Pelosi names two to Biden debt talks

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) late Saturday named two members to represent her caucus in White House-led negotiations over a long-term deficit solution.

Last week, President Obama called on House and Senate leaders to name four members of each caucus to a negotiation that will be led by Vice President Joe Biden. The talks are to come up with a debt-reduction package by the end of June. The number of participants will now be less than the original 17.

Assistant Minority Leader James Clyburn (S.C.) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, ranking member of the House Budget Committee, will serve, Pelosi announced.

“Mr. Clyburn’s effective leadership will be a great asset in these negotiations with his record of consensus building and his years of experience on the Appropriations Committee,” Pelosi said.

She noted that Van Hollen also serves on the Ways and Means Committee, which will be charged with drafting any tax legislation that comes from the debt deal.

“This week, Congressman Van Hollen showed his leadership in creating jobs, strengthening the middle class and responsibly reducing the deficit by developing the Democratic budget. Congressman Van Hollen’s keen understanding of both the federal budget and the challenges ahead will make him invaluable to these negotiations,” Pelosi said.

Last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) will join the talks.

Republicans have yet to name their picks and have derided the talks as yet another toothless commission.