Speaker Pelosi has named Congressman Jim McGovern the new co-chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. Jim fills a vacancy left when Congressman Tom Lantos passed away.
Jim McGovern has been a tireless advocate for human rights issues in the U.S. and around the world. This is great news for anyone who cares deeply about these issues. Here’s Speaker Pelosi’s official press release:
Pelosi Names Congressman Jim McGovern Co-Chair of Congressional Human Rights Caucus
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today her support for Congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts to be the new Co-Chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. Congressman McGovern joins Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia as Co-Chair and replaces Congressman Tom Lantos, the co-founder of the Human Rights Caucus, who passed away in February.
“Jim McGovern has long been a leading voice in the Congress and the country for the human rights of people throughout the world,” Speaker Pelosi said. “As Co-Chair of the Human Rights Caucus, Congressman McGovern will bring a passion and energy that will further inspire our efforts bring dignity and freedom to all people. In particular, his expertise on issues relating to global hunger and human rights in Latin America will serve the Congress and the country well. I know he will build on the remarkable work of our former colleague Congressman Tom Lantos, who devoted his life to the fight for social justice.”
Said Congressman McGovern: “I am honored by Speaker Pelosi’s decision, and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the great Tom Lantos. I believe if the United States stands for anything, we should stand four-square and out loud for human rights. We must regain our stature as the world’s foremost defender of human rights, and I look forward to working with my friend Frank Wolf and other Members of the Caucus to advance that vital cause. Today I am also reminded of my late boss and mentor Joe Moakley, whose work on behalf of the people of Central America saved countless lives and continues to inspire me.”
“I’m delighted that Speaker Pelosi has appointed Jim McGovern to this important position,” said Howard Berman, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which oversees the Human Rights Caucus. “Jim will bring considerable international credibility to the long-standing work of this caucus, and he is well-suited to continue the legacy of its co-founder, our late colleague Tom Lantos. Bearing Tom’s example in mind, the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Human Rights Caucus will continue to collaborate closely in the defense of human rights.”
Speaker Pelosi could not have made a better choice than Congressman McGovern. He has a track record of protecting human rights both here and throughout the world.
Congratulations to Jim McGovern. He is such a wonderful choice for that position.
Bob, Thanks for promoting this. Jim would amke a fantastic president. Kate
Continues to do good work.
Jim McGovern has voted against the Bill of Rights every time the so-called “Flag Amendment” has come up in the House.
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p>Not exactly what I expect from a human rights advocate.
I was in El Salvador in the 90s when a young staffer, anmed Jim McGovern, accompanied the late Congressman J. Joseph Moakley.
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p>Jim had a passion for the rule of law and social justice. He will do well as the co-chair of the caucus!
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here is his voting record from Project Vote Smart (I’m not sure what if any affiliations they may have)
Okay, I took the name “Jim McGovern for President” as an expression of my enthusiasm for the remarkable representative from the 3rd MA district. I really was trying to identify myself and my political passion with the person who I consider to be the best member of the US House of Representatives. In the interest of full disclosure I must mention that I was Jim’s field director in the election that first put him into office.
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p>Jim McGovern is the best. He is fearless and principled. His greatest fault is his enormous personal loyalty. He was with Hillary with every fiber of his being because the Clintons, both Bill and Hillary, had been there for him when he needed their help. (I was with Edwards, then Obama, but I still love Jim and know that he will work his ass off for Barack.) He is a remarkable political leader. whose election in 1996 completely changed politics in Worcester and beyond.
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p>By the way, I disagree with Jim on the flag burning amendment (and it is just about the only thing significant issue where I have disagreed with his vote). But it is not a vote against the Bill of Rights. It is a vote that recongnizes the Bill of Rights by acknowledging that flag burning as a means of political expression is currently protected as free speech.
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p>Jim is now the second ranking Democrat on the powerful House Rules Committee. The only Democrat there who surpasses his seniority is Rep. Louise Slaughter (may she live and be well) who is 30 years his senior. If the Dems continue in the majority it is only a matter of time before Jim is sitting in Joe Moakley’s old chair, as chief legislative gate keeper. That would be an excellent place for him to be.
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p>I guess I should change my name to eliminate the confusion.
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p>being from MA CD6 I must say that my congressman, John Tierney, is the best member of Congress.
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p>Jim MccGovern learned the ropes from one of the best of them, Joe Moakley. But John Tierney is really taking the Bush administration to task on national security and foreign affairs.
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p>As subcommitee chair on those concerns with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committtee, Congressman John Tierney is providing insight that along with Barney Frank’s leadership on the economy will go along way toseeing that Democrats retain both chambers of Congress and reclaim the Oval Office.
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p>Suffice it to say we, Democrats, have a number of shining stars in our state’s congressional deleggation and Jim McGovern is one of them!
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I am not easily impressed with politicians, especially not one who endorsed and worked for Hillary (since I have been first for Edwards and then for Obama) but I must say spending a half hour speaking with him at a fundraiser for Tom Allen (running for Senate in Maine) was extremely impressive. Just that he would talk for half an hour with my wife and me about political issues was impressive. But what was most impressive was his willingness to talk policy, thoughtfully and in detail, without polemic. He is my candidate if, God forbid, we need a new senator any time soon.