Pelosi Appoints Chaka Fattah to Head Urban Caucus

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi today appointed Congressman Chaka Fattah ofPennsylvania  The caucus will bring together House Members who represent the nation's largest metropolitan areas to formulate ideas on how best to address the challenges faced in America's urban communities.

'Congressman Fattah has a proven record on urban policy issues,' Pelosi said.  'His work on education with his signature legislation, the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP), has afforded countless students the opportunity to enter college academically prepared. His effectiveness in providing job training and career opportunities, and his work to modernize and reform public housing and transportation has made him an expert on issues affecting major metropolitan regions.'

The bipartisan Congressional Urban Caucus will convene members representing America's metropolitan centers and will work collaboratively with other stakeholders to understand the common challenges faced by America's cities. In an effort to bolster regional effectiveness, the caucus will work to build stronger relationships between big cities' constituencies and their suburban counterparts.

Congressman Fattah said: 'America's metropolitan areas face enormous challenges and are in need of a real partnership with the federal government.  I look forward to leading this caucus as we chart a new direction and a better future for our nation's cities.'

Congressman Fattah's recent leadership role as co-chair of the Speaker's Summit on America's Children has highlighted his work as a tireless advocate for families in our nation's metropolitan centers.