Press Releases

CBC Outlines Policy Agenda for the First Session of the 113th Congress

Washington, DC, February 5, 2013
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement on the CBC's legislative priorities during the first session of the 113th Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         February 5, 2013

CONTACT: Ayofemi Kirby
(202) 226-9776
Ayofemi.Kirby@mail.house.gov

 Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement on the CBC’s legislative priorities during the first session of the 113th Congress:

“For more than four decades, the Congressional Black Caucus policy agenda has promoted and advocated for legislation that supports social and economic progress, equality and fairness among all Americans and particularly for African Americans and neglected communities. Protecting civil rights legislative victories such as the Voting Rights Act and championing policies that protect vital programs to the communities served by Members of the CBC are consistently two of the Caucus’s most significant priorities.

“With the start of each new Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus commits to focusing on a slate of issues that guide its legislative work. During the first session of the 113th Congress, the CBC will continue advocating for changes to policies that adversely impact communities of color and CBC constituencies with a focus on:

Voter Protection and Empowerment, including but not limited to:

  • Protecting the Voting Rights Act.
  • Modernizing the current voting system.
  • Eliminating barriers for all eligible voters to cast their ballots.

Poverty and the Economy, including but not limited to:

  • Championing policies that help eradicate poverty in America.
  • Advocating for policies that provide parity in access to economic opportunity, particularly within the African American community.
  • Championing policies that create and sustain jobs.
  • Protecting against cuts to social and economic programs that are vital to African Americans, seniors and other vulnerable populations.

Immigration Reform, including but not limited to:

  • Advancing legislation and policies that lead to comprehensive immigration reform.
  • Providing a voice for undocumented immigrants of African descent within the comprehensive immigration reform debate.
  • Addressing issues of mass detention and unjust criminality of immigrant populations.
  • Ensuring policies that are aimed at improving conditions within low-income and vulnerable communities are not averted by comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

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