Black legislators are major leaders of economic committees for the District and nation.
D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large) will continue to serve as chairman of the Business and Economic Development Committee for Council Period 26 in the District, while on Capitol Hill, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will make history as the first African American to lead a standing Senate Committee — Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee — for the 119th Congress.
The Committee on Business and Economic Development’s jurisdiction includes: matters concerning small and local business development policy; economic, industrial, and commercial development; the establishment and oversight of business improvement districts (“BIDs”); and matters relating to taxation and revenue for the operation of the government of the District of Columbia. In addition, the committee handles the regulation of banks, and banking activities, securities, and insurance, including private health insurance, but not including the city’s Health Benefit Exchange.
Members of the District’s committee are Council members Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Anita Bonds (D-At Large) and Wendell Felder (D-Ward 7).
Scott said he is looking forward to leading the Banking committee. Further, Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) have been selected to serve on the committee and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) will continue his service.
One of Scott’s first tasks will be to hold confirmation hearings for Scott Turner, Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“My goal is simple: make America work for Americans,” Scott said. “We will unlock opportunity, strengthen our nation, and make America the shining city on the Hill again.”