The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee hosted its third annual New York Issues Conference on Saturday, featuring access to top lawmaker panels for its supporters.

The event, a brainchild of DCCC Chairman Steve Israel of New York, is intended to fete committee donors from Capitol Hill to the Empire State. House candidates attended as well, one Democrat in attendance said.

New York Rep. Carolyn McCarthy spoke on gun violence, and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, both of California, talked about immigration, according to a copy of the agenda obtained by CQ Roll Call.

Also, DCCC Finance Chairman Jim Himes of Connecticut, Michigan Rep. Sander M. Levin and Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen discussed the economy. Freshman Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York moderated the panels.

Afterward, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. addressed a 250-person luncheon, declaring, “We desperately need you to help elect at least 17 Democrats — 17 Democrats,” according to pool coverage of the event.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland and other high-ranking House Democrats attended the event as well.