“We’re going to continue to focus on fully funding public schools, dealing with the issue of economic inequality, and uplifting the issue of reparations,” U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., says
The members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) are entering the new year with a renewed commitment to addressing issues that hold immense importance for their constituents.
U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, representing New York, highlighted their focus on fully funding public schools, tackling economic inequality, and advocating for reparations.
In a statement, Bowman expressed his dedication to fighting for universal health care, promoting green and renewable energy, and pushing back against a criminal justice system that disproportionately targets Black and brown communities.
U.S. Rep. Troy Carter from Louisiana voiced frustration over the lingering unfinished business from the previous year. He pointed to key pieces of legislation, such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, that still await resolution.
Carter emphasized the enduring importance of these issues for African Americans and pledged to persist in pushing for their advancement, irrespective of political obstacles.
Another prominent voice within the CBC, U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California, shared her concerns about the state of democracy. Expressing the significance of civic engagement, she encouraged citizens to participate in the 2024 elections, underlining the impact of democracy on personal freedoms.
Kamlager-Dove, a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, drew attention to how U.S. policies can influence leadership abroad. She stressed the need to ensure that the principles of freedom are universally accessible and expressed dismay over policies such as abortion bans that have repercussions both in the United States and internationally.
The congresswoman highlighted the global ramifications of domestic policies, noting how abortion bans in certain U.S. states had prompted similar measures in countries like Colombia, Kenya, and India, putting millions of people, including children, at risk.
As a Black woman with a Black family, Kamlager-Dove underscored the personal significance of freedom, framing it as a vital concern that transcends national borders.
Bowman and Kamlager-Dove’s concerns extended beyond domestic issues, addressing the influence of former President Donald Trump on the political landscape. Bowman raised alarm about House Speaker Mike Johnson’s ties to Trump, expressing apprehension about the potential impact on legislative processes.
He pointed to the challenge of electing Rep. Johnson, citing Trump’s influence on the Freedom Caucus. Bowman’s remarks emphasized the need to guard against what he termed an “extreme MAGA Republican agenda,” urging vigilance not only in the House but also in the White House.
Bowman’s call for increased voter participation in the 2024 elections echoed Kamlager-Dove’s sentiments on the importance of democracy. Both lawmakers emphasized the role of civic engagement in shaping the political landscape and ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people.
Bowman underscored the necessity of involvement at every level of government, emphasizing its role in building sustainable power and countering the influence of figures like Trump.
In reflecting on the past year, Bowman highlighted Trump’s pervasive influence on House proceedings. He noted that Trump’s hand had been felt across various legislative matters, underscoring the potential challenges faced by House Democrats in pursuing their agenda.
The concern over the influence of extreme ideologies and political agendas underscored a broader theme within the CBC’s approach – a commitment to safeguarding democracy and advancing policies that promote equity and justice.
