Jeffries elected to US House Democratic leadership

By Nelson A. King

On the heels of a disappointing election on Nov. 8, United States Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) has been elected by his colleagues to serve on the Democratic leadership team for the 115th Congress.

Jeffries, who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, received an overwhelming 126 votes of support from his peers.

He will help lead the messaging apparatus for House Democrats as co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC).

In that role, Jeffries said he will focus on “sharpening the legislative and communications strategy” in the face of Donald Trump’s Electoral College victory.

Reps. David Cicilline (RI-1) and Cheri Bustos (IL-17) were also elected to co-chair the DPCC.

“For too many hardworking families, the American dream is increasingly out of reach,” Jeffries said. “Wage stagnation, underemployment, the exploding cost of a college education and the erosion of pensions have left many without hope.”

“House Democrats have the best game plan to address the economic pain felt by hardworking Americans,” he added. “It’s now time for us to execute it.”

In the 114th Congress, Jeffries sat on the Judiciary Committee, and the Education and Workforce Committee, and served as Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus.