CEC Announces Task Force Leadership for 119th Congress
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Congressional Equality Caucus announced that CEC Vice Chairs Sara Jacobs and Pramila Jayapal will lead the Transgender Equality Task Force, CEC Vice Chair Suzanne Bonamici will lead the LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force, and CEC Co-Chairs Robert Garcia, Julie Johnson, and Sarah McBride will lead the newly-established International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force:
“At a time where LGBTQI+ people are facing attacks from every direction, it’s incredibly heartening to see Members of Congress, including both members of and allies to the LGBTQI+ community, stepping up to be leaders in the fight to defend our community,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Last Congress, CEC Vice Chairs Sara Jacobs and Pramila Jayapal, who co-led the Transgender Equality Task Force, and Vice Chair Suzanne Bonamici, who led the LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force, did incredible work to support our caucus’s mission, and I’m incredibly thankful to announce they’re continuing in these roles this Congress. I am also looking forward to working alongside CEC Co-Chairs Robert Garcia, Julie Johnson, and Sarah McBride in defense of equality around the world with the newly-established International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force.”
“Like everyone else, the trans community wants to feel safe, respected, and free to go after every opportunity in life. But in his first 30 days in office, President Trump has targeted, attacked, and dehumanized trans people in the military, on sports teams, and in the doctor’s office,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus’s Transgender Equality Task Force. “I’m so proud to continue serving as the Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force and through this role, I will keep fighting to protect the rights, dignity, and freedom of the trans community.”
“I am so honored to continue leading the Transgender Equality Task Force alongside my friend and colleague Congresswoman Sara Jacobs,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus’s Transgender Equality Task Force. “Under this administration, it is more important than ever that we stand up for trans folks in every corner of the country and fight for their ability to live their lives as their true, authentic selves. I have seen firsthand the joy that comes with being able to do that, and I will never stop fighting for the right of every single trans individual to be who they are. I look forward to working with all of my other Equality Caucus colleagues as we continue to be fierce advocates for all trans people across our country.”
“Just like everyone in Oregon and across the country, LGBTQI+ neighbors, colleagues, family, friends, and members of the community deserve compassionate care as they age,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Chair of the Equality Caucus’s LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force. “I’m grateful to lead the LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force to help overcome the many barriers that still keep LGTBTQI+ seniors from accessing the care and services they need.”
“As the first gay immigrant in Congress, I’m proud to co-chair the Congressional Equality Caucus’s International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force, along with advancing my International Human Rights Defense Act to protect LGBTQI+ communities worldwide,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42), Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus’s International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force. “This task force is key to combating rising anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence. I remain committed to championing global human rights and ensuring all governments uphold the dignity of every person.”
“It is critical that as we work to protect and expand LGBTQI+ rights at home, we continue our work to spread equality abroad,” said Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus’s International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force. “Our nation’s leaders have a moral responsibility to stand up and speak out for LGBTQI+ rights in every country and on every continent, which is why I’m thrilled to serve as a Co-Chair of the International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force under the Congressional Equality Caucus. I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop ways we can fight on behalf of LGBTQI+ communities around the world.”
“I’m proud to be Co-Chairing the International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force with the Congressional Equality Caucus. Everyone deserves to live with freedom from violence, persecution, discrimination, harassment, and stigma,” said Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus’s International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force. “As the new administration sucks up to anti-LGBTQ dictators around the world, it is going to fall on members of Congress to stand firm in our values and our commitment to human rights globally. With attacks on the LGBTQI+ community are on the rise at home and abroad, the work of these three critical task forces led by the Congressional Equality Caucus could not be more vital. True equality will only be realized when every single person can live with freedom to be their fullest self.”
The Equality Caucus’s Task Forces for the 119th Congress include: the Transgender Equality Task Force, the LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force, and the newly-established International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force.
The Transgender Equality Task Force (or “TETF”), first established in the 114th Congress, advocates for the rights and dignity of transgender people through legislation and administrative actions. The TETF, led in the 119th Congress by Equality Caucus Vice Chairs Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), will serve as a key organizing point for educating members of Congress on issues impacting the trans community and working to protect the transgender community from the Trump-Vance Administration’s anti-transgender attacks. Reps. Jacobs and Jayapal also led this Task Force in the 118th Congress.
The LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force, first established in the 114th Congress, pushes for legislative and administrative actions that protect the dignity and security of LGBTQI+ people as they age. Equality Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), who will lead the LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force in the 119th Congress, also led this Task Force in the 118th Congress.
Newly-established in the 119th Congress, the International LGBTQI+ Rights Task Force will be led by Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42), Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), and Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-AL). This Task Force will serve as a central organizing point in Congress for advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ around the world, including by responding to efforts to criminalize LGBTQI+ identities.
Additional details on the Equality Caucus’s Task Forces, including full membership, will be posted to our website.