Norton Ranked in Top 10 Most Effective House Democrats of 118th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) was ranked the 10^th most effective House Democrat in the 118^th Congress, according to the biannual report released yesterday by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. Despite lacking the ability to vote on the House floor, Norton is consistently ranked in the top 10 Most Effective House Democrats. She has the longest streak of “exceeding expectations” over consecutive terms in the entire House, after qualifying for every term she’s served since she was first elected in 1991, whether Democrats were the minority or the majority party.

The Center for Effective Lawmaking, which is led by professors at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, defines legislative effectiveness as the "proven ability to advance a member's agenda items through the legislative process and into law."

"That Congresswoman Norton has kept this streak going for more than 30 years, while both in the majority or minority party, as well as serving as a rank-and-file lawmaker and as a chair at the committee or subcommittee level is truly remarkable,” the Center said. “Delegate Norton’s career offers lessons to those legislators who seek to become more effective lawmakers.”

Also noteworthy is that the ranking only accounts for a member's own legislation, not for their ability to stop legislation, which Norton spends much of her time doing because of Republican attempts to block or overturn local District of Columbia laws.

"D.C. residents should be encouraged by this ranking of effectiveness, especially in a time of increased attacks on home rule, our local laws, budget and regulations," Norton said. "I hope this recognition prompts residents of the nation's capital to believe statehood is within reach."

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