Government affairs

Legislative Updates

Senate Democratic Leadership in 116th Congress

The Senate Democratic Caucus held its party elections today to determine who will lead them in the 116th Congress. No positions changed hands between the 115th and the 116th, but here is a refresher on who holds which positions and what their duties are.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will remain as the Minority Leader where he will continue to work with members to set the Democratic agenda, message, and strategy.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) will remain as the Minority Whip with the primary duty of persuading members to support the Caucus position on votes and projecting support for the Caucus position.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) will remain as the Assistant Democratic Leader and will work with Leader Schumer and other members on agenda, message, and strategy.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) remain as the Vice Chairs of the Conference and are responsible for assisting Leader Schumer in determining those positions.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) will remain as the Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, which is the policy-making arm of the Senate Democrats. The committee also holds authority to conduct oversight investigations and hold public hearings focusing on government accountability.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) will remain as the Vice Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will remain as the Chair of Steering Committee and will work with coalitions of Democrats at all levels of government, and with advocacy organizations in pursuit of the policy objectives of the Senate Democratic Conference.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), an independent who caucuses with Democrats, will remain as the Chair of Outreach, and is responsible for building Democratic coalitions across the country and at all levels of government.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) will remain as the Senate Democratic Conference Secretary working with Democratic members and staff on Caucus organization and messaging.

The position to chair the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which is not elected, has yet to be determined. That job is currently held by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

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