Three Democratic committee leaders still behind on dues

Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California, is among three House committee leaders who have not fully paid their dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) despite their plans to assume top committee positions next year, according to a draft report seen by Semafor. The document, which is not finalized and only covers dues paid up to last month, shows that Waters has paid $450,000 towards her $200,000 goal, falling short by $50,000.

The other committee ranking members who are lagging behind on their dues include Reps. Joe Morelle of New York and Mark DeSaulnier of California, who head the House Administration and Ethics committees, respectively. Outgoing ranking members Angie Craig of Minnesota and Nydia Velázquez of New York also have unpaid dues, although retiring members and frontliners typically do not pay dues in full.

DeSaulnier, in contrast, has consistently paid his dues in full and intends to continue doing so. The issue of dues payments has emerged as a contentious topic among House Democrats, potentially influencing the party's efforts to regain control of the chamber. As House races become increasingly expensive, some Democrats believe that addressing the dues issue could resonate with the caucus.

Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the Education and Workforce Committee, who is contesting a tough re-election bid, has paid his dues in full.