Congressmen Ellison and Grijalva Elected Co-Chairs of Congressional Progressive Caucus

Press Release

Reps. Keith Ellison (MN-5) and Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-7) today released the following statement marking their election as co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 112th Congress:

We are honored to have the opportunity to serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) for the 112th Congress. We will work tirelessly to project a progressive vision for America, and to advocate that vision to the American public. Working families deserve a commitment from Congress to look out for their interests every day, and the Progressive Caucus will be on the front lines to honor that commitment.
The 112th Congress will present many challenges and opportunities for this country. As co-chairs, we will advocate for America's working families and strive to ensure middle class prosperity for generations to come. We will work with President Obama to withdraw our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan and to make peace the guiding principle of our foreign policy. We will be the first to reject and defeat Republican attempts to eliminate benefits for unemployed Americans even as they call for another billionaire bailout. We will continue to work with the broader progressive community to ensure that every American who wants to work can find a good-paying job to support their family. These and other fights will take time and dedication, and we welcome the opportunity to lead the way.

With Republicans promising to scrooge the country out of a secure retirement, our commitment to protect the American middle class will be more important than ever. The American people need effective advocates -- in and outside of Washington -- to restore their faith in their government's ability and willingness to do the right thing. Over the next two years, Republicans are going to push as hard as they can to cut programs that the American people depend on, like Social Security, and the Progressive Caucus will be out in front reminding them that Congress works for all of the American people, not just the top tax bracket. We stand ready to take on these important fights, and intend to win them decisively. America deserves no less.

In addition to electing co-chairs, the CPC also elected its entire leadership team listed here:

Vice Chair Liaison to Black Caucus -- Rep. Jackson-Lee

Vice Chair Liaison to Hispanic & Native American Caucuses -- Rep. Clay

Vice Chair Liaison to Women's Caucus -- Rep. Pingree

Vice Chair Liaison to Asian and Pacific American Caucus -- Rep.Chu

Vice Chair Liaison to LGBT Caucus -- Rep. Baldwin

Whip -- Rep. Hank Johnson

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