Pelosi Dear Colleague: 115th Congress Leadership Team
November 25, 2016
Dear Democratic Colleague,
It is my hope that you are enjoying a restful Thanksgiving weekend.
In my recent communication, I referenced how protecting Medicare will once again become a top issue for us in this Congress. In today's New York Times, Robert Pear points out that Speaker Ryan is readying his plans to end the Medicare guarantee. You can read the full story here.
Many thanks to so many in the Caucus who have shared their views. After receiving the overwhelming support of Members, I am pleased to announce our roadmap for going forward.
In order to move ahead with our selection of Ranking Members and committee assignments, it is essential that we begin to constitute the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. I want to announce the following nominations to the Caucus for the 115th Congress Democratic leadership team:
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee – Once again, I plan to nominate Congressman Ben Ray Luján as Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Ben Ray has always known how, and more importantly, why we fight for a Democratic Majority.
Democratic Policy and Communications Committee – I am suggesting three co-chairs for the DPCC based on the feedback I have received from Members. The DPCC will help our Caucus design and communicate our message. Each of these Members has taken active leadership roles in the DCCC and they too see the relationship between politics and policy.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos has been a steadfast champion for the needs of working families. As a leader representing the Heartland, she has fought for manufacturing jobs and the needs of our veterans in rural America.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries has quickly become a national voice for our party and our Caucus. Whether on the Judiciary Committee or in his travels across the country, Hakeem has been a fighter for economic justice for all Americans.
Congressman Matt Cartwright knows how to take the concerns of his constituents in working class Pennsylvania and translate them into a message that moves people. He has been a fighter for working families and inclusion in our economy since his first day in Congress.
Steering and Policy Committee – I plan to nominate the following Members as Co-Chairs of the Steering and Policy Committee.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro has been a tremendous intellectual resource on policy and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Members' committee aspirations.
Congressman Eric Swalwell currently serves as a Vice Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee. He has traveled across the country galvanizing many of our younger Members to engage with their peers. The Future Forum has been a tremendous success in speaking to Millennials.
House Budget Committee – I plan to nominate Congressman John Yarmuth as Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. A budget is a statement of our values. John will represent our values in the budget debate, is a master at communicating to the public and has been a leader in advocating the use of social media.
This team of new and experienced leaders is dedicated to working with their entire Caucus to make the future better for the American people. In addition, I previously indicated that, based on the suggestion of Chairman Luján and others, we have regional Vice Chairs at DCCC. The Caucus must now determine the regions and the regions must elect their Vice Chairs.
As we continue to discuss how we communicate the values of liberty, justice and dignity for all Americans, many Members have come forward eager to participate. I am energized by the enthusiasm of Members and our outside allies who see the opportunities that lie ahead and the commitment we have to address the needs of America's working families. That is why I am excited about the prospect of serving as Democratic Leader, and hope our team and I can count on your support.
best regards,