New Democrat Coalition Announces New Leadership, Members and Agenda for the 112th Congress

Washington, DC - Yesterday, Members of the New Democrat Coalition announced the election of its leadership for the 112th Congress, welcomed five new members and unveiled reorganized policy task forces to guide its work this Congress.

With a unanimous vote, Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-7) was re-elected as Chair of the 43 Member Coalition. Congressman Ron Kind (WI-3) and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) were also re-elected as Vice-Chairs of the Coalition. In addition, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) and Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2) received the support of the full Coalition to join the New Dem leadership team as Vice-Chairs.

"I am honored to once again serve as Chair of the New Democrat Coalition," said Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-7). "The New Dems are Democrats first and foremost. We are committed to helping our party enact pragmatic solutions that will help American businesses and workers succeed in the global economy. We are proud of the leadership role our Coalition has played over the years on critical issues and policies, and will continue to work with the House Democratic Leadership and the Administration on efforts to move our nation forward and keep America safe, secure and successful."

"I am honored to join the leadership team of a group of Members committed to finding forward-thinking solutions to some of our country's toughest challenges," said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), New Dem Vice-Chair. "As we continue working to turn the economy around, I look forward to crafting policies that encourage businesses to innovate and create jobs while focusing our investment on the education and infrastructure that will ensure the next generation has the tools to compete in the global economy."

"I am honored that my colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition elected me to the leadership team," said Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2), New Dem Vice-Chair. "I look forward to working with the New Dems to promote trade, build our nation's workforce and make sure our small businesses have the tools they need to grow and hire. As a new Co-Chair of the Critical Infrastructure & Manufacturing Task Force, I will be committed to finding innovative solutions to reduce unemployment and keep America competitive in the global economy."

"Serving as Vice-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition is an honor," said Congressman Ron Kind (WI-3), New Dem Vice-Chair. "The coalition's focus on common sense and forward-looking policies will help us tackle this tough economic environment and get us on the road the recovery. I'm committed to innovation - in business, health care and education - in ensuring our competitiveness and the prosperity of our country. I look forward to continuing my work with the coalition and focusing on fiscally responsible investments in our people and our country."

"I am honored to continue my role as a Vice Chair for the New Democrat Coalition," New Dem Vice-Chair Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) said. "As moderate members of the House, the New Dems are eager to work with the Administration and with Leadership to put forth smart, centrist, innovative policies that will encourage economic opportunity in America."

Additionally, the New Democrat Coalition voted to welcome five new members to the Coalition ranks: Congressman John Carney (DE-At Large), Congressman Jim Cooper (TN-5), Congressman Bill Owens (NY-23), Congressman Pedro Pierluisi (PR-At Large) and Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-2).

"On behalf of the full Coalition, I welcome Representatives Cooper, Carney, Owens, Richmond and Pierluisi to the New Democrat Coalition," said Crowley. "The addition of these individuals further strengthens our Coalition and their expertise and real world experiences will prove valuable as we work to strengthen our economy, put Americans back to work and get our fiscal house in order."

This Congress, the New Democrat Coalition is well-positioned to play a key leadership role as the Administration and Democratic leadership work together to enact strong policies that lay the foundation for private sector-led job growth, build up our nation's innovative edge in the global economy, and strengthen our national security. The policy focus of the New Dems in the 112th Congress will be centered on seven newly reorganized policy task-forces: Critical Infrastructure & Manufacturing; Education; Energy; Financial Services; Health Care; Innovation, Competitiveness & Tax Reform; and Trade.

The newly created Critical Infrastructure & Manufacturing Task Force will be led by Co-Chairs Reps. Jason Altmire (PA-4), Rick Larsen (WA-2) and Laura Richardson (CA-37).

The newly created Education Task Force will be led by Co-Chairs Reps. Susan Davis (CA-53) and Jared Polis (CO-2).

The Energy Task Force will now be under the leadership of Co-Chairs Reps. Rush Holt (NJ-12), Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-5) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-7).

Joining current Co-Chair Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4) in leading the Financial Services Task Force will be Rep. Gary Peters (MI-9).

Joining current Co-Chair Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) in leading the Health Task Force will be Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR-5).

Joining current Co-Chair Rep. Ron Kind (WI-03) in leading the Innovation, Competitiveness & Tax Reform Task Force will be Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11).

The Trade Task Force will continue under the leadership of Co-Chairs Reps. Adam Smith (WA-09) and Jim Moran (VA-08).

The New Democrat Coalition is a Coalition of 43 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are dedicated to the prosperity and security of American families and business. Founded in 1997, the NDC provides Members of Congress with the opportunity to advance a common sense policy agenda focused on empowering the U.S. to grow economically and maintain a vibrant job market, preserving the U.S. standing as the world's leader in innovation and technological advancement, and strengthening our economic and national security. For more information, visit the New Dems website at http://ndc.crowley.house.gov.

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