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Leadership elections are over. House Democrats have elected a strong, diverse team that is prepared to advance the kind of legislative agenda of change that the American people voted for in the midterm elections.
The incoming Speaker, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, will become the first woman Speaker of the House in U.S. history. She brings a great deal of strength to the position and will lead our diverse caucus in a pragmatic manner these next two years. I have much confidence in her leadership skills and have continually been impressed with her ability to unify House Democrats over the past four years. She has successfully led our caucus out of the wilderness that is the minority and, should we be able to enact a legislative agenda that will bring about a new direction of positive change in America, it will be largely due to her efforts.
Second in command of House Democrats and holding the title of Majority Leader is Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer. Steny won a hotly contested race for this position, the only leadership position that was contested, besting my good friend Congressman Jack Murtha. But now that the election is over, I'm looking forward to working with Steny to further our party's agenda. Steny is a natural leader and someone who has strong ties to virtually every coalition in the caucus. From the conservative Blue Dogs to the progressives, Steny is a patient listener, hard worker and consummate gentleman always willing to go the extra mile when a colleague needs him. He has been a champion for his district for many years and as Minority Whip, has outmaneuvered Republicans on a number of occasions in situations where conventional wisdom thought it impossible.
Ascending from Caucus Chairman to Majority Whip is Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina. Jim will become only the second African American in history to hold the title of House Majority Whip. He is very well-liked and respected member of our caucus. A steady hand, Jim has overseen Caucus Chairman duties for the past two years, showcasing a quiet strength that puts his colleagues at ease while advancing the business of the day. As whip, he will be in charge of counting the votes to ensure that legislation brought to the floor has enough support to pass. Jim has big shoes to fill considering the gravitas Representative Hoyer brought to the job but I know that he is more than up to the task.
Fresh off the campaign trail, one that saw historic gains for House Democrats and a new 30 plus seat majority is our "commander in the field," Representative Rahm Emmanuel. First known for his prowess in the Clinton Administration, Rahm went on to win a seat in the House from Illinois and has quickly risen among the ranks to become House Democratic Caucus Chairman. Known for his feistiness and readiness to mix it up with Republicans, Rahm is a rising star within the party that we can expect even more great things out of in the future. This may be his first foray into the leadership ranks but at 47 years of age and the youngest member of the leadership team, you can bet it won't be his last.
Rounding out the leadership team is Caucus Vice-Chairman Congressman John Larson of Connecticut. John is a good friend and an affable colleague, someone members rely on for advice and counsel. Earning re-election to Caucus Vice-Chair, John will continue serving as right-hand man to the Caucus Chair as they work with the caucus and new committee chairmen to devise an agenda for the caucus that will govern our internal workings.
The House Democrats' leadership team reflects both the diversity of our country and the strength of the American character. In these five members we have every region of the country represented from the Mid-Atlantic to the Mid-West to the West Coast. They are all born leaders and dedicated public servants. The voters have entrusted our party with majority status in the House, a trust that we intend to earn and one that will put this country back on the right track so that it can be all it can be.
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