April 17, 2002

HARMAN NAMED PRESIDENT OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
OF NEW DEMOCRATIC COALITION

-- New Democratic Coalition (NDC) Changes Leadership --

WASHINGTON D.C. - Congresswoman Harman was today named President of the newly formed Executive Council of the New Democratic Coalition (NDC). The Executive Council of the NDC was created to help steer the coalition on policy decisions and to build relationships within the Democratic Party.

"It's an honor to assume the leadership of this important new arm of the New Democratic Coalition. In addition to new ideas, New Democrats bring new diversity in shaping a modern agenda for our party," Harman said. "We hope to move beyond the centrist element of our party to become its new center."

Established in 1997, the House New Democrat Coalition (NDC) has grown to 74 members in the 107th Congress. Led by founders and outgoing co-chairs Rep. Cal Dooley (D-CA), Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Rep. Tim Roemer (D-IN), NDC has worked to reform education, to balance the federal budget, pass permanent normal trading relations with China, invest in the skills of American workers, and strengthen the foundations of America's technology and innovation-driven New Economy.

One-third of all Congressional Democrats today are New Democrats. Two-thirds of those elected since the formation of the House and Senate New Democrat Coalitions have joined the two groups. These coalitions have strength in number and a sense of common purpose that has made the NDCs two of the most influential groups in this closely divided Congress. Rep. Jim Davis (D-FL), Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), and Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) were today named the new co-chairs of NDC.

In addition to Rep. Harman, Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA), Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN), Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-OR), Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN), and outgoing co-chairs Rep. Cal Dooley (D-CA), Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Rep. Tim Roemer (D-IN) were named to the Executive Council

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