Congressman Cicilline Resigning to Lead RI Foundation

Cicilline, a member of House Democratic Leadership and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on the Judiciary, would have ended his current term on Jan. 3, 2025.

“Serving the people of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District has been the honor of my lifetime. As President and CEO of one of the largest and oldest community foundations in the nation, I look forward to expanding on the work I have led for nearly thirty years in helping to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders,” Cicilline wrote in his statement about his plans on his website.

Cicilline will remain in office until he begins service at the Rhode Island Foundation on June 1, according to the announcement.  Constituents can continue contacting the office for assistance with federal agencies and to engage with the Congressman and his staff on legislative issues.

By federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, after June 1, members of Cicilline’s staff will continue to operate offices in both Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives until a new Member of Congress is elected to fill the unexpired term. During that time, staff will continue to help constituents who require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies. Staff will also be available to assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation but will not be at liberty to provide analysis of issues, render opinions, or advocate positions of public policy, according to the announcement.

Cicilline explained the opportunity was a surprise, and that he is grateful to his constituents. “For more than a decade, the people of Rhode Island entrusted me with a sacred duty to represent them in Congress, and it is a responsibility I put my heart and soul into every day to make life better for the residents and families of our state. The chance to lead the Rhode Island Foundation was unexpected, but it is an extraordinary opportunity to have an even more direct and meaningful impact on the lives of residents of our state. The same energy and commitment I brought to elected office, I will now bring as CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, advancing their mission to ensure all Rhode Islanders can achieve economic security, access quality, affordable healthcare, and attain the education and training that will set them on a path to prosperity,” Cicilline wrote.

“For over a decade, Congressman Cicilline has served the people of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District with honor, courage, and decency. Many elected officials can only dream of achieving as much as Rep. Cicilline has during his time in Congress, and I thank him for his many years of dedicated public service to the people of Rhode Island,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner in a statement reacting to the news.

“Through his work on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Cicilline has become a nationally-recognized leader in the fight to prevent gun violence and enforce antitrust laws. As the chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, Rep. Cicilline has been a courageous fighter for LGBTQ rights. And our nation will always be indebted to Rep. Cicilline for his role in holding former President Trump accountable for inciting the deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021,” Magaziner continued.

“I am extremely grateful for the support of the people of the First Congressional District, my dedicated staff, and the help of the many organizations and individuals that I have had the privilege to partner with over the past twelve years. While my role will change in the months ahead, my commitment to serving Rhode Islanders will remain as strong as ever as I lead the Rhode Island Foundation through this next exciting period of transformational change in our state,” Cicilline wrote.

“Congress’s loss is the Rhode Island Foundation’s gain. Although I’ve only had the privilege of serving alongside Rep. Cicilline for a matter of weeks, I am eager to build upon our partnership during the remaining months of his term and in his new role. Once Rep. Cicilline departs Congress, I look forward to working with his successor to continue fighting for the working people of our state,” Magaziner said.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.