“I am extremely pleased with the results of the mid term elections. With the Senate headed towards a Democratic majority as well as the House, the American people have made it clear that they crave a new direction in Washington. They are tired of the administration’s failed policies, especially with Iraq, and the economy. This week, they demonstrated a desire for change with their vote.
This change in leadership will benefit our nation’s African American communities in a big way! In the new Congress beginning in January, the CBC will have three new Members. I congratulate and welcome U.S. Representatives-elect Yvette Clarke of New York, Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Hank Johnson of Georgia. These new Members will all be powerful forces to help the CBC move forward with our agenda.
In addition, we expect the new committee leadership in Congress to include several members of the CBC: U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan) as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee; U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-New York) as Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee; U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Florida) as Chair of the House Intelligence Committee; U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) as Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security; and U.S. Rep. Juanita Millender McDonald (D-California) as Chair of the House Administration Committee.
Additionally, U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), the current House Democratic Caucus Chair, has a good chance to become the Majority Whip, the third highest ranking position in the United States House. Mr. Clyburn would be the second African American member to ever hold this important position.
Overall, the Members of the CBC will continue to be leaders in making America work for all Americans and will help enact legislation that will close the disparities gap between the rich and poor in our country. Our Members look forward to working with Democrats, Republicans and Independents to advance the Black Caucus agenda.
And our new agenda in the Democratic Party is an exciting one too, one that will help people from all walks of life, not just the upper crust. We will be working towards: enacting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to secure our nation, raising the federal minimum wage, making health care and prescription drugs more affordable, something so badly needed in our African American communities. We will also be looking to cut college costs, restore fiscal responsibility, and change our energy policy to cut prices at the tank. Yes folks, the time for a new direction has arrived.”
CBC Weekly Radio Address: the 110th Congress
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