House Democrats strongly support policies that lift Americans out of poverty and provide them with opportunities to join the middle class. By raising the minimum wage, supporting affordable housing, preserving critical nutritional assistance programs, increasing access to high-quality health care and education, and continuing efforts to create well-paying jobs here at home, more American families will have the resources and opportunities they need to attain the American Dream.
In 2013, Leader Hoyer launched the Majority Leader Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, which works to raise awareness among Members of Congress and the American people about the ongoing crisis of poverty, the positive human and economic impacts of effective poverty alleviation programs, and the need for a comprehensive national effort to eradicate poverty. The Task Force, which is chaired by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, meets frequently with key stakeholders, advocates, and Administration officials to identify root causes of poverty and support strategies and initiatives aimed at eliminating poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted many of the stubbornly persistent racial and income disparities in our country, not only in health care but in access to economic opportunity. As our nation continues to confront this crisis, House Democrats will work to ensure that our public health and economic policies promote equity in access to economic relief and that our recovery addresses long-standing challenges in the fight against poverty.