Rep. Ilhan Omar Announces Membership on House Democracy Partnership

WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) announced today that she has joined the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) as a Member. The HDP serves as the House’s preeminent forum to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships with legislatures around the world and support the development of independent and effective legislative institutions globally. Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2005, HDP uses peer-to-peer exchange programs, training seminars for members and staff, and targeted material assistance to build capacity in key areas such as legislative oversight, budget analysis, committee operations, constituent relations, and library and research services.

“With authoritarianism and sectarianism on the rise around the world, one of the biggest challenges we face is the protection of democratic rights and norms,” said Rep. Omar. “Central to any functioning democracy is an independent, legitimate and effective legislative body. As the first African-born Member of Congress, one of the first two Muslim women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and a refugee, I am proud to bring my experience and knowledge of foreign affairs to this commission and to work with our partners around the world to strengthen democracy.”

Its singular focus on the legislative branch of government and its unique ability to bring together American legislators and their peers from around the world have made the commission a valuable forum for strengthening democratic institutions and deepening bilateral relations. The Partnership is assisted by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its implementing partners, the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).