U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says her new post as a vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee will help raise Hawaii’s profile on the national political landscape.
Gabbard, 31, a freshman congresswoman and one of the chamber’s youngest members, was among a slate of new leaders approved Tuesday to serve as DNC officers for President Barack Obama’s second term.
"I really saw it as an opportunity to … bring Hawaii’s voice to the national stage in this setting representing what we cherish in Hawaii — aloha — and a different way of doing things," Gabbard said in a telephone interview. "That’s really where I see the greatest opportunity.
"As we see such division all across the country, we really need to be in a position to provide strong leadership that focuses on serving the people rather than on divisiveness."
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, who was unanimously re-elected as chairwoman, nominated all of the new officers for a vote before a meeting of DNC members from all 50 states and territories.
Gabbard, who was approved by unanimous vote, said Wasserman Schultz called her earlier this week to ask whether she would take on the role as one of the DNC’s five vice chairmen.
"It was completely unexpected," Gabbard said.
Wasserman Schultz, in a news release, called Gabbard’s rise to Congress an inspiration, "and her dedication to public service showcases the best of our party’s values."
Gabbard, one of two female combat veterans in Congress, said she expects to take on a broad range of duties that would include discussions on policy, being a spokeswoman for various issues, supporting candidates and representing various constituencies from across the country.
"The duties and responsibilities are not limited to a clearly delineated list," she said. "It’s a very broad cross section."
Also Tuesday, Democrats of the House Committee on Natural Resources voted U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs.
"I am proud to have earned the confidence of my colleagues and to have this opportunity to better serve Hawaii," Hanabusa said in a news release. "It will give me a chance to continue advocating on behalf our nation’s indigenous peoples."
The Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native affairs has exclusive jurisdiction over Native American and Alaska Native issues in the U.S. House and oversees all matters regarding the federal trust relationship between the U.S. and tribal governments, measures relating to the welfare of tribes, and the management of lands.
