Press Releases

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States hears oral arguments in Evenwel v. Abbott, a Texas redistricting case that would deny representation to anyone who is not a voter, including every child and minor under the age of 18, by changing how state legislative districts are drawn.  The Congressional Black Caucus strongly believes that all individuals should be counted in our democracy as mandated by the Constitution and maintains that states should be required to count everyone when determining legislative districts.

“Members of the Congressional Black Caucus hold firmly the belief that every person living in America deserves equal representation and has the right to be counted in our democracy.  Sue Evenwel’s egregious attempt to deny millions of individuals representation when determining state legislative districts is an attack on our democracy and threatens the ability of elected officials to adequately represent and serve their communities.  Everyone deserves representation even if they are unable to cast a ballot and vote.

“As elected officials, we took a pledge to serve all constituents, not just those who share our political views.  The Evenwel case threatens to disenfranchise far too many individuals, hardworking taxpayers, young people, and minorities.  We must protect and uphold the integrity of our democracy to ensure that no individual, regardless of their age, race, or political affiliation is marginalized.  Our country is best served when everyone is counted and when everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in our democratic process.”

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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