Press Releases

Today, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) joined with Members of the Congressional Black Caucus to denounce the senseless violence that has transpired over the past week, to call for action to repair community trust, and to call for immediate consideration of pending gun violence prevention measures.  Additionally, the CBC called for an increase in efforts to provide funding for law enforcement training, the comprehensive implementation of true community policing, including police training and retraining, and a call for healing in our nation. 

Chairman Butterfield’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:

 “As of June 30th, 491 Americans have been fatally shot by police.  Most of those were African American.  At this same point last year, 465 were killed by police.

            Last night, despicable crimes were committed against Dallas police and when the dust settled, five officers were dead as a result of an organized execution by criminals who possessed guns and used them to their extreme.

            And so, the Congressional Black Caucus convenes today to say to America that we are continuing our fight to remove guns from the hands of would-be terrorists and criminals and require background checks for those seeking to purchase firearms.

            We need legislative action now!  We don’t need to leave the Hill without assuring the American people that we understand the problem of police misconduct and the murders of innocent black Americans.  We understand the problems faced by our law enforcement officers, most of whom put on the uniform and serve and protect our communities every day.  Republicans –Why on earth are you recoiling and not giving us a debate on gun violence.  Why?

            Last night, while on the floor, we were advised that several hundred protestors were en route to the Capitol demonstrating and protesting and exercising the first amendment rights by demanding that elected officials protect their sons and daughters, their brothers and sisters.  At 10:00 pm, the Congressional Black Caucus exited the Capitol (along with other members from other caucuses) and met the demonstrators.  We spoke to them and with them and led their march to the White House.

            They told us with unambiguous clarity that the Black Lives Matter movement is serious and organized.  They demand legislative action now and also that we don’t leave this place until it is done.  I applaud the demonstrators last night for telling us that the deaths in Baton Rouge and Falcon Heights, Minnesota give them the energy and determination they need to pull the band aid off of the stain caused by irresponsible police killings in America.

            The two acts of murder this week in Baton Rouge and Falcon Heights must be addressed by law enforcement and by the Congress of the United States.  If we fail to act, this will be a long, hot summer. 

            In the rally audience last evening, a young lady held up a sign that read:  “I wept more last night than I slept.”  Colleagues, America is weeping; they are angry and frustrated that Congress (the Republicans) are refusing to address gun violence in America that targets black men, black women, and yes, police officers.

            The Congressional Black Caucus is frustrated, we are mad, we are determined to take our advocacy to a higher level.  This is our responsibility to our constituents. 

            We ain’t gonna let nobody turn us around.”

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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: Contact Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov