Changes

The '''Congressional Progressive Caucus''' is an informal alliance of 77 liberal and left Congressmen in the U.S. House. They push for liberal revisions of major laws, but have been frustrated in 2009 because the Democrats need the support of the more conservative [[Blue Dog]] Democrats pass legislation in the face of near 100% Republican opposition.  [[File:Prog-caucus.jpg|thumb|450px]]

The '''Congressional Progressive Caucus''' is an informal alliance of 77 liberal and left Congressmen in the U.S. House. They push for liberal revisions of major laws, but have been frustrated in 2009 because the Democrats need the support of the more conservative [[Blue Dog]] Democrats pass to pass legislation in the face of near 100% Republican opposition.  [[File:Prog-caucus.jpg|thumb|450px]]

==Members==

==Members==

The cochairs are Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona and Lynn Woolsey of California. Most members represent big city districts, especially in the Northeast and West Coast. Most were elected by landslides and do not have to worry about reelection. Since the term "liberal" is out of fashion, they use "progressive." The Caucus was founded in 1991. No Republican has ever belonged.

The cochairs are Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona and Lynn Woolsey of California. Most members represent big city districts, especially in the Northeast and West Coast. Most were elected by landslides and do not have to worry about reelection. Since the term "liberal" is out of fashion, they use "progressive." The Caucus was founded in 1991. No Republican has ever belonged.

The Progressive Caucus overlaps heavily with the Black Caucus (which does not accept white members).

The Progressive Caucus overlaps heavily with the [[Congressional Black Caucus]] (which refuses to allow any white members).

==Power==

==Power==

Many powerful committee and subcommittee chairs belong; Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] was a member until she became party leader.

Many powerful committee and subcommittee chairs belong; Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] was a member until she became party leader.