**Rep. Mike Quigley Criticizes Former Democratic Leaders for Committee Post Grabs**

Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois has taken a strong stance against former House Democratic leaders who have claimed committee leadership roles after stepping down from their initial positions. In the latest episode of the Pro Politics podcast, Quigley expressed his frustration at the situation, particularly emphasizing how this has personally impacted his own political career.

Quigley, who served as the ranking member on the House Appropriations subcommittee on Transportation-HUD, was recently displaced by Rep. Jim Clyburn, an 84-year-old Democrat from South Carolina. Clyburn relinquished his leadership post earlier this year and subsequently moved into a committee role previously held by Quigley. Reflecting on the incident, the nine-term Chicago Democrat remarked, "At some point, you've had your moment, and it's time to let someone else have an opportunity to be a ranker or chair on one of those select committees."

This internal debate over age and leadership roles within the Democratic Party gains even more significance considering Quigley's public call for President Joe Biden to step aside for the 2024 presidential election. At 66, Quigley occupies a middle ground in these discussions, noting the need for fresh faces in prominent roles.

The scenario mirrors the experience of Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, who was bumped from his position on the Financial Services subcommittee by 83-year-old Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland. Hoyer, a long-time Democratic leader, took on the role after stepping down as majority leader.

The subject of leadership dynamics within the party also resonates with another key incident involving top Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee. Reps. Jamie Raskin and Jerrold Nadler recently called on Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan to condemn the detention of a Congressional aide by the Department of Homeland Security. This event, involving Rep. Nadler’s staffer, escalated tensions between Congressional Democrats and the Trump administration.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are preparing to discuss President Donald Trump’s comprehensive tax and spending bill. A GOP Senate meeting scheduled for Wednesday will provide a platform for committee chairs to address their plans and collaborate on resolving outstanding issues. This meeting signals continued negotiations as the party aims to pass the significant legislative package later this month.

As these developments unfold, Rep. Quigley’s pointed critique underscores a wider conversation about leadership, opportunity, and the future direction of the Democratic Party.