Caucus Overwhelmingly Chose DeLauro To Chair Appropriations Committee in the 117th Congress
First from Connecticut to Hold the Position
WASHINGTON – The House Democratic Caucus overwhelmingly elected Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) to be the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee in the 117th Congress today.
DeLauro currently chairs the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. DeLauro had received the endorsement of more than two-thirds of the Steering and Policy Committee, as well as a broad range of organizations representing all elements of the Democratic Party and progressive movement including numerous major unions and leaders in education, labor, and women and children's protection and advancement.
In response to their vote, DeLauro issued this statement:
"Serving in this role will be one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am eager to get to work and responsibly fund our government in a way that meets the needs of this moment.
"Thank you to my colleagues who have given me this opportunity to serve and to all of my supporters who believe in me and what this institution can achieve for the American people.
"It is a unique time. We are in the middle of a health and economic crisis that must be addressed, communities of color face systemic racism, and we welcome a President with a mandate for change, yet we may still face gridlock.
"As House Appropriations Chair, I am prepared to deliver the boldest progress possible for Connecticut and families across the country in the next Congress.
"Each Member of Congress represents vastly different districts which each face unique challenges, we are united by our desire to stop the spread of this pandemic, create economic recovery, deliver results for the hardworking families struggling across the country, and address the systemic racial inequities to make America more just and equal.
"Together is the only way forward. With President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and in partnership with our Democratic and Republican colleagues, we will reach the light at the end of this tunnel and implement changes that move communities and families forward."