Connolly Secures Key Democratic Position on House Oversight Committee

December 16, 2024 TruthUSA

The entire House Democratic conference must now give their approval for Connolly to become the committee’s ranking member.

WASHINGTON—Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) is poised to lead as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee after a heated contest against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

On Dec. 16, the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, responsible for selecting conference committee members and recommending party figures for key committee positions, put forth Connolly’s name.

The full House Democratic conference must now confirm Connolly’s position as the committee’s ranking member. This process is largely seen as a formality, as both Democrat and GOP conferences usually respect their party’s steering committee recommendations.

As the GOP will maintain control of the House in the 119th Congress, commencing Jan. 3, 2025, they will oversee the committee operations.

Connolly will take over from Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who is expected to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) as the leading Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.

Connolly received endorsement from the moderate New Democrat Coalition, whereas Ocasio-Cortez was supported by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, showcasing a rift within the Democratic Party.

In a letter sent to his colleagues on Dec. 3, Connolly emphasized that Democrats on the Oversight Committee “must be a proactive team committed to defending American democracy from President [Donald] Trump and articulating a Democratic agenda that resonates with our constituents.”

“Our constituents need to understand that we will advocate for their priorities,” he stated.

Connolly noted that “this committee is an area where I possess extensive experience, and we urgently require an expert who can effectively counter the most severe Republican attacks on our institutions and implement necessary reforms.”

He committed to “enhancing the talent and diversity within our caucus.”

Since 2009, Connolly has represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.

On Dec. 16, the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee also proposed that Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) take on leadership roles as the top Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee and House Natural Resources Committee, respectively.

This recommendation is part of a broader reorganization of prominent Democrats on House committees, with Craig stepping in for Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) and Huffman replacing Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who chose not to seek re-election while undergoing cancer treatment.

Huffman expressed that it is “an incredible honor” to be recommended by the steering committee as ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee.

In a statement posted on X, he remarked, “This committee represents my passion—water, wildlife, fisheries, public lands, and tribal concerns—and it is what I am deeply invested in. I am prepared to work diligently to safeguard our valuable natural resources and advocate for tribal and frontline communities.”

In a statement on X, Craig expressed her gratitude for the recommendation to be the ranking member on the Agriculture Committee.

“I am eager to help us reconnect with rural Americans and in doing so, strengthen our Democratic majority,” she stated.

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