Press release issued 3/ 10/ 20
Washington, DC – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress’ bipartisan legislation to make Congress more effective, efficient and transparent. H.Res.756, the Moving our Democracy and Congressional Operations Towards Modernization Resolution, includes nearly 30 of the recommendations made by the Select Committee, chaired by Rep. Kilmer, to make Congress work better for the American people. Today marks the first time in recent history that a select committee has effectively turned recommendations into legislative action.
“These recommendations are the product of bipartisan collaboration and a commitment to making Congress work better for the American people. These recommendations, though wide-ranging, share a common goal of making Congress more responsive, transparent and accessible for every American. Today marks the first time in recent history that a committee like ours has turned recommendations into legislative text, and it’s thanks to the collaboration and partnership of Democratic and Republican members. I am grateful for their time and commitment to improving the People’s House and I’m hopeful there will be more to come,” said Chair Derek Kilmer (D-WA).
Every committee member co-sponsored this legislative text, led by Chair Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Vice Chair Tom Graves (R-GA), to signal their strong support for delivering real reform in the U.S. House of Representatives. The recommendations, which will be implemented by the House, include streamlining and reorganizing human resources, modernizing and revitalizing technology, improving access to documents and publications, and making the House accessible to all. The full list of recommendations made by the Select Committee can be found here.
Created by an overwhelming bipartisan vote at the beginning of the 116th Congress, the Select Committee was tasked to produce recommendations on rules to promote a more modern and efficient Congress; procedures, including the schedule and calendar; policies to develop the next generation of leaders; staff recruitment, diversity, retention, and compensation and benefits; administrative efficiencies, including purchasing, travel, outside services, and shared administrative staff; technology and innovation; and the work of the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards.
In January 2019, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Rep. Kilmer as Chairman of the Select Committee calling him, “an innovator and a pioneer, who has worked relentlessly to make the House more transparent and more responsive to the voices of Members and the American people.”
The Select Committee has held 16 hearings and numerous Member and staff-level briefings and listening sessions to solicit ideas and recommendations for reforming the legislative branch. On a rolling basis throughout the year, the Select Committee issued recommendations and shared ideas for reform on a bipartisan basis. Last fall, after widespread bipartisan support throughout Capitol Hill, the Select Committee and its work was extended through the end of the 116th Congress. The rule that created the Select Committee originally had it set to expire on February 1, 2020. The extension allows the Select Committee to continue its work proposing bipartisan reforms to make Congress work better for the American people.
Kilmer Receives Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s ‘Congressional Youth Innovation’ Award.
Press release issued 3/ 10/ 20Washington, DC – Last week, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) was awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s ‘Congressional Youth Innovation’ Award for his commitment to helping young people reach their full potential. Representatives of the Boys & Girls Clubs honored Rep. Kilmer’s innovative leadership in sponsoring the Youth Workforce Readiness Act, a bill which aims to equip young people with skills to succeed in the workforce, increase job accessibility, and end the cycle of poverty.
“Representative Kilmer could not be more deserving of receiving BGCA’s Congressional Youth Innovation Award. He has been a longtime champion for youth in our region. His support has helped us secure funding for new facilities and enhanced programs and opportunities to create great futures for the nearly 4,000 youth we serve in the Puget Sound region,” said Carrie Holden, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. “Representative Kilmer is not only a leader we can turn to in Congress, but is one that has taken the time on a number of occasions to visit our Clubs and engage with our Club members—some of the youngest constituents he works for. He understands that the work we do to ensure great futures for the young people we serve cannot be done on our own, and we are grateful for his continued partnership and support.”
“A true leader doesn’t just solve for today’s problems but for tomorrow’s as well. Congressman Kilmer is a prime example of a leader who goes above and beyond at formulating solutions that will have the maximum impact on our youth’s present and future,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “His commitment to investing in tomorrow’s leaders today has had an undeniable impact not just in Washington but throughout the country. We are fortunate to have a dedicated advocate in the halls of Congress and are honored to call him a supporter and friend.”
“Kids are one-third of our population—but 100% of our future. That future will be brighter because of the amazing work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America,” said Rep. Kilmer. “I’m proud to receive the ‘Congressional Youth Innovation’ Award for my work to help ensure our students have the skills they need for the workforce of tomorrow. I’ll keep working to partner with great organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help our youth to reach their full potential.”
The Youth Workforce Readiness Act establishes a competitive grant program for out-of-school-time programs—like those supported at Boys & Girls Clubs across Washington state—that focus on skills development, career exposure, job-readiness and certification, and work-based learning.
In addition to co-sponsoring the Youth Workforce Readiness Act, Rep. Kilmer introduced the Compete for the Future Act last Congress, a bipartisan bill that would create a prize competition for youth and pre-apprenticeship programs that help high schoolers learn skills for high-demand jobs.
The Boys and Girls Clubs serve nearly 123,000 Washington youth and 4.7 million youth across the country.
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
Syria: Humanitarians reaffirm support as conflict enters its 10th year.
UN agencies have underscored their commitment to continue supporting civilians affected by the war in Syria, which this month enters its tenth year.
Iran: BBC and other broadcast journalists harassed; families threatened – UN experts .
Threats, unlawful surveillance and harassment by the authorities, are just some of the concerns facing journalists in Iran, prompting a group of independent UN human rights experts on Wednesday, to once again sound the alarm.
Five things you should know now, about the COVID-19 pandemic
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the status of the COVID-19 outbreak from epidemic to pandemic. Here are five important pieces of information on what this means for you and your community.
Coronavirus: Pandemic alert should be trigger for countries to do more against COVID-19
Countries must “double-down” on their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, the UN health agency said on Wednesday, after announcing that the global emergency can now be described as a pandemic. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the announcement as “a call to action – for everyone, everywhere.”
More support key for counter-terrorism in Africa, where ‘misogyny is at the heart of so many’ groups.
The UN Security Council on Wednesday called for greater international support to African countries in their continued fight against terrorism and violent extremism, particularly in parts of the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin region and the Horn of Africa.
Democracy is sliding away in Myanmar, warns top rights investigator
Daily fighting in Myanmar, widespread internet blackouts and reporting restrictions, indicate that the shift to more democratic rule is “sliding away”, a senior UN-appointed independent rights investigator said on Wednesday.
Brazilian mountain farmers reap recognition, through UN heritage listing.
Farmers who gather flowers from the Espinhaço Mountain Range in Brazil received well-deserved recognition on Wednesday for their crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and preserving traditional knowledge.
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