DeLauro moves closer to key role on Appropriations
Rep. Rosa DeLauro on Tuesday edged closer to the chairmanship of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, a move that could give Connecticut an edge in securing federal aid.
DeLauro captured 36 votes from the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Rep. Deborah Wasserman Schultz of Florida netted 11 votes and Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio received six.
DeLauro, a 15-term Democrat from New Haven and the dean of the Connecticut delegation, faces another hurdle later this week when the full Democratic caucus votes. The current committee chairman, Rep. Nita Lowey of New York, is retiring.
“I am honored that this broad-based group on the Steering and Policy Committee sees my experience, ability, and relationships as the right fit for the needs of this moment,” Delauro said immediately after
the vote. “I am grateful for their support and humbled by their confidence. This vote is a sign that our caucus is unified and ready for bold, pragmatic actions to deliver results for the American people. I look forward to the work ahead.”
In her quest to lead the committee, DeLauro has assembled a broad coalition of key Democratic Party stakeholders, including labor leaders, women’s groups and advocates for children, among others.
The House Appropriations Committee has one of the broadest jurisdictions of any congressional committee, overseeing nearly every aspect of government spending. Having a member of the state’s delegation leading such a key committee could be a boon for Connecticut. The state has never had a member of its delegation chair the committee.
If DeLauro succeeds, it
would mark another powerful position for a House member from NewEngland. Rep. Katherine Clark, a Democrat from Massachusetts, was chosen as assistant speaker, making her the fourth-highest ranking Democrat in Congress.
Rep. James McGovern of Worcester leads the House Rules Committee and Rep. Richard Neal of Springfield is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
“To have senior leadership from the region is an extraordinary thing for Connecticut and for [New England] in general,” Rep. John Larson, a Democrat from East Hartford, said in an interview last month.
DeLauro, a close ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, currently leads the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.