By Rebecca Henely

U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) will retain his position as one of nine chief deputy whips when the 112th Congress convenes Jan. 3. The announcement was made by outgoing House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) Thursday.

“I am honored to serve the Democratic Caucus once again as chief deputy whip,” Crowley said in a release. “This position is critical to unifying our caucus and ensuring that the legislation needed to revitalize our economy and move our nation forward is enacted.”

Chief deputy whips are assistants to the party whip, who encourages legislators to vote along party lines. Hoyer will be the House’s chief minority whip for the 112th Congress.

Crowley has been a chief deputy whip since 2003.