U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., announced this week that he will lead the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) for the next two years.
“HDP is a historically bipartisan, twenty-member commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions. Through the use of peer-to-peer exchanges, training, and targeted technical assistance, the commission enhances accountability, transparency, access to information and legislative oversight,” Buchanan’s office noted. “HDP currently works with more than 20 legislatures worldwide through a variety of programs and initiatives with assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). HDP’s focus on the legislative branch of government and its unique ability to bring together American legislators and their peers from around the world have made the commission a valuable forum for strengthening democratic institutions and deepening bilateral relations.”
Buchanan weighed in on his new role on Tuesday.
“With rising authoritarianism and extremism threatening emerging democracies around the globe, it is in our strategic interests to assist these nations,” said Buchanan. “I look forward to leading HDP’s efforts to strengthen the democratic institutions of our partner nations.”
Buchanan will lead the HDP which will consist of 11 Republicans and nine Democrats. The Democratic members of the HDP, including the Democratic co-chair, will be announced in the coming weeks.
First elected to Congress in 2006, Buchanan previously served as the co-chair of HDP.
