What Kind of Power Will Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Have in Congress?

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Will  House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi, who will ultimately decide committee assignments for the coming session, give socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a seat on the powerful House Ways and Means committee?

That's what AOC wants but the committee is usually made up of seasoned House members.
If Pelosi does put her on the committee, or any other powerful committee, it will be an early signal of AOC's political skill in navigating House political waters and that Pelosi has calculated that her political weight is significant.

The lefty Democracy for America is pushing aggressively for her to get a seat and sent out an email that says:

Sign the petition: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Ways and Means

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is quickly becoming a game-changing figure in Washington -- and now, she's up for a seat on one of the most important committees in the House. Alexandria is facing off against a centrist, Wall Street Democrat for a seat on the Ways and Means Committee, which has extraordinary control over economic policy.

After our big victories in November, progressives deserve a seat at the table and a say over the economic direction our new majority in the House decides to take...

Alexandria is boldly pushing for this position because she firmly believes that Americans deserve to have someone who has shared their struggles representing their interests on the committee that oversees most of the economy, including taxes and revenue. And she’s going up against a Wall Street-backed establishment Democrat in the process.

If you’re ready for Medicare for All, lower drug prices, and a fair economy for everyone, this is our chance to put a progressive leader in an important position of power. Add your name to tell incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi to appoint Alexandria to the Ways and Means Committee now.

AOC on a committee that determines tax policy?

Not good.

-RW