Press Releases

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“This morning, we awoke to a truly sad day in our nation's history, aviation incidents are quite rare. As Americans and people of goodwill we instinctively mourn when tragedy strikes in such a dramatic fashion. Our hearts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the American Airlines passengers and Army soldiers involved in last night's tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C. Right now, the families of more than 60 Americans are receiving the worst news imaginable. It is our hope that the outpour of condolences and support from people across our nation will bring solace during this season of bereavement. 

“We thank the first responders for their continued efforts as well as the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the United States Army, who we are confident will bring clarity to the cause of this unfortunate incident in the days ahead. 

“However, the opportunity to fully focus our sympathies on those who are in mourning and who may not have even retrieved their dearly departed was marred by a truly disgusting and disgraceful display of racist political prognostication. President Trump, without evidence or regard for the gravity and solemnity of this incident in which American lives were lost, held a press conference to falsely blame the diversity initiatives of past administrations for the cause of this incident. Not only are the President’s claims untrue, they also speak to the Republican Party’s desire to divide us as a country.

“To be clear, diversity, equity, and inclusion are American values. Diversity policies work to benefit all Americans who have traditionally been kept out of opportunities, including white women, veterans, and aging Americans, not just the Black and minority communities that Trump and Republicans want to scapegoat and villainize for political gain. We are not going back!”