Sheila Jackson Lee: “We have much to be thankful for in this great and grand Nation. We are thankful for our Constitution that allows us to…”

“We have much to be thankful for in this great and grand Nation. We are thankful for our Constitution that allows us to define what is right and wrong. I am thankful for all of the Americans who will be with their families, all of those who are documented and undocumented individuals in this country who have come for relief and refuge. I am thankful for the Members of Congress who uphold this Constitution. And I am also thankful for the opportunity to salute Bryan Stevenson, who has just turned his book, ``Just Mercy,'' into a movie. I look forward to working to reform the juvenile justice system, to adding my bills banning the box, banning solitary confinement, and alternative sentencing for our children. Our children should be receiving restorative justice; and like Bryan Stevenson, I believe there is a future if we invest in the future of our young people. So I intend to introduce, when we come back from this time in our districts, an omnibus, large juvenile justice reform bill that takes into consideration our teachers, our law enforcement, our social workers, our young people, our faith community, and Bryan Stevenson's advanced and innovative concept that delivers just mercy. Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. Happy Kwanza to everyone in the United States of America for this wonderful holiday season. ____________________”