One of the cochairs of the Florida delegation in the U.S. House will be taking on a leadership role with the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) for the next two years in Congress.
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., announced on Wednesday that he will pair up with U.S. Rep. David Price, D-NC, in leading HDP, a group of 20 members of the House who work with “partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions.”
First launched back in 2005, HDP works closely with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
“The mission of the House Democracy Partnership is to promote responsive, effective government and strengthen democratic institutions by assisting legislatures in emerging democracies,” Buchanan’s office noted. Central to its work is peer-to-peer cooperation to build expertise in partner legislatures that will enhance accountability, transparency, legislative independence, access to information, and government oversight.”
Buchanan said he and Price are taking over HDP at a crucial time.
“With rising authoritarianism and extremism threatening emerging democracies, it is in our strategic interests to assist these nations,” Buchanan said. “I look forward to working with Chairman Price and our bipartisan colleagues on the HDP to strengthen the democratic institutions of these nations.”
“Our country has an important stake in the struggles and successes of emerging democracies around the world,” said Price. “Democracy is about more than holding free and fair elections – it is about what happens between elections to provide a voice for the people in the legislative process. As I resume the chair of the bipartisan House Democracy Partnership, I look forward to working with my Republican Co-Chair, Vern Buchanan, and with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support parliaments across the world as they build responsive and effective democratic institutions.”
“The appointment of Congressmen David Price and Vern Buchanan as co-chairs of the bipartisan House Democracy Partnership is excellent news," said NDI President Derek Mitchell. "At a time when HDP’s bipartisan mission to strengthen democratic legislatures around the world is more important than ever, HDP is fortunate to benefit from the experienced leadership and commitment of Congressman Price, who has been a part of HDP leadership since its founding in 2005, and Congressman Buchanan, who joined HDP when he was first elected to Congress in 2007. Together with our partners at IRI and USAID, NDI is honored to continue to support the work of HDP in the 116th Congress.”
“The International Republican Institute congratulates Congressman Vern Buchanan on his selection as co-chair of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP),” said IRI President Daniel Twining. “HDP is a vital commission of the U.S. Congress, and we are confident that under Mr. Buchanan’s and Mr. Price’s leadership it will continue to serve as an effective tool of U.S. engagement with foreign parliaments and a partner in the development of strong, responsive legislatures.”
First elected to Congress in 2006, Buchanan and U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., chair the Florida House delegation. Buchanan sits on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and has led its Tax Policy Subcommittee and its Human Resources Subcommittee. Currently Buchanan leads Republicans on the Trade Subcommittee. He has also served on the House Budget Committee. Buchanan’s name has garnered buzz as a possible U.S. Senate candidate in recent cycles but he’s opted to continue in the House.
