Duckworth Elected Freshman Democratic Whip, Receives Committee Assignments

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-8th) is taking on a leadership role since being  sworn in Jan. 3. Duckworth was elected to serve as the Democratic Whip for the freshmen class.

The whip serves three primary functions: strategy coordination, supplying members and leaders with information, and ensuring representatives are present to vote on key legislation.

“Congress needs leaders who are willing to put politics and partisanship aside to get results for their constituents, and I plan on doing just that,” Duckworth said in a prepared statement.

In addition to becoming the freshmen whip, Duckworth also was named to the House Committees on Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

“America faces serious national security challenges and I look forward to working with my colleagues on Armed Services to keep America safe by continuing to have the strongest military in the world,” Duckworth said.

Other issues Duckworth said she will help tackle in her new assignments include being a voice for the military and their families, ensuring there is accountability for how tax dollars are spent, creating jobs and investing in badly needed infrastructure in the 8th congressional district.

“It is an honor to serve the people of Illinois’ 8th Congressional District and I look forward to getting to work right away,” Duckworth said.