Caribbean Connection: Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke

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One Caribbean Nation.

YVETTE D. CLARKE

Clarke begins eighth term in Congress

WASHINGTON – United States Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, has taken her eighth Oath of Office at the start of the historic 117th United States Congress.

“We ushered in the 117th Congress – the most diverse Congress in our nation’s history – and I proudly took my eighth Oath of Office to represent New York’s 9th Congressional District,” she told the Caribbean Media Corporation ( CMC) following her swearing-in for her eight consecutive two-year term on Tuesday.

“While this is often a celebratory occasion, we must not forget we are beginning this new Congress during a time of extraordinary difficulty,” added the representative for the predominantly Caribbean ninth Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York.

“Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we have experienced more than 350 000 tragic deaths, over 20 million infections, an unprecedented economic crisis, a racial reckoning,” added Clarke, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce, and Homeland Security Committees.

“The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated many of the inequalities plaguing our nation. Still, it has served as an opportunity for House Democrats to focus on the critical issues to the American people.”

Clarke added that with the passing of the US$900 billion pandemic relief bill, communities have begun receiving enhanced unemployment benefits, US$600 direct cash payments and protections against eviction.

She said the legislation is “a strong beginning to continued efforts to accomplish all that we had hoped”.

Clarke said navigating the pandemic has been “extremely challenging,” adding, however, that “we have seen many within our communities that have been most adversely impacted and marginalised arise as true champions for democracy”. (CMC)


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