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Marcia Fudge on Principles & Values

 

 


Stop limiting black cabinet members to HUD or Labor

Almost exactly one month ago, in an interview with Politico, Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge criticized how former presidents were expected to assemble their Cabinets. "As this country becomes more and more diverse, we're going to have to stop looking at only certain agencies as those that people like me fit in. You know, it's always 'we want to put the Black person in Labor or HUD,'" said Fudge, who is Black.
Source: The New Republic on Biden Cabinet , Dec 14, 2020

Skipped Trump's inauguration in protest

When Donald Trump was sworn in as president in 2017, Warrensville Heights Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge skipped his inauguration in protest. Fudge can be a sharp-tongued partisan - she called for Trump's impeachment during his first year in office and read a letter on the House of Representatives floor that called Trump supporters "racist, steeped in religious beliefs, ignorant, or, as my mother used to say, just plain dumb."
Source: The Cleveland Plain-Dealer on Biden Cabinet , Dec 13, 2020

Co-founded a Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus

She co-founded a Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus that hosts periodic Capitol Hill events to highlight the work of Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Source: The Cleveland Plain-Dealer on Biden Cabinet , Dec 13, 2020

A Cabinet position is not a consolation prize

Q: Do you feel this HUD appointment is a consolation prize, as opposed to getting the Agriculture Secretary job that you wanted?

A: No, I don't think so. You can't even say that a Cabinet position can be a consolation prize. No Cabinet position can be a consolation prize. I am more than honored and pleased and humbled to be asked to be in the Cabinet of a president that I think is going to make such significant change. And mind you, I can help poor people as much at HUD as I could at Ag.

Source: The Cleveland Plain-Dealer on Biden Cabinet , Dec 10, 2020

Always wanted to be a voice for people who have no voice

The one thing that I have learned in my life is that God puts you where he wants you to be. And I've always felt that that was the case with me. I have looked, to do many, many things, but to do things that I believe change people's lives. I have always wanted to be a voice for those people who have no voice, and to show people that people like me, public officials and public servants really can make a difference in their everyday lives.
Source: 19th News e-zine on 2021 Cabinet Confirmation Hearings , Dec 10, 2020

Eradicating poverty gives people sense of pride and dignity

It is as important as any one thing you can do, to start to eradicate poverty, to give people some sense of pride and dignity. When people feel good about who they are, their lives change. So it is as much psychological and emotional, as it is just saying here, we're going to find some place for you to sleep. It's different. But if you've never been poor, or if you've never been around people who are poor, or if you've never lived in neighborhoods that are poor, you don't get it.
Source: 19th News e-zine on 2021 Cabinet Confirmation Hearings , Dec 10, 2020

Question Trump on Emoluments clause.

Fudge signed questioning Trump on Emoluments clause

Excerpts from Letter from 17 Senators to Trump Organization: The Trump Organization's continuing financial relationship with President Trump raises concerns about whether it is a pass-through for income that violates the Constitution's two Emoluments Clauses: Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 on foreign Emoluments; and Article II, Clause 7 on domestic Emoluments. Please answer the following questions to help Congress understand:

Legal Analysis: (Cato Institute, "Emoluments Clause vs. Trump Empire," 11/29/16): The wording of the Emoluments clause points one way to resolution: Congress can give consent, as it did in the early years of the Republic to presents received by Ben Franklin. It can decide what it is willing to live with in the way of Trump conflicts. If it misjudges public opinion, it will pay a political price at the next election.

FOIA argument: (ACLU Center for Democracy, "FOIA Request," 1/19/17): We filed our first Freedom of Information Act request of the Trump Era, seeking documents relating President Trump's conflicts of interest relating to his business connections. When Trump took the oath of office, he didn't take the steps necessary to ensure that he and his family's business interests comply with the Constitution. Some have even argued that upon taking the oath of office, the new president is already violating the Emoluments Clause.

Source: Letter from 17 Senators 17LTR-EMOL on May 18, 2017

Certify 2020 Presidential election as fully & fairly counted.

Fudge voted NAY blocking certification of the Electoral vote

Explanation of 1/6/21 Electoral Certification, by Emily Brooks, Washington Examiner:Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Paul Gosar led an objection to counting Electoral College votes from the state of Arizona, the first formal objection to state results in a series of moves that will delay the certification of Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election over President Trump. Cruz is advocating for an `emergency 10-day audit` of election returns in disputed states. The usually ceremonial joint session of Congress that convenes to count and accept Electoral College votes will be put on hold as the House and Senate separately debate the objection.