Chairman Aguilar Announces House Democratic Caucus Poverty Task Force as House Republicans Slash Basic Needs Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar announced the re-launch of the Democratic Caucus Task Force on Poverty. Chaired by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), the Task Force will focus on solutions to help working families meet their basic needs and fight back against the extreme budget cuts passed by House Republicans, which rip away programs that millions of Americans rely on.
“House Democrats know that America’s strength comes from the promise that every person has the chance to succeed if they work hard and follow the rules,” said Chairman Aguilar. “Instead of building on those values, House Republicans are pushing an extreme budget that attacks the very programs working families rely on. Slashing food assistance, Medicaid and Social Security—all to give massive tax breaks for billionaires—will only make it harder for families to meet their basic needs at a time when prices are soaring and the economy is crashing. I am grateful to Rep. Watson Coleman’s leadership as our Caucus stands united in our fight against these cruel proposals that will only push more families into poverty.”
“In the wealthiest country in the world, there should be a floor beneath which we allow no person, no child, no family to fall. I look forward to working with the Poverty Taskforce to construct this floor and ensure all Americans have the opportunity to thrive,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “I look forward to working with Caucus Chair Aguilar, our vice chairs, and our entire Democratic Caucus on promoting an economy that works for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy, and creating an environment of fairness. It's time we expand the conversation around the term “poverty” beyond just those on or below the federal poverty line. The United States has the resources and opportunity to end poverty once and for all. I'm ready to work with my colleagues towards accomplishing just that.”
Chair Aguilar and Chair Watson Coleman also announced the Poverty Task Force Vice Chairs, who will focus on the following priorities:
- Rep. Sara Jacobs, Vice Chair on Economic Mobility
- Rep. Jim McGovern, Vice Chair on Hunger
- Rep. Bobby Scott, Vice Chair on Education and Workforce Development
- Rep. Sylvia Garcia, Vice Chair on Housing and Transportation
- Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Vice Chair on Health Care
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