No Labels

President Trump took office more than a month ago and has yet to host Democratic lawmakers for a meeting, despite a looming government shutdown threat that he'll need their help to resolve. In fact, he's waited longer than any president since at least 1981 to meet with members of the other party. Do you think President Trump should sit down and negotiate with Democrats?

On a recent No Labels Call, Rep. Kurt Schrader highlighted a hard truth: Congress has to step up.

In Austria, Germany, and beyond, something significant is happening in European politics: mainstream center-left and center-right parties – historically rivals – are forming coalitions to govern together and to sideline parties with extreme ideas. Here are a few of the centrist coalitions taking the reins in Europe: ? ?????Austria (February 2025):?The center-right Austrian People’s Party (?VP), the center-left Social Democratic Party (SP?), and the liberal NEOS party?agreed?this week to govern together – despite the far-right Freedom Party (FP?) winning the largest share of seats in the 2024 elections. ? ?????Germany (February 2025):?The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) are in?talks?to form a government to block the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which earned the second-most votes. ? ?????Bulgaria (January 2025):?A “grand coalition” led by the center-right GERB party, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP-OL), and the populist There Is Such a People (ITN) party came together to resolve Bulgaria’s years-long political deadlock and block out pro-Russian factions like the Revival party. ? ???European Parliament (November 2024):?The center-right European People’s Party (EPP), the center-left Socialists & Democrats (S&D), and the liberal Renew Europe groups?joined forces?to confirm the new European Commission, ensuring governance remained in the hands of pro-European mainstream parties rather than nationalist groups like Patriots for Europe. ? (See below to see how the votes broke down.) ? These numbers tell an important story. In many cases, extremist parties have gained ground, tapping into the European voters’ broad dissatisfaction about the state of their economies and immigration. However, these parties have yet to break through to lead a government. That puts mainstream parties in a bind: they can either work together or allow radical factions to dictate policy. The fact that so many countries are choosing the former suggests a growing recognition that stability requires putting aside normal left-right divisions. ? You don’t have to be a political scientist to know that, unlike in Europe, American politics does not allow for formal coalition governments. But the basic dynamic – how mainstream leaders react to growing extremism – is the same. The U.S. two-party system allows extreme factions to gain influence within those parties rather than as separate political entities. ? That is why bipartisan cooperation is more necessary than ever. When leaders work across party lines – whether in Congress or at the state level – they ensure that policymaking remains in the hands of commonsense voices. ? The rise of European centrist coalitions offers a clear takeaway: governing alliances built on common ground are the best defense against political extremism. America’s leaders should take note.???

The House passed its budget resolution yesterday, but the real crisis is what Congress still is not debating. Social Security, Medicare, and interest on our debt now make up 58% of federal spending—and they’re growing every year. Yet, lawmakers keep avoiding the tough choices. If they wait too long, the decisions will be made for them. It’s time to face reality. Do you think Congress will step up?

Three years into the war in Ukraine, the facts remain clear: Russia’s invasion was unjust and unprovoked. Thank you, Senator Tillis and Congressman Bacon, for reminding us that real leadership means standing by the truth, even when it means disagreeing with your own party. Join the movement: https://lnkd.in/eeYKrcFs

With so much on the line at home and abroad, leaders of both parties need to be working together. But President Trump and Congressional Democrats have not even held a meeting yet. When will they meet, and who will take the lead? Find out here: https://lnkd.in/eGSW2_ZM

America has always welcomed those seeking freedom and opportunity. But that promise must be balanced with secure borders and a fair immigration system. It’s time for real solutions. Join the movement: https://lnkd.in/eeYKrcFs

Congress is more partisan than ever. But some leaders still break ranks to support commonsense solutions, no matter which side proposes them. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eVSD5_vw

Getting buzz! Our co-founders Nancy Jacobson and Holly Page made RealClearPolitics 'Most Read' today calling for commonsense politics. Read the full piece here: https://bit.ly/41kDRm0

A recent analysis shows Congress is more partisan now than in decades past. In 2024, members toed the party line in about 90% of crucial votes. In our latest Substack article, we highlight the courageous leaders who are willing to work across party lines when it counts. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eaYsHcFQ