New Congressional Staff Association to Forward Progressive Agenda, Strengthen Ties Among Progressive Staffers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2021

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Email Contact: progressivestaffers@gmail.com 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, a bicameral group of congressional staffers announced the formation of the Congressional Progressive Staff Association, an organization dedicated to strengthening ties between progressive staff, increasing opportunities for progressive professional development and elevating historically marginalized voices in Congress.

The Congressional Progressive Staff Association issued the following statement after receiving official approval from Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the Committee on House Administration: 

“For nearly 30 years, activists and grassroots organizers have worked to build progressive representation in Congress. These efforts—often led by women and people of color—have created a robust, diverse Progressive Caucus and a dramatic shift in ‘politically possible’ legislation, including multi-trillion dollar legislation designed to benefit working people.

“The resounding success of the progressive movement at the ballot box has also led to a change in the backrooms of Congress: from all around the country, criminal justice advocates, human rights activists, faith leaders, climate protectors and many more are making their way to Capitol Hill. They’re joining the staff of the next generation of political leaders who support the policies necessary to avert climate catastrophe, dismantle structural racism, end boundless militarism and build a just society predicated on dignified work.

“But the momentum that progressive organizers harness on the ground often falls victim to partisan gridlock and old-school politics on Capitol Hill. It’s time that progressives on the Hill take a lesson from our local counterparts: get organized, get energized. 

“The Congressional Progressive Staff Association (CPSA) will work to advance the interests of this growing body of progressive staffers and shift the dialogue at the staff level in Congress away from divisive partisanship and toward the conversations people across the country are having in their homes, places of worship and communities every day. CPSA will provide the organizational infrastructure progressive staff need to coordinate legislative and communications efforts. It will serve as a hub for current progressive staff and a landing zone for new progressives arriving in Congress. CPSA will not only be a venue for progressive ideas but also for progressive values: inclusivity, equality, diversity, peace and justice. CPSA will work to resist systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, wealth and income inequality, ageism, ableism, militarism, colonialism and environmental destruction and will work to amplify efforts to create a more just society predicated on universal human rights; workers’ right to organize; economic, political and cultural freedom; and self-determination.”

“I am proud to support the creation of the Congressional Progressive Staff Association,” said Rep. Mark Pocan, Member Sponsor of the Congressional Progressive Staff Association. “As the former co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I saw firsthand the strength of a strong progressive movement in Congress. It’s time that progressive staffers have the same ability to hone their own strengths, organize, and advance staff needs during a particularly dangerous partisan moment in Congress. The Congressional Progressive Staff Association will be a vital hub for progressive staffers to combine their political values with their lived realities and careers while also lifting up historically marginalized voices in Congress.”

"The Congressional Progressive Caucus is proud to support the formation of the CPSA and the expansion of the progressive community on the Hill,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “As in every workplace, staff in Congress are our most important resource, and the CPSA will allow for investment in it: developing opportunities for professional development, strengthening ties between staff, and creating space for collaboration that will make the whole Caucus stronger. Progressives believe in representational democracy and creating a government that works for the people it serves, and we are thrilled to see staff take on that mandate, pushing both Members, and the Hill as a whole, to live our values. We applaud the CPSA on its launch, and look forward to continuing the work together." 

Staff interested in joining CPSA or participating in CPSA events and activities can fill out a registration form here.