Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement announcing that Congressman Derek Kilmer of Washington State will chair the new Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.

“It gives me great pride to appoint Congressman Derek Kilmer as the Chair of our new Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.  Congressman Kilmer is an innovator and a pioneer, who has worked relentlessly to make the House more transparent and more responsive to the voices of Members and the American people.  His commitment to bipartisanship in the Congress will be vital to this Committee’s work to modernize our institution.

“This November, the American people called for a Congress that would be ethical, transparent, unifying and responsive to their needs and aspirations.  The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress will deliver this promise, and advance a House of Representatives that is diverse, dynamic and oriented toward the future.  This Committee will strengthen our institution, recognizing the legislative branch is Article I, the first branch of government, and will help our transformative new class achieve results for the American people.

“With Congressman Kilmer at the helm of this important Select Committee, Democrats will reinvigorate the Congress and return the People’s House to the American people.”