Liberal Democrats begin the new session at a high-water mark in the House. Democratic aides say liberals account for more than half of the party's 257 seats and will wield gavels on nearly two-thirds of the 21 full committees.(...)
"It's going to be a progressive Congress. There's no doubt about that. It's been a long time coming,'' said Obey, whose office resembles a shrine to the glory days of progressivism, including a photo of Sen. Robert M. LaFollette of Wisconsin (1906-1925), the hero of progressives.(...)
The Congressional Progressive Caucus, with a projected membership of more than 80 - 75 current members and an expected small batch of freshman recruits - has pushed for a $1 trillion economic recovery package that includes a refundable child tax credit and worker training funds.
The liberals say they can also count on support from some House Democrats who aren't part of the Progressive Caucus.
The article also explains how organizing rules of the U.S. House were changed in order to allow committee chairs to serve more than three terms. This will overwhelmingly benefit progressives, who wield most of the current committee chairs.
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