The son of Ranking Member Rep. Richard Neal (MA-01) of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over all tax policy in the House -- had made hundreds of thousands of dollars working as a lobbyist on issues he had no experience in, for businesses that happened to have interests before his father’s committee.
Representative Neal has long had a reputation for maintaining cozy relationships with special interests and explicitly soliciting campaign contributions from those looking to curry favor with the committee. Blackstone -- the largest private equity firm in the world -- is one of his largest donors.
It’s not just ethics either. The reality is that it’s time for generational change in Democratic leadership across all positions. After November’s losses, many in the party have argued that Trump’s return to power would require a younger, more dynamic crop of leaders -- and we agree.
Richie Neal -- at nearly 80 years old – needs to take a cue from Rep. Nadler and leave the battles ahead in the hands of younger, more dynamic leaders.
Rep. Neal already has two strikes against him: his ethically challenged history and his age. Democrats should not wait for a third strike before taking action.
Patriotic Millionaires is funded by our members. If you would like to support our work as a grassroots sponsor, donate today and support our work urging Rep. Neal to do the right thing and step down from leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee now.