The new Democratic leaders’ health team
wooyoung #wooyoung
The rise of a new generation of House Democratic leaders means there’s also a new group of health staffers on the Hill set to have more sway (though it will take a while to attain the reputation that Pelosi health staffer Wendell Primus had).
Hakeem Jeffries’ office: Disha Banik
What we know: She’s worked on prescription drug legislation, policies to protect safety-net hospitals and obesity prevention programs in Jeffries’ office.
Of note: Jeffries supports Medicare for All but has also endorsed more moderate health reform policies. We reported on the likely incoming House minority leader’s health policy record last week.
Katherine Clark’s office: Wooyoung Lim
What we know: She’s Clark’s health staffer and a senior legislative assistant. Lim has worked in Clark’s office since September 2020.
Clark’s health work: She has focused much of her health-related legislation on maternal health, the opioid crisis and children’s mental health.
Our thought bubble: Two of Clark’s key health issues, mental health and maternal health, could provide an avenue for bipartisan work in the new Congress.
Pete Aguilar’s office: Elise Sugarman
What we know: A senior legislative assistant, since May 2021 she has been in her role covering issues like health care, according to her LinkedIn page.
Aguilar’s health work: He’s not a co-sponsor of the House Medicare for All bill, while Jeffries and Clark are. He is a member of the more centrist New Democrat Coalition.
Yes, but: Don’t forget the new Democratic leaders always reserve the right to make staff changes when they move up in leadership. If they do, we’ll tell you as soon as we know about it!