DeLauro To Chair Appropriations Committee

Every Congressionally-approved dollar the federal government spends over the next two years will have to get past a lifelong New Havener first.

That New Havener, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, was selected Thursday as the new chair of the House Appropriations Committee for the upcoming two-year Congressional session.

DeLauro won the position in a contest decided by a 148 – 79 phone vote of 270 House Democratic Caucus members. She prevailed over Florida U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Ohio U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur also sought the position; she backed DeLauro after dropping out Wednesday night.

It was a career-defining moment for the soon-to-be 16-term Congresswoman, and it places her in one of the most powerful positions at the Capitol.

DeLauro issued a statement called the new assignment ​“one of the greatest honors of my life” and promised ​“to deliver the boldest progress possible for Connecticut and families across the country in the next Congress.”

​“It is a unique time. We are in the middle of a health and economic crisis that must be addressed, communities of color face systemic racism, and we welcome a president with a mandate for change, yet we may still face gridlock,” she stated.

​“Each Member of Congress represents vastly different districts which each face unique challenges. We are united by our desire to stop the spread of this pandemic, create economic recovery, deliver results for the hardworking families struggling across the country, and address the systemic racial inequities to make America more just and equal.”

The Appropriations post is traditionally viewed as a boon for constituents of the chair, who has leverage to negotiate for federal dollars for her district; and for people who agree with the chair’s policy priorities. DeLauro won support in her quest for the chair from, among others, organized labor and women’s rights advocates. DeLauro has pushed for increased aid to help families weather the pandemic. 

This will also be the first time in 40 years that a Connecticut Congressperson chairs a full committee, as noted in this article by CT Mirror reporter Mark Pazniokas. The previous chair, New Haven U.S. Rep. Robert Giaimo, oversaw the House Budget Committee.

Voices for Children Executive Director Emily Byrne called DeLauro’s ascension ​“exciting news.” (See tweet at right.)

“With today’s landslide vote for Appropriations Chair, Rosa is going to be one of the most powerful people in Congress,” tweeted State Sen. Matt Lesser. ​“Wherever you are on the political spectrum this is really good news for Connecticut and working people in general.”

In a release after Thursday’s vote, Gov. Ned Lamont proclaimed himself ​“thrilled” by the news.

“Working families across the country will have a true champion ensuring that their voices are heard over the special interests, and that they have a seat at the table as we all work together with President-elect Biden and his administration to build back better from this pandemic,” Lamont stated.

DeLauro has been serving as chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee.