Parsons on Politics

Van Hollen’s Moment

His appointment to the 'super committee' provides an opportunity for Maryland's up-and-comer.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi recently appointed one of Maryland’s own, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. This is the so-called "super committee" that has been charged with finding $1.2 trillion to $1.5 trillion in federal budget deficit savings, to stave off the threat of severe automatic cuts that will be triggered if Republicans and Democrats fail to reach agreement.  For Van Hollen, already a well-respected voice on budgetary issues and a rising star among House Democrats, the appointment carries both great opportunity and great risk.  The opportunity is that his appointment underscores the rising position of influence he has attained within the House Democratic caucus. This can add to his …

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Pelosi Chooses Van Hollen to Represent Progressives on 'Super Committee'

District-8 Rep. Chris Van Hollen looks forward to working with Republicans and putting U.S. on the right fiscal path.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi chose U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Dist. 8) Thursday to fill the last three spots on the 12-member, deficit reducing ‘Super Committee.’ The ‘Super Committee’, the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, will have their hands full this time around as they work to reduce the country's debt—just as they did when working on the issue earlier in the month. Van Hollen said in a press release that he is looking forward to working with his Democratic and Republican colleagues on something that will be a challenge for all of them. He added, “Our plan should put jobs first, sharpen America's competitive edge, ensure health and retirement security, and require shared responsibility from those who have done so …

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