Press Releases

Congressional Progressive Caucus Slams Trump-Musk Shutdown Threat

December 20, 2024

“This is Trump 2.0: a government by billionaires, for billionaires”

WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) issued the following statement as House Republicans move to shut down the government.

“The past 24 hours is the clearest demonstration yet of what Trump 2.0 will entail: the President of the United States allowing his unelected billionaire friends to control the government and enrich themselves at the expense of working people. 

“Let’s be clear: any shutdown is a 100% Republican shutdown, and the effects on working people will be devastating. Shadow President Elon Musk and President-Elect Donald Trump are billionaires who don’t even know what it’s like to worry about where the next rent check comes from or how they will pay for the medications they need or what happens if the FAA shuts down and families can’t go and visit their loved ones for the holidays. And yet they are leading scaredy-cat Republican Members of Congress into chaos, barely 12 hours after Congressional Democrats and Republicans had reached a bipartisan deal to keep the government open, provide critical funding to communities ravaged by natural disasters, support to vulnerable farmers facing bankruptcy, and childcare and Social Security checks to kids and seniors across this country. 

“Derailing a deal to keep the government functioning means a devastating holiday shutdown that would cause millions of essential workers to go without pay, families to be evicted, flights delayed during the busiest travel season, and potential disruptions to Social Security or Medicare services.

“The Progressive Caucus stands with Leader Jeffries and our full Democratic caucus to demand passage of the negotiated deal to fund government, and ensure we protect communities across this country. We cannot succumb to a government by billionaires, for billionaires.”

###

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair-Elect Greg Casar Appoints Members to Complete Executive Board for 119th Congress

December 18, 2024

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair-Elect Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35) announced five additional appointments to the Congressional Progressive Caucus Executive Board for the 119th Congress, including Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Summer Lee (PA-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). 

“The CPC is the most diverse major caucus in Congress — with leaders that span across all generations, backgrounds, and constituencies. Representatives Ocasio-Cortez, Escobar, Deluzio, Lee, and Watson Coleman are powerhouse progressives,” said Chair-Elect Greg Casar. “With this board, the CPC is going to lead the charge in retaking a Democratic majority and building a Democratic Party that working families can believe in.”

These members will join Chairs Emeriti Reps. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), and the members elected to leadership positions by a Caucus-wide vote earlier this month on the Executive Board for the 119th Congress.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Leadership for the 119th Congress now includes: 

  • Representative Greg Casar (TX-35) as Chair
  • Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) as Deputy Chair
  • Representative Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04) as Whip
  • Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair Emeritus
  • Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02), Chair Emeritus
  • Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Chair Emeritus
  • Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Maxwell Frost (FL-10) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) as Vice Chair 
  • Representative Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Delia Ramirez (IL-03) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) as Vice Chair
  • Representative-Elect Lateefah Simon (CA-12) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Mark Takano (CA-39) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Chris Deluzio (PA-17) - newly appointed
  • Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) - newly appointed
  • Representative Summer Lee (PA-12) - newly appointed
  • Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) - newly appointed
  • Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) - newly appointed

###

Congressional Progressive Caucus Announces Endorsement of Rep. Ocasio-Cortez for Oversight Ranking Member

December 13, 2024

WASHINGTON — Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Chair-elect Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35) issued the below statement following a Caucus-wide vote to endorse Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee:

“The Progressive Caucus has voted overwhelmingly to endorse progressive champion Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to serve as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee for the 119th Congress.

“Throughout her tenure on Oversight, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has been a powerful voice for working people. She has wielded her seat on this committee to hold CEOs, Wall Street, and mega-corporations accountable to the American people. Her investigations that pressured Big Pharma to bring down the price of PrEP and other critical medications are just one example of her influential leadership and commitment to everyday people.

“Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s fearless advocacy leading the Oversight Committee will help ensure Democrats retake the House in 2026. The Congressional Progressive Caucus is proud to support Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s candidacy.”

Progressive Caucus Statement on Biden-Harris Administration Clemency Announcement

December 12, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), issued the following statement on President Biden’s announcement granting clemency for nearly 1,500 individuals on home confinement and pardons for 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes.

“Today’s announcement is a welcome use of executive power to change lives, reunite families, and address the consequences of systemic injustice and racial discrimination in our criminal justice system. Thanks to this historic action by President Biden, 1,500 Americans will be able to once again live and work in their communities without the threat of re-incarceration, and 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes will be pardoned.

“We commend the President for this promising first step and strongly urge him to continue using executive power in the remaining 39 days of his presidency to deliver justice by granting further clemency petitions including for the 40 Americans on federal death row, additional individuals convicted for nonviolent drug offenses, and Leonard Peltier, and issuing a pardon for Steven Donziger."

Congressional Progressive Caucus Statement on Rep. Jerry Nadler

December 12, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), released the following statement after Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12) announced he will not seek re-election as Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee: 

“Our Caucus is deeply grateful to longtime progressive champion Rep. Jerry Nadler for his principled leadership of the House Judiciary Committee. He has served as one of the fiercest defenders against the Trump Administration and has helped protect millions of Americans from an extremist agenda. As Chairman, he advanced countless transformative bills on every major topic, including: 

  • Fighting back against GOP abuses, protecting democracy and the right to vote;
  • Protecting Americans’ civil liberties and privacy rights, and defending against government surveillance;
  • Protecting LGBTQ+ rights, including passing the Respect of Marriage Act;
  • Strengthening gun laws;
  • Providing citizenship for Dreamers, farmworkers and Temporary Protected Status recipients and standing up to the GOP vilification of immigrants;
  • Reforming our criminal legal system and comprehensively reforming our failed war-on-drugs policies;
  • Strengthening our antitrust laws and ending forced arbitration for workers;
  • Passing laws enshrining marriage equality and ending forced arbitration in cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment. 
  • Passing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which established the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides health monitoring and aid to the first responders, volunteers, and survivors of the September 11 attacks.

“We thank Rep. Nadler for his many years of service, and look forward to continuing to work together to defend our freedoms and deliver for working people.”

Progressive Caucus Opposes Right Wing Defense Authorization Bill, Calls on Congress to Address Pentagon Waste and Abuse

December 11, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), issued the following statement on H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, after the CPC voted to formally oppose the NDAA as a caucus.

“It should alarm every American taxpayer that we are nearing a trillion-dollar annual budget for an agency rampant with waste, fraud, and abuse. The Pentagon failed its seventh consecutive audit this year and is the only major federal agency to never have passed one—yet it continues to receive huge boosts to funding every year. Our constituents deserve better.

“By cutting the Pentagon budget, we could reinvest in critical human needs—from health care to housing to child care—without sacrificing our national security or service member wages. It’s past time we stop padding the pockets of price-gouging military contractors who benefit from corporate consolidation and reallocate that money to domestic needs.

“Astronomical funding levels are not the only problem with this legislation. This year’s NDAA would prohibit medical treatment for military dependents under the age of 18 who are diagnosed with ‘gender dysphoria.’ If adopted, this anti-trans language banning gender-affirming care to minors would be the first federal statute targeting LGBTQ people since the 1990s when Congress adopted ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and the Defense of Marriage Act. This dangerous bigotry cannot be tolerated, let alone codified into federal law.

“In addition, this NDAA also authorizes a second Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine at $357 million, despite the Pentagon requesting only one; imposes a hiring freeze on personnel to enhance diversity, equity inclusion in the military; prohibits funding for the working group investigating and screening for white nationalist and other racist and extremist ideologies in the military; and defunds any effort by the Pentagon to minimize the risk of climate-change impacts in major federal procurements.

“The legislation does include a substantive 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5 percent pay raise for all other service members, as well as additional investments in housing, health care, childcare, and spousal support. Progressives will always fight to increase pay for our service members and ensure that our veterans are well taken care of; however, this legislation on balance moves our country and our national priorities in the wrong direction.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Announces Elected Leadership for 119th Congress

December 5, 2024

WASHINGTON — Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) announced the results of internal leadership elections for the 119th Congress, the seventeenth Congress in the history of the CPC. The new leadership will oversee a Caucus of nearly 100 members with the addition of 9 freshmen from diverse districts across the nation.

VIDEO of the press conference here.

PHOTOS from the press conference here. 

The members elected unanimously by their colleagues today include:

  • Representative Greg Casar (TX-35) as Chair
  • Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) as Deputy Chair
  • Representative Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04) as Whip
  • Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) as Vice Chair 
  • Representative Delia Ramirez (IL-03) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Mark Takano (CA-39) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Maxwell Frost (FL-10) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) as Vice Chair
  • Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) as Vice Chair 

“It is my great honor to pass the torch to the next class of elected leadership of the Progressive Caucus: my dear friends and trusted colleagues Reps. Greg Casar, Ilhan Omar, and Chuy García,” said Chair Pramila Jayapal. “I was proud to establish term limits when I became Chair in 2018, and have full confidence in the abilities of our new class to lead this Caucus in the fight against the worst of the incoming Trump administration while rebuilding our party with a focus on economic justice for working people. I will be supporting these three new leaders and our new vice chairs at every turn as Chair Emerita come next year, and my heart is very full knowing we will have them at the helm of the CPC.”

“The Members of the Progressive Caucus know how to fight billionaires, grifters, and Republican frauds in Congress. Our Caucus will make sure the Democratic Party stands up to corporate interests for working people,” said Chair-Elect Greg Casar. “I’m honored to build on the legacy of Chair Jayapal. I’ve fought back against extremist, egocentric autocrats in Texas for my entire adult life. The Democratic Party must directly take on Trump, and it’ll be CPC Members boldly leading the way and putting working people first.”

“The Congressional Progressive Caucus has always served as an incredible vehicle for transformative change, justice, and movement building,” said Deputy Chair-Elect Ilhan Omar. “I am honored to have the support of my colleagues to serve another term as the Deputy Chair of the Progressive Caucus. Over the next term, we are going to fight to build an inclusive movement that meets the moment.”

“It’s an honor to be elected by my colleagues as the next Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. I am proud to join incoming Chair Casar, Deputy Chair Omar, and all members of the newly elected Executive Board as we prepare for the 119th Congress—in which I believe the role the CPC plays will be more critical than ever,” said Whip-Elect Chuy García. “We are a Caucus that gives platform to ideas deeply popular across the political spectrum, and a Caucus that builds diverse coalitions to get things done. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and partners across the country who believe in people-centered policies rooted in equity and justice for all.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Statement on Rep. Raúl Grijalva

December 3, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), released the following statement after CPC Chair Emeritus Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07) announced he will not seek re-election as Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee:  

“Raúl Grijalva is one of the greatest champions for environmental justice in Congressional history. As the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee, he delivered historic investments in the fight against climate change while protecting our nation’s natural and cultural heritage, uplifting frontline communities, strengthening tribal sovereignty, advocating for the decolonization of the U.S. territories, and working every day towards a more equitable, prosperous future for our planet and our people. 

“Our entire Caucus thanks him for his bold progressive leadership and remarkable contributions—not only to Arizona’s 7th district, but to our nation and to our planet. He fought tirelessly for working people, from his service as CPC Co-Chair for over a decade to his invaluable work on the Natural Resources Committee, including helping secure the largest-ever federal climate investment in the Inflation Reduction Act. We know his voice will continue to be vital in the 119th Congress, and look forward to working alongside him in this next chapter.”

Ranking Member Grijalva has served on the House Natural Resources Committee for more than twenty years. When he was elected as the top Democrat on the Committee — first as Ranking Member, and then as Chair when Democrats won the House majority in 2018 — his visionary leadership helped elevate environmental justice, climate action, Indigenous issues, and the U.S. Insular Areas in Congress and beyond. 

Under his leadership, some of the Committee’s most celebrated accomplishments include: 

Congressional Progressive Caucus Slams Trump-Appointed Judge’s Ruling Against Overtime Pay

November 15, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), issued the following statement on a Texas judge’s ruling striking down a U.S. Department of Labor rule to expand overtime eligibility nationally:

“Earlier this year, President Biden issued a transformative labor rule to expand overtime pay eligibility so that four million workers in America could get paid what they already earned. The Biden-Harris Department of Labor rule would have simply required employers to pay overtime wages to workers who earn a salary of less than $1,128 per week or about $58,600 per year if they are required to work more than 40 hours a week. This rule put money in the pockets of working Americans and stopped unscrupulous employers from trying to get more labor for no pay. Today’s court ruling stripped away that possibility from millions and left in place the Trump Administration’s much lower threshold of overtime pay only applying to workers who earn under $35,500 per year.  

“This is just the latest example of Trump and his corrupt party pretending to care about the working class on TV appearances while doing everything in their power behind the scenes to protect corporate profits. Trump himself has admitted to ‘hating’ giving overtime benefits to workers at his own companies, and Project 2025 promises to remove overtime pay in order to maximize profits for employers. Make no mistake: workers should be paid for every single hour of their labor.

“Trump-appointed extremist judges who serve the biggest corporations have once again done incalculable harm to workers and to our democracy by striking down this strong pro-labor Biden-Harris Administration rule. This is exactly why it is so important for the U.S. Senate to take swift action to confirm President Biden’s judicial nominees before Trump takes power once again in January.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Welcomes New Members-Elect to Washington Ahead of 119th Congress

November 11, 2024

WASHINGTON — Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus held a press conference introducing seven new members from across the country: Representatives-Elect LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03). Several additional potential new CPC members are awaiting results in their respective House races.

“As Chair of the Progressive Caucus, I am thrilled to welcome so many incredible new members from diverse districts across the country—both rural and urban, in red states and blue states alike,” said Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “These new members won the trust of voters by embracing popular, populist economic policies, speaking directly to the working class, and rejecting corporate money. In this freshman class alone, we have the first trans member of Congress; an engineer from an immigrant community in the San Fernando Valley; the first Iranian American Democrat in Congress; the youngest member ever elected to the House from New Jersey; and more trailblazing public servants. We have a tough fight ahead, but I know these members are up to it. Together, our Caucus will be ferocious defenders of the working class and poor people, of inclusion and our right to be fully who we are in all its diversity and beauty. We will stand up for justice, peace, and equality. We will not allow the hateful architects of Project 2025 to run amok. I look forward to welcoming these progressive champions—and hopefully several more—to the Capitol in the new year.”

“To win, our Democratic Party needs to be very clear about who we’re for and who we’re against — we have to stand up against Wall Street, against the billionaires, against corruption. That’s why the Congressional Progressive Caucus is so important. We are unafraid of standing up for working people against special interests,” said Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas), CPC Whip. “With these new Members, we’ll fight against right-wing extremism and for all working people’s freedoms.”

"As an educator and the youngest person ever sent to Congress from New Jersey, the people of our 10th District sent me here to make real change for them and for working people nationwide—that work now is as important as ever," said Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10). "On everything from pushing for more affordable housing to supporting stronger schools to ensuring healthcare as a human right, I know that our Progressive Caucus will lead the way on policies that make people's lives better and push back against threats that leave people worse off. I'm excited to stand side-by-side with my new colleagues today and to work side-by-side with them in the years ahead."

"I am honored to represent New Jersey’s Ninth Congressional District in Congress. Having served in the state legislature, I am committed to delivering for my district and building coalitions, which will be crucial in this closely divided House. There is strength in unity,” said Rep.-Elect Nellie Pou (NJ-09). “My priorities include creating good-paying jobs, lowering costs for families, combating climate change—which has increased flooding in our district—and defending freedoms, including every woman’s right to make her own health care choices. I look forward to working with the Congressional Progressive Caucus in the 119th Congress to serve northern New Jersey with determination and purpose."

"It's an honor to be joining the Congressional Progressive Caucus and following in the footsteps of the great Ron Dellums and Barbara Lee in representing one of the most progressive districts in the country,” said Rep.-Elect Lateefah Simon (CA-12). My constituents sent me to Washington to continue their legacy of service on behalf of working families, black and brown folks, and the most vulnerable members of our community. I'm ready to fight for our East Bay progressive values, and you can bet I'm going to fight hard." 

"As the first Latina to represent the 29th Congressional District in the San Fernando Valley, I am proud to join the Congressional Progressive Caucus - alongside my freshman colleagues - to advocate for immigrant rights, environmental justice, strengthen labor protections forworking families, and fight for our Democratic values," said Rep.-Elect Luz Rivas (CA-29). "As we enter the 119th Congress, we have strength in our unity and power in our movement to create progressive change. I thank the leadership of the Caucus, advocates, coalitions, and supporters for all their work on the ground to support progressive policies and I look forward to our continued partnership ahead."  

“In Congress I’ll fight for working people by taking on the biggest challenges we face,” said Representative-elect Laura Friedman. “We must lower housing costs, protect and expand access to quality, affordable healthcare and continue to make progress against climate change. Practical progressive policies can address these challenges and improve the lives of all Americans and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance our shared goals.”

“Today, I’m proud to join the Congressional Progressive Caucus as the Representative-Elect for Delaware,” said Rep.-Elect Sarah McBride. “In Delaware, we passed paid family and medical leave, raised the minimum wage and passed historic investment into our state’s Medicaid program. In Congress, I’ll work arm-in-arm with my colleagues to protect our progress as a nation and to build an economy that works for all of us.” 

“As the youngest woman to serve in this Congress, I feel a certain responsibility to the younger generation that has helped me get elected,” said Rep.-Elect Yassamin Ansari. “Throughout this election and really throughout the last decade, I have felt a profound urgency in these unprecedented times - When our time to take action on climate is quickly unraveling, when our democracy is at risk, when our economy isn’t working for so many Americans.  The fight to win back Democratic majority in all three branches of government begins right now and it will be won by fighting hardest for people who are depending on us.

###

« First < Prev Next > Last »
Congressional Progressive Caucus