House progressives speak out after midterm results
Washington Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal told reporters on Sunday that in the wake of her party's surprising midterm performance, in which they bucked history to limit their losses in the House, next year's Congress will see the "most progressive Democratic caucus in decades."
Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), said at a news conference with newly elected lawmakers that her group will have 100-plus members come January.
She said that, despite the pattern of past cycles and the Biden White House's unpopularity, there was "no red wave" and a majority of the CPC-endorsed candidates won their races so far.
Jayapal wouldn't say if she'll support Speaker Nancy Pelosi if the California lawmaker runs again for leadership -- or if she herself will run for House leadership.
For the lame-duck session before the next Congress starts in January, Jayapal said her group's goals include raising the debt limit and reviving the child tax credit. She said CPC is holding an executive board meeting soon to lay out a plan.
Incoming Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost -- who will be the first Gen Z member of Congress -- said at the news conference that what young people care about is not "anything different than anyone else."
"The difference is the lens in which they see those same issues," he said.
Control of the House remained unprojected as of Sunday as vote-counting continues.
-ABC News' Lauren Peller





