DPCC Co-Chair Jeffries: Democrats Are Focused On Fighting For The People
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC), appeared on Meet the Press Daily on MSNBC with Katy Tur to discuss Democratic plans to fight for the people and House leadership elections. Below are excerpts from the interview. Click here to watch the video.
"I support Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn. I think they've done a phenomenal job and they're the right group to lead us into the next two years and the battles that we're going to face with the Trump Administration on behalf of the American people. But, there will be opportunities for the next generation of Democrats to rise up into the leadership ranks in a blended capacity. And, I think that's what many of us are hoping to see."
"I do think at this moment in time, I'm in position to help the Caucus maintain its message discipline, the operational unity, get things done on behalf of the American people. I was pleased to be involved in crafting our closing argument to the American people where we indicated we're going to fight to lower health care costs, fight to increase pay, fight to clean up corruption in Washington, D.C. We've made those promises. Now we have to deliver on behalf of the American people. I hope to be able to participate in that regard."
"I do think that in terms of what overall leadership should look like, we need a blended mix of experience. And, I think we are going to have that with Pelosi at the top and Clyburn and Hoyer. But also, you know, next generation Democrats who have been on the battlefield helping the team be successful, but being given additional opportunities to help lead the Caucus moving forward."
"I represent a very diverse district myself, and understand the importance of trying to bring the American people together. But, also standing for the things that we care about as Democrats and fighting the Administration when necessary."
"We resisted their effort to oppose the Affordable Care Act, and I was heavily involved in that effort, resisted the Republican Tax Scam. They were successful legislatively, but we were able to brand it appropriately as a bill that didn't serve working class Americans, served the wealthy, the well off and the well connected, which is why it's the most unpopular so called tax cut in American history. While at the same time, I've worked with the Administration and Republicans in the House and the Senate in helping to push forward a meaningful criminal justice reform bill that will help end the era of mass incarceration in the United States of America."
"I anticipate that she will be the next Speaker, and I don't think that's for any of us to say. And, I think she's correct when she said she looks forward to being a bridge to the next generation, but she is not going to lame duck herself and sort of hurt her ability to negotiate while she has the gavel."
"I want to be Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. I am fighting for that. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to be successful in that regard and to be part of the leadership team that delivers for the American people."