Rules Committee Welcomes Members for the 117th Congress

WASHINGTON – Eight Members have been appointed to the House Rules Committee for the 117th Congress, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced.

The Committee on Rules is among the oldest standing committees in the House, having been first formally constituted on April 2, 1789.

An appointment to the committee gives Members significant ability to craft virtually all major legislation as it heads to the House Floor for a vote.

“Serving on the House Rules Committee is an honor that gives members an extraordinary opportunity to shape major legislation,” Committee Chairman James McGovern, D-Mass., said.

“This committee will play an important role in the 117th Congress, including providing a whole of government response to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic hardship,” McGovern said.

“I congratulate my colleagues on their appointment and I look forward to working with them to provide results for the American people,” he added before thanking Reps. Doris Matsui, of California, and Donna Shalala, of Florida, for their “invaluable leadership on this committee over the last two years.”

In addition to McGovern, the Democratic committee members in the 117th Congress are:

• Rep. Alcee Hastings, of Florida;
•  Rep. Norma Torres, of California;
• Rep. Ed Perlmutter, of Colorado;
• Rep. Jamie Raskin, of Maryland;
• Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, of Pennsylvania;
• Rep. Joe Morelle, of New York;
• Rep. Mark DeSaulnier; of California;
•  Rep. Deborah Ross, of North Carolina.

Speaker Pelosi said last week that the “vital Rules Committee ensures that the views and values of our diverse Caucus and the American people are heard and reflected as the People’s House works to advance justice, opportunity and equality for the people. 

“Guided by the continued bold, strategic and experienced leadership of Chairman Jim McGovern, these outstanding members will bring their expertise and commitment to hard-working families to make sure that the House remains open, transparent and focused on building a brighter future for all,” the speaker said.