Vice President Kamala Harris sat down with Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members last week to discuss living Black History and The American Rescue Plan. The meeting marked a rare occurrence on Capitol Hill – Black officials didn’t just have a seat, they had the whole table.
The panel of guests included CBC Chair Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05). Additionally, Vice President Harris also welcomed Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05). According to a statement released by the CBC, the meeting was particularly significant due to its intergenerational nature. Congresswoman Nikema Williams is one of the organization’s most recent members.
“I look forward to working with my sorority sister, Vice President Harris, and my Congressional Black Caucus colleagues as we live Black history by strengthening our power and our message,” Williams said.
The Discussion
The vice president and the CBC’s discussion centered on helping Black and working-class families struggling financially due to the COVID-19.
Namely, the group discussed The American Rescue Plan. The Plan includes various financial relief resources for struggling Americans, such as $1400 per-person checks for families. It also includes $35 billion in housing assistance, which will relieve people more susceptible to being burdened by rent.
The CBC’s new plan for equality, equity and equal justice was also on the agenda. The initiative, “Our Power, Our Message,” puts the improvement of the Black community at the forefront of domestic policy. The 58 CBC members of the 117th Congress will leverage their leadership roles to achieve these goals.
Kamala Harris: From CBC Member To VP
The meeting on Feb. 25 was not Harris’ first introduction to the organization. In fact, she used to be a member. Representative and CBC member Bobby Rush (D-IL) foreshadowed Harris’ ultimate win for one of the nation’s highest roles. In a 2019 interview with Chris Cuomo, he said, “she is the one.”
