Congressional Equality Caucus Announces Co-Chairs for the 118th Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Equality Caucus formally announced its Co-Chairs for the 118th Congress: Representative David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Representative Mark Takano (CA-39), Representative Angie Craig (MN-02), Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03), Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01), Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42), and Representative Eric Sorensen (IL-17). This is the largest number of LGBTQI+ Members of Congress to serve as Co-Chairs of the Equality Caucus. The Equality Caucus Co-Chairs will work with Equality Caucus Chair Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) to help set the Caucus' agenda for the Congress and fulfill the Caucus' mission to promote equality for all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.
"We know we will see attacks against the LGBTQI+ community from extremist politicians this Congress, and I could not ask for better partners in this fight than our Co-Chairs. They embody the values of the Equality Caucus and increasingly reflect the diversity of our community," said Chair Pocan. "I look forward to working with them to defeat anti-LGBTQI+ attacks and to push for an inclusive agenda that promotes the wellbeing of all Americans no matter who they are or who they love."
"Last Congress, we made great strides towards achieving full equality for LGBTQI+ people, including House passage of the Equality Act and the Global Respect Act, increased funding for LGBTQI+ priorities at home and abroad, and the President signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law," said Co-Chair Cicilline. "Now, we must stand united against attacks on our community – from extremist Members here in Congress and in state legislatures across the country – to protect the progress we've made and build on those successes."
"I'm thrilled to once again serve as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, and I'm so proud that a record number of openly LGBTQI+ Members are contributing to the diversity of the 118th Congress," said Co-Chair Takano. "In my role as Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I've prioritized inclusivity and access to care for a diverse population of veterans, and I look forward to continuing that work with the help and support of my LGBTQI+ colleagues and allies."
"It has been an honor to serve as a Co-Chair for the Equality Caucus over the past four years as we've taken tremendous steps to advance LGBTQI+ rights and stood strong against attacks from extremist politicians. I look forward to continuing to build on that progress with my fellow co-chairs during the 118th Congress," said Co-Chair Craig.
"When I was sworn into congress, I promised to work on behalf of folks in every corner of Kansas' Third District, including LGBTQI+ Kansans," said Co-Chair Davids. "We all deserve a government that promotes common-sense, inclusive policies to ensure equal treatment in our communities. I am excited to continue my work as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and to do so alongside a diverse group of leaders."
"I'm glad to be rejoining the Congressional Equality Caucus as a Co-Chair once again in the 118th Congress," said Co-Chair Pappas. "In the last Congress, we secured a critically important victory for the LGBTQI+ community when we passed legislation to guarantee strong federal protections for marriage equality, and I'm eager to continue working to pass legislation to protect LGBTQI+ veterans and fight discrimination. Our work is not done until we can ensure every American enjoys the same protections under the law, and I'm committed to continuing to work together to make progress and promote equality."
"I am honored to be named Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus for the 118th Congress," said Co-Chair Torres. "Last session, we made historic progress in signing into law landmark civil rights bills like the Respect for Marriage Act and advanced other legislative priorities that protect equal rights and stand up to discrimination and hate toward the LGBTQI+ community. But we know our work is far from over so long as LGBTQI+ individuals remain under attack every day in America. I am excited to partner with my fellow co-chairs to continue the caucus's important mission of fighting to promote equality for all, regardless of who they love or how they identify."
"As the first openly LGBTQI+ person to represent Vermont in Congress, I am honored to join this diverse group of co-chairs who are committed to equality and inclusivity," said Co-Chair Balint. "With a dangerous increase in anti-LGBTQI+ violence, it is essential that we speak out against hate in all forms. Alongside my colleagues, I hope to not only fight for critical legislation like the Equality Act, but also serve as a role model for those who've never seen themselves represented in positions of power. Equality cannot wait and I'm proud to join a caucus that has been a consistent, leading voice against hate and violence."
"As the first LGBTQI+ immigrant to serve in Congress, it is an honor to serve alongside my distinguished colleagues as Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus. In the face of adversity and growing attacks on our community it is critical that we stand together," said Co-Chair Garcia. "I am committed to ensuring that all Americans are treated with dignity and respect and am excited to join my colleagues as we work to protect everyone's right to love and be themselves."
"I look forward to working with each of my Equality Caucus co-chairs to pass the Equality Act, protect and expand LGBTQI+ rights, and continue to fight for our communities and constituents. As the first openly LGBTQI+ Member of Congress elected from Illinois, I will always stand up for our community's rights, especially as anti- LGBTQI+ hate is on the rise," said Co-Chair Sorensen.
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. The Caucus is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQI+ people in the U.S. and around the world.
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