About Us
The Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus
Founded in January of 2007 during the 110th Congress.
The COPC was formed in response to the rising numbers of Americans falling out of the middle class and into poverty due to the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joined with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representatives John Conyers (D-MI) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and Representative Joe Baca of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to form the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus.
The group was formally recognized by the House Administration Committee as an official membership organization of the 110th Congress in January.
Mission Statement
The Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus seeks to bring together lawmakers, organizations, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to find concrete solutions to end poverty. The COPC is committed to increasing awareness about and finding bi- partisan legislative solutions to eliminating poverty in the United States.
Legislative Priorities
The Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus will build support for the following legislative efforts:
- To reduce unemployment and ensure a fair and livable wage for all Americans.
- To end hunger.
- To improve education at all levels and make higher education more accessible.
- To provide quality, affordable healthcare for all.
- To provide affordable housing for all.
- To expand access to financial institutions and ensure financial literacy for all.
Co-Chairs Biography
Read the Co-Chairs' biographical information.