a stark departure from Republican rules

In the few short weeks since our majority was sworn into Congress, we've experienced lots of "firsts." Some were good, like the record number of women in the 116th Congress. Others, like the monumental government shutdown, were not so good.

Today, I want to discuss the good.

We've made some big changes to the way Congress works by rewriting the Rules of the House of Representatives.

One of those changes created a brand new Office of Diversity and Inclusion that's focused on the congressional workforce. Our new office will help to ensure that Capitol Hill -- including congressional staffers -- reflects the diversity of the American people.

Another big change: We've created a Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion within the Committee on Financial Services. Historically, the financial services industry has either missed the mark on serving communities of color – or worse – made money off of institutional racism. Our new subcommittee will help ensure that the financial services industry works for all Americans, not just those that look a certain way.

Finally, within Congress, we have unequivocally banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. In 2019, nobody should be afraid of being discriminated against simply because of who they are.

House Democrats have taken bold action right away to show the American people that we intend to run Congress like professionals.

To me, implementing these changes has been one of the greatest aspects of serving as Chairman of the House Rules Committee. Step by step, we're restoring our democracy and ensuring that our government of the people and by the people once again works for the people.

Jim