On the recordMay 15, 2023
Let me thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for gathering us this evening. As I have often said, this is National Police Week. Today, we honor those who have fallen in battle. That is why I think this debate on the debt ceiling is so crucial, and it is really important to have the American people recognize, particularly those impacted in the African- American community, as the Congressional Black Caucus rises today to specifically focus on the, if you will, economic infrastructure around a community that has in its history in this country been deprived of economic wealth and has a wealth disparity between Anglo Americans of $174,000 versus about $17,000, which leads us to understand how important it is to have a stable economic structure and for the country to pay its bills. Madam Speaker, what is the debt ceiling? It is simply a procedure that has been designated as required for the Nation to pay her bills. Every single family, independent, working person, and people who are in need understand the need to pay bills. They understand the crisis of not paying bills. Tonight, I just want to briefly discuss some of the challenges that will be faced by poor people, people of color, but also by our law enforcement. Tragically, we see circumstances when law enforcement on the front lines are in jeopardy. As we see that, we are hearing about who is for the police and who is not for the police.…
