| Country: | United States |
| Founded: | 2015 |
| Ideology: | Millennial and Generation Z issues |
| Seats1 Title: | Seats in the House Democratic Caucus |
| Seats2 Title: | Seats in the United States Congress |
Future Forum is a generational caucus of Millennial and Gen Z members of Congress serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. The organization was founded in April 2015 by Representative Eric Swalwell. The caucus consists of 53 Members of Congress who represent congressional districts across the country. Future Forum's co-chairs are Representatives Colin Allred, Brittany Pettersen, Darren Soto, and Haley Stevens.[1]
The mission of the caucus is to address issues important to millennial and Generation Z Americans, such as college affordability, entrepreneurship, job opportunities, and climate change. Future Forum's work is guided by three core principles: Bridging the divide between young Americans and their government, engaging with and empowering young voters, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in public service. Since its inception, Future Forum members have traveled to more than 50 cities to meet with young Americans where they live, work and go to school—at universities and community colleges, business incubators, job training centers, cafes, and breweries.[2]
Every year, Future Forum holds their Inaugural Future Forum Youth Congress led by Chairman Darren Soto (FL-09) and Executive Director. The Youth Congress gives participants a chance to spend two days with fellow young Americans exploring the inner workings of Congress.
Participants are each assigned a committee appointment and two bills, based on areas of interest indicated by youth representatives. Committees include Judiciary, Education and Labor, and Energy and Commerce. To mirror the Congressional experience, bills are preassigned and considered priorities to young citizens. To gain experience in the debate process, students are asked to provide testimony in a legislative hearing - one in favor of an assigned bill and one in opposition to an assigned bill. Participants get the chance to provide remarks and are responsible for votes during the committee hearing.[3]
As of the 117th Congress, the Future Forum Caucus has the Economy Task Force, the Climate Change Task Force, the Health Care Reform Task Force, the Education Task Force, the Social Justice Task Force, and the Immigration Task Force. The Economy Task Force is co-chaired by Colin Allred and Haley Stevens to push for legislation involving new technologies and innovations. The Climate Change Task Force is chaired by Nanette Diaz Barragán and Mike Levin to research impacts of climate change and how it impacts future generations. The Health Care Reform Committee is co-chaired by Lauren Underwood and Chris Pappas to advocate for legislation addressing the impacts of health care on millennials and Generation Z. The Education Task Force is co-chaired by Sara Jacobs and Jimmy Gomez to ensure proper funding and supplies for public schools in the United States. The Social Justice Task Force is co-chaired by Sharice Davids and Joe Neguse to push for legislation and solutions that addresses the socioeconomic issues important to millennials and Generation Z. The Immigration Task Force co-chaired by Ruben Gallego and Grace Meng promote solutions on issues facing the United States immigration system.[4]
As of the 118th Congress, the Future Forum Caucus has 53 members. All current members caucus with the Democratic Party.The members are listed by last name:[8]