Sen. Cory Booker calls on Sen. Menendez to resign

Sen. Cory Booker has called for his New Jersey counterpart, Sen. Bob Menendez, to resign, four days after Menendez was indicted for allegedly accepting bribes.

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

“For nearly a decade, I’ve worked in the Senate alongside Senator Menendez. As New Jersey’s junior Senator, I imagine that I’ve had more professional experiences with him than most others, and I’ve witnessed his extraordinary work and boundless work ethic. I’ve consistently found Senator Menendez to be intellectually gifted, tough, passionate, and deeply empathic. We have developed a working relationship and a friendship that I value and believe has furthered our effectiveness in serving New Jersey.

“Senator Menendez is again facing a federal indictment, one that contains shocking allegations of corruption and specific, disturbing details of wrongdoing. I’ve found the allegations hard to reconcile with the person I know.

“It is not surprising to me that Senator Menendez is again determined to mount a vigorous defense. And I still believe he, like anyone involved with our criminal justice system, deserves our presumption of innocence until proven guilty. A jury of his peers will make the ultimate decision as to whether he is criminally guilty.

“There is, however, another higher standard for public officials, one not of criminal law but of common ideals. As Senators, we operate in the public trust. That trust is essential to our ability to do our work and perform our duties for our constituents.

“The details of the allegations against Senator Menendez are of such a nature that the faith and trust of New Jerseyans as well as those he must work with in order to be effective have been shaken to the core.

“As Senator Menendez prepares to mount his legal defense, he has stated that he will not resign. Senator Menendez fiercely asserts his innocence and it is therefore understandable that he believes stepping down is patently unfair. But I believe this is a mistake.

“Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost. Senator Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. And in this case he must do so again. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving.”

Cory Booker Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Prostate Cancer Detection

U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the bipartisan Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act, legislation that would require private health insurance plans to cover preventive prostate cancer screenings without imposing any cost sharing requirements for men who are at high risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 American men in their lifetime. Further, individuals who have at least one close family member diagnosed with the disease are at least twice as likely to be diagnosed themselves. The risk increases with each additional family member affected. Additionally, prostate cancer disproportionately affects African-American men as they are 1.8 times more likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis and 2.2 times more likely to die from the disease.

Currently, the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is the most effective tool for detecting prostate cancer. In many cases, prostate cancer is initially identified through this test as it measures the levels of PSA in the blood—a substance produced by the prostate that can be elevated in individuals with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer detected in Stage 1 is almost 100% survivable, compared to below 30% if caught at a later stage.

"Costs shouldn’t impose a barrier between people and lifesaving health screening services,” said Senator Booker. “Prostate cancer is a serious health concern, especially for African-American men and men with family history of this disease as they are more likely to face diagnosis and mortality. This bipartisan legislation would make prostate cancer screenings are more accessible to all high-risk men, so we can reduce health disparities and increase early detection to save lives."

“Diagnosing prostate cancer early is imperative to successful treatment. I know from personal experience in my own family the impact this disease has on patients and their loved ones. Increasing access to early screening for at-risk men will save lives. I am proud to be a voice in Congress for all those affected, because together we can help keep prostate cancer treatable and raise needed awareness,” said Senator Boozman. 

"Every step towards eliminating financial barriers to prostate cancer screening is a win for men and their families, particularly those at the highest risk for the disease, and the PSA for HIM Act is a significant step forward. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Booker and Senator Boozman and their efforts to make prostate cancer screening accessible to all," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. "By ensuring that every individual has the opportunity for early detection and timely intervention, we are advancing significant progress to safeguard the health of our communities."

"Increasing the rate of prostate cancer early detection screening for Black men is vital to reducing the death rate disparity, which is the largest for any of the major cancers. The PSA Screening for HIM Act will be a strong catalyst to increase screening by removing the financial barrier that is faced by many. PHEN emphatically supports this legislation that will save countless lives and lead the way in addressing the prostate cancer racial disparity," said Thomas A. Farrington, Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) President and Founder.

“Screening can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage before the disease becomes more advanced and more difficult to treat; however out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays can be a barrier to accessing early detection,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “The PSA Screening for HIM Act would remove a significant barrier that prevents far too many at high risk for prostate cancer, including those in the Black community, from getting screened. We thank Sens. Booker and Boozman for introducing this bill and look forward to working with them to get it passed.”

“The introduction of the Senate companion to the PSA for HIM Act is a tremendous win for prostate cancer patients,” said Eugene Rhee, MD, MBA, chair of the American Urological Association’s Public Policy Council. “This legislation will ensure that people who are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer are able to access screenings without cost-sharing barriers. Receiving regular PSA screenings can be the difference between catching this cancer early and being diagnosed with metastatic disease.”

The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: Active Surveillance Patients International, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc., American Urological Association (AUA), Cancer & Careers, Cancer ABC's, Cancer Support Community, CancerCare, FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions, Patient Empowerment Network, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Prostate Cancer Research Institute, Prostate Conditions Education Council, Prostate Health Education Network, RetireSafe, Seattle Children's Foundation, Sexual Medicine Society of North America, Society for Basic Urologic Research, Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates, Society of Urologic Oncology, Society of Women in Urology, Stand Up To Cancer, Triage Cancer, UsTOO Support Programs, ZERO Urology Care Foundation, Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc.,  ZERO Prostate Cancer.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

Sen. Cory Booker statement on Tyre Nichols and renewing efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the death of Tyre Nichols and renewing efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act:

“The videos bearing witness to the brutal killing of Tyre Nichols evoke feelings of pain, horror, and terror that are tragically familiar to so many Americans. Tyre Nichols is now part of a group whose names we know -- like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery -- and whose names we don’t.

“Tyre Nichols should be alive today. My heart aches for his family, friends, and loved ones, who are dealing with an unimaginable loss. His death is a grave injustice. Those responsible must be held accountable, and we can’t stop there.

“In recent years I’ve worked with families, civil rights leaders, local mayors, activists, law enforcement leaders and union members and many more who all share the same understanding that we can raise the levels of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in American policing. Doing so will not only help prevent tragedies like this one, it will help us achieve higher levels of public safety. We can do better, we must do better, and this moment demands again that we muster the collective political will to act.

“Although Senate action on policing reform has proven difficult, from the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to more targeted reforms, I will never stop working to build a broad coalition to enact the changes that will make our nation safer, stronger, and more just.

“In the coming days as this new Congress is beginning, I will be renewing my legislative efforts to advance the reform we need and that Americans are demanding.”

Sen. Cory Booker Reintroduces Legislation to Form Commission for Study of Reparation Proposals for African Americans

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced S.40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, legislation that would establish a commission to consider proposals for reparations for African American descendants of slavery. The legislation is the Senate companion to H.R. 40, introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18).

The Commission will study the impact of slavery and the continuing discrimination against African-Americans and will make recommendations on reparation proposals for the descendants of slaves.

“Our nation must reckon with its dark past of slavery and its continued oppression of African Americans, fueled by white supremacy and racism,” said Senator Booker. “Many of our bedrock domestic policies that have ushered millions of Americans into the middle class have systematically excluded Black individuals. I urge my colleagues to support this bill that will address the institutional racism that has suppressed African Americans prosperity throughout our history and bring our country one step closer to our founding principles of liberty and justice for all.”

“I am pleased to thank Senator Cory Booker for introducing the Senate version of the Commission to Study Slavery and Develop Reparations Proposals Act. His introduction of this bill in the Senate is pivotal to the success of this legislation in the 118th Congress. I'm further pleased that Senator Booker, with his storied history of civil rights leadership, sees the value of legislation that takes a historical look at slavery and then works collectively to assess the repair for that era in American history. I believe that the Commission to Study Slavery and Develop Reparation Proposals Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will complement the House version, HR 40. This legislation, both the House and Senate version, goes beyond exploring the economic implications of slavery and segregation but is a holistic approach to reconciling that period of American history. This bill will allow for a moral and social overview of the implications of slavery and the status of African Americans today. I look forward to working with Senator Booker in a bipartisan manner to get this bill through the House and Senate and on to the President’s desk. America will truly be the beneficiary!” said Representative Jackson Lee.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Patty Murray (D-WA).

Over 190 organizations working to advance civil rights in America have endorsed the legislation. A list of those organizations can be found here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

The House companion bill can be found here. 

Sen. Cory Booker statement on passing of the Inflation Reduction Act

Senator Cory Booker (NJ) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act along party lines:

Senate Democrats just passed the Inflation Reduction Act to lower costs for prescription drugs and health care, confront climate change, and provide common sense solutions for challenges Americans face.

I am proud to vote for it & grateful for the voters who made this possible.

Sen. Cory Booker Statement on Senate Group Reaching Bipartisan Compromise on Gun Control Bill

Senator Cory Booker (Dem-NJ) released the following statement after a group of 20 U.S. senators, of which he was one reached a deal on the framework for bipartisan legislation on gun control:

I support these bipartisan measures that would begin to curb gun violence in America. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will find a way to make these changes and provide these resources. We need to continue our efforts to pass common sense gun safety laws. 

The proposal includes:

 

Support for State Crisis Intervention Orders

• Provides resources to states and tribes to create and administer laws that help ensure deadly weapons are kept out of the hands of individuals whom a court has determined to be a significant danger to themselves or others, consistent with state and federal due process and constitutional protections.

 

Investment in Children and Family Mental Health Services

• National expansion of community behavioral health center model; major investments to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs; and other support services available in the community, including crisis and trauma intervention and recovery.

 

Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence

• Convicted domestic violence abusers and individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders are included in NICS, including those who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.

 

Funding for School-Based Mental Health and Supportive Services

• Invests in programs to expand mental health and supportive services in schools, including: early identification and intervention programs and school based mental health and wrap-around services.

 

Funding for School Safety Resources

• Invests in programs to help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, support school violence prevention efforts and provide training to school personnel and students.

 

Clarification of Definition of Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer

• Cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements.

 

Telehealth Investments

•  Invests in programs that increase access to mental and behavioral health services for youth and families in crisis via telehealth.

 

Under 21 Enhanced Review Process

• For buyers under 21 years of age, requires an investigative period to review juvenile and mental health records, including checks with state databases and local law enforcement.

 

Penalties for Straw Purchasing

• Cracks down on criminals who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns.

Sen. Cory Booker Statement on the Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement:

“For the first time in America’s history, a Black woman will sit on the highest court in our nation’s land. Like many Americans, I feel immense pride and so much joy at this historic occasion.

“As Judge Jackson ascends to the United States Supreme Court, I see in her the affirmation of our ancestors who suffered the indignities of this country yet sacrificed to bend the moral arc of our nation towards justice. They knew that America, though haunted by its past failings, was not bound by them and believed that a day like this would eventually arrive.

“Judge Jackson brings to the court a unique set of experiences. She has clerked at all three levels of the judiciary, including for Justice Stephen Breyer. In 2005, she became a public defender, embarking on the noble work that is a cornerstone of our justice system. Since then Judge Jackson has continued to serve our nation, first as Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and then on the federal bench. Her sterling credentials have earned her broad support and this will be the fourth time that the United States Senate will confirm her to a role she was nominated for in a bipartisan manner.

“Throughout her confirmation hearings, Judge Jackson has displayed poise and grace, and I commend President Biden for nominating her. He has found the right person to serve as the 116th Justice of the Supreme Court, and I am overjoyed to cast my vote in favor of a brilliant jurist who will inspire generations to come.”

Cory Booker on Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings: Outrageous and beyond the pale.”

During an interview on NBC's Meet the Press, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) says Republican behavior during Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination hearings were “very different” than the previous confirmation hearings.

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) says Republican behavior during Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination hearings were “very different” than the previous confirmation hearings. #MTP @CoryBooker: "What we saw though this week was to me, outrageous and beyond the pale.” pic.twitter.com/ohTMYCARGD

— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 27, 2022

VIDEO: Cory Booker questions Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on Day 2 of her confirmation hearings

Watch Senator Cory Booker question Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson during her confirmation hearing to be a Supreme Court justice.

Sen. Cory Booker tests positive for COVID-19

U.S. Senator Cory Booker said on Sunday they that he tested positive for COVID-19 and was experiencing mild symptoms amid a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases.

Booker, 52, a New Jersey Democrat, said on Twitter he had learned Sunday of his positive test "after first feeling symptoms on Saturday." He added he had "relatively mild" symptoms and recently had received a vaccine booster. "I’m certain that without them I would be doing much worse," he said.

Booker released the following statement via Twitter:

I learned today that I tested positive for COVID-19 after first feeling symptoms on Saturday. My symptoms are relatively mild. I’m beyond grateful to have received two doses of vaccine and, more recently, a booster – I’m certain that without them I would be doing much worse.

— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) December 20, 2021

Booker says he's "not giving up" on police reform after talks collapsed

Senator Cory Booker explained to "Face the Nation" just why talks fell apart and the road ahead to meaningful change in policing.

Cory Booker Statement on Ending Bipartisan Policing Reform Negotiations

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) issued the following statement after bipartisan congressional talks between he, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif) on overhauling policing practices have ended without an agreement:

“America has a serious problem when it comes to discriminatory policing and excessive and deadly force used against communities of color. We can’t properly honor the lives of the victims of this violence if we don’t take meaningful steps to prevent future violence and deaths from occurring and make our communities safer.

“We made it clear from the beginning of our negotiations that a bill must ensure true accountability, transparency, and the policing standards necessary to bring an end to horrific incidents of violence Americans are routinely seeing -- like the murder of George Floyd. After months of exhausting every possible pathway to a bipartisan deal, it remains out of reach right now, even after working collaboratively with and securing the support of policing groups like the Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Chiefs of Police for our proposals.

“Unfortunately, even with this law enforcement support and further compromises we offered, there was still too wide a gulf with our negotiating partners and we faced significant obstacles to securing a bipartisan deal.

“The time has come to explore all other options to achieve meaningful and common sense policing reform. I will not stop fighting until we achieve change that keeps our communities and police officers safe.”

Sen. Cory Booker Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement on Senate passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021:

“After months of bipartisan negotiations, I applaud the Senate for passing the most extensive infrastructure investment our country has seen in decades. This landmark legislation will help create millions of good-paying jobs throughout our country, strengthen our national security, and bolster our economy -- making us more economically competitive with other nations. 

“New Jersey and our country badly need federal investment to modernize our nation’s rail and transit systems, repair our crumbling roads and tunnels and deteriorating water systems, strengthen cyberinfrastructure, expand broadband access, and combat climate change. 

“The IIJA also includes key funding for Amtrak and transit that will support completion of the Gateway Program, funding for the construction and refurbishment of household decentralized wastewater systems that I’ve worked to advance for years, and a toll credit exchange pilot program, ferry operators provision, and wildlife crossing safety program based on my legislation.

“I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in passing this bipartisan legislation and look forward to following it up with a budget bill that will make significant and transformative investments to lower costs for American families, create additional American jobs, and move our country forward in addressing the climate crisis.”

Specifically, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 will include the following:

 

• $66 billion for passenger and freight rail including $30 billion in dedicated funding for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor that will address the region’s backlog of repairs and improve service.

 

• $39.2 billion of new investments over baseline funding for a total of $89.9 billion to modernize transit.

 

• $111 billion in new investments in roads and bridges including a $40 billion dedicated program to rebuild our nation’s aging bridges, $16 billion for major projects, and a new program for reconnecting communities that have been historically divided by transportation infrastructure.  

 

• Authorizes $250 million over five years for a new decentralized wastewater systems grant program based on bipartisan legislation by Senators Booker and Capito for the construction and refurbishment of individual household decentralized wastewater systems for low-and moderate income individuals.

 

• A toll credit exchange pilot program, based on legislation by Senator Booker and Senator Shaheen. Senator Booker has long championed this program that will allow New Jersey to potentially sell their excess toll credits in order to increase investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure.

 

• $350 million over five years for a wildlife crossing safety program Senator Booker worked with Senator Barrasso to get over the finish line.

 

• $400 million over five years to create a new grant program that Senator Booker and Senator Whitehouse have championed to reduce emissions from seaports. 

 

• Provisions Senator Booker championed to ensure that certain privately-owned ferry boats and terminals that are deemed essential to a region’s transportation network are eligible for Surface Transportation Block Grant funding to secure that ferry operators in the state are able to provide critical transportation options for commuters. 

 

Sen. Cory Booker: Qualified immunity needs to be changed

Sen. Cory Booker (R-N.J.) on Sunday said lawmakers are “making meaningful progress” in police reform negotiations, adding that he remains focused on eliminating qualified immunity.

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker says qualified immunity needs to be changed "at some point" when discussing police reform negotiations and adds that it's a point that's getting pushback from the other side. "We're working very hard to see if we can bridge this wide gulf." #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/prqCXSCDsf

— State of the Union (@CNNSotu) May 23, 2021

Senator Cory Booker: How the American Rescue Plan helps you and New Jersey

Senator Cory Booker (NJ) sent out the following statement explaining how the American Rescue Plan helps New Jersey:

March 13, 2021

Dear New Jerseyan,

This past week, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan, delivering on his and Congressional Democrats’ promise to provide COVID-19 relief to the American people. I supported this bold legislation because it provides an urgent and historic investment in the health and financial stability of millions of New Jerseyans and people across the country, a boost to our small businesses, and a lifeline to state and local governments. The landmark American Rescue Plan puts our country on a path to ending this pandemic and building back stronger and better. 

The American Rescue Plan provides a number of benefits, which will directly benefit you. I encourage New Jerseyans who would like to see a detailed breakdown and more information on how to access these critical resources to take a look at our updated COVID-19 Federal Relief Update for New Jerseyans at booker.senate.gov/coronavirus.

Here is just a snapshot of what this landmark bill will do for the American people:

Stimulus Checks

• $1,400 direct payments to individuals making less than $75,000 or couples making less than $150,000 and each of their dependent children. (Some individuals earning up to $80,000 and couples earning up to $160,000 will be eligible to receive a reduced amount of this benefit).
• This will total $9.62 billion in combined direct payments for 3,691,546 eligible New Jersey households – an average $2,605 per household.
• On top of $600 checks approved in December, these $1,400 payments fulfill a promise of providing $2,000 stimulus payments per person.
• Unlike previous rounds, adult dependents would be eligible for payments.
• Citizen spouses and children living in mixed-status families are also eligible for payments.

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

• Emergency provisions expanding unemployment insurance benefits that were due to lapse March 14 will now be extended to September 6.
• These changes extend the $300 federal weekly enhanced benefit through September 6.
• The American Rescue Plan makes the first $10,200 of unemployment insurance benefit income tax-free for individuals earning up to $150,000.
• Freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors are eligible for expanded benefits.
• Over 268,000 New Jerseyans whose federal UI benefits were due to expire this week will have them extended.

Tax Credits

• Expands the existing Child Tax Credit for families with children by up to $1,600 per child, from $2,000 to $3,600 per child under age six and $3,4000 per child under age 18. 
• Families will become able to receive the credit as a monthly payment.
• More than 1.6 million New Jersey children will benefit from this expanded credit, including an additional 560,000 children who previously did not qualify for the full benefit.
• 82% of New Jersey children will now be eligible for the Child Tax Credit
• In addition to benefiting millions of New Jersey children, these changes will lift 10 million American children out of poverty, including an estimated 89,000 in New Jersey.

Vaccines/Testing

• The American Rescue Plan provides $14 billion for vaccines, helping to scale up America’s vaccine capacity.
• The law also provides $49 billion for testing, contact tracing, genomic sequencing to track new variants and monitor of COVID-19 to better prevent its spread.
• It also provides $7.6 billion to hire 100,000 public health workers to administer vaccines and support the pandemic response.

State/Local Assistance

• The American Rescue Plan provides $360 billion in direct, flexible aid to every state, county and municipal government, to help cover increased costs and lost revenues due to the pandemic, while keeping essential public workers on the job and maintaining critical services for residents; includes $10 billion to expand broadband internet access.
• The law provides an estimated $10.2 billion for New Jersey, including approximately $6.4 billion for the state plus another $192 million for broadband, $1.823 billion combined for all 21 counties, and $1.741 billion split among all 565 municipalities. 
• The law provides $50 billion for Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to reimburse state and local COVID response costs at 100% cost share.
• New Jersey has already received $2 billion from FEMA DRF.

Help is on the way. Together, we will finally overcome this pandemic and build back better. 

Sincerely,

Cory A. Booker
United States Senator

Sen. Cory Booker statement on failure to convict Trump during his 2nd impeachment trial

Senator Cory Booker (NJ) released the following statement via Twitter following the Senate's failure to convict Trump during his 2nd impeachment trial.

The House Managers showed in powerful & compelling detail that Trump incited the Capitol insurrection—resulting in death & violence.

Trump should have been held accountable.

History won't be kind to the 43 Senate Republicans who voted to excuse Trump's outrageous misconduct.

Cory Booker Introduces Resolution Calling for First United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has introduced the United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation resolution, urging Congress to form the first commission acknowledging and examining the systemic racism that has disenfranchised Black Americans throughout U.S. history and the racial inequities that persist today. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the resolution in the House in June.

“This year has brought to bear the harsh reality that systemic racism is ever present in our political, legal, environmental, economic, health, and social institutions,” said Senator Booker. “As a nation, we must acknowledge and grapple with the systemic racism and white supremacy that have been with us since our country’s founding and continues to persist in our laws, our policies and our lives to this day. The first ever Congressional commission on truth, racial healing, and transformation will be a critical compliment to legislative efforts to build a more just and equitable future, including the recent George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the long time movement to establish a commission to study reparations.”

“A painful and dangerous legacy of white supremacy lingers in our country, and we cannot begin healing until we fully acknowledge and understand how our that legacy facilitates inequality today,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Every crisis we’re dealing with right now – police brutality, mass incarceration, poverty, the COVID-19 public health crisis — disproportionately impact communities of color. I’m pleased Senator Booker will be leading our effort in the Senate to follow the lead of the numerous communities across America that have successfully developed Truth Commissions. Only by understanding our past, and confronting the errors that still haunt us today, can we truly move forward as a people and a country.”

Senate Co-sponsors: Markey, Sanders, Blumenthal, Menendez, Coons, Klobuchar, Warren, Duckworth, Whitehouse, Brown, Durbin

House Co-Sponsors (169): Lead Rep. Barbara Lee; Holmes-Norton, Moore, Hastings, Espaillat, Clarke, Brown, Tlaib, Bass, Garcia, McGovern, Omar, Fudge, Jayapal, Barragan, Thompson, Blunt Rochester, Meng, Blumenauer, Hayes, Trone, Khanna, Lowenthal, Maloney, Sanchez, Connolly, Haaland, Watson Coleman, Lewis, Scott, Jackson Lee, Clark, DeSaulnier, Sewell, Bishop, Pressley, Raskin, Sarbanes, Ocasio-Cortez, Meeks, Payne, Rush, Cox, Pingree, McNerney, Cohen, Smith, Beatty, Carson, Horsford, Casten, Schakowsky, Cooper, Lowey, Castro, Adams, Kennedy, Davids, Ruiz, Velazquez, Butterfield, Richmond, Trahan, Pallone, Engel, Grijalva, Evans, Takano, Serrano, Vela, Speier, Escovar, Gallego, Napolitano, Cardenas, Panetta, Lieu, Sires, Luria, Neguse, Dingell, Maloney, McEachin, Wilson, Kelly, Lamb, Ryan, Levin, Bonamici, Welch, Vargas, Price, Crist, Lofgren, Keating, Wasserman Schutlz, Sabian, Clay, Roybal-Allard, Thompson, Eshoo, Chu, DeGette, Kirkpatrick, Johnson, Swalwell, Krishnamoorthi, Neal, Aguilar, Sherman, Pocan, Cicilline, Suozzi, Doggett, Jeffries, Waters, Green, Deutch, Kaptur, Huffman, Crow, Castor, Rouda, DeLauro, Cisneros, Brownley, Kuster, Matsui, Lawrence, Davis, DeFazio, Veasey, Visclosky, Garcia, Boyle, Cuellar, Kim, Lawson, Kilmer, McCollum, Soto, Cleaver, Reppersberger, Dean, Yarmuth, Porter, Phillips, Doyle, Weton, Shalala, Beyer, Kildee, Delgado, Levin, Scheider, Tonko, Bera, Frankel, Quigley, Wild, Garamendi, Stevens, Davis, DelBene, Heck, Torres, Correa, Schiff, Gomez, Peters

Earlier this year, Senator Booker and Representative Lee re-introduced their bicameral bill the Confederate Monument Removal Act. The legislation would remove all statues of people who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from the National Statuary Hall Collection.

The full text of the resolution can be viewed here.

Sen. Cory Booker statement on Kamala Harris becoming Vice president-Elect

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) released the following statement via Twitter about his "sister", Kamala Harris becoming Vice-President Elect:

I feel like our ancestors are rejoicing.

For the first time, a Black and South Asian woman has been elected Vice President of the United States.

My sister has made history and blazed a trail for future generations to follow.

We love you,

@KamalaHarris