America has clearly stated that now is the time for a renewed focus on the issues of middle class, working families.  While the New Direction Congress has fought hard for the middle class, and had much success, there is still a lot of work to be done.  That's why we have established the Populist Caucus.  We invite you to join us in our efforts to fight for working families and the middle class. 

The middle class is the economic engine of America.  Unfortunately, it has seen tough economic times lately, and it's time for a renewed emphasis on those issues that serve to strengthen the middle class and improve the lives of working families.  The Populist Caucus will focus exclusively on these types of issues.

*Features*

• Rep. Braley and the Populist Caucus endorse Wall Street Transaction Fee. Read the press release here.
  

• Rep. Braley and the Populist Caucus send letter to Obama administration demanding tighter enforcement of executive compensations. Read the letter here.

• Rep. Braley and the Populist Caucus take action to urge inclusion of a public option in the healthcare reform. Read more here.  You can also visit this link on the Quad-City Times website.
  

Populist Caucus News

Populist Caucus Actions

History of the Populist Caucus

1. Fighting for working families and the middle class by creating and retaining good-paying jobs in America, providing fair wages, proper benefits, a level playing field at the negotiating table, and ensuring American workers have secure, solvent retirement plans.
2. Cutting taxes for the middle class and establishing an equitable tax structure.
3. Providing affordable, accessible, quality health care for all Americans.
4. Ensuring quality primary education for all American children, and affordable college education for all who want it.
5. Defending American competiveness by fighting for fair trade principles.
6. Protecting consumers, so that Americans can have faith in the safety and effectiveness of the products they purchase

The Populist Caucus currenly has 29 members, including: 

Chair:

Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA)*

Vice-Chairs:

Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY)*     

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)*

Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH)*

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN)*

Members:

Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA)*; Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)*; Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT)*; Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX); Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA)*; Rep. Phil Hare (D-IL)*; Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-HI)*; Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)*; Rep. Steve Kagen (D-WI)*; Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH); Rep. David Loebsack (D-IA)*; Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM); Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY)*; Rep. Michael Michaud (D-ME)*; Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA)*; Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA)*; Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)*; Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)*; Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY)*; Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT)*; Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY)*; Henry Waxman (D-CA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Dan Lipinski (D-IL)

* indicates a Founding Member of the Populist Caucus