Coalition Building in Racialized Policy Areas in the House of Representatives

• In Event: Poster Session: Religion and Politics & Political Networks
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Political Networks

Abstract

The act of legislative cosponsorship in Congress is typically viewed as a low-cost political activity; however, it is one of several tools at the disposal of lawmakers that can be used to relay signals to key agenda-setting decision makers within the chamber about which problems and policies should be attended to. The Congressional Black Caucus has emerged as one of the most formidable forces within the legislative chamber over the past two decades. Part of their increase in influence rests on their ability to build coalitions within the chamber while pursuing a very distinct set of policy issues. The success of policy proposals traditionally depends on the ability to attract support from a both large number and also a diverse set of representatives. Through an analysis of the 104th - 110th Congress, this study finds cosponsorship in CBC-targeted policy areas have become more diverse as (1) the caucus is able to recruit reliable support from supportive Democrats, and (2) the the creation of an organized system of racial and identity caucuses begin to formalize and serve as a collective mechanism for policy change.

Author

• Periloux Peay, University of Oklahoma