The New Democrat Coalition Congratulates Rep. Ellen Tauscher on her Appointment to the State Department

Washington, D.C. - Today, the leadership and members of the New Democrat Coalition congratulated Rep. Ellen Tauscher (Calif.), the chair of the New Dems, on her confirmation as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. The Senate approved Tauscher's nomination by unanimous consent.

As a founding member of the New Democrat Coalition and as chair of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Rep. Tauscher has served as a pragmatic and progressive leader on many of the important issues facing our country, including promoting policies to strengthen our national security and competitiveness, improve the quality of life for our families, invest in our businesses and economy, and preserve our country's position as a leader in technology and innovation.

Since 2004, when Rep. Tauscher became chair of the New Democrats, the coalition has added 25 Members in the last two election cycles while successfully influencing and helping pass key legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. During Congresswoman Tauscher's tenure as chair, the New Dems successfully:

• Worked with House Leadership to develop and pass key measures in the Innovation Agenda including investments in future innovators, research & development, and small business tools for innovation;
• Collaborated with House leaders to develop a new direction forward on trade that balances strong labor and environmental standards with the need to open foreign markets for U.S. goods,
• Protected our national security by working with House Leadership to negotiate a compromise and ensure passage of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA);
• Negotiated the passage of legislation in the House to help homeowners facing foreclosure;
• Led discussions with the Coalition Members, House Leadership and House Committees on health care reform and transitioning to a clean energy future.

"It has been an honor and pleasure to serve with Ellen," said Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-07), Whip of the New Dem Coalition. "Under her leadership, the New Democrats have reshaped and rebuilt our organization. We are now 69 members strong, and an integral part of the Democratic caucus. While we will miss her leadership, wisdom and humor, we are looking forward to working with her in her new capacity and wish her all the best."

"Ellen's leadership of our coalition helped us become a critical voice for pragmatic, pro-growth solutions," said Congresswoman Melissa Bean (IL-08), New Dem Vice-Chair. "While we will miss her in the House, I'm not alone in believing we will all be safer when she is confirmed as Under Secretary of State and brings her leadership and results-oriented approach to the important issue of arms control."

"I want to thank Rep. Tauscher for her years of extraordinary public service," said Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03), New Dem Vice-Chair. "She is an extremely talented lawmaker who I've appreciated working with since we both came to Congress as freshman members in 1997. We will also miss her talents in the speaker's chair. No one kept Congress on task better or enforced the rules of the House better than Ellen. Best wishes for her, President Obama and Secretary Clinton have chosen a person with true passion who will surely take the position to new heights."

"Ellen Tauscher has been a tremendous leader for the New Democratic Coalition and for the Democratic Congress. Her commitment, intelligence, hard work, and policy skills will be sorely missed in Congress, but a great gain for the Obama Administration." Said Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), New Dem Vice-Chair.

"In Congress, Ellen Tauscher has been a fierce advocate for our troops and a leading voice on strategic weapons and missile defense issues. As Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, she has demonstrated pragmatic, common sense leadership," said New Dem Vice-Chair, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09). "These skills and experiences will serve her well as she confronts some of our nation's most challenging national security issues. I have no doubt that Ellen Tauscher will be as valuable a member of the Obama Administration as she was in the House of Representatives."

"It has been reassuring to have a go-to group of friends and likeminded colleagues, but more importantly, it has been a privilege and honor to chair the New Democrat Coalition and to work with such a dedicated and talented group of colleagues. We have made progressive centrism an effective force for getting things done. I know, even as I leave, that the New Democrat Coalition will continue to build upon the progress we have made together," Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (CA-10), New Dem Chairman said.

The New Democrat Coalition is comprised of members committed to enacting policies that empower the U.S. to grow economically, maintain its competitiveness in the global marketplace, continue to be the world's leaders in innovation and technological advancement, and strengthen our economic and national security. The Coalition is dedicated to providing the leadership necessary to implement policies that will ensure that America maintains its prosperity and global leadership.

###