The Hill News

Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) patched things up on Friday after Israel suggested this week that Democrats could retake the House without the help of the CBC.

Israel, the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, met Friday with the CBC chairman, which led to Democrats reestablishing the DCCC's member advisory board.

Israel said that Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-S.C.), the highest-ranking African-American in the House, would lead that panel.

“This morning we had a constructive meeting that resulted in affirmative steps on moving forward working together with the Democratic Members of the Congressional Black Caucus toward our shared goal to win the House back in 2012," Israel and Cleaver said in a statement.

Israel had reportedly said behind closed doors this week that Democrats could retake the House without the help of the CBC â€" though he noted it wasn't his preference to do so. The comment spurred anger by members of the Black Caucus, who worried that the DCCC chairman was taking the powerful bloc for granted.

"Together, we will develop a stronger foundation to work to all our nation’s citizens â€" regardless of race, religion or creed â€" have the opportunity for justice, economic prosperity and the common good," the pair said.