Press Releases

Today, CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield released the following statement following the decision of Attorney General Loretta Lynch to initiate the Department of Justice’s pattern-or-practice investigation into the Chicago Police Department.

“The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has asserted for years that African Americans are treated unfairly and disproportionately in the criminal justice system.  The multiple shooting incidents involving police in Chicago and across the country serve as further proof that bias and excessive use of force by law enforcement are real in the African American community.

“Last week, led by Congressman Bobby L. Rush (IL-01), the CBC sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch to initiate a pattern-or-practice investigation into the discriminatory policing by the Chicago Police Department.  These incidents are not isolated and reflect a pervasive pattern of racial bias in policing.  Today’s announcement from Attorney General Lynch is an opportunity to restore the trust of the American public in our criminal justice system and put an end to racial and discriminatory profiling by law enforcement once and for all.”

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns. For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov