By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
After a six-week recess, lawmakers have returned to the U.S. Capitol and are working to put forth legislation that will benefit their constituents.
U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.-20) told the AFRO that she is focused on passing a string of appropriations bills to avoid a government shutdown that will impact millions of Americans.
“We hope that we can pass the appropriations bill. That’s the biggest concern,” said the congresswoman. “Another issue we’re having to move quickly on is a resolution to combat the continued violence and threats taking place in Ohio against Haitians.”
In recent weeks, Republicans have falsely accused Haitian migrants of eating domestic animals in Springfield, Ohio. Former President Donald Trump repeated the allegations during the presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Sept. 10. Although law enforcement has denounced the false narrative, Haitians have become targets of threats and violence.
“We’re looking at introducing a resolution by the end of the week that actually condemns the false statements,” said Cherfilus-McCormick. “They aren’t illegal. They came here through a legal pathway. Statements such as what Donald Trump Jr. said that Haitians have low IQs and they are scientifically inferior… those are the kinds of things that play into White supremacy.”
Cherfilus-McCormick added that it is imperative that members of Congress hold Trump, his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and other GOP members accountable for spreading misinformation.
U.S. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-4) told the AFRO that for the remainder of the congressional session he would like to pass legislation that reforms the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I’m looking to build on the court reform measures that have now been recognized by President Joe Biden as important for the nation’s future,” said Johnson. “So, things like term limits for Supreme Court justices and a code of conduct that is binding and has an enforcement mechanism.”
He added that he will also “introduce the Judiciary Accountability Act which will bring the 30,000 judicial branch employees under the protection of the civil rights laws so they will not be subject to rampant and unaddressed discrimination and sexual harassment.”
The Democratic lawmaker doubts that his proposed legislation will pass during this session given that Republicans have control of the U.S. House of Representatives. However, he is hopeful that these measures will be passed next session if Democrats regain control of the House during the elections while maintaining control of the Senate.
U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.-5) told the AFRO that he is focused on passing the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, which, if enacted into law, would help preserve affordable housing opportunities.
“I’m working with my Republican colleague U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.-3) to put forth legislation during a session where Congress hasn’t seen a surplus of significant legislation come through,” said Cleaver.
Rep. Luetkemeyer told reporters that this legislation is the answer to affordable housing.
“Owning a home used to be fundamental to the American dream, but it has become incredibly difficult and less realistic for Missouri families,” said the Republican representative. “I thank Congressman Cleaver for his dedication to remedying this issue, and I’m proud of our bipartisan work.”
Cleaver told the AFRO that he and Luetkeymer are not “foolish enough to think ambitiously” and doubts that the bill will be passed this session. However, he said, “I’m caught up in this whole thing about trying to demonstrate to the American people and to the world that we are not a dysfunctional legislative body. But, so far I’m losing.”
At this time, Congress has less than four months to pass meaningful legislation before the start of a new session in January 2025.
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