Today, the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA-02), released the following statement in response to President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.
“President Trump says he wants to make America great again, but, as the actions of his Administration and his remarks this evening prove, he only wants to do this for the wealthy and powerful, not African Americans and other marginalized communities. Tax cuts for the highest earners and corporate giveaways for big companies are not the way to make America great.
“His proposal to cut $54 billion in discretionary spending and invest it in defense would hurt African Americans. Cutting discretionary spending means less funding for Pell Grants, SNAP benefits, improving public transportation systems, and so many other programs that African Americans depend on. This also includes funding for HBCUs, institutions of higher education that President Trump has committed to supporting and strengthening.
“President Trump’s proposal to repeal and replace Obamacare would also hurt African Americans. The uninsured rate among African Americans has decreased substantially as a result of the law. In addition, in my home state of Louisiana, more than 400,000 people now have health insurance as a result of the Medicaid expansion under Obamacare. Repealing and replacing this law would threaten the physical and financial health of these families and others across the nation.
“His proposal to restore law and order in Chicago and other inner cities would hurt African Americans. Law and order without justice is a recipe for the criminal justice system we currently have: One that targets and disproportionately incarcerates black people, and one that disrupts black families by taking parents out of the home and putting children on a path to prison. Also, his Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement program is outrageous and offensive.
“Finally, President Trump’s proposal to invest in school choice programs and, consequently, divest in public schools would hurt African Americans.
“Our nation is great when all Americans, including African Americans, can live their best lives. If President Trump wants to make the country greater, then these policies and programs and others he outlined tonight are a very bad start.”
