Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Statement on Firing of FBI Director James Comey

The Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA-02), released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s firing of FBI Director James Comey:

"The out-of-the-blue ouster of FBI Director James Comey is more proof that we need an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate any and all ties between the Trump Administration and Russia.

“When the Attorney General, who supposedly recused himself from the Russia investigation after it was revealed that he lied under oath about conversations with Russians, recommends firing the only person at the Department of Justice leading that investigation, then there is no one at the Department who can be trusted to investigate. As Ranking Member Cummings has said, there is now a 'crisis of confidence' at the Department of Justice. This Administration can’t be trusted to investigate itself.

“The American people deserve to know the truth. I call on Republicans to put patriotism before party and join Democrats in creating an independent, bipartisan commission so we can get to the truth. If they don’t, then they’ll be aiding and abetting collusion and coverup.”

Congressman apologizes for crude joke about Kellyanne Conway

A Louisiana congressman has apologized for making a crude joke about White House adviser Kellyanne Conway.

Democrat Cedric Richmond made the joke during a comedy routine at last week's annual Washington Press Club Foundation congressional dinner. Citing the picture of Conway kneeling on a couch in the Oval Office, Richmond said Conway looked "kind of familiar there in that position."

The joke fell flat as the room full of journalists, congressional staffers and politicians audibly groaned.

Richmond initially defended the joke, saying his use of the word "familiar" simply meant that Conway looked too comfortable.

But Sunday night he issued a statement apologizing for the joke.

"After a discussion with people I know and trust I understand the way my remarks have been received by many," said Richmond. "I have consistently been a champion for women and women's issues, and because of that the last thing I would want to ever do is utter words that would hurt or demean them. I apologize to Kellyanne Conway and everyone who has found my comments to be offensive."

[SOURCE: YAHOONEWS]

Rep. Cedric Richmond elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Louisiana Democratic Rep. Cedric Richmond has been elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The three-term lawmaker will take over for the current chairman, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., in January when a new Congress is sworn in.

The 43-year-old Richmond has a reputation of working with Democrats and Republicans.

Butterfield says he is confident Richmond will provide strong leadership. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland says the CBC is the “conscience of the Congress” and says Richmond will bring energy to the job.

The CBC filled out its leadership ranks with Reps. Andre Carson, D-Ind., Karen Bass, D-Calif., Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich., and Gwen Moore, D-Wis.

[SOURCE]

Black congressmen respond to shooting death of Alton Sterling

Several black congressmen/women, such as Rep. John Conyers and Rep. Barbara Lee took to Twitter to respond to the shocking video of Alton Sterling being shot to death by Baton Rouge police. Read their responses below.

#AltonSterling was shot in cold blood. @TheJusticeDept needs to investigate this atrocity & bring #justice to his family. #BlackLivesMatter

— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) July 6, 2016

More than 550 police-involved shooting deaths this year. A Federal response to use of force is long overdue. #AltonSterling

— John Conyers (@RepJohnConyers) July 6, 2016

.@RepRichmond: There’s a "deep reservation" that justice will ever be served https://t.co/RoyrqfdwtY #AltonSterling https://t.co/1EuNqCPD4L

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 6, 2016

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) says #AltonSterling shooting a reminder of need for more police oversight/data collection pic.twitter.com/hD9KYjxehv

— Wesley Lowery (@WesleyLowery) July 6, 2016