Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that he has been named to the U.S. House of Representatives' House Democracy Partnership, which promotes responsive, effective government and works to strengthen democratic institutions by assisting legislatures in emerging democracies. 

In addition, Congressman LaHood announced that he will co-chair the following caucuses for the 117th Congress: 

• U.S. China Working Group
• U.S. Brazil Caucus
• Digital Trade Caucus
• U.S. Lebanon Friendship Caucus
• Bus Caucus
• Algae Caucus
• International Water and Sanitation Caucus
• Soccer Caucus

"It is an honor to be appointed to the bipartisan House Democracy Partnership," said Rep. LaHood. "As the leading group in Congress that supports global democracy, I look forward to working with my colleagues to support responsive and independent legislatures around the globe. In addition, I am pleased to continue my caucus leadership roles and will continue engaging with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and stakeholders in Washington on issues critical to the well-being of residents in central and west-central Illinois."

The House Democracy Partnership 

• The House Democracy Partnership (HDP) works with countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent and responsive legislatures. Using peer-to-peer exchanges, trainings and targeted technical assistance, the commission enhances accountability, transparency, access to information, and government oversight worldwide.

Learn more about the House Democracy Partnership here.

Caucus Leadership 

• U.S.-China Working Group
  • The U.S.-China Working Group is one of the leading forums in Congress for dialogue on the most challenging issues within the U.S.-China relationship
  • China remains an important trade market for Illinois farmers and manufacturers 
  • Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the working group alongside Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA)
• U.S.-Brazil Caucus
  • The U.S.-Brazil Caucus is focused on identifying ways to expand the flow of trade between the U.S. and Brazil and fostering a stronger relationship between the two countries
  • Brazil is one of the top ten countries in total U.S. exports from Illinois, according to the Census Bureau, making it a critical trading partner for our local farmers and companies
  • Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)
• Digital Trade Caucus
  •  The Digital Trade Caucus is focused on engaging and educating lawmakers to make sure our trade policies are up to date with our changing and digitized economy 
  • As the agriculture industry modernizes into the digital economy, ensuring our farmers have access to up to date technology will be vital to their success
  • Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA)
• U.S. Lebanon Friendship Caucus
  • The U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus is focused on maintaining and strengthening the long-term relationship between the U.S. and Lebanon
  • Over 8,000 Lebanese Americans call the greater Peoria area home
  • Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL), Darrel Issa (R-CA), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
• Bus Caucus
  • The  Bus Caucus aims to promote the benefits of long-term federal investment in the nation’s bus systems, address the challenges of an aging bus fleet and advance technological innovation in transit
  • Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA)
• International Water and Sanitation Caucus
  • The Water and Sanitation Caucus promotes the importance of clean drinking water and sanitation around the world 
  • Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), and Grace Meng (D-NY)
• Soccer Caucus
  • The Soccer Caucus engages with leadership, non-profits, and soccer professionals  to promote the goals of leadership and sportsmanship through the game of soccer and the importance of health and physical activity as part of the overall education of our youth
  • Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), and Kathy Castor (D-FL)

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