Washington, D.C. -- Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic Senators met today with Bishop Thomas Hoyt of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and President of the National Council of Churches, and Reverend Stephen John Thurston, President of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
This meeting provided an opportunity for Congressional leaders and leaders in the African American faith community to discuss tangible actions that must be taken to address the very serious issues of poverty and the role of the federal courts in America. The partnership forged from this meeting will provide real ideas that will be put into place as Congress moves forward with budget reconciliation and considers vacancies on the Supreme Court.
“From Katrina recovery efforts to issues involving fairness in the federal judiciary, Congressional Democrats and the religious leadership of the African American community share many of the same goals and concerns,” said Senator Reid. “Today’s meeting is part of an on-going dialogue about how we will meet these goals and build a better America together.”
"As we discussed today with these exceptional religious leaders, Hurricane Katrina has reminded us that the harsh reality for millions of people has gone unnoticed for far too long," Leader Pelosi said. "The truth is that the federal government was not to be found in the days following that tragic storm. The federal government did not feed or shelter innocent victims. It did not stand for the least and the lost among us. But today we stand united to move forward, never forgetting that until our reality is one of a truly fair America for every American, there is more work yet to be done."
“African American clergy have already provided comfort and relief to thousands affected by this national tragedy. Now they are helping to provide the bold, innovative thinking necessary to rebuild,” said Senator Mary Landrieu. “Working together with the leaders of the African American community, we will build a stronger, smarter and more prosperous Gulf Coast.”
"The powerful winds of this storm have torn away that mask that has hidden from our debates the many Americans who are left out and left behind,” said Senator Ted Kennedy. “When we rebuild the land ravaged by the winds and the floods, we must rebuild it to be a more just and fair land – where the doors of democracy and opportunity are open to all."
“Like many Americans, I too watched the valiant effort to save many lives. I also contemplated what else should have been done before and immediately following the storm,” said Bishop Hoyt. “I and many in the affected areas call on the Congressional Leadership to appoint an independent commission to investigate the response of the federal government to Hurricane Katrina.”
“We don’t want to see New Orleans rebuilt excluding the poor and displaced,” said Rev. Thurston. “We want it to be a city that includes all of the residents that call it home.”
As messengers in many of the communities most affected by Hurricane Katrina and a re-structured Supreme Court, African American clergy will play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda of Congress and will drive the policies and decisions that mean the most to so many Americans.
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