Pelosi Picks Reps for Debt Talks

The Hill reports:

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) late Saturday named two members to represent her caucus in White House-led negotiations over a long-term deficit solution.

Last week, President Obama called on House and Senate leaders to name four members of each caucus to a negotiation to be led by Vice President Joe Biden. The talks are to come up with a debt reduction package by the end of June. The number of participants will now be less than the original 17.

Assistant Minoirty Leader Rep. James E. Clyburn (S.C.) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, ranking member of the House Budget Committee, will serve, Pelosi announced.

"Mr. Clyburn’s effective leadership will be a great asset in these negotiations with his record of consensus building and his years of experience on the Appropriations Committee," Pelosi said.

She noted that Van Hollen also serves on the Ways and Means Committee, which will be charged with drafting any tax legislation that comes from the debt deal.

“This week, Congressman Van Hollen showed his leadership in creating jobs, strengthening thmiddle class and responsibly reducing the deficit by developing the Democratic budget.  Congressman Van Hollen’s keen understanding of both the federal budget and the challenges ahead will make him invaluable to these negotiations," Pelosi said.