Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement after convening a strategy meeting with Committee Democrats to discuss legislative priorities, strengthen collaboration, and chart a path forward for the 120th Congress.

“Following our historic Democratic victory, we have an extraordinary opportunity to deliver meaningful change for the American people. One of the greatest strengths of the House Financial Services Committee is the wealth of experience, expertise, and perspectives our Members bring from communities across the country. Each Member understands the unique challenges facing their constituents, and those perspectives are essential to shaping a Committee that delivers meaningful results for the American people.

“That is why I brought Committee Democrats together to hear directly from my colleagues about how we can strengthen our work, empower our Members, and build on our record of delivering tangible results. Our discussion was productive, candid, and focused on how we can make this Committee even more effective.

“Following these conversations, and informed by the recommendations of my colleagues, including a list of thoughtful and reasonable recommendations compiled by Ranking Member Bill Foster, I intend to build on our Committee's strong foundation by taking several steps under my leadership as Chairwoman in the 120th Congress to ensure we are working together as effectively as possible to advance our legislative and oversight agenda, including:

• Building on Committee Collaboration: Incorporate Subcommittee Chair staff into relevant Committee planning discussions to foster collaboration, support coordination, and advance shared legislative and oversight priorities.
  
  
• Subcommittee Chairs and Members to be Informed Ahead of Oversight Actions: Continue working closely with Members on key oversight initiatives, including discussions involving subpoenas where appropriate, to advance a strong, unified oversight agenda.
  
  
• Subcommittee Chairs to Choose the Topics for 50% of their Subcommittee Hearings, in Consultation with the Chair: Further incorporate Subcommittee Chairs' expertise and recommendations into hearing priorities as part of the Chairwoman's broader Committee agenda.
  
  
• Subcommittee Chairs to Choose at Least One Witness for Each Subcommittee Hearing: Continue drawing on recommendations from Subcommittee Chairs to identify knowledgeable witnesses who can strengthen hearings and advance the Committee's priorities.
  
  
• Consult Subcommittee Chairs on Markup Agenda and Floor Votes: Build on existing collaboration with Subcommittee Chairs on markups, legislative priorities, and floor strategy to move forward an ambitious agenda under the Chairwoman's leadership.
  
  
• Chairwoman Waters to Aid Vulnerable Democratic Members and Shepherd Their Legislative Priorities Through Committee: Continue working with Members, including a special focus on those representing competitive districts, to elevate their legislative priorities and identify opportunities to deliver results for their constituents.
  
  
• Ensuring Resources to Deliver Success: Provide Subcommittee Chairs with ample resources to deliver on behalf of the Committee and the American people, including resources to recruit and retain top talent.
  

“I thank my Democratic colleagues, including Ranking Member Foster, for their recommendations that reflect their collective experience and ideas, and I am committed to adopting them and putting them into action.

“As we look ahead to the 120th Congress, I am excited about what we can accomplish together. From making housing more affordable and protecting consumers from predatory financial practices to holding Wall Street accountable and ensuring our financial system works for everyone, we have important work ahead of us. I intend to build on our successes, empower our Members to deliver for their constituents, and lead a Committee that is not afraid to take on the toughest challenges facing the American people. We have a lot of work to do, and I am ready to get it done.”

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