Congressional Briefs: Lee, Lewis

By Staff

Nov. 10, 2008, 12 a.m. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) issued the following statement in response to Senator Obama's historic election as the next President of the United States: 

"I offer my warmest congratulations to President-elect Obama, his family, his staff and the grassroots movement –including the millions of young people - who made this tremendous victory possible.  

"As I sat on the floor of the 2004 Democratic convention and listened to Sen. Obama's speech, I knew that he would be our first African American president and I shared that prediction with many that memorable evening and after. What I did not know that night in Boston is that it would come so soon.    

"This is a transformative moment in United States history. When Dr. King spoke a generation ago of the dream he held for America, he envisioned exactly this type of moment, where a man was judged by his character, his intellect and his hard work -- and not by the color of his skin or his race or his ancestry.  

"In the same generation, then President Nixon perfected a strategy that sought to pit communities and generations against each other, the launching of the culture wars. While those wars are not completely behind us, today's election should give pause to those who seek to falsely divide us and it should give hope that we are a nation ready to be united in our diversity, strong in our differences and proud of our democracy. 

"As an African American engaged for decades now in the nation's political life, and as Western Regional Co-Chair of Senator Obama's campaign, I have worked for and held much hope for the political future that is now here.  

"I cannot imagine a more perfect outcome than to have a President Obama lead us through the process of re-establishing the United States' good name and reputation among all nations. We can return to our proudest national attributes: a respect for the rule of law, a promotion of and respect for internationally recognized human rights, and the effective use of diplomacy and international economic development to tackle poverty and provide opportunity -- here and abroad -- that will help build the foundation of peace and cooperation and still the momentum towards global strife and conflict. 

"As a member of Congress and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus leadership, I pledge to work closely with President-elect Obama during his transition and with President Obama during his presidency. There is much to do to reverse the damaging  policies of the last eight years, and there is much to do to move our nation into its remarkable third century -- one unshackled from the burdens of our past and limited only by our capacity to dream a new future."

Rep. John Lewis Receives “A” on Votes for Veterans

This year, Rep. John Lewis got a top score on the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Action’s 2008 Congressional Report Card.  Based on key votes in the U.S. House of Representatives, the 2008 Congressional Report Card covers the wide range of issues facing new veterans such as healthcare, the post 9/11 G.I. bill, mental health and support for homeless veterans. 

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“IAVA Action’s 2008 Congressional Report Card recognizes those lawmakers who refused to compromise on the most important issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of IAVA.  “From passing a new GI Bill to increasing VA funding by over 10 billion dollars, the 110th Congress has made tremendous progress on behalf of America’s newest generation of heroes.  Over the last two years, Congressman Lewis has demonstrated that he is a great friend to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.  IAVA Action is proud to give Congressman Lewis an ‘A’ and would like to thank him for his leadership on these critical issues.”

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) graded members of the 110^th Congress on thirteen key votes and co-sponsorship of H.R. 5740, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. 

“There is no one,” said Rep. John Lewis, “who has paid a higher price for the policies of the last administration than our young men and women in uniform.  Too many of them have sacrificed all they have to defend the interests of this country.  We owe these young men and women our best, regardless of the challenges we face as a nation, and I believe this nation must honor their commitment and dedication with as much support as we can offer. 

“That is why I am proud to support the veterans of America with my vote for programs and policies that I believe will assist them.  I also believe that the absolutely best way we can serve these sons and daughters of America is to find an expeditious and effective way to end these wars and bring our young men and women home.  We must rediscover the skillful use of diplomacy to resolve our international conflicts and begin the process of healing that must follow  to restore Iraq and Afghanistan to the community of nations.”

In the 110^th Congress, House Democrats passed landmark legislation for veterans including $16.3 billion in additional funding for veterans healthcare services, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to cover the cost of attending a public university, and improvements to the VA home loan program that protects veterans who have recently returned from combat from falling into foreclosure and allows more veterans to refinance their existing high-risk mortgages with VA home loans.  For more information on the IAVA’s 2008 Congressional Report Card, visit their website at www.iava.org.

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