Sydney Kamlager-Dove: “Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Black Caucus is often referred to as the ``conscience of the Congress,'' and Congressman…”

“Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Black Caucus is often referred to as the ``conscience of the Congress,'' and Congressman John Lewis was our North Star. I never had the privilege of serving alongside Congressman Lewis, who is also my fraternity brother, but 5 years after his passing, his faith, his words, his story, and his work inform my work. I often recall his words: ``It is not about who wins. It is not even about who is right. It is about what is right. That never changes.'' Regardless of if our districts are cobalt blue or ruby red, every single Member of Congress took an oath to do right by our constituents and to fight for policies that not only help them get by but help them get ahead. However, Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues have just enacted the largest transfer of wealth from the working class to the top 1 percent in our Nation's history, cutting essential programs and leaving many Americans poorer, sicker, and hungrier. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, they continue to turn a blind eye to our neighbors, friends, and family members who are being torn from our communities by this administration's militarized ICE. No matter who is in power, we should all agree that it is unacceptable for infants to go without formula, for toddlers to attend school on empty bellies, and for children to be handcuffed and separated from their parents.”