WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement after membership on the exclusive committees in the 116th Congress was finalized:
“Late last year, the Congressional Progressive Caucus put on the map the question of the critical role of progressive representation on exclusive committees that shape some of the most powerful industries that have rigged the rules of our economy for the benefit of a wealthy few. We negotiated and then secured a commitment from Speaker Pelosi to have proportional CPC representation – approximately 40 percent – on those four key committees.
“Today, with assignments on these committees being finalized, we are pleased to announce that the CPC will play an important role in shaping the agenda of the exclusive committees of the 116th Congress. We have achieved the targets set out on three of the four committees, and we are particularly pleased to see strong new freshmen members on the Financial Services committee. On all four committees – Appropriations, Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services – these members will play a critical role in shaping the first drafts of legislation impacting key areas like health care, climate change, taxation, banking and so much more.
“The new proportional representation on exclusive committees, strong CPC representation on powerful standing committees such as Judiciary, and the 13 Committee Chairs who are also CPC members will all ensure that a bold, progressive vision for our country will be front and center during every legislative undertaking.”
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