Sanders named to Senate leadership post

Sen. Bernie SandersBernard (Bernie) SandersGrassroots America shows the people support Donald Trump Five former Obama ambassadors back Buttigieg Both sides were wrong about Mueller report, and none of it will likely matter for 2020 MORE (I-Vt.) is joining the ranks of Senate Democratic leadership next year. 

 

Sanders was named chairman of outreach during a closed-door Senate Democratic caucus meeting Wednesday morning.

 

In the role, Sanders will be in charge of reaching out to blue-collar voters who flocked to President-elect Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpGrassroots America shows the people support Donald Trump Trump speaks to rebel Libyan general attacking Tripoli Dem lawmaker: Mueller report shows 'substantial body of evidence' on obstruction MORE this year. 

 

Sanders told reporters that he has a "heavy responsibility to help shape the priorities of the United States government."

 

"I'm going to do everything that I can to make sure that the budget that leaves the United States Congress is a budget that represents the needs of working families and a shrinking middle class and not billionaires," he said.

 

Sen. Debbie StabenowDeborah (Debbie) Ann StabenowDemocratic proposals to overhaul health care: A 2020 primer We can accelerate a cure for Alzheimer's Bipartisan senators offer bill to expand electric vehicle tax credit MORE (D-Mich.) said Sanders was brought into the leadership to better represent the different factions of the Democratic caucus in decision-making.

 

"We want to expand on that, and he will be reaching out to all our allies," she told reporters. "We have a tremendous amount of talent in our caucus and we want to make sure everyone is contributing."

 

Sanders, however, will not have a top-ranking position in the leadership.

 

Incoming Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerDem legal analyst says media 'overplayed' hand in Mueller coverage Former FBI official praises Barr for 'professional' press conference Pelosi: Barr press briefing a 'staggering partisan effort' MORE (D-N.Y.) installed Stabenow as chairwoman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Center (DPCC) — the job Schumer held in the 114th Congress as the third-ranking member of leadership. The DPCC chairman has traditionally been in charge of coordinating the floor and messaging strategies.

 

Sanders will keep his post as the senior minority member of the Budget Committee, which will give him a high-profile platform in the next Congress, when Republicans are expected to use the budget process to repeal ObamaCare.

 

Sanders mounted a fierce challenge to Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonGrassroots America shows the people support Donald Trump Ex-FBI official: 'Links and coordination' with Russia happen everyday Ex-FBI agent: Americans should be 'disgusted' by Russian interference in Mueller report MORE in the Democratic presidential primaries, winning more than 20 states before eventually conceding and endorsing Clinton. He frequently campaigned for her and against Trump in Midwestern swing states. 

 

Sanders is one of three new members to the Senate Democratic leadership team. Schumer has also tapped Sens. Joe ManchinJoseph (Joe) ManchinOn The Money: Cain 'very committed' to Fed bid despite opposition | Pelosi warns no US-UK trade deal if Brexit harms Irish peace | Ivanka Trump says she turned down World Bank job Cain says he won't back down, wants to be nominated to Fed Pro-life Christians are demanding pollution protections MORE (D-W.Va.) and Tammy BaldwinTammy Suzanne BaldwinOnly four Dem senators have endorsed 2020 candidates Democratic proposals to overhaul health care: A 2020 primer More than 30 Senate Dems ask Trump to reconsider Central American aid cuts MORE (D-Wis.) to the leadership team, which has 10 positions. 

 

Baldwin will serve as Senate Democratic Conference secretary and Manchin will serve as vice chairman of the DPCC.