Members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation respond to ongoing racially charged remarks in Media

SAN JOSE, CA – In a joint statement released by Rep. Zoe Lofgren, chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, in which she is joined by Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Judy Chu (CA-27), Janice Hahn (CA-44), Mike Honda (CA-17), Jared Huffman (CA-2), Doris Matsui (CA-6), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Juan Vargas (CA-51), and Henry Waxman (CA-33), lawmakers from the largest state delegation in Congress responded in unity today to ongoing racially charged remarks being reported in the media:

"As shown by the recent racist and hateful comments by Cliven Bundy and the Los Angeles Clippers Owner Donald Sterling, racial discrimination is still prevalent in our society and must be addressed directly. Unfortunately, some Republican lawmakers have continued to exacerbate the situation by using language such as ‘welfare queens' and ‘food stamp president.' Recently, commentator Bill O'Reilly even went a step further by calling Rep. Barbara Lee a "notorious race hustler." Such language, which is fraught with racial undertones, is charged, divisive and offensive and has no place in our national discourse.

"For us to achieve the American dream for all, we must engage in this conversation that has been sparked about race and poverty, even if it is difficult for some. Racial discrimination, poverty, and income inequality do exist. They remain issues that must be debated and addressed, but the continued use of ‘code words' only serves to get in the way of solving the real problems that face many Americans in communities across our country.

"As members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, we feel the priority must be to work together to create opportunity for all Americans. We must make critical investments in job creation, education, and job training. Among many issues, we must address extending unemployment insurance, raising the minimum wage, enacting criminal justice reform, and ensuring voting rights for our citizens so we can truly find solutions to these critical issues."

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