By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst 

November 8, 2009 – Lawmakers expressed jubilant gratification along with tempered celebration with the passage of  H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  The president was quick to congratulate Congress understanding this bill will be one of the defining policies of his presidency.

Black lawmakers in the House were united early on a reform bill with a public option; so while they are pleased with the passages of H.R. 3962, they are cautiously optimistic of what the final bill will have after it is merged with the Senate version.

President Obama:

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare.  And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.”

Rep. Barbara Lee, (D-Calif.) Chairwomen, Congressional Black Caucus

“While there is still much work to do, I applaud President Obama, Democratic Leadership and the Chairmen of the Tri-Committees for their efforts to bring us to this point.  

“I also want to thank in the Tri-Caucus, Progressives Caucus and particularly the 42 members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Together we have led the fight for a strong public option, which is included in the health care bill that the House approved today.

“When others were pronouncing health reform dying—and the public option dead and buried—we kept on fighting! And we will keep fighting until a final health care bill is on the president’s desk that includes not only a strong public option, but provisions to achieve health equity, eliminate health disparities and to limit the rate of increase for those with private plans.”

Rep. John Conyers (D- Mich)

“While the bill is far from perfect, I supported it because it will expand access to health insurance to 96 percent of Americans, end discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, help our seniors by closing the prescription drug benefit donut hole, and increase competition and choice with a public insurance option.

 I voted for this bill because the cost of inaction is too high.  Each year, 44,000 people die because they do not have access to insurance.   Without reform, this number would rise, Americans would be at greater risk of losing their coverage, and our business community would continue to fall behind international competitors as their future profits are drained by burdensome health care costs.”

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.)

“Legislation created by the bill will improve employer-based coverage for 403,000 Marylanders, will cover 44,00 0 Maryland residents who lack insurance and will provide 147,000 Maryland families with “affordability credits” to help them afford insurance.

It also improves Medicare for 90,000 beneficiaries in Maryland, including beginning closure of the prescription drug “doughnut hole” for 4,700 Maryland seniors.

On the financial front, this legislation will protect 900 Maryland families from joining the estimated one million nationally who declare bankruptcy due to medical costs.”

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.)

“This may be one of the most important moments in our history,” said Rep. John Lewis.  “It has been a long tough struggle, but we took significant steps this evening toward making a powerful difference in the lives of every American.  This is not a perfect bill, but it is the beginning we must make to transform health care in America and make sure that healthcare is a right and not a privilege.”

Del. Elanor Norton (D-D.C.)

“The incredible diversity of the Democratic Caucus, representing Republican, right-leaning, moderate, and progressive areas, meant that we could go to the floor only with a bill that sensitively put all of America together into one convincing bill.  That is why we have produced a bill that satisfies deficit hawks, who are more wary of increasing deficits than of any other issue, as well as single-payer advocates, who believe that only Medicare for all can markedly reduce costs while providing adequate health care to the middle class and the uninsured.  Thus, there can be no doubt that the Affordable Health Care for America Act is a balanced bill.”

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.)

“This bill is not only morally right, but an imperative for working-class families” said Johnson. “When this bill becomes law, 166,000 households in my district could qualify for affordability credits if they need to purchase their own coverage, 65,000 seniors will benefit from a strengthened Medicare, 15,000 small businesses will be able to join the health insurance exchange and thousands of families could avoid bankruptcy due to catastrophic health care costs.”

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Aug. 26, 2009 – Congressional condolences poured in from Black lawmakers when word Sen. Kennedy Edward (D-Mass.) had lost his battle with cancer and died Wednesday.  Kennedy is being remembered for his life’s work in the Senate by his colleagues, friends and sometimes even adversaries. 

But for Black lawmakers, “The Lion of the Senate” was always there for them when issues they cared deeply about needed a lions roar to be heard.   Members of the Congressional Black Caucus reflected on their friendship, respect and admiration of a man Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) called, “One of the finest, most dedicated, and committed political leaders of our time. “ 
 
Lewis, a Civil Rights advocated who marched alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King in the 1960’s has known Kennedy for close to 50 years.  “It has been my greatest pleasure to work with him in the Congress to try to tackle many human problems, but I am especially gratified by his contributions to the cause of civil rights and voting rights.” Lewis said in a statement. 
 
“He was a wonderful, devoted friend—so caring, so sharing, so giving.   I loved him like a brother,” Lewis said.

These sentiments along with condolences to Kennedy’s wife Vicki, his family, and their colleague Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) were found throughout their expressions of sympathy.  Here are excerpts of statements from members of the Congressional Black Caucus:

 
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.)
 
“America mourns the loss of a legendary leader and public servant, Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  His body of work spans a near half-century, but will live forever. He was the protector of the least of these and the champion of equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans.  Whether it’s civil rights, education, public health or a livable minimum wage, his work has improved American lives in a myriad of ways.  
 
As we move forward with health reform legislation, his absence will be palpable.  But let us use his inspirational words as our guide, to rise to our best ideals and finally provide decent quality health care to all Americans as a fundamental right, not a privilege.”

 
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus

 
“Today we mourn the loss of a man whose life has shown us the true meaning of ‘to whom much is given much is required.’ Ted Kennedy always showed great compassion for those less fortunate and dedicated his life to improving the lives of others throughout the world.
 
“His body of work spans a near half-century, but will live forever. He was the protector of the least of these and the champion of equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans.  Whether it’s civil rights, education, public health or a livable minimum wage, his work has improved American lives in a myriad of ways.”  
 

Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-Mo.)

“My father [Rep. William Lacy Clay, Sr.] and I revered Ted Kennedy as a friend and colleague. We send our thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family who must bear this terrible burden.

America has lost a magnificent public servant and I have lost a dear friend. “

Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio)

“He was and will always be one of the single most important public figures in American history for his courage to unfailingly stand for what was right. 

Sen. Kennedy was a champion for justice, advocate for the vulnerable, and proponent of equality. Our Nation is demonstrably better for his selfless contributions and commitment to the public good.”

 
Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D- Va.)

“Last year, in spite of his personal health challenges, Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to elect Barack Obama our nation’s 44th President, because he felt President Obama embodied the same spirit, hopes and dreams that the Kennedys have represented for over a generation.  His absence on Capitol Hill will be especially felt as Congress and President Obama work towards one of his most important life goals – providing affordable access to health care for all Americans.” 

 
 Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)

“I will miss Ted’s partnership, particularly on the most important District issues.  Ted was always there with us and for us.  No matter how deep the controversy – from public funds for public schools to our struggle for D.C. Statehood, and when statehood was not then possible, for the House and Senate vote, and today for the D.C. House Voting Rights Act of 2009 we are so close to achieving.  Although ill in Massachusetts, he was the first to call to assure me of his continued work on D.C. voting rights, and he continued to help us during his absence from the Senate.  “
 

Rep. Kendrick B. Meek  (D-Fla.)
 
“Senator Kennedy did not simply live for the Senate – he was the heart of the Senate.  Respected by all of his colleagues, Senator Kennedy’s thoughtfulness, conviction and passion were attached to signature pieces of legislation that have profoundly shaped our nation for the better.  From strengthening the quality of education for our students, to improving the quality of health care for our seniors, to ensuring equality and civil rights for all Americans, Senator Kennedy was a leader unparalleled in our nation.”
 
Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.)

“Today, I join the world in mourning the loss of a man who will forever be a true American hero. For decades, Senator Kennedy has been a stalwart in our community, fighting for our children, for our seniors, and for the best interests of millions of families across the nation. Through his last day, we witnessed in him the same courage, determination, and selfless service that have characterized his constant efforts to lift up the lives of all Americans.”

Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.)

“The world mourns the enormous loss of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a giant among public servants, and the last of a generation of Kennedy brothers who leave a peerless legacy of public service.   With his passing, Camelot’s flag furls at half-mast for the lion and closes an era of vast accomplishments.

Kennedy immersed himself into the cause of public service. In the U.S. Senate he found his passion, his voice, and his work. He committed himself to establishing a safety net that guarantees the protection and welfare of Americans.”

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

July 8, 2009 – Visitors to the U.S. Capitol will now learn another important part of history about one of the most recognizable building in the world: slave labor made its construction possible. 

Tuesday the House passed a bill directing the Architect of the Capitol to place a marker acknowledging the role slave labor played in building the Capitol.  The marker will be placed in Emancipation Hall in the Visitors Center.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. John Lewis, (D-Ga.) with 25 co-sponsors, [the majority of them African-American] and passed 399 – 1.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus said, “It is fitting that the history of the Capitol’s construction be accurately told to include recognition of the African-American slaves who struggled to erect this massive building brick by brick, stone by stone.”

The historical significance of slave labor in the construction of the Capitol and The White House has been under discussion for several years.  Congress first directed the Architect of Capitol to study the contributions of slaves in December 2004 and requested a report back in 180 days.

Researchers discovered records by the Commissioners responsible for tracking the cost of construction.  The records indicated hundreds of local residents, slave owners, were paid fees for the work done by their slaves. 

 “By properly recognizing the contributions of those slaves who built the Capitol, we bring all Americans closer to an understanding of the continuing evolution of our democracy,” Lee added.  

Now the landmark building built by slaves has 43 African-American members walking its halls.

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

May 6, 2009 – African-American voter turnout in 2012 might not be enough to give President Barack Obama a second term if some of the folks who voted in 2008 are turned away.  That’s a real possibility if the U.S. Supreme Court decides to alter part of the Voting Rights Act that would require tighter identification for voters.

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) cast his vote on Election Day 2008.

Experts on the issues are predicting the court will follow the lead of Republican lawmakers who say the prevision is only to protect against voter fraud.  But research isn’t supporting the “fraud” premise.  So far research on the subject can’t seem to find the only” type of fraud”   a more restricted voter ID laws could prevent.

Civil rights activist say the real reason state legislatures controlled by the GOP want these new barriers is depress voter turnout in heavily  Democratic voting blocs: a systematic way to disenfranchise Black and Latino communities.  I asked long time Civil Rights Activist, Georgia Rep. John Lewis (D) to clarify what’s at stake:

Q:         A decision is expected this summer by the Supreme Court that could dilute the effectiveness of the VRA, arguments were heard in April and The NAACP Legal Defense Fund argued to keep the law in tact.  What’s at stake for minority voters in this case? 
 
 Lewis : The voting freedom of minority voters is at stake because there is still discrimination in the voting process.  In Georgia, for example, and in others states there is a photo ID law which requires that people use only a government-issued photo ID as identification at the polls.  Like the literacy test, the poll tax or the grandfather clause, this seems reasonable on its face, but it is discriminatory in practice.
 
ID is already required to vote, but the law used to allow citizens to present several different forms of ID—a work-issued photo ID, a utility bill or voting card.  This variation provided that any citizen would have access to one form of ID and be able to identify him or herself at the polls when asked.  The exclusion of these various forms and the focus on only a government issued photo ID means that every citizens who does not have a government issued ID  would have to travel to the nearest government office to get the ID, and they may have to pay a fee.  That could be 40 or 50 miles each way in some states . Day laborers, hourly workers, elderly voters, rural voters, people little money or no car may not be able to get the ID they need to vote. 
 
The intimidation of voters that we saw in the 2004 election, the purging of voter rolls and many other tactics are contemporary ways that votes in certain communities are suppressed today.  This decision deals with the ability of the law to respond to current practices of discrimination.
 
 
Q:        What do you think will happen to the Voting Rights Act if it does not prevail in this challenge?
 
 
Lewis:  The more important question is what will happen to the right to vote.  The contemporary power of the VRA will be neutralized.  There will be no way to challenge current discrimination in the voting process except through lawsuits and appeals. This is expensive, can take years to resolve, and until those cases are finally decided, the questionable practices will persist for years, sometimes decades.  It took the violence of Bloody Sunday  to get the Voting Rights Act passed.  The 14th and 15th amendments were ratified in 1868 and 1869.  But the legal codes that suppressed the black vote were not declared illegal until 1965, almost 100 years.
 
If Section 5 of the act is nullified, it will mean that there will be no effective way to deal with discrimination until it can be challenged in court. 

Lewis isn’t alone in his thinking, Laughlin McDonald, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, told the National Journal, “I think Republicans understand that it was the increased registration and turnout in 2008 that seriously damaged them in the polls, and this is a way to try and reverse that.”

There  is another possibility that Congress will try to pass new legislation to accomplish the same goals, Lewis contends.  But added, there is some question in this Supreme Court case is to whether Congress has the power to intervene.