U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, announced Monday that House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has selected her to serve as co-convener of House Democrats’ Cost of Living Health Care Working Group alongside U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York.
The Health Care Working Group is one of five Cost of Living Working Groups established by House Democratic leadership to further develop Democrats’ agenda focused on lowering costs and making life more affordable for Americans. The other working groups will focus on housing, gas and utilities, groceries and goods, and caregiving.
Each working group will be led by an ideologically diverse team of co-conveners who will work closely with Democratic Caucus and committee leaders, according to Sewell’s press release.
“We are grateful that Leader Jeffries has selected us to serve as co-conveners of the Cost of Living Health Care Working Group,” the representatives said. “Health care costs remain one of the biggest challenges facing working families, and ensuring every American has access to quality, affordable health care has never been more important.”
“As Republicans and the Trump administration pursue devastating cuts to health care programs that millions rely on, Democrats must put forward a bold vision that lowers costs, expands access, and strengthens care for future generations,” the representatives said. “We look forward to working with our colleagues across the caucus to develop forward-looking policy solutions that deliver meaningful results for the American people.”
Sewell said she brings extensive health care policy experience to the role. She serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare and other critical health care programs, and currently serves as chair of the New Democrat Coalition Health Care Working Group.
Throughout her time in Congress, Sewell has advocated for expanding access to affordable, quality health care, strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, protecting the Affordable Care Act, lowering prescription drug costs and reducing health disparities in underserved communities.
The Health Care Working Group said it will engage members from across the Democratic Caucus and work collaboratively with House Ways and Means Committee ranking member Richard Neal, D-Massachusetts, and House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone, D-New Jersey, to develop policy recommendations aimed at lowering costs and expanding access to health care.
The effort reflects House Democrats’ commitment to advancing an agenda that addresses the everyday challenges facing working people and delivers tangible results for communities across the country, Sewell’s press release said.
