Rep. Mark Pocan Elected New Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus

Statement

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) was elected today by his colleagues as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). He assumes the Co-Chair position vacated by Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-05), who is now the Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

"With the Trump Administration attacking both the values we hold dear and the programs which provide vital services to people across the country, it is my goal to help make the Congressional Progressive Caucus the voice of the resistance," said Rep. Mark Pocan. "All we need to do is take a look at the devastating cuts proposed in the budget President Trump released today to see the clear distinction between progressives and this Administration and Congress. I am proud to help lead the charge in Congress for progressive ideas that lay the foundation for our resistance in this era of Trump. The CPC will fight the fights against bad policies and offer positive alternatives which demonstrate progressives have a pulse on the will of the people and a plan forward."

"As a lifelong progressive, I will continue to fight for the kitchen table issues we all care about and put forward pragmatic, progressive policies to combat Donald Trump and Paul Ryan's radical agenda," continued Rep. Pocan. "House Republicans think they can get away with passing a health care bill that will cause 24 million Americans to lose coverage, but the CPC will work with outside groups to ensure people understand what Congress is doing. We know progressives have a winning message across the country and in America's heartland. I hope to help the Congressional Progressive Congress make sure the voices of the American people are heard in the halls of Congress."

"As an outgoing Co-Chair of the Caucus, I know the dedication and determination it takes to be a leader in the CPC," Rep. Keith Ellison said. "Congressman Mark Pocan has these qualities in abundance. He has been an active member of the CPC during his two terms in Congress and has been an outstanding First Vice-Chair of the CPC."

"It's been a privilege serving the CPC and I look forward to working with Mark as Co-Chair to advance the caucus' agenda of standing up for working people," Rep. Ellison continued.

"I would like to give my sincere thanks to Congressman Ellison for his steadfast leadership and friendship these past several years as Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus," CPC Co-Chair Rep. Raúl Grijalva said. "The energy, time and dedication he showed for the CPC has been instrumental in growing the progressive movement. I know that I share the sentiment of the entire caucus when I say that Congressman Ellison will continue to be a principal and principled leader and voice for progressive values."

"I would like to congratulate Congressman Pocan and welcome him as our new Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Congressman Pocan's commitment and leadership is especially crucial during these times," continued Rep. Grijalva. "I look forward to working with him to amplify the message and values of our Caucus and standing up for the millions of hard-working Americans we represent."

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