Pelosi Dear Colleague on Democratic Leadership Changes

November 30, 2016
Press Release

Image removed.

November 30, 2016

Dear Democratic Colleague,

It is with great humility and gratitude that I accept the honor of serving as House Democratic Leader.  We are all eager to move forward in completing our organization.

In the past weeks, Members have suggested prospective rules changes in many forms, forums and communications.  Some are in the form of amendments to the rules, some are in the form of other changes.  Many of these changes have much in common.

Members have asked for my guidance on them.

  1. Committee Vice Chairs / Vice Ranking Members

A change has been recommended on the creation of Vice Chairs or Vice Ranking Members to provide an opportunity for a junior Member to gain insight and experience into the workings of the committee.

There is a consensus growing in support of this change where the Vice Chair or Vice Ranking Member does not interfere with succession, seniority on the committee or seating arrangement.  The term of the Vice Chair or Vice Ranking Member will be limited to one term.

I have surveyed the Ranking Members, who are very receptive to the idea.  I urge support of this change.

  1. Expanded Caucus Leadership

Two suggestions have been made about expanding the Leadership.  First, there was a suggestion that we have a position for a Member of the Freshman class, elected by the Members of the Freshman class.  Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii has already been selected by the Freshman class.

In addition, there was a suggestion to add a position to Leadership for a Member of three terms or less, elected by the whole Caucus.  I support this suggestion.

  1. DCCC Chair & Regional Vice Chairs

It has been suggested that the DCCC chair be elected by the full Caucus, and that is an amendment I support.

There were also suggestions to have either three or five DCCC Regional Vice Chairs.  I have supported the five Regional Vice Chairs.  It is up to the Members to decide the regions.

  1. DPCC Co-Chairs

Under the present rules, there is one Democratic Policy and Communications Chair.  In listening to Members post-election ideas over the past few weeks, we all agree that we must focus on a robust economic message: jobs across the nation, with special emphasis on rural America and inclusion of all in our society.

That is why I am suggesting the caucus elect three co-chairs.  Members will cast votes for up to three candidates, and the top-three vote getters will be elected.

We will follow with intense and extensive discussions with Members on how to secure our nation, secure our economy and secure our democracy.

I look forward to seeing you at the Caucus tomorrow morning.

Thank you for your leadership.

best wishes,

Image removed.