Reps. Sewell and Ocasio-Cortez Selected to Co-Convene House Democrats' Cost of Living Healthcare Working Group

Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced that House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has selected her to serve as Co-Convener of House Democrats' Cost of Living Healthcare Working Group alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14).

The Healthcare Working Group is one of five Cost of Living Working Groups established by House Democratic leadership to further develop Democrats' affirmative agenda focused on lowering costs and making life more affordable for the American people. The other working groups will focus on Housing, Gas and Utilities, Groceries and Goods, and Caregiving. Each working group will be led by an ideologically diverse team of co-conveners working closely with Democratic Caucus and committee leaders.

"We are grateful that Leader Jeffries has selected us to serve as Co-Conveners of the Cost of Living Healthcare Working Group," said the Representatives. "Healthcare costs remain one of the biggest challenges facing working families, and ensuring every American has access to quality, affordable healthcare has never been more important."

"As Republicans and the Trump Administration pursue devastating cuts to healthcare programs that millions rely on, Democrats must put forward a bold vision that lowers costs, expands access, and strengthens care for future generations," continued the Representatives. "We look forward to working with our colleagues across the Caucus to develop forward-looking policy solutions that deliver meaningful results for the American people."

Rep. Sewell brings extensive healthcare policy experience to the role. She serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare and other critical healthcare programs, and currently serves as Chair of the New Democrat Coalition Health Care Working Group. Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Sewell has been a leading advocate for expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare, strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, protecting the Affordable Care Act, lowering prescription drug costs, and reducing health disparities in underserved communities.

The Healthcare Working Group will engage Members from across the Democratic Caucus and work collaboratively with Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (MA-01) and Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (NJ-06) to develop policy recommendations aimed at lowering costs and expanding access to healthcare. The effort reflects House Democrats' commitment to advancing an agenda that addresses the everyday challenges facing working people and delivers tangible results for communities across the country.