Democratic lawmakers who blocked New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's bid to join the prominent House Democratic leadership are vowing to wage “trench warfare” against Republicans.
In a full conference vote Tuesday afternoon by House Democrats, Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, 74, narrowly defeated Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, 35, to become the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. He was elected 131-84. According to one report, Connolly plans to launch a comprehensive attack on President-elect Donald Trump and the policies of Congressional Republicans over the next two years. statement The Virginia Democrat was released after his victory.
“I know what the Republican strategy will be,” Connolly said in a statement. “We've seen it before. They have shown a willingness to spread debunked conspiracy theories and enable the Trump administration's worst abuses.” (Related: 'Onslaught of attacks': House Democrats push to oust aging committee leaders after election loss)
“This is going to be trench warfare,” Connolly added. “Now is not the time to be cowardly. I promise the American people that the Democratic Committee will be prepared from day one to be a beacon of truth and counter Republican gaslighting. We will be disciplined. We are committed to delivering results on the kitchen table issues that most impact Americans. We stand up for democracy and truth. We will protect the tremendous and historic progress we have made as House Democrats.”
I appreciate the support of my colleagues and the confidence they have placed in me to lead House Democrats on the Oversight Committee.
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/lOJfVZ1gC3
— Congressman Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) December 17, 2024
Connolly also reported that lost Ocasio-Cortez won 34-27 in the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee's last vote on Monday. The committee plays a large role in determining which Democrats win leadership roles.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi voted against Ocasio-Cortez before Axios cast the first two votes. reported. Ocasio-Cortez's loss could be seen as a blow to left-wing lawmakers' quest to wield greater political influence within the House Democratic Conference.
“We did our best. I'm sorry we couldn't convince everyone, but we live to fight another day.” Ocasio-Cortez I wrote on social media platform Bluesky after the defeat.
Mr. Connolly has served on the House Oversight Committee since being elected to Congress in 2009.. He also faced a diagnosis of esophageal cancer, which he announced after his re-election in November. (Related article: 'Abuse of power': Democratic lawmaker says it's time to 'rethink pardon authority' after Biden pardons Hunter)
Mr. Connolly's elevation to become a ranking member of the House Oversight Committee is seen as a partial generational change in the House Democratic leadership, with many long-time Democrats vying for the committee's top spot. It comes in the face of competitive challenges from younger lawmakers. Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, Rep. Jared Huffman of California, and Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland. won The decision by some House Democrats during the second Trump administration to object to members who are much older and have health concerns that may have concerned their ability to lead the session. In response, the committee's membership slots were ranked on Tuesday.
The House Oversight Committee is likely to be the home of House Democrats' efforts to counter President-elect Donald Trump and his administration for the next four years.
“Responsibility to lead the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives. Donald Trump's oversight committee during his second term in the White House was very deep. It's a result.'' Ocasio-Cortez I wrote In a letter to her House Democratic colleagues, she asked for their support as she takes over as chair of the House Oversight Committee on Dec. 6.Now more than ever, We must focus on the Commission's strong history. both is holding beThe government is responsible and take on economic instability, Inequality challenges the American way of life. ”
Connolly's Republican counterpart on the House Oversight Committee will be Kentucky Rep. James Comer, who used his position on the committee last Congress to lead the House Republican investigation into Hunter Biden. . Comer continues waiter He will serve as chairman of the House Oversight Committee for the next two years, according to a Dec. 10 announcement from the Kentucky Republican Party.
Connolly and Ocasio-Cortez both sought the top Democratic position on the House Oversight Committee following Raskin's decision to resign and seek a ranking position on the House Judiciary Committee.
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