Politics

Congress rolls out ‘Better Deal,’ new economic agenda

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Published

8 years ago

July 25, 2017

Harris

Reviewed
By Thomas Matthew

Photo: Shutterstock

Introduction

Congress has just unveiled its new economic blueprint, the “Better Deal,” aimed at boosting growth, creating jobs, and lifting wages for American families. Framed as a solution to rising inequality and slow wage gains, the Better Deal combines targeted tax reforms, infrastructure investments, and workforce training programs. It promises to tackle the challenges of a 21st‑century economy—from automation to global competition—while ensuring that working people share in the country’s prosperity. In this article, we’ll explore the main pillars of the Better Deal, examine its proposed policies, and consider what success would look like for communities across the nation.

The Context: Why a New Agenda Matters

Over the past decade, economic growth has largely benefited corporate profits and wealthy investors, while wages for many workers have stagnated. Manufacturing jobs have shifted overseas, and automation threatens to replace routine work. Middle‑class families faced rising costs for health care, college, and housing, eating into take‑home pay. In this environment, the Better Deal aims to reset priorities by focusing on three core goals: Better Jobs, Better Wages, and a Better Future. Lawmakers believe that by addressing tax fairness, modernizing infrastructure, and investing in people, they can build an economy that works for everyone.

Pillar One: Better Jobs

Creating stable, high‑quality jobs is the first pillar of the Better Deal. Key proposals include:

Investing in Infrastructure

The plan calls for a ten‑year, $1 trillion investment in roads, bridges, airports, and broadband. Modern infrastructure projects would create millions of construction and engineering jobs. Upgrading highways and transit systems also boosts productivity by reducing commute times and improving supply chains.

Supporting American Manufacturing

To reverse factory declines, the Better Deal proposes tax credits for companies that bring jobs back to the U.S. or expand domestic production. It offers incentives for clean energy manufacturing, such as solar panels and wind turbines, combining job creation with environmental goals.

Expanding Small‑Business Access

Small businesses drive job growth in local communities. The agenda includes measures to simplify federal contracting, increase lending to startups, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. By providing technical assistance and low‑interest loans, the Better Deal aims to help small firms hire more workers.

Embracing Innovation and Research

Funding for research and development at universities and national labs would spur breakthroughs in fields like artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and life sciences. Federal grants and public‑private partnerships ensure that cutting‑edge discoveries translate into new industries and job opportunities.

Pillar Two: Better Wages

Raising paychecks and closing income gaps is the second pillar. The Better Deal outlines several strategies:

Raising the Minimum Wage

The plan supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour over a multi‑year phase‑in period. Higher minimum pay lifts earnings for millions of workers in retail, hospitality, and service sectors, reducing reliance on public assistance.

Strengthening Collective Bargaining

By protecting workers’ rights to join unions and bargain for better pay, the Better Deal seeks to boost wages and benefits. It includes measures to prevent employer retaliation against union organizers and to ease the process of forming bargaining units.

Expanding Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Enhancing and broadening the EITC helps low‑ and moderate‑income families keep more of their earnings. The plan proposes increasing the credit for childless workers and extending it to more young adults, encouraging work while lifting families out of poverty.

Ensuring Pay Equity

To close gender and racial pay gaps, the Better Deal supports stronger enforcement of equal‑pay laws. It requires employers to report pay data by gender and race, promotes transparent salary practices, and fines firms that engage in discriminatory pay.

Pillar Three: Better Future

Investing in people’s skills and security underpins the third pillar—preparing Americans for future challenges:

Affordable Higher Education and Job Training

The Better Deal proposes free community college for all students, expanded apprenticeship programs, and tuition relief for public four‑year universities. By making education more accessible, the plan equips workers with skills in growing fields like health care, technology, and renewable energy.

Universal Pre‑K and Child Care Support

High‑quality preschool and affordable child care enable parents—especially mothers—to enter or stay in the workforce. The agenda calls for federal grants to expand Head Start and community child care centers, coupled with sliding‑scale subsidies based on family income.

Paid Family and Medical Leave

The Better Deal advocates a national paid family and medical leave program that offers up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents and those caring for sick relatives. This support helps families balance work and caregiving responsibilities without risking income.

Expanding Health Care Coverage

While not a replacement for a full health reform bill, the agenda includes measures to lower prescription drug costs and support expanded Medicaid in states that have not yet adopted it. Lower health care expenses mean families keep more of their paychecks.

Funding the Better Deal

To pay for these proposals, the Better Deal relies on revenue from tax reforms targeting the wealthiest households and corporations:

Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes

The plan seeks to eliminate tax breaks that allow multinational companies to shift profits overseas. By enforcing stronger anti‑avoidance rules and raising the global minimum tax, it aims to generate billions in additional revenue.

Taxing the Top 1 Percent

Higher income‑tax rates on the richest Americans, along with a financial transactions tax on stock trades, would help offset costs. The agenda includes a tax on private equity firms and hedge funds, ensuring that investment income is taxed at rates similar to wage earnings.

Curbing Wasteful Spending

Through targeted reviews, the Better Deal proposes cutting or redirecting inefficient subsidies and outdated programs. Savings from these reforms would go toward priority investments in infrastructure and education.

Political Prospects and Challenges

Passing the Better Deal will require negotiation and compromise in Congress. Supporters highlight its popularity in public polling: a majority of Americans favor higher infrastructure spending, a $15 minimum wage, and expanded job training. Challenges include concerns about federal deficits and opposition from lobbyists defending current tax preferences. Building a bipartisan consensus around broadly popular investments—like bridge repairs or free community college—may offer a path forward. Lawmakers must also address state‑level variations, ensuring that rural areas and smaller cities benefit alongside major metropolitan centers.

What Success Looks Like

If fully implemented, the Better Deal could transform the U.S. economy by:

Creating millions of new jobs in construction, manufacturing, and technology.
Raising average wages and reducing the number of families living paycheck to paycheck.
Expanding access to quality education, from preschool to community college.
Strengthening the social safety net with paid leave and child care support.
Modernizing infrastructure to boost productivity and connect communities.

Communities would see fewer vacant storefronts, shorter commutes, and more vibrant main streets. Workers would spend less on rent and health care, freeing up income for savings or other essentials.

Conclusion

Congress’s Better Deal presents a bold, comprehensive economic agenda built around three core pillars: Better Jobs, Better Wages, and a Better Future. By investing in infrastructure, raising the minimum wage, expanding education and training, and funding these priorities through fairer tax reforms, lawmakers aim to create an economy that benefits all Americans. While challenges remain in the legislative process, the Better Deal offers a clear roadmap for tackling inequality, stimulating growth, and securing long‑term prosperity. If enacted, it could mark a new era of shared economic success—one where opportunities and rewards are more evenly distributed across communities big and small.

Author

Harris

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Related Topics:Business Congress Economy Politics

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Grow Your Brand Using Top Guest Posting Sites

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2025

guestpost1

Reviewed
By Emilia Abigail

Introduction

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Politics

Some California Incumbents Lagging in Fundraising Report

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Published

3 months ago

July 17, 2025

Harris

Reviewed
By Josie Core

California Incumbents Fundraising Report

Photo: Shutterstock

Introduction

The first half of 2025 has come and gone, and so have the latest Federal Election Commission (FEC) quarterly filings. Published on July 15, the Q2 FEC report covers campaign activity from April 1 through June 30. It provides a clear window into next year’s midterm landscape. While many incumbents posted strong numbers, some California incumbents lagging in fundraising have raised eyebrows. In safe districts, sitting members often take donor support for granted—until a well‑funded challenger appears. In this article, we highlight the incumbents who saw lower‑than‑expected haul, explore the reasons behind their shortfalls, and consider what it means for California’s key House races moving forward.

A Look at the Q2 2025 Fundraising Landscape

Overall, incumbents nationwide continued to outraise challengers, a trend noted by POLITICO in its analysis of Q2 filings. Across the most competitive House districts, the median Republican incumbent raised $860,000 last quarter, compared to $689,000 for targeted Democratic incumbents. These figures underscore an uphill battle for under‑funded lawmakers, especially in battleground states like California.

But averages hide extremes. While heavy‑hitting names like Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff topped $2 million in Q2, several California incumbents trailed far behind the median.

Julia Brownley (CA‑26): $155,735 raised; cash on hand $1.03 million.
Judy Chu (CA‑28): $64,020 raised; cash on hand $3.5 million.
Luz Rivas (CA‑29): $41,352 raised; cash on hand $196,352.
Sara Jacobs (CA‑51): $80,978 raised; cash on hand $46,235.
Juan Vargas (CA‑52): $167,256 raised; cash on hand $192,712.

By comparison, more competitive districts like CA‑27 saw George Whitesides raise $758,846 last quarter, with $866,611 in reserve. These gaps spotlight potentially vulnerable incumbents in what may look like “safe” seats.

Who’s Falling Behind—and Why?

1. Julia Brownley (CA‑26)

Representing Ventura and Thousand Oaks since 2013, Brownley raised just $155,735 in Q2. While she reported over $1 million on hand, her low receipts suggest limited new donor enthusiasm. Brownley cites no major primary or general‑election challenger—but history shows that quiet fund‑drives often precede surprise bids.

2. Judy Chu (CA‑28)

Long‑time Orange County Democrat Judy Chu secured just $64,020 over three months, one of the lowest totals among California’s 45 House members. Yet Chu’s hefty $3.5 million cash cushion insulates her from immediate pressure. Still, her Q2 haul ranks among the bottom five statewide.

3. Luz Rivas (CA‑29)

A freshman in Congress, Rivas posted $41,352 in new funds, while spending $109,263—leaving her with $196,352 cash on hand. District 29 voted nearly 70% for her in 2024, but her limited fundraising could signal growing frustration or an under‑resourced campaign team.

4. Sara Jacobs (CA‑51)

Jacobs, who flipped her San Diego‑area seat in 2020, raised $80,978 but spent $112,115, leaving scant $46,235 on hand. With veterans like Juan Vargas nearby also underperforming, Democrats face potential fights in Southern California suburbs.

5. Juan Vargas (CA‑52)

Vargas’s $167,256 haul is modest, given his southwest San Diego seat’s $2.1 million cash reserve. While Vargas doesn’t face a known challenger yet, his low fundraising growth may invite GOP and independent bids, especially after redistricting shifts the district’s dynamics.

The Forces at Play

Several factors explain why incumbents lag in raising fresh money:

Safe Seats Breed Complacency: Lawmakers in heavily one‑party districts often lower their fundraising tempo, assuming minimal challenge.
Resource Allocation: Front‑line troops get more attention. Parties and PACs channel money into districts viewed as toss‑ups, leaving true blue or red seats with less cash.
Donor Fatigue: Long‑serving incumbents sometimes lose the novelty needed to excite small‑dollar contributors.
Early Retirement Decisions: As Roll Call noted, poor Q2 fundraising can presage retirement announcements. Some incumbents might quietly test the waters before deciding their futures.
Campaign Strategy Differences: Some offices rely on grants from leadership PACs or joint committees, which may not reflect on personal candidate reports.

These dynamics converge in California, where gerrymandered lines create numerous safe seats, and the state’s deep bench of Democratic talent demands hard choices from donors.

Consequences for California’s Midterm Map

For under‑funded incumbents, limited receipts pose real risks:

Empowering Challengers: Cash‑poor incumbents can be targets for emerging challengers who can fundraise aggressively, even with small margins. Recent examples include Jessica Morse’s $300,000 haul against Rep. Doris Matsui in 2024.
National Party Pressure: House Democratic and GOP campaign committees may pressure struggling incumbents to prove viability or step aside for stronger candidates.
Primary Vulnerability: Generational handoffs become possible when younger contenders see an incumbent’s weak war chest.
Reduced Field Operations: Less money means fewer staff, ads, and outreach—key deficits in tight races.

California’s 2026 cycle could hinge on a few surprise primaries or general contests if incumbents can’t ramp up fundraising.

Expert Takeaways

Jessica Piper, at Politico, warns that incumbents with sub‑par Q2 numbers should “sense the alarm bells ringing”. Meanwhile, CQ Roll Call’s Nathan Gonzales has noted that low second‑quarter hauls often lead to retirement decisions before Q4 filings. With just a year until 2026, California incumbents must secure both small‑dollar donors and institutional backers to silence any chatter about stepping down.

What Incumbents Can Do Now

To reverse lagging trends, incumbents should:

Ramp Up Fundraising Events: Host grassroots gatherings and virtual town halls to energize supporters.
Leverage Joint PACs: Tap into leadership and joint fundraising committees to boost receipts.
Engage Small Donors: Use social media appeals and peer‑to‑peer texting to grow a donor base under $200.
Highlight Achievements: Use constituent newsletters to remind voters of key wins and local impact.
Scout for Endorsements: Seek high‑profile endorsements to draw media attention and donor confidence.

Active efforts now can transform Q2 under‑performance into Q3 momentum.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026

Fundraising doesn’t determine elections—votes do—but it sets the stage. As candidates prepare for the 2026 cycle, Q2’s lagging figures serve as a warning: complacency is costly, even in safe districts. The next filing deadline—Q3 reports due October 15—will test whether incumbents can adapt. Those who shore up support will maintain party backing; those who falter risk primary challenges or early retirements. California’s sprawling House delegation may see its first major shake‑up in years, and the incumbents who act now can secure their spots at the table.

Conclusion

The Q2 2025 fundraising report paints a mixed picture for California’s House delegation. While high‑profile lawmakers continue to amass millions, some incumbents lagging in fundraising face fresh scrutiny. Julia Brownley, Judy Chu, Luz Rivas, Sara Jacobs, and Juan Vargas reported lower third‑quarter hauls, raising concerns about resources and challenger opportunities. Safe‑seat dynamics, donor fatigue, and strategic party decisions explain their shortfalls—but the clock is ticking. With another filing deadline looming in October, these incumbents must rev up fundraising, engage small donors, and demonstrate vitality to avoid retirement chatter and ward off challengers. California’s midterm map may hinge on whether these lawmakers can turn under‑performance into a late‑cycle rally. Their next moves will tell us much about the future of the Golden State’s representation in Congress.

Author

Harris

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Politics

Impact of Israel‑Hamas and Ukraine Crises on US Defense Sector

Published

3 months ago

July 15, 2025

Harry Williams

Reviewed
By Anya Logan

Introduction

The world is currently witnessing two major conflicts that are testing the capabilities of the US defense sector: the Israel‑Hamas war and the crisis in Ukraine. These simultaneous crises have put immense strain on the industry, which is already grappling with supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages, and rising costs. In this article, we delve into the impact these conflicts have on America’s defense manufacturers and contractors. We will examine how stretched resources affect national security, defense budgets, and the ability of the sector to respond effectively to urgent needs.

The Dual Conflicts: A Brief Overview

1. Israel‑Hamas War

In October 2023, violence escalated dramatically between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza. Rocket barrages, airstrikes, and ground operations drew in international attention. The US quickly provided military aid—precision munitions, interceptors for Israel’s Iron Dome system, and intelligence support—to help defend civilian areas.

2. Ukraine Crisis

Since Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US has supplied Kyiv with advanced weaponry, including anti‑tank missiles, drones, and air defense systems. This aid has been crucial in slowing Russian advances and protecting Ukrainian civilians.

Both conflicts demand high volumes of advanced equipment and ammunition, testing US military production capacity like never before.

Rise of the Impact on the U.S. Defense Sector

Since the Israel‑Hamas fighting and the war in Ukraine escalated, U.S. defense companies have seen a surge in demand. In mid‑July 2025, a major arms deal announced by the White House and NATO allies included billions in Patriot missiles and air defenses for Ukraine, funded by NATO members but built in the U.S. At the same time, continuing U.S. military aid to Israel keeps battle‑tested equipment moving off factory floors and into the field. These combined crises have pushed more orders and planning work into key defense firms.

Benefits for the U.S. Defense Industry

Higher international tensions have driven record budgets and fuller order books for U.S. contractors. The Pentagon’s fiscal 2026 plan tops $1 trillion—up 13% from the year before—fueling growth at companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon Technologies. This boost creates thousands of jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance. It also accelerates research into next‑generation weapons, ensuring that U.S. firms stay at the cutting edge.

Role of the Defense Sector in Global Security

U.S. defense firms serve as the backbone of allied support and deterrence. In Ukraine, American‑made systems—like HIMARS rocket launchers and precision‑guided munitions—have proven critical on the battlefield. In Israel, advanced air‑defense radars and interceptors help protect civilian centers from rocket threats. Beyond supplying gear, U.S. contractors often embed technicians overseas, train local forces, and share maintenance know‑how. These roles turn factories and labs in the U.S. into pillars of allied resilience

Increased Demand and Production Pressures

1. Surge in Orders

Defense contractors saw a surge in orders for everything from artillery shells to guided missiles. Companies such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon received additional contracts to supply Iron Dome interceptors and Javelin anti‑tank missiles.

2. Lead Times and Backlogs

With new contracts arriving weekly, factories have struggled to meet delivery dates. Lead times for critical components—electronics, specialized steel, and semiconductors—have stretched from months to over a year. Backlogs in missile production now exceed pre‑pandemic levels, delaying replacement stock for both allies and the US military itself.

Supply Chain Disruptions

1. Rare Earth Elements and Specialty Metals

Many advanced weapons rely on rare earth elements like neodymium for powerful magnets, or specialized alloys for missile casings. Most of these materials come from a handful of global suppliers. Ongoing trade tensions and logistical bottlenecks have disrupted deliveries, forcing US firms to seek new sources or develop domestic recycling programs.

2. Electronics and Microchips

Modern defense systems require high‑end microchips. Global shortages that began in 2020 continue to hamper production lines, as civilian chip makers prioritize consumer electronics. Pentagon officials have pressured chip manufacturers to allocate more capacity to defense needs, but building new fabs takes years and billions of dollars.

Workforce Challenges

Image by: Yandex.com

Despite strong demand, the defense sector grapples with rising costs and strained supply chains. Key components—such as microchips and specialized alloys—face global bottlenecks. Aging production lines must be upgraded even as new systems roll out, stretching both workforce and budgets. Political debates over aid packages can delay contracts or shift priorities at the last minute. Meanwhile, Russia’s own defense spending jumped to over $150 billion in 2025, adding pressure on U.S. planners to match evolving threats

1. Skilled Labor Shortages

Building complex weapons systems demands skilled technicians, engineers, and machinists. However, the US defense sector faces a wave of retirements and a slow pipeline of new talent. Vocational training programs have not kept pace, leaving some facilities understaffed.

2. Security Clearances

Many defense jobs require security clearances, which can take six months or more to process. As demand rises, the backlog of clearance applications lengthens, delaying hiring and onboarding of critical personnel.

Budgetary Strain and Congressional Support

1. Supplemental Funding

Congress passed supplemental aid packages for Israel and Ukraine, adding tens of billions to defense spending outside the annual budget. While this funding supports allies directly, it also diverts resources from scheduled Pentagon procurement programs.

2. Fiscal Year Trade‑Offs

To cover emergency aid, lawmakers face tough choices in the regular defense budget. Programs like shipbuilding or next‑generation fighter jets may see cuts or delays. Pentagon leaders warn that under‑funding long‑term projects could weaken future capabilities.

National Security Implications

1. Readiness Concerns

U.S. forces must remain ready to respond to crises globally. If production is focused on supplying allies, stockpiles for the U.S. military can shrink. Readiness levels for munitions and air defense systems risk dipping below optimal levels.

2. Global Deterrence

A strong U.S. defense sector underpins global deterrence. Adversaries monitor America’s ability to equip not just its forces but also allied armies. Persistent production shortfalls could embolden hostile powers to test U.S. resolve.

Industry Adaptations and Innovations

1. Expanding Production Capacity

In response, the Department of Defense is investing in expanding existing plants and building new ones. Public‑private partnerships help share costs and speed up construction. For example, new missile‑component factories are slated to open in the next two years.

2. Embracing Automation

To offset labor shortages, contractors are turning to automation and robotics. Automated machining centers and AI‑driven quality control systems boost output while maintaining precision.

3. Supply Chain Resilience

Defense firms are diversifying suppliers, sourcing rare earth elements from allied nations, and investing in domestic mining. Recycling programs collect end‑of‑life electronics to recover precious metals.

What Investors and Policymakers Should Watch

1. Key Indicators

Backlog Metrics: Rising backlogs signal production stress but also future revenue.
Lead Times: Shorter lead times reflect supply chain improvement; longer times warn of bottlenecks.
Funding Approvals: Watch for additional defense supplements and budget negotiations in Congress.

2. Policy Actions

Workforce Development: Funding for technical schools and fast‑track clearance processes can alleviate labor constraints.
Strategic Stockpiles: Rebuilding U.S. military stockpiles while supporting allies ensures readiness.
Research & Development: Continued R&D funding for next‑gen systems prevents capability gaps.

The Road Ahead

As the Israel‑Hamas war and Ukraine crisis continue to evolve, the US defense sector remains under pressure. Yet, through targeted investments in capacity, automation, and workforce training, the industry can adapt. Maintaining a balance between supporting allies and preserving U.S. readiness is critical. Policymakers must consider both immediate needs and long‑term strategic goals to ensure America’s defense capabilities remain strong.

Looking ahead, U.S. defense firms will lean further into unmanned systems, artificial‑intelligence tools, and software‑driven weapons. The success of small drones in Ukraine and AI targeting in the Middle East points to a shift away from only big-ticket hardware. Industry leaders are also exploring cleaner, more efficient platforms to meet both military needs and climate goals. As allied nations pledge to spend more on defense, U.S. companies that adapt quickly—offering lighter, smarter, and more sustainable solutions—will remain central to global security.

Conclusion

The simultaneous shocks of the Israel‑Hamas war and Ukraine crisis have stretched the US defense sector to its limits. Surging demand, supply chain snags, workforce gaps, and budgetary trade‑offs pose real challenges for national security and industry health. However, through expanded production, automation, and resilient supply strategies, American defense firms are finding ways to respond effectively. As investors and policymakers watch backlogs, lead times, and funding decisions, one truth stands clear: supporting our allies and sustaining U.S. readiness go hand in hand. With thoughtful policy and innovative industry efforts, the defense sector can meet today’s urgent demands while building strength for tomorrow’s challenges.