About the Senate Democratic Steering & Outreach Committee
The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is dedicated to fostering dialogue between Senate Democrats and leaders from across the nation. Each year, the Steering Committee hosts numerous meetings with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Senate Democratic agenda. The Committee serves as a liaison between Senate Democratic offices, advocacy groups, and intergovernmental organizations. It is one of two Democratic Leadership Committees in the Senate and is chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN) and vice chaired by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH).
Washington, DC –Senate Democrats met with economists to discuss policies to create good-paying jobs and raise incomes for middle class and working Americans. Senate Democrats also highlighted their policies to raise the minimum wage, expand overtime pay, close the wage gap for women, expand access to affordable health care, strengthen workplace flexibility and family leave,…
Washington, DC – Senate Democrats met with civil rights leaders to talk about economic disparities in communities of color. Senate Democrats have worked to address racial inequality by advocating policies that create pathways to opportunity for all Americans. The Affordable Care Act is reducing the number of uninsured people of color. Democratic investments in early…
Washington, DC – Senate Democrats met with Hispanic leaders to talk about the need for comprehensives immigration reform and economic advancement for Latino communities. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Americans to our culture, economy, and political system, and highlight their proud legacy of accomplishments. We must recommit ourselves to policies…
Washington, DC – Senate Democrats met with youth advocacy leaders to talk about student debt and college affordability, as well as the economic stability of young parents in the workforce. Far too many Millennials are burdened by student debt – totaling more than $1.3 trillion nationwide. In the last decade, the average student debt at…
Streamed live on July 14, 2016 Washington, DC – The Secretaries of Labor and Housing and Urban Development joined Senate Democrats in convening a summit with grassroots advocates to talk about civic engagement and economic advancement in Hispanic communities. Senate Democrats are advocating legislation to increase access to affordable health insurance and close the pay…
Washington, DC – In a discussion led by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tammy Baldwin, Senate Democrats met with LGBTQ leaders following the horrendous shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. There have been more than 200 bills in 35 states introduced in 2016 curtailing nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans, according to participants. In response, Senators…
Washington, DC – Senate Democrats convened a Rural Summit with farmers, ranchers, and growers to discuss their efforts in building and strengthening a sustainable middle-class economy. According to the USDA, rural America is home to 46 million people, covering more than 70 percent of our nation’s land area. It supplies much of our food, energy,…
Washington, DC – Senate Democrats met with civil rights leaders about the need to fully restore the Voting Rights Act to its full strength after Shelby County v. Holder. Since Shelby, 17 states will have new voting restrictions in effect for the first time in this year’s presidential election. Discriminatory voting practices, previously blocked at…
Washington, DC – Senate Democrats met with small business owners and entrepreneurs to examine ways to increase access to capital and ensure equal opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses. Just $1 of every $23 in conventional small business loans goes to a woman-owned business. Except for the Small Business Administration, no government agency has met…
Washington, DC – Senate Democrats heard from top health officials about the need for quick action on emergency funding to stop the spread of the Zika virus. Without this funding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will not be able to support states and territories with mosquito control and surveillance, and the National Institutes…