06/16/2021 | Press release | Archived content
WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) was selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to service on the U.S. House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. Congressman Gonzalez has been appointed to focus on the connection between economic growth and infrastructure connectivity.
The Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth was established in the 117th Congress to investigate and offer solutions to close the increasing economic divide. It is modeled after the mission of the Temporary National Economic Committee, established by President Roosevelt and the Congress. The Committee's mission will be to Build Back Better in a way that ensures liberty, prosperity and opportunity for all.
'As we build our nation back better from this pandemic, we must focus on upgrading our physical and digital infrastructure to promote economic fairness and growth,' said Congressman Gonzalez. 'South Texas is not only one of the most digitally disconnected areas in the country, it also lacks connection to an interstate highway system. I hope to fully address the urban and rural divide and how we invest in our infrastructure to tackle rising levels of inequality. Everyone in the United States deserves a fair shot at the American Dream and it's important that we start with our most basic infrastructure.'
Economic inequality has been a growing concern for years - one that has intensified during the pandemic. There is recognition that our economy, has moved the goal line to an unreachable standard for those wanting to attain the middle-class American dream. And it has become clear that the stagnation of workers' pay and widening gap between the average worker and CEO is unfair and unsustainable.
The priority of addressing wealth and financial disparity is a broad one, encompassing many concerns and constituencies which is why the committee is reflective of all of America. Democratic membership includes:
Working with the Committees of Jurisdiction, the Select Committee will study and recommend proposals to make the American economy work for everyone, powering American economic growth while ensuring that no one is left out or left behind in the 21st Century Economy.
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