Democratic Policy Committee

The Democratic Policy Committee (or DPC) is a committee consisting of Democratic members of the U.S. Senate.

History and Role
The DPC was established in January 1947 after President Harry S. Truman signed legislation creating majority and minority party policy committees in the Senate. Since its creation, the DPC has served Senate Democrats by providing research and legislative support, publishing reports on important legislation and policy issues, tracking roll call votes, differentiating Democratic policy positions from Republican positions, and promoting Caucus unity and cohesion. 

109th Congress
At the start of the 109th Congress, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and selected DPC Chairman Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) expanded the mission of the DPC to include the following two new functions:


 * Conducting oversight investigations and holding public hearings to ensure accountability in government.
 * Developing cutting-edge policy ideas through the creation of a “new idea network” with state and local government officials, think tanks, academics, and policy experts around the country.

Articles and Resources

 * Senate Democratic Policy Committee
 * Senate Republican Conference

Contact Details
419 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510-7050 (202) 224-3232