For Immediate Release                                                            Contact: Kristen Hawn (202) 226-9782
March 3, 2009                                                           

Altmire, Nye to Join Fiscally Conservative Blue Dog Coalition

Washington, DC - Today, the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition announced the addition of two new members, Rep. Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania and Rep. Glenn Nye of Virginia, bringing the group’s total membership to 51.  Blue Dog leaders welcomed both members and applauded their commitment to the Blue Dog tenet of fiscal responsibility.

“With Jason Altmire and Glenn Nye, we are welcoming two members whose commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability will strengthen the Blue Dog movement in Washington and across the country,” said Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications.  “Now, more than ever, it is critical that we take real, honest steps to pay our bills and restore fiscal discipline to the federal government.  The addition of Reps. Altmire and Nye to the Blue Dog ranks will only bring us that much closer to accomplishing our goals.”

“For more than a decade, the Blue Dog Coalition has fought for fiscally responsible policies that protect taxpayers’ dollars and promote economic growth,” said Rep. Altmire. “I am honored to join to Blue Dog Coalition, and I look forward to working with my fellow members to rein in wasteful spending and make our nation stronger.”

“We welcome Representatives Altmire and Nye to the Blue Dog Coalition,” said Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration. “Their demonstrated commitment to the core principles of the Blue Dogs will be an asset to our coalition and I look forward to working with them on a number of issues as we seek to craft fiscally responsible policies while weeding out waste, fraud and abuse.”

“The Blue Dogs share my focus on restoring fiscal discipline, maintaining a strong military, and rebuilding our economy through investing in our small businesses,” said Rep. Nye, who represents Virginia’s 2nd District. “The people in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore are looking for solutions right now, and after years of mismanagement in Washington, I look forward to working with the Blue Dog Coalition to bring fiscal discipline and responsibility back to our government.”

“We’re pleased to welcome Congressman Nye and Congressman Altmire into the Blue Dog Coalition,” said Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy.  “They will undoubtedly be valuable members of our group and shared goal to enact long-term fiscal reforms.”

The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public.  The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States.  Currently there are 51 members of the Blue Dog Coalition.  For more information, visit the Blue Dog Website at http://www.house.gov/ross/BlueDogs/.