Congressman Charles Rangel officially requested Tuesday that the Department of Justice look into recent shooting of New York City Police Officer Omar Edwards and similar cases in other cities across the United States:
"In view of the possible federal legal implications of the case, I am requesting that your office conduct a thorough review of this incident, which would address the issues of police department practices, training of police officers, and whether and to what extent race was an issue in the tragedy," Rangel wrote in a letter sent to Tuesday to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. "Because incidents of this kind have occurred in a number of cities across the country, I also request that the Justice Department conduct a review of cases in major urban centers in which police officers were killed by their fellow officers, the circumstances of those incidents, and an evaluation of whether the race of the officers was a factor. "
The full text of the letter can be found below. Read a pdf version here.
Hon. Eric G. Holder Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-0001
Dear Attorney General Holder:
Last Thursday, May 28th, New York City Police Department Officer Omar Edwards was killed in the East Harlem area of my Upper Manhattan Congressional District by fellow plain-clothes officer Andrew Dutton as Edwards tried to apprehend a man who had broken into his car.
The incident, which is under investigation by New York City officials, has become the subject of great controversy, rekindling a debate over the adequacy of police training and issues of race as relates to confrontations between police officers.
In view of the possible federal legal implications of the case, I am requesting that your office conduct a thorough review of this incident, which would address the issues of police department practices, training of police officers, and whether and to what extent race was an issue in the tragedy.
Because incidents of this kind have occurred in a number of cities across the country, I also request that the Justice Department conduct a review of cases in major urban centers in which police officers were killed by their fellow officers, the circumstances of those incidents, and an evaluation of whether the race of the officers was a factor.
Due to the gravity and controversial nature of this matter, I respectfully urge you to undertake these reviews with all deliberate speed.
Thank you for your consideration, CHARLES B. RANGEL
Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement Friday upon the announcement from COSTCO that it would accept Food Stamps at its new location in East Harlem.
"I want to applaud COSTCO and its CEO Jim Sinegal for making the decision to accept Food Stamps at its new location in East Harlem. The potential for a great working relationship is there and we all look forward to eventual opening of the E. 116th Street location, one that will be able to provide all community residents with quality products at affordable prices.
"This victory could not have happened without the hard work of al those that helped sound the alarm on this important issue. So I want to thank all the community advocates and elected officials who have worked on this issue for the last two years, including New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, City Councilmember Eric Gioia. I especially want to thank those who worked hard this week to ensure that the voice of East Harlem was not lost, especially officials like Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, New York State Senators Jose Serrano and Bill Perkins and City Council members Inez Dickens and Melissa Mark-Viverito.
"These are tough economic times, times that sometimes force proud individuals to seek assistance from their government to help them get their life back on track. However, by working together, we will get through this crisis, get our community back to work and ensure that our economy provides long -term opportunities for all of its citizens."
“The tragic shooting of Officer Omar Edwards highlights the need for additional training of our police officers, and I am pleased that Commissioner Kelly recognizes a racial factor is involved.
“I am calling on Attorney General Eric Holder to review the problems in the New York City Police Department when black officers are killed by whites, which too often is the case.
“It was entirely inappropriate to bring the President and his wife into this discussion during their visit to New York, and I hope my off-the-cuff comment did not cause embarrassment to anyone.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement Tuesday moments after President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate current U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals Justice Sonia Sotomayor:
President Obama has once again made the right choice in nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice David Souter for the Supreme Court. Her nomination is a great source of pride, as a New Yorker, as a lawyer and a legislator that represents so many Puerto Ricans and Latinos in and out of my Congressional District.
Judge Sotomayor brings a tremendous wealth of personal and professional knowledge to the nation's highest court, a candidate that can see legal issues from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. A proud women of Puerto Rican heritage, she worked hard to go from the projects of the South Bronx to the prestigious halls of Princeton University and Yale Law School, never forgetting the family and community that supported her as she reached these heights. Whether it was as an assistant prosecutor, a corporate attorney or a district judge, she has performed at the highest level of professionalism while always striving to ensure that the law is applied equally and fairly.
Judge Sotomayor brings more than 15 years of experience as a federal judge and a real-life perspective to the court. Her trailblazing story is a classic American tale, the kind of story that parents tell their newborns as they swaddle them goodnight. That she should be considered for this prestigious post is not surprising, given her qualifications. That her nomination be placed before the Senate is the kind of bold leadership that we have come to expect from this White House. The kind of inclusive decision-making that is moving this country in the right direction for all its people.
Congressman Rangel released the following statement about MTA in the recovery package:
"As the head of the House Ways and Means Committee, I along with the other members of the New York's Congressional delegation have worked hard to provide money for the MTA and other local needs as part of the President Barack Obama's recovery package.
However, at the end of the day, government at all levels must work together and find a way to keep these bus lines alive. These lines are a vital necessity for tens of thousands in Upper Manhattan, a way to not just travel from one point to another, but to also deliver resources, help maintain jobs and stimulate local economies.
So many of our residents use these bus lines to travel to work, not just during the day hours, but during the evening and graveyard shifts. How can we expect them to keep their jobs if we eliminate their main sources of transportation? How can we expect people to survive these tough economic times if they can't get to supermarkets and other food stores? What is the point of providing education and training programs for the young and old to look for work if they can't get to the centers providing the help?"
U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel released a statement today congratulating the Apollo Theater on its 75th anniversary season, recognizing the Theater's place in the Harlem community and its impact on American arts and culture:
"I congratulate the Apollo Theater on its 75th Anniversary Season Kick-Off and its long-time success in showcasing many of the world's greatest entertainers. I also congratulate the Apollo Theater Foundation president & CEO Jonelle Procope and board chairman Richard D. Parsons for their leadership and their efforts in putting together this celebration. Additionally, I want to thank Percy Sutton who, although he could not be with us, saved the Apollo Theater and made this day possible.
"Before there was American Idol, there was Amateur Night at the Apollo, which launched the dreams of stardom for many of America's greatest entertainers. Among them are some of the legends: Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown.
"Located in the heart of Harlem on 125th Street, the Apollo is the musical soul of our community. For the past 74 years, it has thrilled Americans of every race and religion who have enjoyed unforgettable performances by new and established artists. This year continues and celebrates that tradition.
"I truly wish I could be there to celebrate this historic event. However, my work on the House Ways and Means Committee focusing on President Obama's economic recovery plan requires me to be in Washington.
"The Apollo is special place in the entertainment world where many celebrities who started here come home and "look back." That is the case with Dionne Warwick and Chuck Jackson who starred at the Apollo years ago and will be with us this week participating in the 75th Anniversary Season Kick-Off.
"Once again, I congratulate the Apollo Theater and join in its celebration. Our district is proud to serve as the home of the Apollo and deeply appreciates all it has done for the community. We look forward to a 75th season filled with amazing talent and memorable performances."
Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement on the election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next President of the United States:
This is an historic victory, because it proves that the promise of America -- that if you work hard that you can achieve anything that you set out to be -- is still alive and strong. Today, we are one-step closer to realizing not just Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream, but the dream of all Americans. The belief that we can look beyond the things that differentiate us and come together along the values and ideas that bring us together.
There is no question that President-elect Barack Obama has shattered a number of myths, including the one that an African American cannot achieve the highest office in this country. Yet, as we enjoy this great opportunity, we must also remember the great challenges that lie ahead. Our country is involved in a war that does not enjoy national support. Americans are dying for a cause that they cannot explain to their loved ones. We have found hundreds of billions of dollars for banks and yet have not dealt with the crisis of ever-increasing lines of unemployment, millions of people without health insurance, young people dropping out of college because of rising costs of not just an education, but everything from gasoline to food.
It is not just a question of investors having confidence in the marketplace, but Americans having confidence in their national leadership. There are no Democratic or Republican solutions to our problems, but only solutions from a united Congress dedicated to pulling our country out of the economic crisis that we find ourselves in.
President-elect Obama has proven that he can meet the challenges. I look forward to working with the new Obama Administration and with the Republicans in the House Ways and Means Committee in support of improving the health system, simplifying and providing equity to our tax system and providing healthcare to all Americans. I hope that all members of Congress share in this as we move forward in the post-election session designed to provide a stimulus package to get our people back to work.
If there is any doubt as to what direction the American people want us to in, all we must do is remember the long lines of those who waited to vote yesterday. To remember the faces of those who were celebrating in the streets of Harlem -- not just New Yorkers of Black, Latino, Asian and European descent, but citizens from all over the world that descended on our village here to share in this celebration.
They know something special starts today. A once-in-a-generation opportunity to not just renew the faith that people have in politics and democracy, but a real chance to improve lives. A chance to invest in the potential of each of us to be great, to ensure that everyone has a chance at a decent job, a stable roof over our heads, and quality education & healthcare.
This is the moment where we years from now, we can tell our children and grandchildren that with our voices and with votes, we helped change the world.
Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of my dear friend, the Honorable Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Cleveland, Ohio. I knew her as an excellent co-worker, a dedicated Congresswoman, but most of all as a passionate colleague who never lost her optimism in the promise of America or its people.
It was an honor to have served in Congress with this trailblazer. The first African-American woman Representative of Ohio, she was well respected on both sides of the political aisle. She was an invaluable member of the Ways and Means Committee, a hard-nosed legislator and activist who fought hard to secure economic and educational opportunities for all Americans, regardless of race, creed or gender. She believed that we owed it to the future of this nation to invest in the health of its people and that we in Washington had the responsibility to do all that we could to give all our constituents the resources they need to make a better life for their children and families.
We who knew and worked with her will surely be among many who will miss her smile, her tenacity, and her infectious love of life. She leaves us an inspirational legacy, a memorable record of pubic service and a charge keep fighting for what is right and just.
Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement about the recent death of Army Sergeant Jose E. Ulloa. Ulloa, who was from the Washington Heights section of Northern Manhattan, was killed Friday, August 8, 2008 by a roadside bomb in Sadr City, Iraq:
My heart goes out to the family of 23-year old Army Sgt. Jose E. Ulloa including his wife Melanie and their six-month old son who are based abroad in Germany, those members that live in my congressional district, his sister Stephanie Marmol and his uncle Rafael Ulloa and his father and sisters who still reside in the Dominican Republic.
No words that I can provide can bring their 'Ricky' back. Yet what I do hope is that that they can draw strength from the fact that he was well-respected and admired. He died serving his country, helping to secure abroad the kind of freedom and liberties that so many of us take for granted here in this country.
Sgt. Ulloa is just one of thousands that wake up each morning on the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan, saluting the flag with pride, but not knowing whether they will get to see another sunrise. They serve not knowing whether their next trip home is will be of their own volition, in medical transport unit or even worse yet, in a body bag. They lay their lives on the line daily for a multitude of reasons for an immoral war that has gone on far too long. A war that has drawn away billions from important priorities at home. A war that has seen way too many families, and this nation, robbed of the young ones that they love.
The best thing that we can do to honor those men and women who have sacrificed so much is to ensure that they are back home as soon as possible. We owe it to them to use the freedom and liberties that their spilled blood helped provide to build a safer and more democratic world.
Congressman Charles Rangel delivered the Bard College Commencement Address on Saturday, May 24. He urged the Class of 2008 to be the part of the generation that ends the war in Iraq, provides important social investments like education and healthcare to all residents and restores our democracy to the ideals that once made us the envy of the world:
First, let me thank Walter Swett, the class of ’96, for making it possible for me to be here on this occasion, at this historic college. I want to thank the clergy, the trustees, the professors who have really groomed you to make you ready for this wonderful day. Of course your parents and friends some of whom probably thought it never would happen, but I know that they are excited on this wonderful, wonderful occasion.
I really think that this class is going to be one that’s going to be historic in nature, and I’ll tell you why. But, before I get into that, I hope you will turn to your fellow graduate to your left and right and just say to them “you ain’t seen the last of me yet.” And the reason I say that is because there’s no question in my mind that, as you leave this great historic university, you are going to be embarking on an historic journey that this nation has never seen. And, we’re going to need you, your courage, and your talents to make certain that our great country can once again be all that she can be and beyond.
When I think in terms of occasions in my life, and it just seems sometimes like just another day or that it would not be a part of any historic, memorable part in my life—the seeing off of my late brother in 1941 to fight the great war, the coming back and joining the military in 1948, the being shot and left for dead in Korea in 1950, the finishing of school and going off into the civil rights movement. When I marched with Dr. Martin Luther King from Selma to Montgomery, I cursed every step of the 54 miles; I had no clue as to how I got caught up in that. What I did not know was the greatness of Dr. Martin Luther King, this spirit of the movement, and that, as a result of that march, the 1965 voters act would be enacted, and as a result of that, it was possible for me to become a candidate, to go into the Congress and to be one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which had only 13 members at that time, and now we have 43 members, and one who aspires to become the president of these great United States.
None of these events in my younger life appeared really to be historic. But, at 78, as I review where I’ve been, what I participated in, it becomes abundantly clear how many shoulders I stood on to be able to have the honor of addressing you today. And in the world that you’re going out into, you will be the leaders in making certain that never again in your lifetime would you allow this great country to enter into a war that is so unjust, so immoral, or to allow a Congress to allow a President to do that.
Soon you’ll be able to tell your children and your grandchildren that one of the very first things that you wanted to do is to get this great country back on track. To make certain that war is to be a defensive mechanism and not one just to show the power of a great country. You will be able to speak, with so much pride, of the dignity that you brought to our country abroad. You will be able to beam as foreigners say that it’s your class that made the changes, your class that made the differences, your class that restored all of the wonderful things that this democracy had been so proud of in the past.
It will be on your terms that we will see our nation not depend on fossil fuel. It will be your ingeniousness that will bring the powers of our wind, of our sun, our geothermal, our oceans. It will be your genius to be able to say just how slow our country had been until the class of ’08 came out and put us right on the straightforward feet.
At the end of the day, you will be able to say that when you graduated, 40 million Americans had no idea what healthcare was all about. They went to work everyday and still couldn’t afford to have healthcare. That they were subjected to so many diseases that could have been prevented were not because of lack of preventive care. Even in terms of international trade, our workforce was not as successful as it could have been because healthcare was not universal. I can just here you exaggerating your contributions now and saying “it was our class that changed all of that.”
And with the exciting personalities of [Bard Presdient] Leon [Botstein] and the trustees and the exchanges that you’ve had in getting to know each other and in getting to know what potential America has, you are not going to tolerate people two million people locked up in jail when they could be out there working. And how so very proud I am of your university, not just to be concerned about you, but to be concerned about the lesser of our brothers and sisters, those who have no hopes and no dreams, those who are incarcerated, or those who really need more than anyone the tools to negotiate through their lives. And when we see the failure of our public school system, where half the kids are in the street without jobs, without hope, and we know that it’s not only just the right thing to do, but it’s in our national interest to have the strongest, most educated and healthiest workforce, and I can here it now, “there goes the class of ’08, they said that they were the ones that changed it around.”
And that’s the way it should be because we have so many things that we have to accomplish. And just as were talking about the wars to end all wars, the immorality of what we’re doing in Iraq today, in Vietnam before, that we will be able to say, as Leon had pointed out, that progress has been made, but we have taken one gigantic step backward. It’s up to us as Americans to make certain that we change this on our watch, that we have the mutual respect of all people regardless of their color or their religion. That there is no glass ceiling on women or black folks or brown people in this country, because what makes us so great is the contributions that are made by so many people from so many different parts of the world.
And so it is with deep pride that I will be going home and telling my great, great kids and my grandkids that I was able to talk to the class of 2008. And if you think that you guys are doing something, you wait till they hit the ground. God bless each and every one of you. I’m so proud of what you’re going to do.
