Press Releases

Congressional Progressive Caucus Leaders Applaud President Zelensky Speech to Congress

December 21, 2022

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Representative Barbara Lee (CA-13), CPC chair emeritus and chair of the Caucus Peace and Security Task Force, issued the following statement in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to Congress:

“Tonight, President Zelensky demonstrated the same bravery and defense of democracy that has rallied the United States and the world to his and the Ukrainian people’s side in the ten months since Russia’s brutal, unjust, illegal invasion. Alongside President Biden, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, and our colleagues, we were pleased to welcome him to Washington, and are proud to continue Democrats’ support of the Ukrainian people’s fight for sovereignty and democracy. We expect strong support from progressives for aid for Ukraine included in the year-end spending agreement. Our commitment to the Ukrainian people, in accordance with our progressive values for peace, diplomacy, and human rights around the world, will not wane.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Appoints Members to Complete Caucus Executive Board for 118th Congress

December 20, 2022

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, announced 14 appointments to complete the Caucus executive board for the 118th Congress today. 

These leaders will serve alongside their colleagues elected to CPC leadership earlier this month, and assume their roles in January 2023 as part of the 30-member executive board. The executive board will be 50 percent women and 73 percent people of color and LGBTQ members, with representation from 18 states in the East, West, South, and Midwest, making it the most diverse leadership in the history of the CPC. Together, they will also oversee the largest Progressive Caucus in history which, with the addition of at least 16 freshmen, will grow to include 103 members at the start of the 118th Congress.

The members appointed to the executive board include:

Deputy Whips

  • Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

  • Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12)

  • Representative-Elect Chris Deluzio (PA-17)

  • Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-37)

  • Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

  • Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17)

  • Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20)

  • Representative Chellie Pingree (ME-01)

Executive Board Members-at-Large

  • Representative Joe Neguse (CO-02)

  • Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09)

  • Representative Nydia Velázquez (NY-07)

Special Order Hour Convenors

  • Representative-Elect Summer Lee (PA-12)

  • Representative-Elect Morgan McGarvey (KY-03)

  • Representative-Elect Delia Ramirez (IL-03)

On the CPC Executive Board for the 118th Congress, Chair Jayapal said:

“I am thrilled to announce these appointments today and complete our CPC Executive Board for the 118th Congress. These members represent the diversity of the progressive movements, our caucus, and our country: they are immigrants and first-generation Americans, freshmen and senior members, state legislators and organizers, people of color and women, from working class backgrounds and diverse geographies. Each of them are committed to our progressive values and to leaving no one behind. As we enter the unique challenges of the minority, I know these members are dedicated to finding ways to deliver for working families and holding the line to protect the progressive we’ve won so far. I look forward to convening this new Executive Board next year and to the work ahead.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Celebrates Passage of Respect for Marriage Act

December 8, 2022

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Representative Jerrold Nadler, (NY-10), chair of the House Judiciary Committee and author of the Respect for Marriage Act, issued the following statement upon the bill’s House passage today:

“Today, Congress finally righted the injustices of the Defense of Marriage Act and Jim Crow — and tonight, millions of same-sex and interracial couples can go to sleep knowing their partnerships will be protected under federal law.

“Thanks to the action of House Democrats, led by CPC members on the House Judiciary Committee, and Senate negotiators, we are sending a bill to President Biden’s desk to ensure that legal protections for same-sex and interracial couples will continue for every family across America, no matter what state they live in. This was an essential step to guard against the increasingly extremist, right-wing Supreme Court, which explicitly threatened the precedents of Obergefell v. Hodges and United States v. Windsor that legalized same-sex marriage, in Justice Thomas’ Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization concurrence.

“It might seem impossible that we’ve come so far in just a decade since that Windsor decision and the 26 years since DOMA was passed — but those of us who come from progressive movements are not so surprised. Every inch of progress in American history has been won by ordinary Americans seeking justice, and today’s victory is no different. We are here today because of civil rights and LGBTQ movements who never stopped pushing for equal treatment under law. We are here because of activists who died for the right to be recognized in their full humanity by the United States government. We are here because of the organizers who built coalitions and brought communities together such that the Respect for Marriage Act can be bipartisan today.

“Even as we celebrate this historic achievement, we know that the fight for equality and justice for LGBTQ people and communities of color has a long way to go. We will continue to fight for the Equality Act to be come law, and to push, as progressives always have, to address the crises of discrimination of Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and LGBTQ, particularly transgender, Americans.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Announces Elected Leadership for 118th Congress

December 8, 2022

WASHINGTON — The Congressional Progressive Caucus announced its elected leadership for the 118th Congress today, the sixteenth Congress in the history of the CPC. This elected leadership will oversee the largest Progressive Caucus in history which, with the addition of at least 16 freshman, will grow to include 103 members at the start of the 118th Congress.

The members elected by their colleagues today include:

  • Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) as Chair

  • Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) as Deputy Chair

  • Representative-Elect Greg Casar (TX-35) as Whip

  • Representative-Elect Jill Tokuda (HI-02) as Vice Chair for Communications

  • Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) as Vice Chair for Inter-Caucus Relations

  • Representative Mark Takano (CA-41) as Vice Chair for Policy

  • Representative Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) as Vice Chair for Labor

  • Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) as Vice Chair for Member Services

  • Representative-Elect Becca Balint (VT-AL) as Vice Chair for New Members

  • Representatives David Cicilline (RI-01), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Representative-Elect Maxwell Frost (FL-10) as Vice Chairs-at-Large 

The members will assume their roles upon the opening of the 118th Congress in January 2023. Additional members will also be appointed to the Caucus executive board later this month, including CPC Chairs Emeriti Representatives Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Barbara Lee (CA-13), and Mark Pocan (WI-02).

Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), newly elected to her second term as Chair, said:

“As a lifelong organizer and activist, I have been honored to lead our dedicated, passionate, people-centered Progressive Caucus, and to continue to do so as Chair. In the last two years, we have accomplished so much together, delivering on progressive and Democratic priorities, and powerfully silencing any skeptics as to whether progressives can govern. We have evolved into a forceful bloc and a principled partner for progressive movements, Senate Democrats, Congressional leadership, and President Biden. Thanks to the work of our members, our Caucus enters the 118th Congress stronger and with greater numbers than ever — as evidenced by this inspiring new elected executive board. I thank my colleagues for entrusting me with this role for the second time, and I look forward to the work ahead.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Announces Formal Opposition to Inclusion of Permitting Deal in NDAA

December 6, 2022

WASHINGTON — Following a survey of its members, the Congressional Progressive Caucus announced as its formal position the CPC’s opposition to the inclusion of the Senate-proposed energy permitting reform under consideration in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. 

In accordance with Caucus bylaws, this official position was adopted after a vote of the membership, with more than two-thirds voting in favor of the following formal position: “The Congressional Progressive Caucus opposes the inclusion of Senator Manchin’s permitting reform proposal in the FY23 NDAA.”

While many within the CPC are supportive of accelerating and expanding renewable energy transmission, progressives have raised objections to a specific approach under consideration that entrenches new fossil fuel infrastructure, undermines judicial independence, rolls back environmental protection law, and impedes frontline communities’ input or ability to contest polluting infrastructure in their areas, among other concerns.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Congratulates New Democratic Caucus Leadership for the 118th Congress

December 1, 2022

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement on the election of members to fill out the Democratic Caucus leadership for the 118th Congress: Representatives Ted Lieu (CA-33) for Democratic Caucus Vice Chair; Jim Clyburn (SC-06) for Assistant Democratic Leader; Joe Neguse (CO-02) for DPCC Chair, Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dean Phillips (MN-03), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) for DPCC Co-Chairs; Sara Jacobs (CA-53) for “Five Terms or Less”; and Representatives-Elect Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) for Freshman Leadership Representative and Robert Garcia (CA-42) for Freshman Class President:

“I want to congratulate my colleagues for stepping up to take on the mantle of leadership in the Democratic Caucus. It is essential that Democrats are not just an opposition party next Congress, but also a proposition party — putting forward a proactive vision for policies that invest in working families, advance equity and justice, and meet the challenges facing our country, from economic inequality and voter suppression to the climate crisis. These positions are key to helping us achieve that. Democrats can and will continue to show the American people their priorities are our priorities, and that the work to deliver for them will not stop.

“We’re particularly proud to see Progressive Caucus members elected to many of these roles. Representatives Lieu, Neguse, Escobar, and Jacobs, as well as Representatives-Elect Crockett and Garcia, will do us proud, and ensure the progressive perspective continues to be represented at the Leadership table. Along with the top three leaders, progressives will now make up the majority of the elected House Democratic Caucus Leadership. It’s a clear sign that progressives will continue to be, as Majority Leader Hoyer has said, the ‘beating heart’ of the Democratic Caucus — proud and committed governing partners, dedicated to the success of our party and working people across this country.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Congratulates New House Leadership for the 118th Congress

November 30, 2022

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement on the election of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Katherine Clark (MA-05), and Pete Aguilar (CA-31) for Minority Leader, Whip, and Democratic Caucus Chair for the 118th Congress, respectively:

“I am thrilled to congratulate my colleagues on their unanimous support in elections to serve as the next leaders of our Democratic Caucus. With this new generation of leadership, House Democrats are well-positioned to enter the 118th Congress and confront the challenges ahead. Our Caucus leaders, all of whom will be women or people of color, including the first ever Black member to lead a party in Congress, will now look more like America — an essential step toward ensuring a body that is truly representative of communities across the country. We are especially proud of the background our colleagues will bring to their roles: Representative Aguilar as a champion of Latinos and immigrant justice, a critically important issue to the CPC, and Representatives Jeffries and Clark, whose ascension marks the first time ever that two of the top three positions will be held by current Progressive Caucus members.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Representatives Jeffries, Clark, and Aguilar to advance progressive priorities, including lowering costs, raising wages, and advancing equity and justice, and to ensure progressive members and the movements we come from have a seat at Democrats’ decision-making table.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair on Deal to Advance Paid Sick Leave for Railway Workers

November 30, 2022

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement on the announcement of a deal reached by House Democrats to advance contract legislation for railway workers that includes paid sick leave, one of the primary asks of worker union negotiators:

“Recent years have put the bottomless greed of America’s largest corporations on display, and railway workers’ fight for a fair contract is no different. Last year, the seven major railway companies in the U.S. and Canada made $27 billion in profits — a $15 billion increase from the previous decade. Six of those repaid wealthy shareholders with a total of $146 billion in stock buybacks and dividends. Under the last contract, worker pay increased by less than 14 percent, while those chief executives doubled their own salaries. The workforce is half its size from 2000, and still the railroads refuse to grant their workers the most basic benefit earned through their labor — paid leave to go see a doctor or care for a sick family member — claiming financial burden.

“Progressives believe every worker is entitled to dignity and respect in the workplace, and has the right to unionize and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits. While rail corporations have amassed billions in profits and reduced their workforces, railway workers are asking for nothing more than paid sick days to look after loved ones and their own health. Progressives have championed paid leave for workers across industries, and we will not abandon that commitment.

“Last night, following productive conversations between Congressional Progressive Caucus members, Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Peter DeFazio (OR-04), and House Leadership, Speaker Pelosi announced a deal that allows our chamber to pass contract legislation for railway workers that includes paid sick leave. Through a House procedure known as ‘enrollment correction,’ we have been able to mandate that any House legislation to codify the existing tentative agreement will be accompanied by legislation that addresses the workers’ long standing demand for fair paid leave. 

“The Progressive Caucus will continue to fight to ensure that all workers have paid sick leave guaranteed and that labor rights are upheld.  I thank Speaker Pelosi and Leadership for their cooperation, and my Progressive Caucus colleagues for their indefatigable advocacy and commitment to workers’ rights.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Applauds Extension of Federal Student Debt Repayment Pause

November 22, 2022

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration’s announcement it would extend the pause on federal student loan repayment until June 30, 2023:

“I applaud President Biden’s announcement today that the White House will extend the repayment pause on student debt payments — action that progressives have loudly championed, including through our CPC Executive Action Agenda. This will protect more than 40 million borrowers, many of whom would otherwise face predatory interest rates, as we await the Supreme Court’s ruling on the President’s executive order that would cancel up to $20,000 of federal student debt. The President is absolutely right to fervently defend this order, even as Republican attorneys general and Trump-appointed judges try to strip away this benefit that would allow millions of working people and young people to be freed from the burden of student debt payments.  

“Under the Biden administration, no borrower has had to repay their federal student loans. This pause has been the first time that millions have been able to save, buy homes, invest in their communities, and generally live their lives free of the shackles of this debt. Republicans who are challenging the President’s order continue to waste taxpayer dollars in a partisan and cruel attempt to rob Americans of this desperately needed relief. This ploy to weaponize the courts and steal relief that hard-working young people, parents, and seniors have earned — including 16 million borrowers who’ve already been approved — is despicable, and it must not succeed.

“I commend the Biden administration for continuing to fight for their order — one rooted in racial and economic justice — and feel confident its legality and authority will be vindicated before the Supreme Court.”

 

Statement from Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair on Majority Leader Hoyer

November 17, 2022

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement in response to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05)’s announcement that he would not seek an elected leadership role next Congress: 

“As Leader Hoyer enters the next phase of his public service, I want to join my colleagues in thanking him for his decades of commitment to the Democratic Caucus and the country. 

“Leader Hoyer has been instrumental in some of the most transformational legislation of the past thirty years. He helped pass the landmark civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act, in 1990, expanded health care to an additional four million children in low-income families through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, ensured the modernization and improvement of American election administration through the Help America Vote Act, and promoted international human rights through his commendable work with the Helsinki Commission.

“We will always be grateful Leader Hoyer regularly described the Progressive Caucus as the ‘beating heart’ of the Democratic Caucus — and treated our members as such, prioritizing a progressive agenda on the House floor. He and his talented staff shepherded countless pieces of progressive legislation, including the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, the MORE Act, the Dream and Promise Act, the Equality Act, and the bipartisan Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and the Sexual Harassment Act.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Leader Hoyer in his ongoing service to his Maryland constituents in the 118th Congress."

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