Recognizing J.D. Grom's Service to the New Democrat Coalition

Floor Speech

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Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of J.D. Grom, the longest-serving Executive Director of the New Democrat Coalition.

J.D. departs Capitol Hill this month to continue his federal service as an appointee in the Biden Administration, but he leaves behind a legacy of sound management and strong leadership that will serve the Coalition for years to come.

NewDems occupy an important place within the Democratic Caucus. We are the center of gravity for the House Democrats and an incubator for some of the best, most forward-leaning policy-making on Capitol Hill.

None of that happened by accident. J.D. led the NewDems with a steady hand and a strategic vision that positioned the Members of this Coalition to make real, substantive, and lasting imprints on the legislative output in the House of Representatives.

Under J.D.'s leadership, NewDems were firmly at the center of the work to shape this 21st century economy. Whether speaking out on trade or the ever-evolving future of work in America, NewDems delivered meaningful policy prescriptions and helped put kitchen-table issues front and center for this institution.

NewDems are known for working across ideologies and party lines to deliver results. But more than that, we've also become a home for thoughtful, measured leaders who have had enough of the shouting and division that too often defines our politics.

J.D. embodied that NewDem spirit as a selfless leader and mentor throughout his career. That includes his work on behalf of his hometown Representative, Melissa Bean of Illinois, his work at the Department of the Treasury, and service on behalf of four separate Chairs of the New Democrat Coalition, including me, Rep. Ron Kind, Rep. Jim Himes, and Rep. Derek Kilmer.

On behalf of our entire 95-Member Coalition, I thank J.D. for his service, both past and future, and wish him all the best.

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