The “D” in “Democrat” stands for “Deliver,” U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told local elected and religious leaders Friday morning.
The Democrats have, in the past couple of years delivered, lower prescription drug costs, more access to healthcare, new manufacturing jobs and lower poverty levels, he said.
Jeffries, who stands to become Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives if his party takes a majority of seats in the November election, was in Albuquerque to discuss House Democrats’ efforts, accomplishments and plans for the next Congress — and to stump for Democratic candidates.
Jeffries’ host, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, told those gathered at New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church about how Democratic efforts have helped New Mexico.
“We are at a crossroads in so many ways, and the question that will be before the American people over the next few weeks is which direction will we choose now?” Jeffries said. “We’re committed to moving the country forward, thankful for the leadership of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Jeffries touted increasing the amount of the federal Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per child to as much as $3,600, which was paid out monthly rather than when citizens filed their tax returns in the early part of the year. Stansbury said the increase meant half of American children in poverty were lifted out.
Jeffries said one of his goals, should he become Speaker, will be to make the enhanced credit permanent. Senate Republicans blocked legislation that would have expanded access to the credit.
He also said Democrats and the Biden administration, through the Inflation Reduction Act, have brought prescription drug prices down, with insulin capped at $35 a month and out-of-pocket costs limited to $2,000 a year for Medicare patients.
Jeffries said the Inflation Reduction Act also includes provisions for combating climate change and boosting the country’s ability to meet demand for microchips.
“If you have any question about whether or not it’s impacting New Mexico and our community, just drive up to Rio Rancho,” Stansbury said. “They are building one of the largest fabrication plants for microchips in North America, right here in our district, which is creating thousands of jobs, because of the bill that we passed. Democrats did that.”
The pair also mentioned the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — commonly known as the bipartisan infrastructure law — and its investment of more than a trillion dollars into public works projects. Stansbury said that legislation is paying off with increased availability of running water on the Navajo Nation and broadband being expanded into the East Mountains.
“Democrats did that,” she said. “Hakeem Jeffries did that.”
Jeffries also met Thursday with Stansbury and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández and Gabe Vasque to discuss Project 2025’s implications for New Mexico.