Jackson-Lee RSS Articles

CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE ADDRESSES VOTER SUPPRESSION IN THE UNITED STATES

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding Voter Suppression in the United States:

“My fellow Members of Congress and I are gathered here today to address an issue that disturbs the very foundation of our nation; the right of each and every citizen to participate in electing their representatives in government. Enshrined in our Constitution by our nation’s founders, this fundamental right is the lynchpin of our democracy. Unfortunately, the right to vote was not recognized for all people in this country at its inception. Indeed, for the several decades after the signing of the Constitution, the right to vote belonged to white men who owned property alone.

“Through a long-fought effort by dedicated activists, courageous legislators and judges, and with the gradual evolution of public sentiment, the voting franchise was extended by law to all white men, non-white men, women, native Americans, and then finally, to all citizens over the age of 18. However, even though the right to vote was legally recognized for all citizens of age, there have always been sinister efforts to suppress the vote of certain citizens who were guaranteed the right to vote by the Constitution. Through poll taxes, grandfather clauses, literacy tests, intimidation and outright violence, voter suppression remained an agenda by those who do not believe in the principle of one person, one vote, and who seek to keep certain groups from participating in our democracy.

“Voter photo identification legislation a recent phenomenon and the latest tactic of the voter suppression agenda. Only decade ago, in any of our 50 states, a voter could set out on election Tuesday and be permitted to vote in his or her respective state without being required to present a photo ID to election officials. Alarmingly, since that time, 15 states have adopted photo ID requirements for voting. In fact, at least 34 states have introduced legislation requiring voters to produce photo IDs at the voting booth in this year alone. 7 states, including my home state of Texas, have adopted the strictest form of voter photo ID legislation with the fewest exceptions.

“This raises the question: what caused these states to, after more than two centuries of holding elections without photo ID requirements, impose such a burden on voters? Proponents of these laws argue that voter identification fraud is an epidemic in America, while there has been little documented evidence. Voter impersonation fraud occurs when one person votes using the identity of another. In order to obtain a state-issued photo ID valid under these statues, states often charge fees. Moreover the documents used for proof of identity in order to obtain photo IDs, such as birth certificates and social security cards, also cost money. When added together, along with transportation costs, the amount of money required to obtain an acceptable form of identification can be substantial for a citizen who lacks the financial means to do so.

“Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections, a Supreme Court case decided in 1966, outlawed the Jim Crow requirement that a citizen pay a poll tax in order to be allowed to vote in an election. (Majority Opinion by Justice Douglas) In its decision, the Court said ‘We conclude that a State violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment whenever it makes the affluence of the voter or payment of any fee an electoral standard.’ However, with voter photo ID requirements, those who would suppress the rights of citizens to vote would have vote a way to implement a backdoor poll tax. Voters without valid, non-expired state or federal government issued identification documents will be burdened with the expenses of obtaining one of those prescribed forms of ID.

“Because of the state’s so-called “rational basis” for requiring photo identification in order to vote, Indiana’s state photo ID law was upheld by the Supreme Court in Crawford in 2008. The effects of such a ruling are unduly discriminatory and target specific groups of voters: low income voters, racial and ethnic minorities, senior citizens, disabled voters, and college students. I will leave you to guess which party has been behind the concerted and overzealous efforts by state legislatures and governors to push these discriminatory bills. 11% of the population, or roughly 21 million people, do not have a government-issued photo identification document.

“Nationwide, depending on the state, African-Americans are 2 or 3 times as likely as their white counterparts to lack government-issued photo identification. Nearly a fifth of our seniors do not have government-issued photo IDs. We must remember that voting is a RIGHT under our Constitution, NOT A PRIVILEGE. We must prevent this effort to turn back the hands of time in order to prevent eligible voters from exercising their Constitutional rights.

“Now, I am sad to report that my home state of Texas has been the latest victim of the systematic effort to suppress votes all around America. In late May, Governor Rick Perry signed into law the Texas iteration of voter photo identification legislation, which was based upon the extremely restrictive Indiana photo ID law. The history and current state of discriminatory voter suppression in Texas is so pervasive that any substantive change to its election law must be submitted by preclearance to the Department of Justice under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. This makes Texas one of the 9 states in our country that must submit election law alterations, such as photo ID requirements, to the Department of Justice before the changes are permitted to take effect. The law is set to take effect in January next year.

“Currently, Texas election law allows voters to use their birth certificate, a current utility bill, a government check, a paycheck, official mail addressed to them, and other documents in lieu of a driver’s license issued by the state or a U.S. passport. These documents have long been sufficient in the state of Texas to prove one’s identity for the purposes of voting. However, once the new law takes effect, those alternative forms of identification will be unavailable to citizens of Texas. In fact, Texan voters will be unable to use their birth certificate, which is issued by the State of Texas, in order to vote. Now, this fact is particularly revealing, especially in light of the purported reason for passing voter photo identification legislation, which is to combat a ‘supposed’ widespread problem of voter impersonation fraud.

“If we are to accept their argument that the voter photo ID laws are for the purpose of preventing voter impersonation fraud, then why not continue to allow people to use birth certificates? By banning citizens from using their state-issued birth certificates, we are required to believe the ridiculous and unfounded notion of people stealing other people’s birth certificates in order to show up at an election to vote! Where is the sense in that? I don’t know about you, but I have never heard a single case in which a person stole someone else’s birth certificate and then showed up at the polls and voted as that person. No, the fact that birth certificates were removed from Texas election law as a permissible form of identification reveals that voter impersonation fraud is merely a pretextual argument; a guise under which the real purpose of suppressing the votes of certain people can be achieved. That is something for which we cannot stand.

“However, while a birth certificate is no longer good enough to prove your identity for the purpose of voting in the State of Texas, “coincidentally”, the new law does allow voters to use concealed handgun licenses in order to be permitted to cast their ballots. There is no doubt that the Texas Voter ID law was specifically crafted with the intent to impose new obligations on the rights of certain Texans to vote, while attempting to preserve the rights of other citizens they believe to be predisposed to voting a certain way. This is wrong in the State of Texas, and it is wrong in America.”

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE MAKES A STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S FISCAL YEAR 2013 BUDGET

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

“President Obama has put forth a budget that invests in job creation and economic growth in the short-term and gets our nation on a long-term, responsible path to fiscal sustainability. The President’s budget builds on the recent good news about our economy, recognizing that the recovery is still fragile and that our first priority must be to put Americans back to work.

“In the near-term, we can boost our economic recovery by passing a payroll tax cut extension and continuing to provide unemployment insurance to the millions who are out of work through no fault of their own. Additionally, this budget includes key elements of the President’s American Jobs Act, which has been sitting before Congress since September. For example, the proposed infrastructure investments will put thousands to work repairing our roads, bridges, and schools.

“The most effective way to reduce our deficit is to put Americans back to work – in fact, CBO recently estimated that we would cut the deficit by one-third if our economy could be at full employment. But the President also includes additional measures to put our fiscal house in order, making tough choices and achieving deficit targets through a balance of spending cuts and increased revenue. It asks the wealthiest 2 percent of people, for example, to go back to the tax rates they paid under President Clinton – a time of great growth and prosperity – but also makes difficult cuts.

“We must all share responsibility as we work to reduce our debt and deficit. The President’s budget stands in sharp contrast to last year’s Republican budget, much of which we expect to see again this year. We need to get serious about debts and deficits in a responsible way. The President takes a balanced approach to deficit reduction, but Republicans continue to insist on ending the Medicare guarantee and slashing vital investments in education, while giving tax breaks and sweetheart deals to the super wealthy.”

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON APPLAUDS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION FOR THE NATIONAL MORTGAGE SETTLEMENT

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement today after the Departments of Justice and Housing and Urban Development and state attorneys general across the country announced a $25 billion settlement addressing servicing and foreclosure abuses by the country’s five largest banks. The agreement will provide relief to many homeowners at risk of foreclosure, with Texans set to receive $428 Million for Texas, Including $287 Million to Texas Homeowners, assistance to unemployed homeowners, and other initiatives to stem the foreclosure crisis in the state:

“Today’s multi-state mortgage settlement is a positive step forward for homeowners in Texas and across the country. Though limited in its reach, this agreement will help move us towards a more stable housing market and, in doing so, strengthen our economy.

“I commend the Obama Administration and state leaders for their hard work and their commitment to protect middle class families. Congress must remain vigilant and ensure that mortgage servicers hold up their end of the bargain so we can bring immediate relief to families who need it most.

“The settlement covers only a small portion of the many Texas homeowners estimated to be underwater. To help more underwater homeowners, President Obama, in his State of the Union address, urged Congress to pass legislation making it easier for responsible homeowners to refinance their mortgages at historically low mortgage rates. I urge the House Republican leadership to schedule this legislation for a vote so that more responsible homeowners not covered by the settlement, and whose homes have lost value through no fault of their own, can have access to refinancing opportunities.”

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE MARKS 400 DAYS OF THE GOP ‘DO NOTHING’ CONGRESS

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee today marked the 400th day of the Republican “do nothing” Congress, highlighting House Republicans’ top “accomplishments” in the majority: no jobs agenda, a plan to end the Medicare guarantee, and a series of manufactured crises that took the government to the brink of a shutdown and the economy to the brink of default.

“Americans can’t afford another year of a Republican Congress that fails to focus on jobs, refuses to strengthen our middle class, and tries to end Medicare guarantee,” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said. “We must get to work now to reignite the American dream, rebuilding the pillars that have always made our economy strong: small businesses, entrepreneurs, and an all-inclusive and thriving middle class.”

From day one of the Republican majority, the American people’s top priority has remained job creation. Yet House Republicans have failed – time and again – to put forward a clear jobs plan, instead fighting to end the Medicare guarantee, increase health care costs for seniors, and protect tax breaks for Big Oil, the wealthiest Americans, and corporations that ship jobs overseas.

Today, Republicans are risking another crisis by refusing to take immediate action to extend the payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans for the rest of the year, extend unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and ensure that seniors can continue to see the doctor of their choice under Medicare.

“Four hundred days is too long for our families and workers to wait for the Republican majority to listen to the priorities of the American people and act to put people to work, strengthen the economy, and bolster the middle class,” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee added. “Americans deserve a Congress committed to our nation’s values of fairness, opportunity, and responsibility.”

Democrats are ready and willing to work with our Republican colleagues. It is time for Republicans to abandon the failed agenda of their first 400 days and join Democrats to create jobs and secure prosperity for all Americans.

NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement in support of today being National African American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and the 2012 theme is ‘I am My Brother's/Sister's keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS’:

“After thirty years, HIV remains a crisis in African American communities. However, there is new momentum to reverse the epidemic in communities of color, and bring AIDS to an end. African Americans continue to face the most severe burden of HIV/AIDS of all racial groups.

“While African Americans represent approximately 14% of the population, they account for nearly half of new infections. An African American woman in the U.S. is 15 times more likely to be living with HIV than a white woman her own age. Recent CDC data showed an alarming 48 percent increase in new HIV infections among young, African American men who have sex with men from 2006 to 2009. Additionally, Southeastern states have been particularly hard hit by the epidemic.

“These statistics serve as a grim reminder of the work yet to do in fighting this epidemic. African American people are disproportionately affected by the weaknesses in our health system and more likely than other American to lack health insurance coverage or essential health information, African American people are more likely than other racial or ethnic groups in this country to be diagnosed late in the course of HIV infection, less likely to be linked to care, less likely to be prescribed life-preserving and prevention-promoting antiretroviral drugs, and more likely to die of HIV-related causes.

“However, at this moment of time, an extraordinary opportunity is in front of us. Powerful tools – available for use in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals – have the proven ability to dramatically reduce the odds of HIV transmission and acquisition. The Affordable Care Act offers perhaps the most important single strategy for putting powerful HIV-fighting tools to use.

“And in the time until health care reform is fully implemented, we as a country need to take steps to aggressively promote HIV testing and deliver antiretroviral drugs to those who need them. That includes steps to eliminate waiting lists for AIDS drug assistance, and ensuring our youth are provided with comprehensive sex education. We also must stop taking stigmatizing, counterproductive actions that drive people away from needed services.

“After more than 30 years of struggle, our collective progress reflects the heights that can be reached when all stakeholders work together to achieve common goals. I look forward to working together, with the Administration, and our community partners, until an end of AIDS becomes the reality of our lifetime.”

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE OPPOSES THE FAA REAUTHORIZATION CONFERENCE REPORT

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member on the House Homeland Security Committee released the following statement regarding her opposition to the FAA Reauthorization Conference Report voted on today in Congress:

“Aviation contributes over 1.2 trillion in economic activity and provides 11 million jobs annually. The partial FAA shut down had a negative impact on the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, furloughed employees, and stop work order measures that have halted construction on key infrastructure projects, such as the $25 million dollar construction of Replacement TRACON in Houston.

“I have been one of the foremost proponents for the swift passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act. But in its current form I cannot vote for this measure. Our national air transportation system is fundamental for the future growth of our economy. However, Congress must ensure our safety and our national security is not at risk without a comprehensive, long-term reauthorization of the FAA Act and not with Homeland Security issues being decided.

“Despite having never been debated by the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee of jurisdiction, and no Members being appointed conferees on behalf of the Committee, section 830 of the Conference Report for the FAA Reauthorization deals with the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) which falls under the jurisdiction of the House Homeland Security committee which I sit on.

“Under this Conference Report TSA will be limited in approving or denying an application from an airport to ‘opt-out’ of using the federal screening workforce for passenger and baggage screening. It also places an arbitrary time limitation of 120 days on TSA to determine whether approval of an airport’s application would compromise security, affect cost-efficiency or the effectiveness of screening capabilities. It also increases administrative burdens on TSA by requiring a tedious paperwork exercise each time an application is denied. And lastly it provides a waiver for the existing law that requires a private screening company contracted with be owned and controlled by a citizen of the United States.

“As concerned as I am about the aviation security policy changes made in the bill, I am equally concerned about the process that got us to this point. The Committee on Homeland Security has sole jurisdiction over TSA. It has debated several aviation security bills during the 112th Congress, including a TSA Authorization bill.

“The language in the Conference Report to the FAA Reauthorization was never debated by the Committee and no hearings were held by the Committee to examine the merits of the changes. Indeed, the Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation Security is scheduled to have a hearing on the program addressed in this legislation next week with the Administrator of TSA set to testify. Unfortunately, it appears that hearing will come up a day late and a dollar short.”

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE MAKES A STATEMENT REGARDING THE DEATH OF THE LEGENDARY DON CORNELIUS

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement regarding the death of the legendary Don Cornelius:

“Don Cornelius pulled $400 from his own pocket to launch the dance show on a local Chicago TV station in 1970. As host and executive producer of Soul Train, he was soon at the throttle of a nationally syndicated television institution that was the first dance show to cater to the musical tastes of black teenagers and also helped bring black music, dance, fashion and style to mainstream America.

"With the inception of Soul Train, a young, progressive brother set the pace and worldwide standard for young aspiring African American men and entrepreneurs in TV — out of Chicago. He transcended barriers among young adults.

“I can’t imagine what his son Tony and extended family must be feeling. I am truly sorry that such an iconic man has left us too soon. Don Cornelius was responsible for a show that revolutionized the music industry, introduced the world to many of the biggest superstars of music, showed generation after generation over 40 years how music could transcend many social issues - not only within the African-American community but across the board for nearly 40 years.

“Don Cornelius was our cultural ambassador when black music, when black dance, when black fashion were under-appreciated in this country. The birth of ‘Soul Train' literally changed the face of television. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with his family. May he rest in peace and forever have ‘Love, Peace and Soul!!!”

CONGRESSWOMAN SHELIA JACKSON LEE COMMENDS THE ADMINISTRATION DECISION TO ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE BIRTH CONTROL

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement in regards Secretary Sebelius and the Obama administration for pursuing a commendable middle ground that protects the values of our venerable religious institutions while ensuring that the neediest women within our communities have access to the most basic of preventative care:

“By maintaining the current exemption for religious institutions and providing an additional year for organizations to comply with these provisions of the Affordable Health Act, the ruling by HHS demonstrates that sensible pragmatic governance still exists in Washington.

“Women are among those who benefit most from the recently enacted health insurance reform legislation. Previously, women were often charged higher premiums solely on the basis of their gender. Women also disproportionately lack the option of obtaining health coverage from their employer. Reforms like this one will ensure that nearly every American woman receives adequate health insurance.

“I have always spearheaded efforts to ensure women are protected and treated fairly. Working to elevate the status of women around the world is crucial because countries with an active female population tend to avoid extremism. I have worked to increase resources for international initiatives that combat maternal mortality and improve female literacy rates in developing countries.

“We must all realize that this decision by the Secretary and the Administration did not come lightly. This decision was made after very careful consideration, including the important concerns some have raised about religious liberty. This important proposal strikes the appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services – something that we need in this country at this crucial time. I have no doubt that the administration remains fully committed to its partnerships with faith-based organizations, which promote healthy communities and serve the common good.”

AMERICANS HAVING TO SEEK REFUGE IN U.S. EMBASSY IN EGYPT IS UNACCEPTABLE

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement regarding Americans currently being held in Egypt against their will:

“Egypt has recently struggled to reach several historic milestones in its transition to democracy. Some important steps they have been toward fulfilling the promise of Egypt’s revolution, which has inspired the world. However, currently there are six American democracy advocates barred by Egyptian authorities from leaving the country and they have sought refuge at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. This is unacceptable that they are not allowed to leave the country of Egypt under their own volition. Enough is enough.

“It seems now that officials in Egypt are now targeting three organizations that get funding from the U.S. government — the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute and Freedom House. When the rulers try to blame the massive recent pro-democracy protests on ‘foreign hands,’ they apparently have these NGOs in mind.

“This is a shocking assault even by the standards of police states. As if that were not bad enough, the Egyptian government has barred several Americans who work for either the IRI or the NDI from leaving the country. If the regime persists, it can expect to pay a heavy price. Egypt gets $1.3 billion a year in aid from Washington — and the law requires Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to certify that Egypt is making progress toward democracy and human rights before releasing this year's funds.

“I commend the State Department on making it clear that Egypt cannot expect to keep getting financial assistance if it behaves in this way. I am sure that my colleagues in Congress will most likely agree. If the administration follows the law, there's no way they can continue the aid. If the Egyptian government has any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of these groups, it has an obligation to make it public now — that, or stop its harassment. In the meantime, the administration should let the military council know it cannot trample on human rights and abuse American citizens and continue getting U.S aid at the same time.”

CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee joined millions of Americans in marking the annual celebration of February as Black History Month – a celebration that has been occurring since 1976.

“During Black History Month, we celebrate the vast contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history and identity,” commented Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “Throughout America’s history, African American men and women have persevered through much hardship and prejudice to enrich our national life in innumerable ways.”

There are new landmarks to celebrate as time marches forward. In November 2008, Americans elected the first African American to be President. In October 2011, the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall was dedicated. On February 22, there will be groundbreaking ceremony, on the National Mall near the Washington Monument, for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which Congress authorized in December 2003. It is expected to open in 2015.

The theme of Black History Month this year is “Black Women in American Culture and History.” This gives all Americans the opportunity to pay tribute to the role African American women have played in shaping our nation – with African American women often serving as champions of social and political reforms.

Many African American families are still bearing the brunt of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. In September, President Obama sent to Congress the American Jobs Act, which would strengthen the economy and is estimated to create 1.9 million jobs. Over the last several months, Republican obstruction has been blocking this bill from moving forward.

“Jobs and the economy are the number-one issue for African American families, just as they are for all American families,” commented Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “That is why my immediate focus is on fighting for a payroll tax cut for 20 million African American workers and to extend the lifeline of unemployment insurance for those who have lost a job through no fault of their own. I will also continue to work for the enactment of other provisions of the President’s American Jobs Act, that create jobs by helping small businesses hire and grow, putting construction workers back on the job rebuilding America, and preventing the layoff of teachers, firefighters and police officers. These steps are critical to helping improve the lives of African American families all across the country.”

“As we celebrate Black History Month,” commented Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, “let us pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of past generations of African Americans and work to reignite the American Dream today and for the next generation. We must continue to work for an America that fully lives up to its ideals and allows all Americans to reach their full potential.”