Congressional Black Caucus RSS Articles

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Retirement of Rep. Cleo Fields

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

"The Congressional Black Caucus applauds Congressman Cleo Fields for his distinguished tenure in the U.S. Congress. For more than three decades in public service, Congressman Fields has been a champion for education, economic development, and community empowerment—dedicating his career to improving the lives of Louisianans through leadership, vision, and action.

"While we are saddened that this chapter of his service in the House of Representatives is coming to a close, we are grateful that his service to the people of Louisiana and to our nation is far from over, as he continues his commitment to public service by seeking election to the Louisiana State Senate in the 14th District.

"Congressman Fields' career tells a story that is, unfortunately, all too familiar in the struggle for voting rights. He first came to Congress in the 1990s, and after returning to the House in 2025, the ongoing battle over fair representation continues to impact the state of Louisiana. This is now the second time that changes to Louisiana's congressional map have altered the course of his service and silenced the voices of the communities that elected him to represent them in Congress. Congressman Fields' journey, and the experiences of the communities impacted by partisan racial gerrymandering, are a powerful reminder that the work of protecting the right to vote and ensuring fair representation is never finished.

"We thank Congressman Fields for his service to the Congressional Black Caucus, to this institution, and most importantly, to the people he has faithfully represented throughout his distinguished career. This body has been made better because of his voice, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice.

"We look forward to serving alongside Congressman Fields through the completion of his term and wish him godspeed in the next phase of his public service."

Joint Statement from Tri-Caucus, Democratic Leadership on Mace Resolution

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus—Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)—along with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar released the following joint statement on Rep. Nancy Mace’s resolution that would effectively abolish the Congressional Tri-Caucus, among other groups:

“Nancy Mace rose to infamy for her cheap political stunts, and this is just the latest distraction from her failed primary and complete inability to deliver for her constituents. Members of Congress have every right to organize around shared policy priorities and the constituencies they serve. There are dozens of bipartisan congressional caucuses dedicated to ethnic communities, geographic regions, industries, veterans, faith traditions, and countless other interests. Singling out the Congressional Tri-Caucus—which represents nearly half of all Americans—is racist and a shameless attempt to silence the voices of minorities.

“The Tri-Caucus does not need a lecture about what constitutes federally sanctioned segregation—least of all from a member who has repeatedly made racist and bigoted comments about minority communities over the course of her tenure in Congress.

“The Congressional Tri-Caucus was formed to address the needs and concerns of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American communities that are too often ignored in the halls of power. These caucuses existed long before Nancy Mace arrived in Congress, and will remain long after she fades into irrelevancy.”

Joint Statement from Democratic Caucuses on DHS Public Charge Rule

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Chairs of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Teresa Leger Fernández released the following joint statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) rescission of the 2022 public charge rule, which would provide immigration enforcement officers more discretion to deny applications based on an applicant's perceived likelihood of relying on public benefits:

“The Trump administration is tearing down America’s legal immigration system brick by brick, making it harder for immigrants who have followed the rules to build a future in this country. DHS is gutting clear guidance on how to determine whether an individual is likely to become a public charge, instead leaving that determination wholly in the discretion of individual officers. Those officers will now be able to count a family's use of non-cash, means-tested benefits — like Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and housing support — in a public charge determination, a stark departure from decades of practice, settled legal understanding, and congressional intent.

“This cruel decision will trigger a massive chilling effect that discourages immigrant families — including U.S. citizen children — from lawfully accessing health care, nutrition, and early childhood programs they need and are eligible for. This will only result in poorer health outcomes for children, increased food insecurity, and higher costs placed on state and local governments. When this administration last expanded public charge in 2019, nearly half of immigrants in low-income families reported that they or a family member avoided or dropped benefits they were legally entitled to out of fear.

“Congress has repeatedly affirmed that the public charge standard must be administered with clarity, fairness, and consistency for families and adjudicators alike. As Caucus Chairs, we will not stop fighting to reverse this rule and ensure public charge is determined by clear, consistent factors as intended by Congress. The unchecked power of Trump’s immigration goons must end.”

Background:

The rescission of the 2022 public charge rule will take effect on September 18, 2026 and impact applications submitted on or after that date. Under the current rule, which reflects the standard that has governed public charge determinations for decades, participation in non-cash, means-tested public benefits, including Medicaid, housing, and nutrition programs, did not trigger public charge concerns.

Prior to this rescission, a public charge finding only applied to applicants likely to become primarily dependent on cash assistance for income maintenance or long-term government-funded institutional care. Beginning September 18, that longstanding practice will end. This is a sweeping expansion of who can be denied a green card or visa, and one that Congress never authorized in legislation governing immigration and public benefits like the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) or the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA).

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Republicans’ Stop Insider Trading Act and Voter ID Act

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“The reality is this: House Republicans are not serious about enacting a meaningful congressional stock trading ban. The combined Stop Insider Trading Act and Voter ID Act—which incorporates provisions from the voter-suppressive, so-called SAVE America Act—would allow Members of Congress to continue owning, selling, and, in some cases, purchasing individual stocks while simultaneously imposing stricter voter ID requirements that would make it harder for millions of eligible Americans to vote, including by mail.

“Republicans cannot credibly present this legislation as a good-faith effort to end congressional stock trading. Instead, this bill is a Trojan horse—using the premise of congressional ethics reform to advance a broader effort to restrict access to the ballot box.

“Across the country, hundreds of bills to restrict voting access have been introduced with the aim of closing polling locations, curbing early voting and mail-in voting, and imposing stricter voter ID requirements. And in the wake of the Callais decision, Black political representation has come under coordinated attack, with Republican-led legislatures and governors moving to redraw congressional maps across the South ahead of the November election to dilute Black voting strength and roll back decades of progress achieved under the Voting Rights Act.

“This legislation is not a genuine congressional stock trading ban; it is a legislative vehicle for continuing Republicans’ onslaught of voting restrictions, with devastating consequences for Black and other minority communities.

“The CBC urges our House Democratic colleagues to vote against the Stop Insider Trading Act and Voter ID Act.”

Congressional Black Caucus Urges Senate to Reject Todd Blanche for U.S. Attorney General

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Todd Blanche has been at the center of some of the Trump Administration’s most controversial efforts, from the cover-up of the Epstein files to the creation of a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded slush fund used to pay millions to convicted criminals and January 6 insurrectionists. He has also sought to undermine Congress’s constitutional oversight authority by targeting Black elected officials, including by bringing baseless charges against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver for conducting lawful oversight—charges that should be immediately dropped.

“Throughout his time in Washington, Todd Blanche has demonstrated unwavering fealty to Donald Trump rather than an independent commitment to serving the American people. As it stands, Todd Blanche’s tenure at the DOJ has already been detrimental to Black communities from advancing the Administration’s efforts to roll back decades of civil rights progress, to attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, to turning a blind eye to misconduct by law enforcement officials. There is little reason to believe that will change if he becomes the nation’s top law enforcement official.

“Time and again, Blanche has made clear that he does not view the Department of Justice as an independent institution. Instead, his actions suggest a willingness to expand presidential power by using the nation’s top law enforcement agency to target Donald Trump’s perceived political opponents, shield the president and his family from accountability, and interfere with state election administration, among other alarming overreaches of power. The American people deserve an Attorney General who upholds the rule of law—not one whose primary allegiance is to Donald Trump.

“The Senate must resoundingly reject this nomination—full stop.”

Congressional Black Caucus Amplifies Call for Independent Investigation into Death of Nolan Xavier Wells

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“The Congressional Black Caucus sends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Nolan Xavier Wells, who are suffering an unimaginable loss. We are praying for their continued strength and resolve during this incredibly difficult time as they seek answers. We hope the outpouring of concern and support from people across the country in recent days brings them some comfort in the days ahead.

“At this time, too many questions remain unanswered, and the Wells family, concerned members of the Mississippi community, and our nation deserve nothing short of a full, transparent, independent, and timely investigation into the circumstances that led to Mr. Wells’ disappearance and untimely death.

“We commend Attorney Ben Crump, Rev. Al Sharpton, and the National Action Network for their leadership and swift efforts to push for transparency on behalf of the Wells family, and we amplify their call for an independent investigation into this matter.”

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Trump’s Election Commission Firings Ahead of Midterm Elections

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Donald Trump and extremist Republicans have made clear they will stop at nothing to cement one-party rule in Washington. The Trump Administration has sought to restrict voter registration, limit access to mail voting, collect sensitive voter data, and continue relitigating the 2020 election despite Trump's repeated false claims that he won.

“The reality is simple: Donald Trump and Republicans know they cannot escape the consequences of their failed leadership or declining public support. Families continue to face higher costs for everyday necessities, and public polling shows Republicans face growing political headwinds as they fight to hold onto their majorities. Rather than competing for voters, they are working to tilt the playing field in their favor ahead of November.

“Trump’s decision to remove multiple members of the bipartisan U.S. Election Assistance Commission ahead of the midterm elections is the latest example of where his administration’s priorities lie. Instead of lowering costs, strengthening the economy, or improving the lives of the American people, they continue to focus on undermining confidence in elections and changing the rules to benefit themselves. When they cannot win on their record, they seek to change the game.”

Readout of Congressional Black Caucus & Haitian Bridge Alliance National Town Hall on Temporary Protected Status

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), in partnership with the Haitian Bridge Alliance, hosted a national virtual town hall with stakeholders and members of the Haitian community to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court's 6–3 ruling in Mullin v. Doe, which allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to proceed with terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals.

The CBC and the Haitian Bridge Alliance welcomed more than 500 participants to the emergency town hall, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, immigrant families, Members of Congress, immigration attorneys, labor leaders, faith leaders, national advocacy leaders, and community partners from across the United States. Participants examined the legal, humanitarian, economic, and public policy implications of the decision, discussed ongoing litigation and congressional efforts, including S. 4814, and identified coordinated national strategies to protect TPS holders and their families.

In the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling, approximately 350,000 Haitian TPS holders and more than 1.3 million TPS holders and their family members face increasing uncertainty and the risk of deportation. The national town hall provided timely legal and legislative updates while creating space for impacted families to share their experiences and engage directly with policymakers, legal experts, and national advocacy organizations.

During the town hall, Members of the CBC committed to continuing their legislative, legal, and advocacy efforts to protect Temporary Protected Status holders, support impacted families, and hold the Administration accountable for its actions.

The town hall reflects the CBC’s yearslong commitment to advocating on for Haitian immigrants and TPS holders and builds upon the CBC’s June 25 statement and the emergency press conference led by House Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Yvette D. Clarke and Rep. Ayanna Pressley following the Supreme Court's decision allowing the termination of TPS for Haitian and Syrian immigrants.

Members in Attendance:

Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus (NY-09)
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader (NY-08)
Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair, House Haiti Caucus (MA-07)
Rep. Maxine Waters, (CA-43)

Participants:

Guerline Jozef, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Haitian Bridge Alliance
Florida State Representative Dotie Joseph (FL-108)
Vilbrun Dorsainvil, Haitian Community Testimony
Geoff Pipoly, Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP; Lead Counsel
Allen Orr, Founder, Orr Immigration Law Firm, P.C.
Farah N. Louis, New York City Council, District 45
Tessa Petit, Executive Director, Haitian American Foundation for Democracy
Bishop Nicholas Homicil, Senior Pastor, Gospel Tabernacle
Joseph Dorismond, Secretary-Treasurer, RWDSU/UFCW
Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Councilor
Rick Swartz, President, Strategic Solutions Washington
Wade J. Henderson, Civil Rights Leader
Michaelle C. Solages, New York State Assemblymember District 22
Yolette Williams, President and CEO, Haitian American Alliance of New York
Dr. Shirley Plantin, Children and Family Advocate
Pastor Matthew Pierre of Fellowship Tabernacle of Faith
Carline Paul, Executive Director, Good Samaritan Relief Inc.
Vanessa Joseph, Chairwoman, NHAEON

Quote from Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus:

“This national town hall comes at a dark moment in our nation’s history. The Supreme Court's decision allowing the Trump Administration to move forward with terminating Temporary Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants has created tremendous fear and uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of families across our country. The Congressional Black Caucus has been clear in our opposition to the Administration's efforts to terminate TPS. We believe these actions are not only deeply harmful but fundamentally inconsistent with our nation's values. America should be a place that offers protection to those fleeing humanitarian crises—not one that turns its back on vulnerable families.”

Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance:

“For hundreds of thousands of TPS holders, this is more than a legal battle—it is a fight to keep their families together. Nearly 350,000 Haitian TPS holders and more than 1.3 million TPS holders and their family members now face heightened uncertainty. Many have lived in the United States for decades, are raising U.S.-citizen children, and have become indispensable members of our communities. Our message is clear: we will not allow these families to stand alone. We thank the CBC, under the leadership of the Honorable Yvette Clarke, for supporting Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s discharge petition to extend TPS for three years. HBA and our partners have launched a robust advocacy effort in the Senate to see the companion legislation, S. 4814, passed into law. This town hall will ensure our communities have the information, legal resources, and advocacy tools they need as we continue fighting in the courts, in Congress, and across the country for permanent protections.”

Geoff Pipoly, lead counsel for the Miot plaintiffs:

"Immigrants sustain this country that I love. Representing them is my patriotic honor. Sadly, the Supreme Court's ruling will directly result in many innocent people dying violent, needless deaths. We urge anyone and everyone to call their senators and ask them to co-sponsor S. 4814."

Joint Statement from Tri-Caucus Chairs on Supreme Court’s Ruling Upholding Birthright Citizenship

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus— Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09) —released the following joint statement on the Supreme Court ruling that the Trump administration’s Executive Order to limit birthright citizenship is unconstitutional in Trump v. Barbara:

“Today’s decision affirms a fundamental constitutional principle that has defined our nation for generations: every child born in the United States is a citizen of the United States.

“This promise was established by the Fourteenth Amendment, affirmed by the Supreme Court in the 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, and codified into federal law. While President Trump believes he is above the law, today’s ruling serves as a reminder that he cannot override the Constitution or deny people the rights it guarantees with a stroke of a pen. His effort to end birthright citizenship and redefine who gets to be an American has failed.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we stand united in rejecting Trump’s dangerous and exclusionary vision of America. We are American, we belng here, and we will continue to defend birthright citizenship for generations to come.”

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Supreme Court Ruling to Further Weaken Voting Rights Act

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Two months after the Trump Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais gutted key protections of the Voting Rights Act, the Court’s conservative supermajority has taken another step to threaten the rights of Black and minority voters.

“This week, the Court declined to hear a challenge to an Arkansas law that criminalizes assisting more than six voters in casting their ballots, leaving that restrictive law in place. The Court also allowed a 2025 ruling to stand that dismantles the private right of action under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act.

“As a result, in the seven states under the jurisdiction of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals—Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota—private individuals and organizations can no longer bring lawsuits to protect voters with disabilities and those who face language barriers.

“These actions significantly weaken the ability to challenge discriminatory practices and safeguard access to the ballot box.

“In the wake of the Callais decision, Black political representation has come under direct and coordinated assault. Across the South, Republican-led legislatures and governors have moved swiftly to redraw congressional maps ahead of the November election in a deliberate effort to dilute voting strength, reduce representation, and roll back decades of hard-fought civil rights progress secured under the Voting Rights Act.

“The Supreme Court has once again advanced extreme right-wing ideology from the bench, but it does not have the final word—the American people do.

“Despite these actions and ongoing efforts to tilt the playing field, we are confident in our path to victory this November. And when we win, we will advance the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act alongside critical reforms—including eliminating the filibuster and reforming the Supreme Court—to ensure fairness, accountability, and equal representation under the law.”