(Washington, D.C.) –Today, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) joined Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), and other members of the CBC on the House Floor to speak about civil unrest in Baltimore, poverty in our communities, and the need for more accountability in law enforcement.

As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, Congresswoman Fudge said she was not surprised by this week’s events, and pointed to inequities in both the House and Senate Republican budgets as some of the root causes. 

“When you disinvest in education, provide no places for kids to play, and offer no summer jobs,  Baltimore happens.  When you refuse to provide resources for job training and decent housing, and you have a lack of resources for communities, Baltimore happens.   The budget we are working on this week continues to prove that the majority of the people in this House care little about the plight of the poor and underserved, and place no value on our greatest asset – our people,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“Our communities are crying out every day for our attention.  Did what happen in Baltimore get our attention?  It should have, and it did.  Was it right?  No.  Violence is never right, but we have to hear the cries of the people in need.  So, today I want to say to the Gray family and all of the people in the streets of Baltimore, I apologize.  I apologize for a body that has failed you ... because we could do better to make your lives better,” Congresswoman Fudge added.

To view Congresswoman Fudge’s entire floor speech, please click here.

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