Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus voted to formally endorse the Never Forget the Heroes Act, which will extend the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and restore full benefits to victims. The Caucus' action, supported by Rep. Dean Phillips, adds more than 40 co-sponsors to the bill as the Caucus pushes to utilize the 290 cosponsor “Consensus Calendar” provision of the House rules to achieve priority consideration on the House floor for the first time.

This priority consideration provision was part of the deal struck between members of the Problem Solvers Caucus Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern to change the House rules, break the gridlock in Washington and make it easier for bipartisan bills to pass.

On February 15, 2019, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund announced that injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors will receive cuts to the awards that they were expecting cuts of 50% for pending claims and 70% for future claims. 

“I am proud to back our heroic first responders and ensure ‘Never Forget’ translates to real action rather than tweets,” said Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-03). “They placed their health and safety at risk when our nation was in peril and deserve our heartfelt admiration and support.”

“On 9/11, our first responders ran directly into danger when others ran out. They are heroes and need our help. I'm proud that Members of both parties from across the country have managed to put politics aside and support America's patriots,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.  

“We care about remembering the legacy of the lost and the heroism of so many on that fateful day, said Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. “Therefore, it only makes sense we are using the 290 Rule for the first time, allowing priority consideration on the House floor as we develop the muscle memory to achieve bipartisan victories and pass fair laws to help people.”

Under the new House rules, once a bill reaches 290 co-sponsors, a 25 legislative day clock will begin.  If the primary committee of jurisdiction does not report the bill by the end of the 25 legislative days, the legislation will be placed on the new “Consensus Calendar” where it will remain until the bill is considered.  For every in-session week, after February 28^th of the First Session and before September 30th of the Second Session, majority leadership will be required to bring at least one bill on the “Consensus Calendar” to the Floor. 

###