Political Quotes

“last night's happy passage of the D.C. appropriation was marred for me and many who had helped me by the omission of relief for Haitians from an attachment to my appropriation. Frankly, it looked awful. Whatever the intent, we are left with black immigrants out and other similarly situated immigrants in. I am prepared to believe that discrimination was not intended if we quickly make good on the promise to correct this exclusion. The administration promises to use its prosecutorial authority to keep Haitians from being deported while Congress is out. What will we do when Congress comes back? The very first week we must make good on the promise that emerged from the immigration negotiations. The leadership should come from the Hispanic caucus, where relief was most keenly felt, and from the Black caucus. But the burden is on this entire body. Discrimination or the appearance of discrimination has no place in a great legislative body. Early action to obtain equal treatment for Haitian immigrants is the way to show it.”