| (Washington, DC) - Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-6) won the Chairmanship of the House Democratic Caucus by acclamation today during a special Caucus meeting. Clyburn will succeed outgoing Chair Bob Menendez when he fills New Jersey Governor-elect Jon Corzine’s unexpired Senate term in January.
“Today’s election means my holiday won’t be as restful as others,” Congressman Clyburn joked. “As Vice Chair of the Caucus for the past three years, I have worked closely with Bob and am prepared to hit the ground running next month.”
Clyburn is already looking toward a busy year with hopes of leading Democrats to victory in their legislative agenda and in Congressional elections.
“The American people are very disillusioned with the President and the Republican leadership,” Congressman Clyburn said. “The culture of corruption and cronyism that has marked this Administration and the Republican leadership has resulted in disastrous consequences for most Americans.”
Clyburn sited Iraq as the top issues he will focus on as Democratic Caucus Chair.
“The handling of the Iraq war has devastated so many families, and they deserve to know what exit strategy the leadership of this country has planned,” Congressman Clyburn stated emphatically. “I will join Leader Pelosi in demanding an open debate on Iraq and seeking an honorable resolution to the war.”
He argues that the war in Iraq is directly linked to one of his top domestic issues.
“Our nation’s dependence on foreign oil forces us to put our fate in the hands of oil-producing countries that don’t have our best interest at heart. We must commit the necessary resources to develop viable energy alternatives such as hydrogen, bio-diesel, and renewable sources like wind and solar.”
Other issues that rank high on Clyburn’s agenda are health care and the environment.
Clyburn’s election to the third highest-ranking Democratic leadership position improves South Carolina’s clout in the Congress for a small delegation with relatively little seniority. Clyburn is joined in the leadership by fellow South Carolina Democrat John Spratt, who serves as Assistant to the Democratic Leader. The two Democrats are the most senior in the South Carolina delegation.
# # # |
U.S. Congressman 
