Suozzi Elected Chair of the Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Suozzi (D - Long Island, Queens) has been selected as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus by his caucus colleagues.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group of 49 Members of Congress, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation. Problem Solvers Caucus members sit down together weekly to debate, exchange ideas, and find common ground on the most pressing issues to the American people.

"The election results signal a mandate for common-sense solutions to longstanding challenges like border security, immigration reform, and economic recovery," said Suozzi. "Achieving progress on these fronts demands bipartisan cooperation."

The Problem Solvers Caucus, in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation, elects two Co-Chairs—one Democrat and one Republican. Congressman Suozzi will serve as the Democratic Co-Chair alongside Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), who will hold the Republican seat.

"I thank my colleagues for once again placing their trust and confidence in me to continue to lead the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). "As we move forward, we will ensure that two-party solutions are advanced, that the bipartisan relationship is recalibrated to be an all-in, 50-50 two-way proposition, and that pragmatism and balance prevail over extremism and ideological purity. There is nothing more important to the preservation of democracy, and to the success of our nation, than genuine bipartisan leadership. We will embrace this challenge once again, and we will succeed, because I love the United States of America, the greatest country on earth."

"The American people we serve are demanding this Congress work together, across party lines, to get things done," said Suozzi.

Suozzi has a long history on the Problem Solvers Caucus. Just days after first being sworn into Congress in 2017, he joined the Caucus as a founding member.

Suozzi was soon named Vice-Chair, a position he held for the 115th, 116th, and 117th Congresses. He remained a leader in the Caucus through several landmark negotiations.

• At the end of 2018, the Problem Solvers helped negotiate "Break the Gridlock" rules to encourage bipartisanship, transparency, and compromise. This was the first rules package passed with bipartisan support in 20 years.

• In 2018, the Problem Solvers led the efforts to pass the First Step Act, a bipartisan package that improved criminal justice outcomes and reduced the federal prison population.

• In June of 2019, the Problem Solvers voted as a bloc to deliver aid to children and families at the U.S.-Mexico border—aid which may have otherwise been delayed due to partisan division in Congress.

• During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Problem Solvers were able to negotiate a bipartisan framework to provide emergency relief for students, families, small businesses, and healthcare providers.

• In 2021, the Problem Solvers played a crucial role in negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This landmark legislation paved the way for generational infrastructure improvements across the nation and added hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs to our economy.

• In 2022, the Caucus pushed efforts to pass the PACT Act, which provided entitlements to healthcare and disability compensation for Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service.

• Also in 2022, the Caucus was instrumental in passing the CHIPS and Science Act, which made historic investments into U.S. workers, manufacturers, communities, and businesses while bolstering strategic competition with China.

"This Congress is so narrowly divided. The Republicans only have a two-seat majority to work with, and they will need Democratic support to get things done," said Suozzi. "We have to be able to work together and find compromise, and the Problem Solvers know how to do that."

Suozzi will lead a Caucus that continues to gain influence; in this time of intense partisan division, the Problem Solvers' membership continues to grow, and its leaders continue to play an important role in deliberations on the Hill.

"We cannot solve complex problems in an atmosphere of fear and anger," said Suozzi. "True solutions require people of goodwill, even people who may disagree, to do the hard work to find common ground for the common good."

"I am honored to rejoin the Problem Solvers as Co-Chair," Suozzi concluded. "My philosophy is simple: I'll never abandon my values, but I'll work with anyone who wants to genuinely solve problems and make life better for the American people."

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