Read the full text of Jan. 6 House Committee chair Bennie Thompson's remarks in first Jan. 6 hearing.

Read the full text of chair Bennie Thompson's opening remarks in first Jan. 6 hearing delivered on Jun 9, 2022.

Read the full text of chair Bennie Thompson's remarks in first Jan. 6 hearing. by George L. Cook III on Scribd

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley Nominated to Head U.S. Africa Command

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced June 9 that the president has nominated Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

Langley, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first African American Marine promoted to four stars.

Langley is currently serving as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command; commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic; and commander, Marine Corps Forces North, Norfolk, Virginia.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Langley graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and commissioned in 1985. He commanded at every level from platoon to regiment, including Battery K, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines in support of Operations WILDFIRE in Western United States; battalion and regimental commands in 12th Marines forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan; and both the 201st Regional Corps Advisory Command-Central and Regional Support Command – Southwest in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

As a general officer, his command assignments include deputy commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force and commanding general, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade; commander, Marine Forces Europe and Africa; and deputy commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and Deputy commander, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command.

Langley’s staff and joint assignments include serving as a division officer for Marine Corps Institute, Marine Barracks 8th and I; deputy G-1, 1st Marine Division deployed in support of Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia; naval surface fire support requirements officer in the Expeditionary Warfare Division (N75) and joint integration officer in the Surface Warfare Division (N76), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; policy action officer in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, J-5; Iraq desk officer in the Joint Staff Response Cell, J-3 Operations Directorate; deputy executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; assessments branch head, Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; assistant division commander of 3d Marine Division; deputy director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff; assistant deputy commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; and director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, J-5, U.S. Central Command.

Langley’s formal military education includes U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and College of Naval Command and Staff. He holds multiple advanced degrees including Masters in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Langley assumed the duties of commanding general, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and commander, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command on Nov. 3, 2021.

Statement by Rep. Donald Payne on passing of Protecting Our Kids Act

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted for the Protecting Our Kids Act today. The bill, H.R. 7910, would authorize several actions to increase gun safety, lower gun violence, and protect children. It raises the purchase age of certain semi-automatic weapons from 18 to 21 years old. It limits the flow of legal guns into illegal markets and shuts down gun trafficking to get illegal guns off the streets. It closes the ghost gun loophole by changing the definition of firearm to include gun kits and other equipment used to make ghost guns. It strengthens gun storage requirements to protect children from accidental shootings. It outlaws high-capacity magazines and bump stocks for civilian use.

In addition, it includes a provision for a federal buyback program for high-capacity magazines that could be the first step towards a national gun buyback program introduced in Rep. Payne, Jr.’s bill, the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act.

“I am proud to help pass this bill because Americans are sick and tired of the constant mass shootings happening in our country,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “They want action and this bill addresses issues that allow criminals and domestic terrorists to use guns to murder innocent Americans. As a father of triplets and anti-gun violence advocate, the mass shootings affect me personally. No parent should have to worry about whether they will see their child again when they send them to school. We must stop this insanity and obsession America has with guns and gun violence. We must take this threat seriously and do everything we can to protect Americans from gun violence.”

Rep. Jamaal Bowman Passed Resolution Condemning the Great Replacement Theory

Today, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, EdD (NY-16), passed a resolution condemning the Great Replacement Theory for the first time in history. The resolution passed 218-205 in the House. Rep. Bowman received widespread support from the Democratic caucus, including CBC Chairwoman Beatty, CHC Chairman Ruiz, CAPAC Chairwoman Chu, Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chairman Cicilline, CPC Chair Jayapal, Rep. Higgins, Rep. Takano, and Rep. Raskin who co-led the resolution along with a diverse coalition of members of Congress who co-sponsored the resolution. The “Great Replacement Theory” has been the root cause of a string of hateful mass murders and terrorist acts around the world from Buffalo, NY to Christchurch, New Zealand. This resolution is an exercise of Congress’ duty to acknowledge and condemn acts of racial violence and the beliefs that are used to falsely justify them, as well as reaffirm the federal government’s responsibility to combat white supremacy in all forms, with a coordinated whole-of-government approach. 

“Gun violence is an existential threat to us all, but it takes deep hate and brainwashing to kill people simply for their race, religion or national origin. We must tackle both gun reform and fight against hate of all kind to truly eradicate these shocking and shattering mass killings. Congress cannot sit by idly and pretend not to see the impact of the Great Replacement Theory in fueling these acts of terrorism,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (NY-16). “Today, I am proud to stand here and lead the introduction of this resolution that condemns the Great Replacement Theory as a white supremacist conspiracy theory that seeks to murder minorities, Jews, Muslims and immigrants alike. I am proud to be joined by my distinguished colleagues and fellow Democrats in taking a first step towards a future that is led by love and truth, not hate and lies.” 

“Congress and the Country are grateful to Congressman Jamaal Bowman for leading the charge on this important resolution condemning the bigoted ‘great replacement’ conspiracy theory,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12).  “Amid a surge of hate-fueled attacks, the House has a moral duty to condemn this abhorrent ideology for what it is: a call to racist violence. House Democrats remain committed to stamping out hate wherever and whenever it appears, and we will continue fighting to build a brighter, safer future for all of our children.”

“I commend Rep. Bowman for leading this effort and introducing this important resolution speaking out about the vile Great Replacement Theory and expressing condolences for the lives stolen in Buffalo, New York last month,” said Majority Leader Hoyer (MD-05). “This egregious and dangerous conspiracy theory has no place in our country and ought to be universally condemned. All Americans belong here and have an equal place in our diverse and democratic nation. No hateful conspiracy theories can ever justify violence and terror, and it is up to every Member of Congress to be on record stating so.  I urge Republicans to join us in condemning this conspiracy theory, which is harmful to our democracy, to public safety, and to the recognition of every American’s equal dignity and equal belonging in our nation.”

“I am proud to be one of more than 140 original co-sponsors of my colleague and CBC Member Congressman Jamaal Bowman’s resolution condemning the great replacement ‘theory.’ As Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I want to make sure everyone is aware this legislation is paramount to the safety of our communities. We cannot be silent while lives continue to be lost,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03). “We can no longer accept inaction and must confront this issue as the threat to national security it is. I commend my colleague Representative Jamaal Bowman for his leadership on this issue. For the families of every person who has lost their lives to hate crimes, we must make it clear that prayers and thoughts are not enough. Action is the only acceptable path forward.”

 "The Great Replacement Theory is one of the most pervasive, dangerous forces in our country today,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “It has stolen Black, Jewish, Latino, Muslim and immigrant lives, and it is on the rise. But while these forces may be resurgent, they are not new. These racist, white supremacist theories have been used from the beginning of our country — directed at different groups of people each time — to turn us against one another. That is why we insist on another way: to govern from love rather than fear, to put forward a vision of unity over separation. I am proud to join as chair of the Progressive Caucus and co-lead of Rep. Bowman's resolution — because this work is how we begin." 

“We cannot stand by and accept the horrific and senseless mass murder in Buffalo, New York, an act of domestic terrorism and hate that was fueled by far-right conspiracies and the easy acquisition of an extremely dangerous firearm,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Second Vice Chair of the CHC. “We stand united today to combat white supremacy, condemn dangerous rhetoric of hate and conspiracy, and call for urgent comprehensive gun violence prevention to help keep our communities safe. Far too many lives are at stake and the urgency for us to act is now.”

“From the Atlanta spa shootings targeting Asian women last spring to the recent mass shooting targeting the Black community in Buffalo, violent racist attacks have plagued communities of color for far too long. Fueled by the idea of the great replacement theory, this radical far-right conspiracy theory is destroying lives and shattering communities. We cannot allow baseless conspiracy theories to continue to stoke the flames of hatred across our nation,” said CAPAC Chair, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27). “This is why I was proud to join my colleagues in not only introducing, but passing this resolution condemning these acts of white supremacy. While there is still much work needed to build a brighter future, this resolution is another step forward toward eradicating hate, putting an end to needless tragedies and honoring the victims of these horrific crimes.” 

“As Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I want to make it clear that our community stands in solidarity with all those targeted by the Great Replacement Theory – a vile,  racist, xenophobic, nativist, and antisemitic conspiracy theory,” said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. “Too many people in positions of power have normalized and legitimized the underlying principles of this white supremacist conspiracy theory and we have seen the horrific consequences – most recently in Buffalo. We all must come condemn this dangerous, bigoted and unamerican conspiracy theory and the violence it has led to.”

“The vile, racially motivated act of domestic terrorism that occurred at a grocery store in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York is the result of radicalized right-wing extremists fueled by the conspiratorial belief in the great replacement theory and enabled by Republicans who refuse to address the threat this has on our country,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41). “I introduced a resolution with my colleagues to condemn the great replacement theory and commemorate the victims of this mass shooting as the first step in recovering, but we cannot accept this as our reality, we must prevent these tragedies from happening in the first place.” 

“We need to call this out for what it is or it will continue to divide and devastate our communities,” said Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26).  “The Buffalo shooter was influenced and radicalized by racist, hate-filled garbage. As a result, Black people in Buffalo were targeted, killed and injured. Our community is forever changed. The resolution to condemn the great replacement theory and commemorate the victims in Buffalo reinforces the urgent need to replace the ignorance and hate that is driving division, perpetuating lies, and killing our neighbors. Today we are taking an important step to speak out against this violent and divisive rhetoric, but we must continue working to end these preventable tragedies.”

"White Replacement Theory is a toxic lie. It combines racism, anti-Semitism and paranoid conspiracy theory into a dangerous intoxicant for extremists,” said Rep. Raskin (MD-08). “We have seen multiple cases of young people ingesting this hate-filled propaganda and then going on shooting sprees and massacres against members of targeted minority groups. I am pleased that the House has passed our Resolution denouncing White Replacement Theory. I just wish all those politicians who have been so valiantly denouncing and banning the elusive villain of ‘Critical Race Theory,’ which has not been linked to any massacre of innocent human beings, would now take a moment and a fraction of the same energy to denounce White Replacement Theory, which is a proven and serious danger to human life in America as extremists and fanatics internalize it.”      

The resolution is being co-led by several caucus chairs including Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chairwoman Judy Chu (D-CA), Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chair David Cicilline (D-RI). Congressmen Brian Higgins (D-NY), Paul Takano (D-CA), and Jaime Raskin (D-MD) are also co-leaders of this effort.

Including all of the co-leads, the resolution has the support of more than 142  original co-sponsors including Adams, Allred, Barragan, Blumenauer, Blunt Rochester, Bonamici, A. Brown, Bush, Bustos, Butterfield, Carbajal, Cardenas, Carson, Casten, Cherfilus-McCormick, Clark, Clarke, Cleaver, Cohen, Correa, Costa, Crow, Dean, DelBene, DeSaulnier, Dingell, Escobar, Eshoo, Espaillat, Evans, Gallego, C. Garcia, S. Garcia, Green, Grijalva, Horsford, Jacobs, Jeffries, E.B. Johnson, H. Johnson, Jones, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, Langevin, Lawrence, Lawson, B. Lee, S. Lee, Leger Fernandez, A. Levin, Lieu, Lowenthal, Lynch, C. Maloney, McGovern, McNerney, Meeks, Meng, Morelle, Napolitano, Holmes-Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pappas, Payne, Phillips, Pocan, Porter, Pressley, Quigley, Roybal-Allard, Rush, Sanchez, San Nicolas, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Sherman, Sherrill, Sewell, Sires, Soto, Stevens, Suozzi, Swalwell, Titus, Tlaib, Tonko, N. Torres, R.. Torres, Trahan, Trone, Underwood, Vargas, Velazquez, Watson Coleman, Williams, Wilson, Yarmuth

The resolution is also supported by several leading national advocacy organizations including J Street, the National Urban League, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA). 

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. wins NJ Democratic Primary

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. easily defeated political activist Imani Oakley on Tuesday to win the Democratic nomination for another term in the congressional seat he has held for 10 years.

Payne was leading Oakley by more than 8,000 votes — or more than 80% of the vote — in the 10th Congressional District when the AP called the race shortly before 9:30 p.m.

“This is a victory for the hardworking men and women of the 10th District who showed that they demand experienced, effective leadership that puts their needs first and always shows up for them, and that’s exactly what I have always strived to deliver as their Congressman,” Payne said in a statement.

“I would like to thank our incredible supporters for working so hard to make this victory possible, from the many labor unions and progressive organizations that endorsed, to the elected officials and community leaders that engaged with their residents,” he added. “More than anything I want to thank the everyday folks who continue to put their trust and faith in me to represent them in our nation’s capital.”

Payne will face Republican challenger David Pickney in November’s general election for the seat, according to a projection by the AP.

VOTE TOTALS (76% of vote counted)

Donald Payne Jr. 26,342 votes 83.6%

Imani Oakley 3,230 votes 10.3%

Akil Khalfani 1,926 votes 6.1%