Announcement Made Today at Press Conference by Speaker Hastert, Leader Pelosi

Washington, D.C. - David Price launches the Democracy Assistance Commission

Today, US Rep. David Price (NC-04) was named the top Democrat on the House Democracy Assistance Commission, a 16-member panel of US Representatives who will work directly with international leaders who are working to establish democracies.

Price, who is officially the Ranking Member of the commission, was the driving force behind it. He and US Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) co-authored legislation, House Resolution 135, which is based on an earlier bill written by Price. H. Res. 135 established this plan to give parliaments in emerging democracies the necessary advice and tools to set up their governments. This includes resources and insight to oversee military operations and to improve their capabilities in the areas of constituent services, committee operations, and research.

"Since its founding, the United States has championed the development of democracy everywhere," said Price. "That work has arguably never been more important than it is today. We must continue to serve not just as a model, but as a partner in the effort to strengthen democracy across the globe."

At the press conference today, Speaker Dennis Hastert and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi applauded Price's dedication to this bipartisan effort, highlighting the experience, knowledge, and leadership that he and Dreier will bring to the commission.

Price had introduced the earlier version of this bill with former US Rep. Doug Bereuter (R-NE). Price and Bereuter had been inspired to introduce the initiative as a result of their involvement in a task force during the early 1990s that provided assistance, equipment, and training to new parliaments in Central and Eastern Europe.

The commission includes 9 Republicans and 7 Democrats. The list follows.

Rep. David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman

Rep. David Price (D-NC), Ranking Member

Rep. John Boozman (R-AR)

Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA)

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)

Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL)

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE)

Rep. Paul Gilmor (R-OH)

Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ)

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL)

Rep. William Kolbe (R-AZ)

Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI)

Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-TX)

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)

Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA)

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)