Respected on both sides of the aisle for honesty and conspicuous good nature, Representative Van Hollen led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for the past two election cycles, but avoided a reputation as a pure partisan.
He fell out of party leadership after former Speaker Nancy Pelosi opted to stay on as leader, a move that bumped others down a chair. But Van Hollen’s new assignment as ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee is a key post for the new minority to defend its legacy.
The budget panel is the front line for decisions on how fast and far to cut spending. Van Hollen promises a principled search for common ground.
“When we disagree, we should do it in a way that contributes to the dialogue,” he says.
