WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Darin LaHood has been named to serve as Co-Chair of the U.S.-Brazil Caucus, the Digital Trade Caucus, the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, and the Congressional Bus Caucus for the 116th Congress. Rep. LaHood released the following statement upon the announcement:
“My constituents in the 18th District sent me to Washington to advance priorities and fight for sound policies that support our community. Whether it’s working to expand trade markets for our farmers and manufacturers, pursuing infrastructure fixes that support local transportation, or ensuring the U.S. maintains a strong relationship with Lebanon, which holds deep roots in our greater Peoria community, caucus leadership roles will assure that the voices of my constituents are heard by lawmakers in Washington,” stated Rep. LaHood. “I am pleased to expand my caucus leadership roles and look forward to engaging Members of Congress and stakeholders in Washington on issues critical to well-being of folks in central and west-central Illinois.”
Rep. LaHood will continue to Co-Chair the U.S.-China Working Group, the Algae Caucus, and the Soccer Caucus, in addition to his new assignments.
Background:
The U.S.-Brazil Caucus
• The U.S.-Brazil Caucus is focused on identifying ways to expand the flow of trade between the U.S. and Brazil and fostering a relationship between the two countries
• Brazil is one of the top ten countries in total U.S. exports from Illinois, according to the Census Bureau, making it a critical trading partner for our local farmers and companies like Caterpillar and John Deere
• Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Gregory Meeks (D-NY)
The Digital Trade Caucus
• The Digital Trade caucus, launched in 2017, is focused on engaging and educating lawmakers to make sure trade policies are up to date with our changing and digitized economy
• As the agriculture industry modernizes into the digital economy, ensuring our farmers have access to up to date technology will be vital to their success
• Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA)
The U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus
• The U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus is focused on maintaining and strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Lebanon
• Over 8,000 Lebanese call the greater Peoria area home
• Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Rep. Charlie Christ (D-FL)
The Congressional Bus Caucus
• The Congressional Bus Caucus is focused on advocating for the nation’s bus transit needs
• The 18th District is home to some exceptional local bus transit systems, including Peoria CityLink and Bloomington-Normal’s Connect Transit
• Rep. LaHood will Co-Chair the caucus alongside Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA)
