Now in his second term on Capitol Hill, a congressman from the First Coast is taking over as a co-chairman of the Congressional Deaf Caucus.
This week, U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla, stepped up to serve as co-chairman of the caucus, replacing former U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kansas, who was defeated last year. Rutherford joins U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., in leading the caucus which was launched back in 2013.
The caucus “bridges the communication divide between members of Congress and their deaf and hard of hearing constituents" and “works to advocate for legislative policies focused on the deaf community and to empower these individuals by promoting equal access for all.”
Rutherford weighed in on his new post on Monday.
“Deaf individuals experience many unique challenges in their everyday lives,” said Rutherford. “It is our job as representatives to ensure America's laws and resources properly reflect our commitment to equity and opportunity. I look forward to working in a bipartisan way with Co-chair Takano and the entire caucus to advocate and raise awareness for the deaf community.”
“Being deaf or hard of hearing should not be an impediment to working in Congress or helping advance the policy issues that you care about,” said Takano. “I represent the California School for the Deaf and a vibrant deaf and hard of hearing community, and I helped found this Caucus in 2013 to bridge the communications gap between members and their deaf constituents — I’m glad to see that this effort is only getting stronger. Thank you to Rep. Rutherford for teaming up with me to lead this caucus.
“This Congress, we will continue to celebrate deaf talent, raise awareness of the contributions and needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community, and work to ensure that all Americans have equal access to their government,” Takano added.
Working with Gallaudet University, the Congressional Deaf Caucus supports a Congressional Deaf Internship program. James Groff, a deafblind and graduate of Fletcher High School in Jacksonville who is now working on an MPA at Galladuet, is currently an intern for Rutherford.
