U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, has been appointed as an assistant whip for the 116th Congress.
In Congress, “whips” have the primary task of keeping track of votes for and against a legislative initiative and share duties with party leaders in “whipping up” support for a specific position.
“I look forward to serving with Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-South Carolina, as an Assistant Whip in the Democratic majority in the 116th Congress,” Veasey said in a news release.
Veasey said he was honored to support Clyburn “in his duties to bring together the most diverse Democratic Caucus in history, to fight for our Democratic ideals, and to advance legislation for the good of all Americans.”
It was the second appointment as a whip for Veasey.
Earlier, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman Mike Thompson , D-California, announced that Veasey as be one of four whips for the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in the 116th Congress.
The new Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chief Whip is Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Florida. Deputy whips are Veasey, Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pennsylvania, and Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Connecticut.
The most recent announcement if for the Democratic delegation in the House of Representatives as a body and not just a single committee appointment.
“I’m pleased that Congressman Veasey will be joining my Whip team as an Assistant Whip for the 116th Congress,” Clyburn said in a statement.
“Congressman Veasey will play a critical role in my Whip operation, helping us ensure that every voice of the most diverse Caucus ever is heard as we consider legislation to move our country in a positive direction,” Clyburn said.
Assistant Whips are responsible for helping the Whip operation get an accurate read on where members of the caucus stand on certain pieces of legislation and work to answer questions or address any concerns members may have with upcoming bills.
The new Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chief Whip is Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Florida. Deputy whips are Veasey, Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pennsylvania, and Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Connecticut.
“It’s critical that we work across the aisle to pass common sense firearm safety in the 116th Congress to end the cycle of violence from mass shootings that are haunting this country,” Veasey said of the appointment on Whip for the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce.
Thompson said the Democratic majority in the House is ready to hold hearings and cast votes as he announced the new leadership positions.
New Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Vice Chairs are Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colorado, and Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Georgia.
The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was established after the tragedy at Sandy Hook and has grown to a membership of more than 165.
– FWBP Staff