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Democratic Policy Committee

The Democratic Policy Committee was established in 1947, by the Legislative Reorganization Act, which was signed into law by President Harry S Truman. Creation of the committee, and its Republican counterpart, were recommended by a Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress, which drew on the expertise of some of the nation’s top scholars and management consultants. The committees were established to help strengthen and reform the Senate and to help Senators better prepare to meet the policy challenges of an increasingly complex world.

Over the years, the committee’s responsibilities have varied. Its duties have ranged from serving as a sounding board for Democratic Floor Leaders, to deciding which legislation would reach the Senate floor and when it would be scheduled. The committee’s major function throughout the years, however, has been to develop policy positions and initiatives, and a policy agenda for the Senate Democratic Caucus, and to provide research and analysis support to Democratic Senators and their staffs about the many issues which come before the Senate.

Some of the Senate’s greatest leaders in the 20th Century served as Chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee. Eight of the nine individuals who held the post before Senator Dorgan were current Senate Democratic Leaders, or later became the Senate Democratic Leader. Two later became Vice President, and one – Senator Lyndon Johnson of Texas – went on to become President of the United States.

Those who have served as Chairman of the Senate’s Democratic Policy Committee are listed below.