Blue Dog Coalition Announces New Leadership for 114th Congress

WASHINGTON – The fiscally responsible Blue Dog Coalition today announced its leadership for the 114^th Congress. The Coalition will continue to work with members on both sides of the aisle to pass commonsense legislation that keeps federal spending under control and eliminates overly burdensome government regulations.

The new leaders include:

• Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) – Co-Chair for Administration
• Congressman Jim Cooper (TN-05) – Co-Chair for Policy
• Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) – Co-Chair for Outreach and Communications

In addition to announcing new leadership, the Blue Dog Coalition also welcomes two new members at the start of the 114^th Congress – Congressman Brad Ashford (NE-02) and Congresswoman Gwen Graham (FL-02).

"The American people sent a clear message that they're ready for members of Congress, in both parties, to work together," said Congressman Schrader, Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration. "The Blue Dog Coalition is made up of members who are committed to reaching across the aisle to address this nation's serious problems. We are interested in governing, not fighting, and this Coalition will continue to find areas of agreement in this new Congress."

"Blue Dogs are always ready to work with any Democrat or Republican interested in keeping America number one," Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy. "Congress has to get its act together, but we can only improve if we stop pointing fingers and start solving problems. It's time to abandon gridlock and embrace governing. Blue Dogs will lead the way."

"As we begin the 114th Congress, I look forward to working with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to get sound, commonsense legislation passed," said Blue Dog Co-Chair for Outreach and Communications. "American citizens deserve a Congress that is willing to compromise, putting their partisan differences aside for the betterment of our country. The Blue Dog Coalition will continue our effort to work with those on both sides of the aisle, so we can make positive and lasting differences for our great nation."

"I have sought bipartisan, commonsense solutions and worked to cut wasteful government spending throughout my legislative career -- I'm proud to continue doing so as a Blue Dog," said Rep. Brad Ashford, NE-02. "Before I came to Congress, I pledged to find 25 friends to help reach across the aisle and end the partisan gridlock that has paralyzed our government. I'm confident that I'll find a few of those friends in the Blue Dog Coalition."

"Voters in the Second District of North Florida are Blue Dog voters – meaning they believe in compromise, reaching across the aisle, and getting things done," said Rep. Gwen Graham (FL-02). "I'm going to work with the Blue Dog Coalition to make sure we represent the people and put our nation's interests ahead of politics."

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