Kilmer Joins Bipartisan Group of Colleagues to Launch Reformers Caucus
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) joined Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Ken Buck (CO-04) to launch the bipartisan Congressional Reformers Caucus in the United States House of Representatives. Co-chairs Buck and Rice were joined by 17 of their colleagues as founding members of the caucus. The group pledges to work across the aisle in pursuit of common sense reforms to Congress and the legislative process.
“The members of this caucus come from across the political spectrum and disagree on plenty of issues, but it’s obvious to all of us that Congress is in dire need of reform, and we’re committed to taking real action to change the status quo in Washington, reduce the influence of money in our political process, and get our government back to work for the people we serve,” said Representative Kathleen Rice, co-Chair of the Congressional Reformers Caucus. “People are tired of partisan gridlock and double standards for politicians, and they’re waiting for leaders to step up and work together to reform our campaign finance system and legislative process so we can solve real problems. That’s exactly why we created the Reformers Caucus, and I’m excited to join my colleagues in this effort to start restoring the public’s faith and trust in their government.”
“Washington is broken. Donors and insiders have too much influence, and too often backroom deals trip up good legislation. Political party has nothing to do with good governance, which is why I’m proud to be joined by my friend, Rep. Kathleen Rice, and a bipartisan group of colleagues who all want a Congress that works for the people. I’m eager to develop legislation with this group that will improve America’s trust in our democracy,” stated Congressman Ken Buck, co-chair of the Congressional Reformers Caucus.
“People are right to view Washington, DC in such low regard,” Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) said. “Bills are being written by special interests in order to benefit campaign donors with no concern for the effects it has on the people who have to live with the results. That’s wrong, and the Reformers Caucus will work to bring the will of the American people back into the debate.”
“The time is now to bring common sense reforms, accountability, and transparency to Washington. I look forward to joining this bipartisan group so that we can work to regain the trust of the American people,” stated Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05).
"I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to restore greater transparency, fairness, and ethics to the legislative process. Leaders should be held to a higher standard. It's time to bring integrity to Washington D.C.,” stated Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06).
“San Diegans know that our collaborative culture among businesses, universities, and government can be a model for Washington. I’m pleased to join this Caucus, dedicated to working across the aisle in good faith to pass common-sense reform that would result in greater government transparency, an overhaul to the way our elections are run, and restore the full legislative process,” stated Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52).
The launch of this caucus comes at a time when confidence in Congress sits at all-time lows. Americans worry that donors and Beltway insiders have undue influence over a broken legislative process. Citizens are losing confidence in our nation’s capacity for good governance and functional democracy. The Congressional Reformers Caucus aims to work across the aisle on common sense reforms, fighting for greater transparency, fairness, and ethics in the legislative process.
Below are the founding members of the Congressional Reformers Caucus:
Democrat:
Kathleen Rice (NY-04)
Derek Kilmer (WA-06)
Scott Peters (CA-52)
Seth Moulton (MA-06)
Ron Kind (WI-03)
Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01)
Cheri Bustos (IL-17)
Stephanie Murphy (FL-07)
Donald Norcross (NJ-01)
John Sarbanes (MD-03)
Republican:
Ken Buck (CO-04)
Mike Gallagher (WI-08)
Ralph Norman (SC-05)
Andy Biggs (AZ-05)
Jack Bergman (MI-01)
Matt Gaetz (FL-01)
Rodney Davis (IL-13)
Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01)
Mike Coffman (CO-06)