Dem
51
GOP
49
If you are trying to find the worst jokes in Washington, have we got a lead for you. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) announced yesterday that he is forming the Congressional Dads Caucus. "The creation of the Dads Caucus," he explained, "sends a powerful message: We want to show not just interest but advocacy on the issues that impact working parents, and change the hearts and minds when it comes to the role of fathers at home and in Congress." Despite its name, mothers will be allowed into the caucus, too. We guess "Congressional Parents Caucus" didn't have quite the same ring. Anyhow, the founding members, in addition to Gomez, are Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). Tlaib already helped found the Congressional Mamas Caucus, so if anyone decides to produce a cover of "California Dreamin'" sung by members of Congress, she's definitely the person to talk to. After all, she's got ins with both the Mamas and the Papas.
Yesterday, we had a different item like this one, about Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) forming the Congressional Heartland Caucus. It's that time of year, of course; if you're going to organize a group like this, it makes far and away the most sense to do it at or near the start of the term. It's also worth pointing out that while these groups certainly do work on the issues they profess to work on, they also present messaging opportunities for members who join them. The Dads Caucus, thus far, is made up entirely of Democrats. While Gomez is hoping to get some Republicans to join, it's not clear if he'll be successful, or if so, exactly how many Republicans he will get. Whatever happens, there are certainly some members who would never consider becoming a part of anything organized by a Democrat. Which means, in turn, that in 2024 Lauren Boebert's (R-CO) opponent or Andy Biggs' (R-AZ) opponent can say "Huh. I guess that Rep. Boebert/Rep. Biggs doesn't like fathers, and doesn't want to help working parents. Wonder why?" (Z)