July 22, 2008

Congresswoman Lee's Caribbean American Heritage Month Resolution Passes the House

Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee
For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Sean P. Nichols  
July 22, 2008 (202) 225-2661  

Washington – Congresswoman Barbara Lee delivered a statement today on the house floor regarding her resolution recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

During her delivery, Congresswoman Lee stated, “Madame Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con Res. 364, recognizing June as National Caribbean American Heritage month.  This resolution acknowledges the important contributions Caribbean-Americans have made to our nation’s history.”

“As a long time supporter of the Caribbean and a frequent visitor to the region, I was very proud to see us celebrate this important commemorative month for the third year.  Since the resolution’s initial passage by Congress in 2006, the President has issued a proclamation recognizing Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June 2006, 2007, and 2008.”

Congresswoman Lee pointed out that since 1820 millions from the Caribbean have entered the US and have contributed much in the fields of government, politics, business, arts, education, and culture.  One such contributor was Congresswoman Lee’s personal hero and mentor, Shirley Chisholm. 

“My political involvement began as a volunteer during her historic presidential campaign in 1972.  Through her mentorship, she helped me tap into my progressive values and strengthened my interest for addressing issues of importance to the African Diaspora both here in the U.S. and abroad.”

She continued, “I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure to honor the Caribbean-American community, and acknowledge their service to our society.”

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Congresswoman Lee’s legislation related to the Caribbean and Latin America
 
• H. Con. Res. 363 encourages national, State, and local media organizations to carry messages in support of National Caribbean American Health & AIDS Awareness Day;

• H.CON.RES.364—recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

• H.R. 6255—The Next Steps for Haiti Act 2008, which will create a professional exchange program between the US and Haiti, where Haitian Americans, in particular, can return to Haiti and provide technical assistance to Haiti.

• H.R.351 to establish the Independent Commission on the 2004 Coup d’état in the Republic of Haiti.

• H.R.176—Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Act of 2007.  To authorize assistance to the countries of the Caribbean to fund   educational development and exchange programs.

• H. R. 177—to provide that no funds made available to the Department of the Treasury may be used to implement, administer, or enforce regulations to require specific licenses for travel-related transactions directly related to educational activities in Cuba.