Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon on Principles & Values

Member of the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus.

Beginning in 2017, the Problem Solvers Caucus became an independent member-driven group in Congress, comprised of representatives from across the country--equally divided between Democrats and Republicans--committed to finding common ground on many of the key issues facing the nation. The Caucus` aim is to create a durable bloc that champions ideas that appeal to a broad spectrum of the American people. It is a group united in the idea that there are commonsense solutions to many of the country`s toughest challenges. Only when we work together as Americans can we successfully break through the gridlock of today`s politics.

In the 115th and 116th Congress, Problem Solvers Caucus members agreed to find bipartisan solutions on issues including:
• Coronavirus Recovery and Contingency Planning: a COVID-19 emergency relief framework that would help American students, families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis.
• The Problem Solvers` report `Rebuilding America`s Infrastructure,` is a comprehensive bipartisan proposal that includes recommendations on building a 21st-century infrastructure for a 21st-century economy.
• Health Care: The Caucus identified and promoted several commonsense proposals to help stabilize the individual health insurance marketplace and reduce health care costs, especially the price of prescription drugs.
• Immigration: In June 2019, the Caucus voted as a bloc to deliver aid to children and families at the border that might have otherwise been delayed due to partisan divides in the House and Senate.
• Criminal Justice Reform: the Caucus helped Congress pass much-needed criminal justice reform to provide relief for those who earn and deserve a second chance.
• `Break the Gridlock`: commonsense congressional rule changes promote increased openness, bipartisanship, and transparency, by instituting a new `Consensus Calendar` for any bill with more than 290 cosponsors.