Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's Statement on President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address

Statement

"Our country continues to confront remarkably high job loss with unemployment nearly double the national average in the African American community. To this day, we continue the struggle to ensure that our children--regardless of economic status or ethnicity--receive a decent education. The toxic atmosphere here in Washington has been sobered by the horrendous acts of violence in Arizona. As President Barack Obama eloquently stated, there is still much work to be done. Not only to heal our economy and put Americans back to work, but to reclaim the American Dream.

I am encouraged this evening. I am encouraged to press on with the 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus working with Democrats and Republicans alike to develop innovative policy to get our nation's economy and our communities moving forward to full economic recovery and social equality. Through supporting infrastructure investment, small businesses, reforming education, and defending and implementing healthcare reform our future looks bright.

Our history in this country began with the humanity of African Americans being called into question. After years of struggle to be recognized as full-fledged American citizens--whether the ability to vote or to eat at the same restaurant--we stood for opportunity and many ways reclaimed the dream given that we have elected our first black President of the United States. As the Congressional Black Caucus, however, we serve constituencies that continue to struggle to find their place in the American Dream. Tonight, President Obama has challenged us all. This is another call to action and reminder for us to continue laying the foundation for our children in making the great promise of America, the practice of America. We will continue to work. We will continue to do our job and create jobs for all Americans. Like President Obama I too believe, "yes we can' and "yes we will'."

Source