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House Leader Pelosi Taps Blumenauer for Democratic Steering Committee

December 15, 2002
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader-Elect Nancy Pelosi today announced the appointment of Earl Blumenauer, Third Congressional District of Oregon to the House Democratic Steering Committee. "I look forward to working with the leaders of the Steering Committee, all of whom are experienced legislators and respected voices in the Congress," Pelosi said. "They show the great diversity and strength of our Caucus."

"I am extraordinary pleased that Nancy has asked me to join her in steering legislation and establishing policy direction in the House," said Blumenauer. "It was an honor and a privilege to have her visit Portland earlier this year. I continue to be impressed with her approach as the new Democratic leader."

The thirty-six member Steering Committee includes the Democratic caucus leadership, members elected based on regional location. In addition, the Leader appoints a select few to join this group. Pelosi tapped Blumenauer because of his leadership on livability issues and ability to work with members of both parties. Blumenauer is the only member from the West other than California. The immediate task at hand for the Steering Committee will be to appoint members to committees as the 108th Congress convenes in January.

Pelosi also named the following Members to the Steering Committee: Michael Capuano of Massachusetts, Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas, John Larson of Connecticut, Zoe Lofgren of California, Nita Lowey of New York, Robert Matsui of California, Carolyn McCarthy of New York, Betty McCollum of Minnesota, Alan Mollohan of West Virginia, John Murtha of Pennsylvania, Donald Payne of New Jersey, Collin Peterson of Minnesota, Mike Ross of Arkansas, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, and Hilda Solis of California.

Other members of the Steering Committee include the elected leadership: Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Caucus Chair Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Caucus Vice Chair James Clyburn of South Carolina and Assistant to the Minority Leader John Spratt of South Carolina. Regional representatives were elected last week. They are: Tom Udall of New Mexico, Mike Thompson of California, Carolyn Kilpatrick of Michigan, Jerry Costello of Illinois, Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota, Jim Turner of Texas, Chris John of Louisiana, Jim Davis of Florida, Nick Rahall of West Virginia, Joseph Crowley of New York, and John Tierney of Massachusetts.