Bill Lee: “Let me first thank Congresswoman Plaskett for her tireless leadership to protect our progress, but also for her…”

“Let me first thank Congresswoman Plaskett for her tireless leadership to protect our progress, but also for her vigilance and hard work on behalf of her district and the territories. I thank her and Congressman Marc Veasey for cosponsoring our Special Order, making sure that the drum is being beat very loudly throughout the country with regard to what is taking place here in Washington, D.C. For more than 45 years, the Congressional Black Caucus has been the conscience of the Congress. Since its founding, we have fought for robust legislative action to lift our constituents and the African American community, I guess, in a way, to ensure equal justice under the law so that everyone, including African Americans, will be able to live the American Dream. Now, make no mistake about it: we will continue to fight for justice and equality under President Donald Trump. The President's inaugural address, quite frankly, was appalling. In my nearly 20 years in the House, I cannot recall a darker, more pessimistic view of our Nation from an incoming President. The President's inaugural address distorted the truth about our communities. He used dog whistles to paint a frightening picture of our neighborhoods and stoke fear. Let me be clear: America is not the downtrodden, helpless Nation President Trump described. Yes, we have much more work to do to ensure equal justice under the law and to address the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation.…”