July 23, 2011
On July 13, 2011, US House of Representative Member, Emanuel Clever, III, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) introduced the “Congressional Black Caucus `For the People’ Jobs Initiative Resolution: H. RES. 348 in the US House–in response to record unemployment and the fact that there has been little or no action on the House floor taken to address this pressing matter. His rationale basis for the resolution is as follows:
“Over six months into the 112th Congress, no jobs creation legislation has been considered on the House floor despite the introduction of over forty bills by members of the CBC. It is clear that the unemployment numbers throughout the country require effective legislation and tangible action to address the crisis. The reported unemployment numbers in the African American community are hovering over sixteen percent.
The CBC is not standing idly by, but rather with the For the People Jobs Initiative, we are providing all of our constituents with what you need—aggressive action that remedies the stymied economy instead of protecting special interests and embarking on ideological crusades. To address the unemployment crisis and the need for job creation solutions in underserved communities, the CBC has called upon the private and public sectors to immediately remedy the crisis by going into communities with legitimate, immediate employment opportunities for the underserved.”
Like most Americans, US Representative Clever asserts that, “It is time for action on the most important issue of our time—economic opportunity through jobs! Every American deserves the right to be gainfully employed or own a successful business.” Clever goes on to state that “…the Congressional Black Caucus is committed to that right and will not rest until there is parity in access to economic opportunity.”
The text of the resolution he introduced is below.
RESOLUTION
"Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that critical jobs legislation should
be considered and passed to address the growing jobs crisis throughout America,
and for other purposes.
Whereasthis resolution may be cited as the `Congressional Black Caucus `For the
People’ Jobs Initiative Resolution’;
Whereas over six months into the 112th Congress and no jobs creation legislation has
been considered on the House floor despite the introduction of over 40 bills by
members of the Congressional Black Caucus (`CBC’);
Whereas the unemployment numbers throughout the country mandate legislative, tangible action to address the crisis;
Whereas the reported unemployment numbers in the African-American community are
hovering over sixteen percent and in the double digits in other communities of
color in these United States;
Whereas for 40 years the CBC has introduced legislation for the people and has served
as the unwavering `Conscience of the Congress’;
Whereas the CBC recently launched the `For the People’ Jobs Initiative to directly
address the lack of jobs for people of color by holding job fairs and town hall
meetings throughout the country in areas hardest hit by the recession; and
Whereas, to address the unemployment crisis and the need for job creation solutions in
underserved communities, the CBC has called upon the private and public sectors
to immediately remedy the crisis by going into communities with legitimate,
immediate employment opportunities for the underserved: Now, therefore be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should– (1) consider and pass critical jobs legislation to address the crisis facing communities of color disproportionately; and (2) consider and pass critical jobs legislation to address the nationwide economic crisis."
This resolution was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. For further information visit the websites listed below under sources.
Sources: www.govtrack.us. www.thomas.loc.gov. Facebook page Emanuel Clever, III, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
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