WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) was elected as Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee. She will serve as the Vice Chair of the full Committee for the 116^th Congress. The Congresswoman released this statement following today’s historic vote:

“I am honored to serve as the Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the 116^th Congress. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Frank Pallone, our subcommittee chairs, and my colleagues to address issues of great importance to the American people.  As the Committee’s Vice Chair, my concerns include net neutrality, lowering prescription drug prices, climate resiliency, the safety of migrant children at our southern border, broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity, privacy and consumer protection, and to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health care.

“The 2018 midterm election reflects the desires of the American people for progress and advances in achieving a quality of life that surpasses that of prior generations. It is my firm belief that we have what it takes to achieve these advances. It just takes our will and resolve to make it so.

“The American people have put their trust in their Representatives and are relying on us to govern responsibility in order to achieve legislative results that benefit all Americans.”

In the role, the Vice Chair will:

(i) Preside at full Committee hearings or markups when the Chairman is not present;

(ii) Serve as a liaison to the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC);

(iii) Help coordinate and develop messaging for markups and high-profile hearings; and

(iv) Serve as the whip for markups, high profile hearings and other committee activities.

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