U.S. Reps. Meng and Tonko Elected Regional Whips for New York
U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) announced today that they have been selected as Regional Whips for New York in the upcoming 115th session Congress which begins in January.
Elected by their Democratic colleagues from the New York State congressional delegation, Meng and Tonko will advise New York Democrats about upcoming legislation and report the sentiments to Democratic leadership in the House. Meng will be responsible for Democratic House members from New York City and Long Island and Tonko will be responsible for Democratic House members from Upstate New York.
In addition to her new role as a Regional Whip for New York, Meng will continue to serve as an Assistant Whip, a position she was appointed to last year by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), the second highest ranking Democrat in the House.
“I thank my New York State colleagues for electing me to the important position of Regional Whip,” said Meng. “It is an honor to be selected and I am excited to serve in this capacity with Rep. Tonko. I look forward to continuing the fight for New York’s middle class families, and helping advance the Democratic agenda in the next session of Congress.”
“The House has a long to-do list ahead of it when we reconvene in January for the 115th Congress, and I’m looking forward to getting to work,” said Tonko. “With its diverse economy, communities, and economies, Upstate New York represents America – and Upstate Democrats will continue to vote to create well-paying jobs, raise wages, and defend hard-working families in the communities they represent. In a few short years Congresswoman Meng has proven to be an effective and responsible leader that hit the ground running the day she was elected, and I couldn’t be happier to work with her in this capacity for the next two years.”
“I congratulate my friends and colleagues Representatives Meng and Tonko on their election to these leadership positions in New York’s congressional delegation,” said Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), dean of the New York congressional delegation for the 115th Congress. “Their expertise will help give our state an important voice in Congress and a seat at the table when important decisions are being made that affect the future of all New Yorkers. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences will help ensure that all New Yorkers are represented in our caucus leadership. I’m looking forward to working with them in their new roles to move our state and nation forward.”
First elected to the House in 2009, Tonko represents New York’s Capital Region, which includes Albany, Amsterdam, Schenectady, and Troy. He currently serves as the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment and the Economy. He also works on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Meng is presently serving her second term in the House representing the Sixth Congressional District of New York encompassing the New York City borough of Queens, including west, central and northeast Queens. She is the first Asian American Member of Congress from New York State, and the only Congressmember of Asian descent in the entire Northeast. She is also a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Small Business Committee where she is the Ranking Member of the Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subcommittee.