WASHINGTON, DC – Recently, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-7) was elected by her fellow freshman Democratic members to serve as the President of their Freshman Class for the first session of the 112th Congress.
As President of the Democratic Freshman Class, Rep. Sewell will work with her freshman colleagues and House Democratic leadership to formulate policy agendas and legislative priorities. She will also serve as a representative to House Leadership on behalf of her freshman classmates.
“It is a privilege and an honor to serve as President of the Democratic Freshman Class,” said Rep. Sewell. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in our freshman class to strengthen within the party and to work in a bipartisan manner to create innovative solutions to many of our nation’s challenges. By developing solutions for creating jobs, investing in our nation’s infrastructure and improving our workforce development, we will accomplish the goal of putting our economy and America’s families back on track.”
“Congratulations to Congress-woman Terri Sewell on her election as Freshman Class President,” said Rep. David Cicilline, fellow freshman Democrat from Rhode Island, who will succeed Sewell as President in the second session of the 112th Congress. “Her great talent and strong leadership will guarantee that the voices of the newest members of Congress are heard loudly.”
In addition to serving as President of the Democratic Freshman Class, Rep. Sewell was selected to serve as a Senior Whip by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD). This position provides Rep. Sewell a strong platform from which to advocate for constituents in the 7th District and families all across the state of Alabama.
“I am pleased to announce that Rep. Terri Sewell will serve as a Senior Whip in the 112th Congress,” said House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD). “As a new Member of Congress bringing the voices of her constituents with her, Rep. Sewell brings a new and valued perspective to the table. I look forward to working with her as we continue to advance Democratic priorities of job creation and strengthening the middle class.”
The Senior Whip team is composed of leaders from across the Democratic Caucus. They will meet once a week, when Congress is in session. During these meetings, the Senior Whips have a forward-looking, strategic discussion on the key issues facing the nation. Senior Whips will also be responsible for talking to their fellow Democratic members about upcoming legislation that will be considered in the House.
Rep. Sewell was also elected by her Democratic colleagues to serve as Regional Whip for Region VIII. In this capacity, Rep. Sewell will be responsible for counting votes for the Democratic Party and represent Region VIII, a territory which includes Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. She will relay concerns and questions about legislation from Members within her region to Democratic leadership and will often be asked by House leadership to participate in floor debates. The Democratic Caucus is split into twelve regions and each region has two representatives in the Whip organization. The Whip organization is lead by Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD).
“It is an honor to serve as a Senior Whip and to be elected Regional Whip. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in Region VIII and with House Democratic leaders to secure votes on issues that are important to the state of Alabama, this region and this nation,” said Rep. Sewell. “I want to thank House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer for selecting me to serve as a member of his team, and I am excited about rolling up my sleeves and helping to move America forward in the 112th Congress.”
“As Regional Whip, Rep. Sewell will have the ability and capacity to shape the present and future debate for our Nation,” said Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Dean of Region VIII. “The State of Alabama and our country is blessed to have her leadership.