Thread by @JakeSherman

☀️ @PunchbowlNews AM: Problem Solvers Caucus grows

One of the trends we’ve noticed in this Congress is that middle-of-the-road caucuses are getting larger and attempting to grab more power.

@PunchbowlNews We noted yesterday that the bipartisan Senate group that helped lay the groundwork for a Covid deal grew to 16 -- the Senate Sweet 16™, as we’re calling it.

News here from the House: The Problem Solvers Caucus has grown to 56 members, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. @RepJoshG and @RepTomReed chair this group

@RepJoshG @RepTomReed News here from the House: The Problem Solvers Caucus has grown to 56 members, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) chair this group.

@RepJoshG @RepTomReed I have dogged the Problem Solvers Caucus a good deal, but both of these groups have an opportunity here if they play their hand right.

In the Senate, if a bipartisan group of 16 is literally unstoppable if they stick together. Even one lawmaker can change the trajectory in the Senate.

W margins so close in the House, PSC can also have a real impact. If the 56-group caucus has a clear, unambiguous position, & makes it plain that there will be legislative repercussions for skirting their wants and desires, they can force the leadership into taking them seriously

Fifty-six lawmakers is a large caucus, and there will be challenges in getting them on the same page. That’s not to say it’s impossible. Gottheimer has relationships in this administration, and Reed has already been in touch with the White House.

We aren’t suggesting that the PSC turn into the Freedom Caucus, and blow up plans that they don’t agree with. But we are suggesting that there may be a middle ground that involves setting an agenda with the Senate and making clear that elements of it need to be followed.