Sheila Jackson Lee: “Let me conclude by thanking the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and my colleagues. It is so important for the…”

“Let me conclude by thanking the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and my colleagues. It is so important for the Congressional Black Caucus to be able to talk to America-- Representative Butterfield, Representative Rangel, Representative Sewell, Delegate Holmes Norton, Representative Bobby Scott, Representative Joyce Beatty, and, of course, Congresswoman Plaskett--to be able to give life to why we are here representing all of America. We have those special people that, without our voices, would not be able to be heard. I simply want to add these words of the Pope, again, to be able to remind everyone why these icons that we are speaking of tonight in the Congressional Black Caucus--46 of us, along with Senator Booker--have a vital role in this place. As the Pope indicated, I would encourage you to keep in mind all those people around us who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. They, too, need to be given hope. The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly on many fronts, especially in its causes. I know that Americans today, as in the past, are working to deal with this problem.…”