Congressional Black Caucus RSS Articles

Congressional Caucuses Urge Corporate America to Defend Voting Rights and Equal Representation

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the chairs of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC), and New Democrat Coalition (NDC) released the following statement urging Corporate America to reaffirm its commitment to voting rights, equal representation, and the democratic principles it has previously pledged to uphold:

“Our Caucuses stand united in support of the Congressional Black Caucus's call for Corporate America to publicly defend voting rights, equal representation, and the democratic principles that form the foundation of our nation.

“In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais, Republican-led legislatures and governors across the South have moved swiftly to redraw congressional maps ahead of the November election in a deliberate effort to dilute Black voting strength, weaken Black representation, and roll back decades of hard-won civil rights progress secured through the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“The consequences of this democratic erosion extend far beyond politics. When communities are denied meaningful representation in government, they are also denied a voice in decisions that shape their daily lives—from economic opportunity, healthcare, and education to environmental protections, public safety, and overall quality of life.

“For decades, corporations have benefited from the talent, labor, innovation, and purchasing power of Black communities. Following the racial justice movement of recent years, more than 200 corporations publicly affirmed their commitment to racial equity, civic participation, and democratic values. Those commitments must not be reserved for moments of convenience—they must endure when they are tested.

“At this critical moment, silence is not leadership. Corporations that have publicly championed democracy, racial equity, and civic participation have a responsibility to demonstrate that those commitments remain meaningful through both their words and their actions.

“In Congress, we remain committed to protecting every eligible American’s fundamental right to vote and to have their voice heard. We call on Corporate America to stand on the side of democracy by opposing efforts that undermine fair representation and by ensuring that its political engagement, investments, and public actions reflect the values it has pledged to uphold.”

Signed,

Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), CBC

Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), CHC

Chair Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC

Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), DWC

Chair Greg Casar (TX-35), CPC

Chair Mark Takano (CA-39), CEC

Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10), NDC

Background

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Chairwoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued a letter urging Corporate America to defend our nation’s democratic principles and publicly reaffirm its commitment to voting rights and equal representation amid growing attacks on fair representation and Black political and economic power in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais.

Five years ago, more than 200 companies and business organizations publicly declared in a letter to Congress that democracy and equal access to the ballot box were fundamental American values. In that letter, businesses across the United States called for strengthening the Voting Rights Act to “prevent voting discrimination” and ensure that “voters of color who remain the targets of voter suppression have equal and unfettered access to the democratic process.”

As reported in The New York Times, the act was, at the time, “the biggest show of solidarity” by the business community to push back against Republican efforts to enact new election rules in almost every state.

The Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter to those companies—and to additional corporate leaders nationwide—calling on them to reaffirm their stated commitment to democracy, voting rights, and fair representation.

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Passage of War Powers Resolution

Thu, 04 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:

“Donald Trump promised to lower the cost of living and end foreign wars, but instead led the American people into a reckless war of choice against Iran—without the consent of Congress—in a contemptuous violation of the U.S. Constitution. There was no plan, no clear objectives, and no defined exit strategy. Instead of working to make life more affordable, Trump escalated the conflict, costing taxpayers billions of dollars per day and driving gas prices above $4 per gallon—compounding the effects of Trump-Republican economic policies that have already raised the cost of everything from groceries to housing to health care.

“For months, extremist Republicans in the majority have allowed President Trump to steamroll the constitutional powers of Congress. We applaud the leadership of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Gregory Meeks, and all House Democrats for working tirelessly to successfully pass our War Powers Resolution to hold Donald Trump accountable and defend the Constitution.”

Congressional Black Caucus Urges Senate to Suspend Protect College Sports Act of 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Congressional Black Caucus today sent a letter to Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell urging the Committee to pause consideration of the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 and related college athletics legislation until athletic leaders meaningfully engage with concerns about attacks on Black political representation.

In the letter to Chair Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell, the CBC raises serious concerns about the Committee advancing the legislation, particularly in the absence of meaningful engagement from college athletics leaders who have received letters from the CBC in recent days.

“The Congressional Black Caucus has transmitted formal letters to SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, ACC Commissioner James J. Phillips, Ph.D., and NCAA President Charlie Baker demanding immediate engagement, meaningful action, and a public response regarding the ongoing assault on Black political representation throughout the South and across the nation,” the letter states.“Until college athletics leadership demonstrates a willingness to both engage on these issues and take concrete action in support of the communities that have contributed so much to their success, Congress should refrain from advancing legislation that would provide additional protections, authorities, benefits, or legal certainty to these institutions.”

The CBC, which unanimously opposed the SCORE Act in recent weeks, emphasized that college athletics leadership has a responsibility to communities that undergird their success, to fight back against continued Republican-led efforts to redraw congressional maps to weaken Black voting power across the South.

“For generations, Black athletes have helped build college athletics into one of the most powerful and profitable industries in American life. The success, visibility, and cultural influence of major athletic conferences and institutions are inseparable from the talent, labor, leadership, and cultural contributions of Black communities,” the letter reads. “The Congressional Black Caucus believes institutions that profit from Black talent and Black communities have a responsibility to stand with those communities when their fundamental rights are under attack. Silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality—it is complicity.”

The CBC also emphasized that engagement from college athletics leaders would be only a first step. The Caucus continues to have significant policy concerns regarding pending college athletics legislation, including questions of accountability, athlete protections, institutional authority, and the broader impact on student-athletes and their communities.

“The Congressional Black Caucus continues to have serious substantive concerns regarding pending college athletics legislation, including questions of accountability, athlete protections, institutional authority, and the broader impact such proposals may have on student athletes and the communities they represent,” the letter states. “Accordingly, meaningful engagement and action by college athletics leadership should be viewed as a necessary first step, not the conclusion of this discussion. Such engagement would not resolve the substantial legislative concerns raised by CBC Members but would instead create the conditions for a more productive discussion regarding those concerns. We therefore urge you to pause consideration of the Protect College Sports Act and related legislation until these issues can be fully addressed.”

Read the full letter here.

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on the Service of Rep. Frederica S. Wilson

Fri, 29 May 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:

“On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I extend our gratitude and highest respect to our dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, for her remarkable career in public service. A former educator, elementary school principal, community leader, school board member, and state legislator, Congresswoman Wilson’s career in public service spans nearly 30 years. The state of Florida and our nation are better because of her many years of leadership.

“During her tenure in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Wilson has been a dedicated member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She has advocated tirelessly for Black communities in Miami-Dade County and across the country—always fighting to create well-paying jobs, improve education, lower everyday costs, protect programs like Medicare and Social Security, and strengthen ties with Haiti and the Caribbean.

“Notably, through her work as founder of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, Congresswoman Wilson has awarded millions of dollars in college scholarships to help hundreds of young men achieve their dream of earning a college degree or postsecondary certification. She also passed into law the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys following the murder of George Floyd. As Chair of the Commission, Congresswoman Wilson works to find legislative solutions to the social disparities affecting Black men and boys in America.

“Congresswoman Wilson has served honorably as the Ranking Democrat on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee in the 119th Congress. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Education and Workforce Committee, she has been a fierce advocate for investments in clean water infrastructure, resilient communities, safe transportation systems, and expanded educational and economic opportunities for working families.

“The Congressional Black Caucus is deeply grateful for her leadership, mentorship, and enduring impact in Congress. We honor her extraordinary legacy of service and wish her all the best as her time in Congress comes to a close. Her voice, compassion, sense of community, and commitment to public service will leave a lasting mark on this institution and on generations of Americans to come.”

Congressional Black Caucus Urges Corporate America to Defend Democratic Principles and Black Political Representation

Tue, 26 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Congressional Black Caucus has sent a letter to those companies — and to additional corporate leaders across this country — because silence is not an option at this moment.

In the aftermath of the Callais decision, Republican-led legislatures and governors in states across the South have moved rapidly to redraw congressional maps ahead of the November election in a brazen effort to dilute Black voting strength, weaken Black representation, undermine Black economic power, and reverse decades of hard-fought civil rights progress secured through the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The consequences of this democratic erosion extend far beyond politics. When communities lose meaningful political representation, they also lose equitable access to resources, infrastructure, healthcare, education, environmental protections, economic investment, and public safety. The health and long-term stability of Black communities are directly tied to whether those communities have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their daily lives.

Protecting democracy is a shared responsibility. At moments of national consequence, corporations that have benefited from Black consumers, Black talent, and Black communities cannot retreat into silence while Black political power is openly dismantled in plain sight.

In the letter, the CBC urged Corporate America to reaffirm its previously stated commitment to voting rights and equal representation by:

Issuing an individual or joint public statement condemning efforts to dilute Black voting strength and dismantle the protections of the Voting Rights Act;
Reporting on corporate political spending, contributions, and relationships connected to elected officials, organizations, and efforts advancing discriminatory redistricting schemes or attacks on voting rights;
Engaging directly with the Congressional Black Caucus, civil rights organizations, movement leaders, and impacted communities regarding the growing threats to Black political representation and democratic participation; and
Accepting an invitation from the Congressional Black Caucus to participate in a national convening alongside civil rights leaders, advocates, and movement organizations to discuss the urgent defense of voting rights and Black political power in America.

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus:

“Five years ago, corporations across America publicly affirmed that democracy, racial equity, and voting rights matter. Today, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Callaisdecision, those commitments are being tested in real time. Corporations that have profited from Black consumers, relied on Black workers, and benefited from Black communities cannot remain silent while Black political representation is dismantled in plain sight. Silence in this moment is not neutrality — it is complicity. The Congressional Black Caucus is calling on Corporate America to publicly reaffirm its commitment to voting rights, equal representation, and the democratic principles so many companies pledged to uphold just a few years ago. Every institution that claims to believe in democracy has a responsibility to act like it.”

Congressional Black Caucus Urges Trump Administration to End the Oil Blockade on Cuba

Sat, 23 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

On Friday, May 22, 2026, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued a letter demanding that President Trump and Secretary Rubio end the oil blockades imposed on Cuba in light of the accelerating humanitarian crisis on the island.

In the letter, the Congressional Black Caucus urges the Trump Administration to relieve the economic pressure on the island, which has led to an increase in infant mortality rates, the threat of starvation, and a declining standard of living for innocent Cuban civilians.

“Under the administration’s oil blockade and tightening of sanctions, Cubans are dying,” the Chairwoman writes. “The New York Times has reported that, as a result of the sanctions, the infant mortality rate in Cuba has more than doubled since 2018. With food shortages leading to more underweight pregnant mothers and their newborns, too many Cuban children are unable to make it out of the hospital and home to their families.”

The Congressional Black Caucus, which has long encouraged the United States to be a leader on the global stage in supporting peace and justice, admonished the administration for its harsh policies that have led to the dire situation facing the Cuban people.

Chairwoman Clarke continued: “Enough is enough. The Congressional Black Caucus will not stand by and allow this administration to continue this barbaric policy that generates unimaginable human suffering in Cuba. We are demanding that you end the oil blockade, lift the sanctions on Cuba, and allow the Cuban people access to the most basic resources they need to sustain life on the island.”

Read the full letter here.

CBC Announces Unanimous Opposition to the SCORE Act Amid Silence from College Athletics Leadership on Attacks Against Black Political Power

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“Congressman Shomari Figures and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, who had been engaged in efforts to improve the bill and address concerns raised by members and stakeholders, will not be supporting the SCORE Act. As a result, the Congressional Black Caucus stands united in opposition to the bill.

“The Congressional Black Caucus cannot support legislation benefiting major athletic institutions that continue to remain silent while Black voting rights and Black political power are being systematically dismantled across the South.

“In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Callais decision, states across the South have moved rapidly to redraw congressional maps in ways designed to dilute Black voting strength, weaken Black representation, and undermine decades of hard-fought civil rights progress secured through the Voting Rights Act.

“This is not politics as usual. This is a defining moral moment for our country.

“For generations, Black athletes have helped build college athletics into one of the most powerful and profitable industries in American life. The success, visibility, and cultural influence of major athletic conferences and institutions are inseparable from the talent, labor, leadership, and cultural contributions of Black communities. Yet at the very moment those same communities face coordinated attacks on their democratic representation, too many leaders across college athletics have chosen silence.

“The Congressional Black Caucus believes institutions that profit from Black talent and Black communities have a responsibility to stand with those communities when their fundamental rights are under attack. Silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality — it is complicity.

“While the letters were directed to the SEC, ACC, and NCAA because of their influence, reach, and unique footprint throughout the South and college athletics broadly, the concerns raised by the CBC extend far beyond any one conference or governing body and apply across college sports as a whole.

“The CBC is actively evaluating additional steps and will continue using every legislative, political, and public platform available to defend Black voting rights, fair representation, and the integrity of American democracy.”

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Sham DOJ Charges Against Southern Poverty Law Center

Thu, 07 May 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 Trump Administration’s indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center amounts to nothing more than a baseless political smear.

“For decades, the Southern Poverty Law Center has fought against white supremacy, hate, and extremism in our country, working tirelessly to protect vulnerable communities and defend the rule of law. Their work combating extremism and the Trump Administration’s ongoing threats to our multiracial democracy has unfortunately — but predictably — put them on the right wing’s hit list.

“Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, who is wielding the authority of the DOJ as an arm of President Trump’s retribution campaign to smear the SPLC, has disgraced our nation’s leading law enforcement agency. This sham indictment against the SPLC cannot be viewed in isolation. It is part of the Trump Administration’s continued weaponization of our justice system against civil society organizations, journalists, politicians, and other political opponents. This corruption of our nation’s law enforcement agencies is dangerous and unacceptable.

“The Congressional Black Caucus stands fully in support of the SPLC, which we are confident will overcome this baseless attack. We will not allow this Administration to succeed in its efforts to intimidate and silence those who speak out against hate. In due time, we will hold those responsible to account."

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Republicans’ Rigged Tennessee Congressional Maps

Thu, 07 May 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:

“Today, Tennessee joined Florida in passing new congressional districts after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. At President Trump’s urging, Republican Gov. Bill Lee called a special legislative session to adopt a new map dividing Shelby County, including majority-Black Memphis, into three separate districts. These same lawmakers even removed a provision in state law requiring voters to be notified when polling places change after redistricting.

“What the Tennessee Legislature did is tantamount to theft—the theft of fair representation and the deliberate stripping away of political power from Black communities. It is an attempt to silence voices and deny Black voters representation reflective of their lived experiences and the issues impacting their communities every day. The consequences will not be theoretical; they could have life-and-death ramifications for Black families and communities across Tennessee.

“As gas prices and the cost of living continue to rise as a direct result of their policies, poll after poll shows Donald Trump and Republicans headed toward defeat in the midterms. They know their only pathway to victory in November is to rig congressional maps in their favor. Republicans will stop at nothing in pursuit of single-party rule in Washington, but what they did not expect was a Democratic response this forceful.

“We applaud Democrats in the Tennessee State Legislature for fighting back for fair representation for the people of their state. We are working with partners in state legislatures across the South, alongside the legal and civil rights communities, to challenge these maps in court and mobilize our communities to the ballot box.”

Congressional Black Caucus Statement Regarding Supreme Court Decision on Louisiana v. Callais

Wed, 29 Apr 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:

“One of the most enduring myths about American democracy is that it has always been fully formed and equally accessible—but the truth is far more complicated. Since our nation declared independence nearly 250 years ago, the promise of democracy has been incomplete, expanding only through struggle, resistance, and the insistence of those it excluded.

“The truth is that our nation was not yet a true multi-racial democracy until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 finally enforced the 15th Amendment, opening the door for Black and minority Americans to cast their ballots on Election Day. This landmark legislation was not given freely; it was fought for, organized for, litigated for, and ultimately won through the blood and sacrifices of Black men and women who demanded better of their country.

“Today, just 60 years later, with the stroke of a pen, this rogue, unaccountable Court has effectively signed the death certificate of the Voting Rights Act, undoing decades of Black progress. Without the protections of the VRA, Republicans now have the ability to move forward with a nationwide scheme to rig congressional maps in their favor—to manufacture more districts for themselves by eliminating majority-Black districts, while stripping away the ability to challenge those racist, anti-Black maps in court. This decision undermines the clear intent of Congress, which established that fair and equal representation is a cornerstone of our democracy, and could open the door for sweeping redistricting changes in the South. Instead, your representatives in Congress can be chosen by the state and imposed on you. Not since Jim Crow have we seen this level of systematic disenfranchisement of Black voters.

“We did not arrive at this moment blindly. For years, we have warned that the steady erosion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would lead to exactly this outcome. That is why we have been preparing—organizing in our communities, building legal strategies, and advancing legislation—to meet this moment head-on.”

“The legitimacy of the Supreme Court has been deeply undermined by this decision. At its best, the Court has worked to expand our fundamental rights, but this ruling reflects a malignant impulse to reshape American society—one governed not by liberty or law, but by ideology imposed from the bench.

“It is beyond dismay that the Court once led by Thurgood Marshall, which helped define the meaning of constitutional liberty through decisions like Brown v. Board of Education, which dismantled “separate but equal”; Miranda v. Arizona, which protected the rights of the accused; and New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which fortified freedom of speech and the press, has now laid to rest the foundation on which our representative democracy stands: the promise that the power to choose one’s representatives lies with the people.

“We are left with no other choice. The CBC is willing to take any measure necessary to bring a legislative solution to the floor to protect Black voters around the country from this extremist effort to diminish Black voices and access to fair representation. We are demanding a vote on the John Lewis Voting Rights Act without delay.

“Our nation’s highest court has been compromised. The CBC will make it our mission to aggressively advance Supreme Court reform. We will work to establish term limits for justices to help restore independence, neutrality, and legitimacy to the Court. We must do all in our power to protect voters from race-based discrimination and set minimum standards that ensure all Americans can participate in free and fair elections.

“To be clear: It is not just on Black communities to carry the burden of an extremist, right-wing government that sees our rights, humanity, and belonging in democracy as optional at best, and disposable at worst. Our democracy’s best hope is that every American of good will stands up and says enough is enough. This fight is just getting started, and we will not be moved. Our presence at the ballot box in November must be overwhelming. We must become too big to rig so that we take back the House and Senate to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act—and go even further, toward stronger, more comprehensive protections that meet the scale of this moment. We will organize, litigate, and mobilize until the promise of this democracy is not just defended, but fully realized for everyone.”