Three veteran staffers to be promoted
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2023
CONTACT: Matt Jansen, 202-494-1278
WASHINGTON, D.C—Today, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) announced that, after serving for nearly 25 years in the House of Representatives as his Chief of Staff and Majority and Minority Staff Director for the House Judiciary Committee, Amy Rutkin will be retiring from federal service in January 2024.
Rutkin’s tenure alongside Rep. Nadler in New York and on Capitol Hill has been marked by significant achievements for the people of New York and the country, and it has put her at the center of some of the nation’s most momentous events and legislative battles of the last two decades.
As the first Democratic woman to serve as the Staff Director of the House Judiciary Committee, she guided historic first-time House passage of numerous pieces of landmark legislation including the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the Equality Act, the Protecting our Kids Act, the MORE Act, the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act, and the Respect for Marriage Act, which became law in 2022. In this role, Rutkin also oversaw both impeachments of former President Donald Trump.
As Chief of Staff for Rep. Nadler, Rutkin was an instrumental voice behind Congress’ push to care for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, work that culminated in the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Rutkin has also served throughout her career as a top Congressional advisor on issues of concern to the Jewish community.
“Amy has been my friend, Chief of Staff, and most trusted advisor for nearly twenty-five years,” said House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerry Nadler. “Her intellect, tenacity, and problem-solving skills are second to none on Capitol Hill. Amy’s record of service as the Judiciary Committee’s Staff Director was one of the most fruitful and consequential periods in the Committee’s history and includes her leading us through two impeachments. Her fingerprints are on too many pieces of landmark legislation to count. Her work on civil rights, LGBTQ and women’s issues, issues of concern to the Jewish community, as well as for the betterment of the New York, have made the lives of countless people better. And of course, she has long led the exceptional staffs of both my personal offices and the Committee with precision and care. While many of my constituents may not know her name, they should be deeply grateful for the work that Amy Rutkin has done on their behalf.”
“Amy Rutkin has been a tremendous asset to the New York Congressional Delegation and House Democratic Caucus and is an extremely capable and committed public servant. Throughout her time with New York Delegation Dean Jerry Nadler and the House Judiciary Committee, Amy was central to advancing numerous wins for New Yorkers and the American people. I am grateful for the remarkable work Amy has done to help usher transformational policy into law and wish her the best in her next chapter,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“Amy Rutkin has been an outstanding public servant and an extraordinary Judiciary Staff Director—helping guide our Caucus through both House impeachments of Donald Trump,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer, former House Majority Leader. “During her career she has become a dear friend and an invaluable partner in moving some of the most important pieces of legislation in recent history through the House and to the President's desk. She is trusted deeply by me and so many other Members of Congress for her wise counsel on a variety of critical issues, and for her razor-sharp instincts. In her nearly 25 years, she has made countless contributions to the House and to the country. Though I'm saddened by her leaving, I congratulate her on her retirement from the federal service, and I am sure that she will continue to make contributions to our country.”
“Amy Rutkin is a brilliant strategist and nimble problem-solver who, as Staff Director, helped lead the House Judiciary Committee through both some of its most productive and some of its most challenging times,” said House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. “She is legendary on Capitol Hill for the combination of her substantive policy expertise and deft political skills. She can break through a Washington political impasse in a New York minute. She leaves Congress with a legacy of great service and will be missed sharply.”
“Amy Rutkin defines exemplary public service,” said former Congresswoman, now Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Her decades of passionate commitment to delivering results for the people of New York has touched the lives of many millions throughout the country. During my time serving in Congress, I worked closely with Amy on the Judiciary Committee, working to advance critical pieces of legislation. Let me say in no uncertain terms that the United States House of Representatives would not have been able to pass the most comprehensive police reform package in United States history—the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act—two different times, without Amy’s steady guidance and leadership. Amy of course also helped lead in the face of other critical crises that came before our committee including two impeachments and a global pandemic. Every challenge thrown our way. Amy was there to help get us to where we needed to go. I know that she will be sorely missed by my former colleagues in Congress but I know that Amy also invested deeply in future generations of leaders, so I know the Committee is in good hands. I wish her the very best in all future endeavors.”
Nadler will promote three veteran staffers to lead his office and the House Judiciary Committee upon Rutkin’s departure. Current Nadler personal office Washington Director John Doty and District Director Robert Gottheim will now serve jointly in the Chief of Staff role. Each have over 25 years of experience in the Nadler operation. Aaron Hiller, the House Judiciary Committee's current Chief Counsel and Deputy Staff Director will assume the position of Minority Staff Director for the Committee.
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U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler represents New York's 12th Congressional District, which includes parts of Manhattan, and serves as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.
