WASHINGTON, DC –
Nov. 14th 2012, the Congressional Black Caucus unanimously elected Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) to serve as Chair during the 113th
Congress. The Caucus also unanimously elected G.K. Butterfield (NC-01)
to serve as First Vice Chair, Yvette Clarke (NY-11) as Second Vice
Chair, Rep. André Carson (IN-07) as Secretary and Rep. Karen Bass
(CA-33) as Whip. Current CBC Chairman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) and
Chairwoman-Elect Marcia Fudge released the following statements:
“Marcia Fudge is an exceptional leader,”
said Chairman Emanuel Cleaver.
“She has served her constituents and the state of Ohio with unmatched
fervor and has been an outspoken Member of the CBC in supporting
policies that protect the most vulnerable in our country. With the
challenges facing our nation, the Congressional Black Caucus must
continue pushing to ensure every American has equal opportunity to
achieve their version of the American dream. Rep. Fudge will see to it
that the Congressional Black Caucus remains the most vocal when equal
opportunity and justice is under attack. As we welcome the most diverse
Congress in our nation’s history, I am confident that Rep. Fudge and
the Executive Board will lead the CBC in the great spirit of our legacy
as the “Conscience of the Congress”. I also know she will do her best
to ensure the CBC continues it vital role in moving this great country
forward.”
“I am honored and humbled to serve as the next Chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus and congratulate all other officers elected
today,”
said Chair-Elect Marcia Fudge. “As members of
the Congressional Black Caucus, we have been deemed the “Conscience of
the Congress” for a reason. We share a commitment to champion the
issues of millions of Americans who yearn for a better future. We remain
concerned about unemployment, particularly the high rate of
unemployment among African Americans,” “The Caucus is a collective voice
to promote equal access to quality health care and education, reduce
poverty, strengthen Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and balance
the federal budget in a fiscally responsible way. In the 113th Congress,
I look forward to shared leadership among all of us who were elected
today as we continue to advocate not only for the citizens we represent,
but for all Americans.”
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