Manatee Review

WASHINGTON – On Apr 17, 2023 , Chairman Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) and Ranking Member Dina Titus (D-Nev.) are pleased to announce new members of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) for the 118th Congress. Chairman Buchanan praised the announcement of new and returning HDP Members:

"I am pleased to welcome this bipartisan group of members to continue HDP's mission of fostering effective democratic governance around the world," said Chairman Vern Buchanan. "Emerging democracies throughout the globe continue to be threatened by rising authoritarianism and democratic backsliding. It is in our national security interests to work with and assist these nations. Our bipartisan team for the 118th Congress is composed of members from diverse backgrounds and political perspectives that will contribute to HDP's work. I look forward to working with them to not only strengthen the democratic institutions of partner countries, but also learn from their experiences as well."

“The House Democracy Partnership’s work to strengthen democratic institutions and foster the accountable, independent legislative functions of emerging democracies globally is incredibly important,” said Rep. Titus. “I’m honored to serve as its Ranking Member this Congress, and I look forward to carrying on the legacy of Rep. David Price. Working with my colleagues in both parties, I hope to help to strengthen relationships with our partner countries, expand political participation by underserved populations, and promote democratic values around the word.”

The following Republican Members were appointed by Speaker McCarthy:

1. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Florida (Chair)
2. Rep. Adrian Smith, Nebraska
3. Rep. Darin LaHood, Illinois
4. Rep. Mike Kelly, Pennsylvania
5. Rep. Neal Dunn, Florida
6. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania
7. Rep. David Kustoff, Tennessee
8. Rep. Kevin Hern, Oklahoma
9. Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin
10. Rep. Claudia Tenney, New York
11. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Florida

The following Democratic Members were appointed by Democratic Leader Jefferies:

1. Rep. Dina Titus, Nevada (Ranking)
2. Rep. Gwen Moore, Wisconsin
3. Rep. Ted Lieu, California
4. Rep. Norma Torres, California
5. Rep. Robin Kelly, Illinois
6. Rep. Terri Sewell, Alabama
7. Rep. Diana DeGette, Colorado
8. Rep. Barbara Lee, California
9. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minnesota

Background

A bipartisan Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives, the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) works with parliaments around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislatures. Through the use of peer-to-peer exchanges, training, and targeted technical assistance, the commission enhances accountability, transparency, access to information, and legislative oversight. HDP currently works with more than 20 legislatures worldwide through a variety of programs and initiatives with assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). HDP’s singular focus on the legislative branch of government and its unique ability to bring together American legislators and their peers from around the world have made the commission a valuable forum for strengthening democratic institutions and deepening bilateral relations.

Original source can be found here.