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).

The Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force (HTF), which is part of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, is chaired by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The mission of the Hispanic Task Force (HTF) is to strengthen relationships with the Hispanic American community and ensure that their concerns and priorities are addressed in the U.S. Senate.

Since its inception in 1989 and beginning with its first Chairman, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), the Hispanic Task Force has sought to ensure that the Latino community is at the table during every major legislative discussion in the Senate. For over twenty years, the HTF has hosted policy forums on increasing educational and economic opportunities among Hispanic communities nationwide. This Congress, Chairman Menendez has organized policy forums on relevant legislative topics impacting the Latino community. In addition, the HTF has hosted larger issue-focused summits, including a Hispanic youth Summit, Latina Summit, and a small business Summit, bringing together Latino leaders from across the country to network and help shape a more inclusive policy agenda.

In the 115th Congress, the Hispanic Task Force continues to address policy issues of importance to the Latino community. As the Hispanic community continues to grow as a political, economic and social force in the United States, the Hispanic Task Force pledges to ensure that the interests of the Latino community are a central priority for Senate Democrats.

Senate Democratic Steering & Outreach Committee 
712 Hart Senate Office Building
steering@dsoc.senate.gov
202.224.9048

Laura Schiller, Staff Director
Eduardo Lerma, Outreach Director
Issue Areas: Asian-American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Homeland Security, Immigration, Native Americans, Technology, Telecommunications, Transportation & Infrastructure
Rayshon Payton, Associate Director
Issue Areas: African-American, Civil Rights, Education, Manufacturing, Small Business, Youth
Claire Badger, Associate Director
Issue Areas: Defense, Disabilities, Faith, Foreign Affairs, Healthcare, Jewish, LGBT, Seniors, Veterans, Women
Laura Pinsky, Assistant for Outreach and Logistics
Issue Areas: Energy, Environment, Sportsmen, Agriculture, Rural