WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan announced today that has been tapped to chair the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) for the 118th Congress.
HDP is a historically bipartisan, twenty-member commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions. Through the use of peer-to-peer exchanges, training, and targeted technical assistance, the commission enhances accountability, transparency, access to information and legislative oversight.
“With rising authoritarianism and extremism threatening emerging democracies around the globe, it is in our strategic interests to assist these nations,” said Chairman Buchanan. “I look forward to leading HDP’s efforts to strengthen the democratic institutions of our partner nations.”
HDP currently works with more than 20 legislatures worldwide through a variety of programs and initiatives with assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). HDP’s focus on the legislative branch of government and its unique ability to bring together American legislators and their peers from around the world have made the commission a valuable forum for strengthening democratic institutions and deepening bilateral relations.
The HDP Commission members are appointed by House leadership, with 11 members from the majority and nine from the minority. The Democratic co-chair and members of the commission are expected to be announced in the upcoming weeks. HDP conducts the majority of its programs around the world with an established group of partner legislatures, but also hosts members of parliament and staff from these legislatures in D.C.
Buchanan first joined HDP in the 111th Congress. He previously served as co-chair of HDP with former Congressman David Price (D-NC).
###
