House Democratic Freshmen Want Seats on Financial Services Committee

The members also ask their leadership to consider holding hearings outside Washington whenever possible.

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A sign at the entrance to a House Financial Services Committee room in Washington, DC.

The incoming House freshman Democrats are placing a high priority on being appointed to the Financial Services Committee.

In a letter sent to their leaders, the 46 newly elected Democrats said they would like their members to be appointed to five committees, including Financial Services: The Appropriations, Ways and Means, Rules and Energy and Commerce.

“The voters have asked for our voices to be heard, and to do that, this class must be a driving force in drafting legislation with far-reaching economic implications for the country,” they said in the letter.

The votes of the 46 members are crucial, as House Minority Leaders Nancy Pelosi of California attempts to secure enough votes to become Speaker in the 116th Congress.

Several of the new members already have expressed reservations about Pelosi.

Committee appointments are made by a steering committee of Democratic leaders and rank-and-file members. The committee appointments are ratified by the Democratic Caucus.

The 46 members have made it clear that while some Democratic leaders have said they will place a high priority on oversight and investigations, they are most interested in passing legislation.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) has said she wants to conduct strict oversight of the Republican management of the CFPB, as well as Trump family businesses. But she also has said she wants to move housing legislation through her panel.

The members also asked their leadership to consider holding hearings outside Washington whenever possible.

“Citizens across the country should have the opportunity to attend hearings that impact their lives,” they said in their letter.

House committees seldom hold field hearings.

The newly elected Democrats also ask that Democratic committee leaders designate one staff member to work with new members to help increase their effectiveness.

And the 46 members ask that the Democratic Leadership place a high priority on any bill that has at least 290 co-sponsors.