Hoyer Announces Whip Team for the 113th Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) announced today that he is appointing Reps. Keith Ellison, Ben Ray Lujan, and Terri Sewell to serve as Chief Deputy Whips for the 113^th Congress.  They join current Senior Chief Deputy Whip Rep. John Lewis and Chief Deputy Whips Reps. G.K. Butterfield, Diana DeGette, Jim Matheson, Jan Schakowsky, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Peter Welch. Hoyer also announced that he is appointing Rep. Jared Polis to serve as the whip organization's Parliamentarian.

“In the 113^th Congress, we will continue to have an outstanding Whip team that, thanks to these new members, is more diverse than ever before," stated Democratic Whip Hoyer. "They reflect the diversity of our Caucus, bringing a wide range of views and perspectives to the table. Over the past two years, our Whip team has helped maintain unity in our Caucus on a number of votes important to protecting our middle class and creating opportunities that lead to good jobs and a higher quality of life for all Americans.  I look forward to working closely with the new and returning Chief Deputy Whips to bring Democrats from different segments of our Caucus together as we pursue our shared goal of helping grow America’s middle class and moving our country forward.” 

Congressman Keith Ellison, Chief Deputy Whip: “I am excited to work with Whip Hoyer and the rest of the Whip team to continue the fight for good jobs for working families.  It is more important than ever that we work together to protect the benefits middle class families rely on.” 

Congressman Ben Ray Lujan, Chief Deputy Whip: “I look forward to this new opportunity to work with Whip Hoyer and assist in House Democrats’ efforts to promote an agenda that creates jobs and opportunities for the American people.  Whip Hoyer’s efforts have led to a unified and strong Democratic Caucus, and I am excited to work closely with my colleagues to build a united front on policies that will lead to a stronger economy and a brighter future for all Americans.”

Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Chief Deputy Whip: “I am honored to be selected by Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer to serve as one of his Chief Deputy Whips for the 113^th Congress,” said Rep. Sewell. “I look forward to working with our outstanding Democratic Leadership team in the House to advance the people’s agenda and mobilize my colleagues on important legislation. More importantly, my selection by Mr. Hoyer to be one of his Chief Deputy Whips will help me further the Democratic agenda that includes strengthening the middle class, improving our nation’s infrastructure, and putting all Americans back to work.”

Congressman Jared Polis, Parlimentarian: “It’s a tremendous honor to be selected to serve the caucus, Mr. Hoyer and the whip operation as parliamentarian for the new Congress. I look forward to ensuring that Republicans do not exploit the rules of the House and that they follow proper procedure. Accountability and transparency are cornerstones of the legislative process. In my new role I hope to safeguard the public interest.”