Diana DeGette

Diana DeGette

Diana DeGette is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 1st district of Colorado.

Background

A fourth-generation Coloradoan, U.S. Rep. DeGette graduated from Denver’s South High School, received her B.A. magna cum laude from Colorado College in 1979 and her J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1982. She served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives serving as Assistant Minority Leader from 1993-1995.

U.S. Rep. DeGette is married to attorney Lino Lipinsky.

Mentored by Pat Schroeder

Diana DeGette joined Patricia Schroeder’s staff in 1990.

March 14, 2023 Press Release.

DENVER, CO – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) released the following statement on the passing of former Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder:

“Pat Schroeder was a pioneer for women’s rights. She was a trailblazer, a role model, a mentor and a friend. She dedicated her life to serving her community, and to championing the well-being of women and families throughout this country. Pat was elected to Congress when I was in high school and she inspired a generation of young women, like me, to dream high. She became a mentor and dear friend after I succeeded her, and I am eternally thankful, not only for all of the incredible work she did for our state, but for the guidance and friendship she provided along the way.

Congress

Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette is serving her 8th term in Congress as Representative for the First District of Colorado. As a member of the powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce, an exclusive congressional committee with vast jurisdiction over health care, trade, business, technology, food safety, and consumer protection, she is one of the leading voices in the health care debate in this country. She also serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, which conducts the oversight of, and investigations into, issues falling under the jurisdiction of the full committee. As a member of the Democratic leadership, she played a vital role in the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, has fought for tough food safety legislation, and was a key player in crafting a comprehensive consumer product safety bill.

U.S. Rep. DeGette is also the chief architect of legislation to expand stem cell research, which has been passed twice with broad, bipartisan support in Congress. The measure was vetoed twice by President George W. Bush – including his very first presidential veto. A life-long Coloradoan, U.S. Rep. DeGette is guided by traditional Western values. She’s also the author of the landmark Colorado Wilderness Act, which would protect and preserve pristine land across Colorado for generations to come. She has fought to enhance her constituents’ access to affordable quality health care, expand mass transit, improve transportation in the Denver area, clean up environmental waste sites, and improve opportunities for small business.

Chief of Staff

In 2019 DeGette's Chief of Staff was Lisa Cohen.

Democratic leadership

In 2005, U.S. Rep. DeGette was promoted to the House Democratic leadership as Chief Deputy Whip. As a Whip, she works to ensure passage of key pieces of legislation and orchestrate opposition to Republican legislation that is antithetical to Democratic values. Steadily rising in the Democratic Whip organization since her first term in Congress, U.S. Rep. DeGette previously served six years as Regional Whip and two years as the Democratic Floor Whip.

Committees

As Vice Chair of the powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce from 2007 to 2011, U.S. Rep. DeGette served as the Acting Chair of the committee in the Chairman’s absence, spearheaded projects, and assisted the Chairman in promoting the Committee’s legislative agenda.

A member of the Committee since her first term in Congress, she has used her position to improve health care, expand medical research, reform corporate business and accounting practices, ensure that our homeland is adequately protected, take on global climate change, and move America toward energy independence. She is the Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and also serves on the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, and the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

In January, 2011, Rep. DeGette was elected the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations has historically been a starting point for many high-profile issues. As Ranking Member in the 112th Congress, Rep. DeGette will be charged with leading Democrats as the Subcommittee examines the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, proposed rules on network neutrality, and efforts to protect our environment from the harmful effects of pollution and climate change.

Congressional Progressive Caucus

In 1998, Diana DeGette was listed as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

In 2021 Diana DeGette re-joined the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Resolution condemning socialism

Fedrary 2, 2023 House Republicans moved a Resolution condemning socialism and certain dictators.

The Resolution began:

Whereas socialist ideology necessitates a concentration of power that has time and time again collapsed into Communist regimes, totalitarian rule, and brutal dictatorships;

Whereas socialism has repeatedly led to famine and mass murders, and the killing of over 100,000,000 people worldwide;

Whereas many of the greatest crimes in history were committed by socialist ideologues, including Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, and Nicolás Maduro;

Eighty six Democrats voted no. Forteen voted "present" and six didn't vote.

Representative Diana DeGette voted "Nay".

No to China committee

Sixty-five Democrats in the House of Representatives voted on Tuesday January 10, 2022, against creating a committee to investigate China and find ways to counter the communist country’s growing international influence.

The House overwhelmingly voted to create the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party on a 365 to 65 margin, in one of the first votes since the Republicans took control of the chamber.

However, even though some members did not vote, all 65 lawmakers who voted against the committee’s creation were Democrats, including Diana DeGette.

Defense spending cuts letter

May 19, 2020.

Dear Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry:

We write to request a reduction in defense spending during the coronavirus pandemic. As you draft this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we encourage you to authorize a level of spending below last year’s authorized level. Congress must remain focused on responding to the coronavirus pandemic and distributing needed aid domestically. In order to do so, appropriators must have access to increased levels of non-defense spending which could be constrained by any increase to defense spending.

Initiated by Mark Pocan and Barbara Lee.

Co-signatories included Diana DeGette .

Socialist connections

DSA Medicare 4 All pressure

DSA meeting

Endorsing Tay Anderson

Tay Anderson September 1 2019·

Never thought I would see a day where members of Congress would be saying it’s #TayTime! I’m so enthused to have these people on our team.

Tay Anderson was endorsed in his Denver School Board run by Congressmembers Joe Neguse, Jason Crow and Diana DeGette.

Green New Deal visit

Tribute to Corky Gonzales

A tribute to Corky Gonzales, by Hon. Diana DeGette of Colorado, in the House of Representatives, Wednesday, April 20, 2005.

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life of an eminent citizen, Rodolfo Corky Gonzales. This remarkable man merits both our recognition and esteem as his impressive record of leadership, activism and invaluable service has moved our community forward and thereby, improved the lives of our people.

Corky Gonzales lived life on the front lines of progress and is known as the father of the Chicano movement in the Southwest. He was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1928 and spent his early life as a professional boxer. He became a national boxing champion and was later inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. But for Corky Gonzales, his boxing career proved to be a metaphor for a life of social and political activism.

Corky Gonzales was a fighter and he became a true champion in the struggle for human dignity and cultural respect. He became a champion of La Raza...

Please join me in paying tribute to the life of Rodolfo (Corky) Gonzales, a prominent activist and civic leader. His service, accomplishments and leadership command our respect and serve to build a better future for all Americans.

Peace Pledge Coalition

In 2007 90 Members of Congress, pledged in an open letter delivered to President Bush: "We will only support appropriating funds for U.S. military operations in Iraq during Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond for the protection and safe redeployment of all our troops out of Iraq before you leave office." The letter was initiated by the Peace Pledge Coalition. The Coalition was led by Tim Carpenter, Progressive Democrats of America, Bob Fertik, Democrats.com Medea Benjamin, CodePink, Bill Fletcher, co-founder of Center for Labor Renewal David Swanson, AfterDowningStreet.org, Democrats.com, Progressive Democrats of America, Kevin Zeese, Voters for Peace, Democracy Rising, Brad Friedman, co-founder of Velvet Revolution, Bill Moyer, Backbone Campaign.

Diana DeGette signed the letter.

Supported by Council for a Livable World

The Council for a Livable World, founded in 1962 by long-time socialist activist and alleged Soviet agent, Leo Szilard, is a non-profit advocacy organization that seeks to "reduce the danger of nuclear weapons and increase national security", primarily through supporting progressive, congressional candidates who support their policies. The Council supported Diana DeGette in her successful House of Representatives run as candidate for Colorado.

Voted against cutting funding for ACORN

In September 2009, following the lead of their Senate colleagues, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to cut off funds to ACORN. the vote was 345-75. All of the 75 were Democrats, and included Diana DeGette.

Colorado Student Power Alliance

Colorado Student Power Alliance - COSPA, June 22, 2013.

The Colorado Student Power Alliance - COSPA is happy to announce that after our meeting with her yesterday to discuss student loans and student voice in education, Congresswoman Diana DeGette has confirmed with us that she will be the newest co-sponsor of the Student Loan Fairness Act, one of the most comprehensive and long-term-focused bills on the table right now in Congress to begin dealing with the student debt crisis.

National Council of La Raza

May 30, 2013, NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will join U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D–CO), the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and Every Child Matters Education Fund at a town hall meeting to discuss the impact of federal budget cuts. Because of sequestration, drastic cuts to programs that provide educational, housing and food assistance are already placing our most vulnerable communities at risk. The current House of Representatives budget proposal offered by Paul Ryan (R–WI), Chair of the Committee on the Budget, and passed by the House gets 66% of its budget cuts from programs that serve low-income people while cutting taxes that mainly benefit wealthy people and corporations. Meanwhile, the budget offered by Senate Budget Committee Chair Patty Murray (D–WA) includes new revenue, invests in the future and protects vulnerable people from cuts, which aligns more with the Latino community’s priorities.

At the town hall session, community members, organizations and elected leadership will have an opportunity to discuss the impact of existing and proposed budget cuts and alternatives, including revenue raising proposals. Jesus Altamirano, Regional Coordinator, NCLR, will also unveil recent NCLR poll results from registered Latino voters in three critical electoral swing states, including Colorado, which show that a majority of registered Latino voters believe high-income individuals and corporations should be paying more toward reducing the federal deficit.

• U.S. Representative Diana DeGette
• Jesus Altamirano, Regional Coordinator, NCLR
• Max Richtman, President and CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
• Katie Facchinello, Colorado Campaign Director, Every Child Matters Education Fund
• Dr. Steve Berman, Director, Center for Global Health, University of Colorado School of Public Health
• Rachel Hernandez, Social Security beneficiary
• Daunitia Lewis, former foster care youth

NCLR forum

The National Council of La Raza Action Fund and partner organizations hosted Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Congressman Ed Perlmutter, and Congressman Jared Polis on Nov. 6th 2013, in Denver, CO for a discussion on moving immigration reform forward in the House of Representatives. State Senator Jessie Ulibarri moderated the event, while the three lawmakers discussed the prospects for reform in the House and took questions from the audience. Thank you to Rep. DeGette, Rep. Perlmutter, and Rep. Polis for taking the time to discuss immigration reform with us, and to State Senator Ulibarri for leading the discussion, to our partner organizations Del Norte NDC, GOAL Academy, CLLARO, Mi Casa Resource Center, CIRC, OFA, UFCW, AMG, and the Colorado Fiscal Institute for helping put the event together, and to Denver Public School Board Member-at-Large Elect Rosemary Rodriguez for attending today’s discussion.

Fred Ross award campaign

In early 2013, mainly Democratic Socialists of America aligned activists, together with many elected officials across the United States came together to urge President Barack Obama to award posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the legendary organizer, Fred Ross, Sr.. The Saul Alinsky trained radical was the first to organize people through house meetings, a mentor to both Cesar Chavez and DSAer Dolores Huerta, and a pioneer in Latino voter outreach since 1949 when he helped elect Communist Party USA affiliate Ed Roybal as Los Angeles’s first Latino council member, "Ross’ influence on social change movements remains strong two decades after his death in 1992".

Congressional endorsers of the proposal included Diana DeGette.

JStreet PAC endorsement

In 2024 JStreet PAC endorsed Diana DeGette.

JStreet endorsement

The socialist infiltrated, anti-Israel "two state solution" JStreet PAC endorsed Diana DeGette in her 2014 Congressional race.

JStreet endorsed her again 2016.

Rep. Diana DeGette is a rising star in the Democratic Party and is running for her eleventh term representing Colorado's 1st District, which encompasses the Denver metro area.

DeGette is a longtime supporter of Israel and the two state solution, and JStreetPAC is proud to endorse her.

Nefzger connection

David Nefzger, Diana DeGette, United Steelworkers, April 12, 2014

In 2014, Rachel Bennet Steury and Ken Poweski, Field Coordinators with the Alliance for American Manufacturing recently spent 10 days working alongside SOAR activists in Colorado to educate elected officials, candidates, union members and the general public about the importance of revitalizing the manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy.SOAR District 12 Executive Board Member, Joel Buchanan, SOAR 38-3 President Al Becco, and SOAR 12-01 President David Nefzger introduced Rachel and Ken to many of the labor leaders and candidates.

This provided a good opportunity for them to discuss the important issues on their agenda, in a less formal and relaxed environment. David, Al, Joel and USW Local 2102 Vice President Sam Pantello joined Rachel and Ken for a number of meetings with top staff from the offices of Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Congressmen Ed Perlmutter, Coffman and Tipton, and Senators Udall and Bennet.

They focused on providing information about currency manipulation, infrastructure investment, international trade and Buy America policies. They also met with Adams County Commissioner and fellow Steelworker Chaz Tedesco about state and county-level Buy America policies and their importance to job creation.

Immigration forum

Congresswoman Diana DeGette and Congressman Luis Gutierrez hosted a community forum to discuss federal Immigration Reform legislation SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2nd 2013, Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia Street, Denver 80220

Please RSVP to Stephanie Davila-Syner.

PDA connection

In June 2013 Progressive Democrats of America assigned activists to deliver their material to almost every US Congressman and several Senators. Barry Sarver, was assigned as contact for Rep. DeGette.

Humanitarian Needs in Cuba letter

December 16 2021 , House Rules Committee Chair James McGovern (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory Meeks (D-NY), House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Chair Barbara Lee (D-CA), and House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Energy Chair Bobby Rush (D-IL) led 114 Members of Congress in a letter to President Biden asking him to prioritize the well-being of the Cuban people as they experience the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in recent history...

In the wake of this year’s protests, the members urged the administration to support the Cuban people by suspending U.S. regulations that prevent food, medicine, remittances, and other humanitarian assistance from reaching the Cuban people...

Signatories included Diana DeGette.

Cuba visit

California-based nonprofit MEDICC (Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba), took a bipartisan delegation to Havana to see diabetes care and Heberprot-P at work -- as it happened, on the eve of the December 17 2014 historic announcement by the U.S. and Cuban governments. The group included Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), chair of the Diabetes Caucus, the largest caucus in Congress with 345 members; more Caucus members; and diabetes experts and patient advocates.

Dec. 12-Dec. 16, 2014 Reps Michael Burgess (R-TX), Karen Bass, Danny Davis, Diana DeGette, Robin Kelly, Barbara Lee, and Charles Rangel, were part of a group trip to Havana, Cuba sponsored by Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba . "Attended meetings with government officials, health care workers and providers and members of civil society".

U.S. Rep Diana DeGette was in Cuba the day before President Obama made this week's big announcement.

A relationship strained by more than 50 years of Cold War tension won't happen overnight. It seems the trade embargo with Cuba will remain in place. Even so, major American companies, including MasterCard, Cisco, Marriott, Pepsi, Caterpillar and Major League Baseball have all shown interest in doing business in Cuba.

"Obviously a really fascinating time to be there just before this happened, and every Cuban who I met was happy to see Americans there, eager for normalization of relations," DeGette said. "And the other thing that I will say is looking at the infrastructure in that country, boy, I think it would really benefit the U.S. if we fully normalized relations and removed the blockade because there's so much opportunity for American companies to go in there."

DeGette was in Cuba to learn more about a breakthrough diabetes drug developed by Cuban scientists. She also met with the foreign ministry to push for the release of American prisoner Alan Gross.

ARA endorsements

The Alliance for Retired Americans Political Action Fund endorsed Diana DeGette in 2014. Also 2012, 2010.

Brewerton connection

Democratic Socialists of America member Mary Brewerton, works at the Bayaud Resource and Navigation team at Bayaud Enterprises, helping Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.

In 2016;

When I began working with one particular client, who is 31 years old and has a nine-year-old daughter, she had stage IIIB colon cancer. During the application process, her cancer progressed to Stage 4. She was automatically qualified for a Compassionate Allowance by the Social Security Administration and in that case, her claim would be automatically expedited. However, her file was randomly pulled for a “quality review,” which meant that the decision would be delayed.

Since this development created a situation contrary to the intent of the Compassionate Allowance designation, I did not feel that I could stand by and wait for the quality review while my client was facing eviction from her apartment. I e-mailed the office of Congresswoman Diana DeGette late on a Friday afternoon and received a response from her aide the following Monday morning.

After my client had signed a release form, the congressional aide began contacting the local SSA office and by Friday of the same week, Social Security award letters were sent, detailing how much my client would be receiving in benefits. By the following Tuesday morning, my client had received a back payment of benefits. In slightly more than a week, the situation went from an indefinite wait for benefits and threatened eviction to my client receiving her payment and tremendous emotional and financial relief.

I want to commend Congresswoman DeGette’s office for showing concern for a constituent and following through with action that really made a difference in a family’s life.[

SOTU guest

Congresswoman Diana DeGette, January 12, 2016.

I could not be more proud to welcome Imam ShemsAdeen Ben-Masaud of Masjid Ikhlas, the Metropolitan-Denver North Islamic Center, as my guest for President Obama’s final State of the Union address. Imam ShemsAdeen has played a pivotal role in building bridges of friendship and trust between Denver and the thriving Muslim community that calls Colorado home. His work, like that of so many others, is vital to strengthening our home, and I look forward to continuing our partnership.

Medicare for All Act

In February 2019 Rep. Pramila Jayapal introduced H.R.1384 - Medicare for All Act of 2019. By May 29 she had 110 co-sponsors including Rep. Diana DeGette.

Abortion

Planned Parenthood

DeGette received $1000 in lobbying funds from Planned Parenthood in 2008.

EMILY's List

DeGette has been supported by EMILY's List during her campaigning.

External links

• Degette's website with the House of Representatives

References

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