work together and address the real challenges we face as a country. Getting things done requires a desire to work together across party lines on solutions. It means moving past what divides us and finding common ground,” said Baldwin. “I am honored to have my work recognized by the Bipartisan Policy Center with this award, and I remain committed to solving problems in a way that produces results for the American people.”
“Our ability to make significant progress on issues like opioids and broadband are proof that bipartisanship is still possible in these too-often polarized times,” said Capito. “I pride myself on working with those across the aisle and know the benefits of having an open mind and a willingness to find common ground. I’m honored to be one of the recipients of this award and thank the Bipartisan Policy Center for all they do to encourage bipartisan policy and conversation.”
“It was an honor to work with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries to pass the First Step Act,” said Collins. “The bipartisan support surrounding this bill reflects a shared dedication to restoring lives and strengthening communities in every corner of the United States.”
“Bipartisanship is the engine that drives the legislative progress that has made America the greatest nation in the world,” said Jeffries. “When the people of Brooklyn and Queens gave me the distinct honor of representing them in Washington, I made the commitment to work across the aisle to improve the lives of families in my district and throughout our nation—and that’s what we’ve done with the First Step Act. Representative Collins and all involved should be commended for their commitment to working together in this regard.”
“I am honored to receive the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Legislative Action Award for bipartisanship and productivity in Congress,” said Katko. “I pride myself in my ability to work with any of my Republican or Democrat colleagues to address common issues facing our constituencies. As the 116th Congress progresses, I will continue to reach across the aisle to create positive solutions to address the issues facing our country, including addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and fixing our aging infrastructure.”
“The folks I represent want to get the economy on track—and they want Congress to get on track too. In recent years, there’s been far too much partisan bickering and far too little Congress,” said Kilmer. “That’s why I’ve been so committed to finding common ground. Congress is at its best when people listen and learn from one another to find the policies that will move our country forward. It’s an honor to receive this award, and I thank the Bipartisan Policy Center for encouraging members of Congress to work together for the common good.” |
