Jim Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives where he is serving his seventh term. He serves as the Chair of the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth and the National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee.
Jim grew up as the child of a single working mom in a small town. As a member of Congress, Jim works hard to provide all American children the same opportunities he had to succeed: access to a first-rate public school, affordable and effective health care, a decent and safe home, and a supportive community.
In June 2020, Speaker Pelosi appointment me chair of the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. The Committee will develop solutions to the key economic issue of our time: the yawning prosperity gap between wealthy Americans and everyone else. America is more unequal today than it has ever been, and far more unequal than other developed nations. Great wealth disparities slow our economy, poison our politics and offend our moral sensibilities.
Disparity is not a Democratic or Republican problem. It is an American problem challenging our great cities, sprawling suburbs and rural heartland. Inspired by Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson, the committee will study the causes and consequences of economic disparity. The Committee will listen to academic experts, community leaders, the private sector, and most importantly, everyday Americans. Its Members, drawn from every corner of America, will recommend solutions to the Congress, the Administration, and society at large.
The Committee also intends to Show America to Itself. Our divisions and parochialism erode our belief and confidence in each other. We will document the hopes, concerns and aspirations of Americans throughout our land in the belief that just behind our differences lie unity and a commitment to each other.