Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D) has just been reelected as the leader of the Blue Dog Coalition for the 117th Congress. The 18-member coalition, which also includes Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) as a member, unanimously reelected Murphy, who made history in the 116th Congress in becoming the first woman of color to become leader of the Coalition. In being reelected, she is also the second leader in the history of the Coalition to serve two consecutive terms.
In a statement, Murphy expressed her gratitude in being able “to again lead this principled and pragmatic group of House Democrats.”
She expressed that “as our government navigates this unprecedented health and economic crisis, Blue Dogs will continue to reach across the aisle to find common ground and improve the lives of Americans.” She detailed that the “coalition remains committed to pursuing bipartisan cooperation, being fiscally responsible, and protecting our national security.”
Murphy is also a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and the Committee has jurisdiction over issues regarding the people of Central Florida, which includes revenue, critical federal programs like Social Security and Medicare, and trade.
In addition, Murphy will also serve as a Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Majority, and she will aid in helping Democrats better communicate with House leadership to ensure that legislation that comes to the House floor reflects the views espoused by the Democratic caucus. This position also guarantees her a seat on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which is tasked with recommending committee assignments to the Democratic Caucus and helps shape the House policy agenda.
As a member of the 116th Congress, Murphy along with Crist urged Biden to focus on bipartisanship during his time in the White House. The lawmakers directed a letter to Biden, which specifies the COVID-19 pandemic response and the subsequent economic recovery.
