U.S. Representative from Maryland's 7th District, dedicated to serving and empowering the people I’m sworn to represent. RT's and Follows are not endorsements.
Pain. Passion. Purpose.
Over the next few days, the staff of Congressman Elijah E. Cummings will use this account to reflect upon his life and legacy.
May he rest in peace.
-Staff
#THREAD
: In honor of our forever Chairman
@RepCummings
, we are sharing some of his most powerful moments of the 116th Congress that embody: Pain. Passion. Purpose.
Mr. President, I go home to my district daily. Each morning, I wake up, and I go and fight for my neighbors.
It is my constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch. But, it is my moral duty to fight for my constituents.
I'm begging the American people to pay attention to what is going on. Because if you want to have a democracy intact for your children, and your children's children, and generations yet unborn we've got to guard this moment…this is our watch.
The baseless GOP attacks against
@RepAdamSchiff
are beneath the dignity of the House. They damage this institution & degrade our ability to serve as an INDEPENDENT check on the executive branch.
@RepAdamSchiff
, thank you for tirelessly protecting our democracy.
#IStandWithSchiff
I am deeply humbled to be recognized for my work in Congress to help people live better lives. It is my greatest privilege to serve my constituents and the people of this country by working to create effective and efficient public policy.
.
@realDonaldTrump
: I call on you to issue an apology to
@SenGillibrand
immediately, take down this tweet, halt your efforts to silence women who speak out, and stop degrading the Office of the Presidency.”
Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a total flunky for Chuck Schumer and someone who would come to my office “begging” for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them), is now in the ring fighting against Trump. Very disloyal to Bill & Crooked-USED!
Transparency is the foundation of our democracy.
The ENTIRE Mueller Report must be made public.
The American people deserve nothing less.
#ReleaseTheReport
This is a grave and solemn moment for our country.
#POTUS
, from the WH lawn, is openly calling on foreign powers to smear his political rival.
I urge my GOP colleagues to join us and save our democracy.
History will commend us, and future generations will be the beneficiaries.
Mr. President, it's completely disrespectful to call
@SpeakerPelosi
names while on the hallowed grounds of Normandy. These political attacks were not only disrespectful, but they were wrong. The memory of America’s heroes deserve better—our country must be better than this.
Mr. President, it is beneath you and the office of the presidency to call any woman a dog. It is degrading and demeaning, and I pray that you will stop this vulgar behavior. Our country is better than this.
When the history books are written about this tumultuous era, I want them to show that I was among those in the House of Representatives who stood up to lawlessness and tyranny.
Read my statement supporting impeachment:
Mr. President, it is beneath the office of the presidency to tell Members of Congress to “go back” to their countries.
These xenophobic comments will only divide our nation.
America has always been at its best when we understand that diversity is our promise—not our problem.
The Trump Administration is engaged in one of the most unprecedented cover-ups since Watergate—and it is not just about Russia. This cover-up spans across numerous investigations.
I am heartbroken to learn about the mass shooting in El Paso. My prayers are with the victims and their families and I thank the first responders for their swift actions.
For the sake of our children and generations yet unborn, this must stop.
#NeverAgain
Secretary Nielsen oversaw a department that separated families at the border. This is a cruel, inhumane, & unAmerican practice.
I'm concerned by the reports that she is resigning because she was not extreme enough on immigration for the White House.
We must be better than this.
This is outrageous. The AG is supposed to be an independent beacon of truth and justice. Instead, Barr is debasing the rule of law, degrading our democratic institutions, and decimating any trust the American people have left in this Administration.
#ReleaseTheReport
He was inspiring, both in public and even more so in private. He brought moral clarity to everything he did, and his purpose was pure — to help those among us who needed it most.
The President’s tweets were racist, xenophobic, deeply offensive to many Americans, & have no place in the dialogue of the world’s greatest democracy.
Many Americans yearn for the day when we stop fighting each other & realize that diversity is our promise—not our problem.
After reading the Attorney General’s four-page summary of the Special Counsel’s findings, Chairmen Nadler, Schiff and I reiterate our call for the release of the Special Counsel’s full and complete report and all underlying documents.
See our statement:
Attorney General Barr must make the
#Mueller
report public and provide all underlying documents to Congress without delay. Transparency is the foundation of our democracy. The American people have a right to know the truth.
After years of congressional inaction,
@HouseDemocrats
voted to protect the lives and safety of our children and generations yet unborn.
I was proud to vote for two bills to close dangerous loopholes and ensure background checks for all gun sales.
Barr misled Congress and the American people to protect the President.
There must be consequences.
We must see the letter, get the full report and docs, and hear directly from Mueller.
Breaking News: Robert Mueller wrote a letter to the attorney general objecting to his characterization that the Russia inquiry appeared to clear President Trump
Mr. President, we can address this together. Two years ago, I went to the White House to ask you to endorse my bill to let the government negotiate directly for lower drug prices.
.
@NancyPelosi
, I am honored to have your recommendation to serve as Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Government must work for the people, and I will focus my Chairmanship on improving the lives of Americans in real and meaningful ways.
President Trump’s attacks on Congresswoman Omar are disturbing, dangerous, and below the office of the presidency.
Hate has no place in our public discourse. We must be better than this.
Just yesterday, I held a hearing on the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs and the financial hardships that families across the nation, and in Baltimore, are facing.
9 years ago, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, enshrining the promise that all Americans have the right to accessible & affordable health insurance coverage. I will continue to fight to ensure that everyone has access to the lifesaving healthcare they need.
Nobody is above the law—not even the President. The
#MuellerReport
generated 37 criminal indictments and found 10 instances where the President obstructed justice. Every American needs to know about the crimes and obstruction outlined in the report.
#RetweetTheReport
Mr. President, the Constitution MANDATES the Census take place every 10 years and Federal law requires it start in April. Your suggestion to delay the Census goes against the very foundation of our democracy.
By vetoing legislation passed with bipartisan support to terminate his “emergency declaration,” the President has ignored the will of Congress—and the will of the American people. Congress must continue to defend our system of checks and balances.
I just voted in favor of legislation to end the Trump shutdown. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the legislation & for President Trump to sign it into law. The American people deserve to have their government back at work for them & federal employees deserve their pay.
Congratulations to Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough! It was a pleasure to officiate your beautiful wedding. I wish you years of love and happiness together!
Attorney General Barr's claim that surveillance authorized by a federal court is "spying" is a major and unfortunate challenge to our nation's rule of law.
Congress asked for the full report and underlying documents by April 2. Nothing has changed.
AG Barr should seek a court order to allow the release of grand jury information.
A redacted report is not acceptable.
#ReleaseTheReport
We are less than a year away from the 2020 Census, & it is crucial that EVERYONE gets counted to make sure communities receive their fair share of federal resources. If you have questions about the Census, or how to ensure you get counted, please call 800-923-8282.
Today, I had a call with HHS and am extremely disappointed with the lack of information they gave to Members of Congress. They refuse to answer our questions. They do not have a concrete plan to reunite these families. I am growing more concerned for the future of these children.
President Donald Trump says special counsel Robert Mueller shouldn't testify before Congress, a reversal from last week when he said he would leave the decision to Attorney General William Barr.
Senator Burr, Congress should be focused on oversight of President Trump instead of endorsing his use of security clearances as a political weapon. This is the United States of America where we all, including Mr. Brennan, have the right to free speech.
Paul Ryan said the President was “just trolling people” when he threatened to revoke clearances from former public servants. But the President made good on his promise to retaliate against those who speak out against him. Mr. Ryan should take the President’s threats seriously.
My mother, Ruth Cummings, told me just before she passed: “Don't let them take the vote away from us.” During her 92 years of life, she fought for the right to vote and saw people die for it.
Today is
#NationalVoterRegistrationDay
. Make sure you can exercise this sacred right.
Mr. President, I agree. But that’s been true for the last two years. In 2017, I asked you to endorse my bill to let Medicare negotiate with drug companies—which you said you wanted—but you refused, and it’s been silence ever since. Please support it now.
Mr. President, before you proceed with discussions to protect the border and DREAMers you must first open the government, and ensure that the more than 800,000 federal employees who have already missed one paycheck do not miss another.
#EndTheShutdown
RT if you think Washington Republicans are aiding and abetting the Trump Administration’s
#CultureOfCorruption
by refusing to hold it accountable!
#ForThePeople
Special Counsel
#Mueller
's statement today confirms both the evidence of obstruction by the President and the critical role of Congress under the Constitution going forward.
The Trump Admin’s new policy is abominable.
Children born to service members and other government employees must automatically be citizens.
Our service members and public servants are working for the safety and security of our country and they deserve far better than this.
In 2013, the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act allowing states to renew efforts to stop people from voting.
I am proud to cosponsor the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 to
#RestoreTheVOTE
and ensure that all Americans have access to the ballot.
We all should be able to agree that in the United States of America, we will not intentionally separate children from their parents. We will not do that. We are better than that! We are so much better!
Our nation’s public servants working or furloughed during this shutdown deserve the peace of mind of knowing they will be paid. I am pleased to cosponsor and support bipartisan legislation in the House that ensures federal employees affected by a shutdown receive retroactive pay.
Today we pay tribute to Shirley Chisholm who became the first African American woman elected to Congress 50 years ago. She spent her entire life fighting against inequality and injustice. Let’s honor her legacy by getting out the
#vote
!
I applaud
@NancyPelosi
for forming a Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. This Committee must address climate change for what it is: a public health crisis, a matter of economic justice, and an existential threat.
We must deliver real solutions, not piecemeal suggestions.
It is with great enthusiasm that I appoint
@USRepKCastor
as the Chair of our new Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. We know she will bring great experience, energy & urgency to confronting this existential threat.
Mr. President, call off the raids.
Families will be separated— which is unacceptable, immoral, and cruel.
America must be better than this.
#FamiliesBelongTogether
The U.S. is planning nationwide raids starting Sunday to arrest thousands of members of undocumented families, homeland security officials said. The officials said ICE agents were targeting at least 2,000 immigrants who have been ordered deported.
Today in the
@WashingtonPost
:
“Backpedaling on putting the first African American woman on paper money tells women and girls and people of color that they don’t — and never have — mattered.”
The Admin’s decision is unacceptable, they must reconsider it.
It’s unacceptable that LGBTQ Americans still face discrimination in employment, housing, and education in parts of the U.S.
Today, I was proud to vote to pass the
#EqualityAct
to ensure that our LGBTQ brothers and sisters receive full civil rights protections.
I condemn this unforgivable statement and this demeaning of the office of the Presidency. I will always fight for the vulnerable among us and against bigotry in all its forms.
I am horrified to learn of a second mass shooting in less than 24 hours. My soul aches for the Dayton community.
This must stop.
I pray for the victims & their loved ones, & I thank all the first responders. May God watch over everyone affected by this tragedy.
#NeverAgain
The Administration’s decision to cancel educational and recreational programs and legal aid for unaccompanied minors is cruel, inhumane, and unAmerican.
These ideological attacks against children are disgraceful.
Blankets, toothbrushes, soap, & sleep.
The Trump Admin believes these are not necessary to create a safe & sanitary environment for children. Such beliefs are cruel, inhumane, & inconsistent with the values of the vast majority of Americans.
We must be better than this.
Today’s decision is a resounding victory for the rule of law and our Constitutional system of checks and balances. The court recognized the basic, but crucial fact that Congress has authority to conduct investigations as part of our core function under the Constitution.
🚨BREAKING: Chairman
@RepCummings
issues statement on court rejecting
#PresidentTrump
’s challenge to congressional authority to subpoena financial documents!
Full Release:
ICYMI: For the first time in decades
@GOPoversight
tried to shut down a hearing—this one with Wilbur Ross on the
#2020Census
. Republicans are burying their heads in the sand, going against the very mission of oversight, and trying to keep the truth from the American people.
Instead of a budget proposal that puts the well-being of American families first, the
#TrumpBudget
irresponsibly cuts funding to the programs that many Americans rely on most—all while asking for billions for an ineffective wall. This proposal is wrong, and I will oppose it.
Attention Federal Employees: If you are furloughed because of the government shutdown I have prepared a guide with federal, state, county, city, and corporate resources.
You can check it out here:
Today, the House acted to terminate the President's “emergency declaration,” stopping billions of congressionally appropriated funds from being diverted to an ineffective wall.
Congress must continue to uphold the Constitution and defend our system of checks and balances.
This month, we mark the 400th anniversary of enslaved Africans arriving on this continent.
We must take this moment to reflect on our past and have honest, candid conversations that seek to heal our nation's wounds.
The Treasury Department had designs to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 in the works. The Admin's decision to delay this honor is unacceptable. I urge my colleagues to support my bill, the Harriet Tubman Tribute Act, to ensure Harriet Tubman is included on the $20 by 2020.
Senator John McCain has always been a fighter, a patriot, and a dedicated father and husband. I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to him and his family, and I wish him nothing but the best. I know his courageous spirit will lead him.
The Admin’s decision is irresponsible and will make our nation less safe.
The men and women of our military and every American deserve better.
The Admin must reconsider this decision and ensure these funds go where Congress intended under our constitutional duty.
The President’s decision to ignore Congress’ will – and the will of the people we represent – by declaring a national emergency to build a wall he told us Mexico would pay for is wrong. This sets a dangerous precedent, and it will not solve this complicated issue.
The science is clear.
Traumatic experiences can injure the developing brains of children, create life-long impairments to their ability to manage stress and regulate emotions, and significantly increase the likelihood of negative health outcomes and even death.
A year ago, the Trump Admin tore thousands of children away from their families at the border. Since then, we've been fighting to reunite these children & to ensure this horror is never repeated, but the Admin needs to stop dragging its feet & start complying with our subpoenas.
.
@HouseDemocrats
just authorized the House to defend the ACA in court against the GOP’s attacks. I will fight until my last breath to protect the ACA and ensure that people – especially those with pre-existing conditions – have access to the lifesaving healthcare they need.
Libraries do much more than lend books; they kindle our dreams & open us up to opportunities.
The
#TrumpBudget
’s proposal to eliminate the Institute for Museum and Library Services is unacceptable.
Congress must ensure that we fund libraries & all of the services they provide.
Today we celebrate
#Juneteenth
and reflect upon the end of slavery on this day in 1865.
Juneteenth is a reminder that while our nation has made tremendous progress, we must continue to work to ensure freedom, equality, and justice for all.
Allegations of election fraud and foul play by GOP campaign operatives in NC’s 9th Congressional District are extremely troubling. Congressional GOP should join us in demanding a thorough investigation and that every vote is counted.
The racist, sexist, & xenophobic posts outlined in this reporting are unacceptable. CBP must treat everyone—from a refugee seeking asylum to a Member of Congress—with dignity and respect. This reporting raises serious concerns, and CBP must hold their agents to account.
The three-year-old group, which has roughly 9,500 members, shared derogatory comments about Latina lawmakers who plan to visit a controversial Texas detention facility on Monday, calling them “scum buckets” and “hoes.”
I am horrified and heartbroken by the news coming out of Sri Lanka. Hate and terror have no place in houses of worship. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. May God watch over them.
My heart is heavy to learn of the passing of Toni Morrison.
Her award-winning words brought life to the African-American experience & provided the sometimes hard truths about what it means to be a part of that legacy.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family & loved ones.
Today,
@HouseDemocrats
voted to condemn the Trump Administration’s campaign in the courts to take away Americans’ healthcare.
We will continue the fight to ensure all Americans have access to the lifesaving healthcare they need.
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
I am deeply concerned about reports that the Trump Administration plans to target migrant families for deportation - including families in Baltimore.
Families will be separated, which is unacceptable and immoral.
The Administration must reverse course.
I’ll join Rachel
@maddow
tonight at 9:20 to discuss the mandate voters gave House Democrats to enforce the checks and balances granted by the Constitution. Tune in!
This year, the White House has not produced 1 document to the Oversight Committee. Not 1 document in response to our requests on:
- The hurricanes in PR
- Security clearance abuses
- Efforts to transfer nuclear tech to Saudi Arabia
- Hush $ payments
What are they covering up?
Mr. President, this shutdown has gone on for far too long. The American people deserve to have their government back at work for them, and federal employees deserve their pay. Our government must be better than this!
As we mark day 32 of the Trump shutdown, the operation of agencies and programs that keep Americans safe, housed, and fed continue to be put in peril.
And, more than 800,000 federal employees still have not been paid.
It is far past time for the President to
#EndTheShutdown
.
We must be better than this. Since the President refuses to end his child separation policy, we have introduced legislation to do so.
Many of my Republican colleagues have said they oppose child separation, now is the time for them to act. Join us in supporting this bill.
I am praying for the Baltimore City Firefighters injured this morning in McElderry Park. I thank them for their courageous service and wish them all a speedy recovery.
Members of Virginia's African American community deserve better from the head of their Commonwealth.
I join those who say Governor Northam should leave.
In this day and age, we cannot afford to have someone who wore blackface or represents the KKK be Governor of a state.
This cruel decision will create fear for the millions of Americans who rely on the ACA’s protection. I pledge to do everything in my power to protect the ACA and the lifesaving care it provides to Americans, especially those with pre-existing conditions.
Regardless of your immigration status, you have the right to:
•Not open the door unless the immigration agent has a search warrant signed by a judge.
•Remain silent.
•Refuse to sign papers without an attorney present.
•IMMEDIATELY speak to a lawyer.
#KnowYourRights
I appreciate organizations in Maryland and around the country that are supporting immigrant families and residents. Everyone has rights, we must make sure that all affected in our communities know them.
Here's a guide from
@CASAforall
for anyone in need:
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers & families who celebrate! The lessons my father taught me have guided me throughout my life, & I thank God that I can pass them to my children. Being a father brings me immeasurable joy. My daughters—pictured here—are gifts from God!
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. 9 years ago, we passed the
#ACA
to ensure every American has access to healthcare.
I'm proud to cosponsor the
#MedicareforAll
Act to further our efforts. No deductibles, no co-pays. Just quality healthcare for every single American.
#M4A
In 2019, it is outrageous that on average full-time working women earn just 80 cents for every dollar a man earns.
Today, the House passed the
#PaycheckFairnessAct
to strengthen protections against gender-based wage discrimination.
Men and women deserve
#EqualPayForEqualWork
.
Today, I’m chairing an Oversight Committee meeting to vote on holding
#AGBarr
&
#SecretaryRoss
in contempt of Congress for their refusal to comply with our
#Census2020
investigation.
Watch live at 10:00 AM:
Voting is our democratic right, and allows us to control our destiny.
Today, on the 54th anniversary of the landmark
#VotingRightsAct
, make sure you are registered to vote so you can make your voice heard.
Find out how to register: