Caribbean American Elected to Powerful Position in U.S. Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has been elected to a powerful post in the United States House of Representatives.

Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, was elected on Jan. 15 to serve as vice chair of the full committee on the House’s Energy and Commerce Committeein the 116th Congress. Clarke told Caribbean Media Corporation she was “honored” by the appointment.

As the committee’s vice chair, Clarke said her concerns include the safety of migrant children at the U.S. southern border, climate resiliency, net neutrality, lowering prescription drug prices, broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity, privacy and consumer protection. She also vowed “to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health care.”

‘DESIRES’

Clarke’s election to the committee follows the Nov. 2018 midterm elections, which gave her Democratic Party control of the House.

“The 2018 midterm election reflects the desires of the American people for progress and advances in achieving a quality of life that surpasses that of prior generations,” she told CMC.

“It is my firm belief that we have what it takes to achieve these advances. It just takes our will and resolve to make it so.

Clarke said her role as vice chair will include presiding at full committee hearings or mark-ups when the chairman is not present; serve as a liaison to the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC); helping to coordinate and develop messaging for mark-ups and high-profile hearings; and serving as the whip for mark-ups, high profile hearings and other committee activities.