WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, was unanimously elected to represent the Midwest as a Regional Whip in the House Democratic Caucus for the upcoming term.
Axne will serve as one of two Regional Whips that represent the delegations of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin in the 117th Congress beginning January 4, 2020.
“I’m proud to formally serve as one of the Midwest’s voices at the table in the House’s majority next Congress,” she said in a released statement. “I am humbled by the unanimous support of my Midwestern colleagues, and I promise to use this position to continue bringing the concerns and ideas of everyday Iowans and all Midwesterners front and center in every moment I am in Washington.”
The Regional Whips serve as a conduit between the region’s Members of Congress and party leadership, helping facilitate conversations between the two. This allows regional concerns and voices to be channeled directly through these Whips and gives the Midwest a direct line to party leaders in discussions about pending legislation.
Whips are also charged with helping ensure Members are present for votes, as well as tracking ongoing and upcoming debates and votes.
Rep. Axne will serve alongside U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich.