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CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE NEW YEAR MESSAGE

January 7, 2015

Jackson Lee: “There is much to hope for and to work for in the new year that begins tomorrow. But before we can do that, it is important that all Americans act responsibly and safely tonight as they usher out the old and welcome in the New Year.”

December 31, 2014

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security and former Chair of its Subcommittee on Transportation Security, released today the following statement:

"I extend my very best wishes and prayers to all of the people of the United States for a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year. My prayer is that Congress will do its part to keep America safe, prosperous, and happy.

"The year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, which has rightly been regarded as the most important civil rights advance since the Emancipation Proclamation. One of the first things the new Congress can do to honor this historic achievement is to work constructively and cooperatively to pass the Voting Rights Amendment Act, and ensure that the right of all Americans to vote, and to have their votes counted, is protected.

"The year 2015 also marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Medicare, which, along with Social Security, gave our seniors the peace of mind that they could live out their golden years in dignity and security. In the coming year, Congress should commit itself to ensuring that all Americans continue to have the peace of mind that comes from access to affordable, high quality health care provided by the Affordable Care Act.

"Congress can also lead the way in bringing hope and healing to our land by passing criminal justice reform legislation, like my Build TRUST Act (H.R. 5858), establishing innovative and thoughtful policies and practices to strengthen the bond of trust that must exist between law enforcement personnel and the communities they risk their lives to serve and protect.

"Nearly everyone agrees that America's immigration system is broken and needs to be reformed so that it is more humane, more efficient, fairer, and an important component in securing our borders. The best way to do this is for Congress to swiftly pass the comprehensive immigration reform legislation that enjoys bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Nothing would send a stronger signal to the world that America remains the most, diverse, tolerant, and welcoming nation on earth.

"Around the world, I join with all Americans in praying for a just and last peace in the Middle East, between Israelis and Palestinians and in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, and for a successful resolution to ongoing efforts to ensure that Iran does not possess the capability to develop nuclear weapons.

"It has been almost nine months since the world was horrified by the kidnapping of 300 schoolgirls in Nigeria by the terrorist group Boko Haram but they have not been forgotten. I pray we stand firm in our resolve and demand to "bring back our girls" and to help combat the spread of the Ebola virus.

"I am also hopeful that in the new year the United States strengthens its partnership with the nations of Africa as they develop their great natural and human resources to extend economic opportunity, personal freedom, and human dignity to all the people of their lands.

"There is much to hope for and to work for in the new year that begins tomorrow. But before we can do that, it is important that all Americans act responsibly and safely tonight as they usher out the old and welcome in the New Year."

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Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas's 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security and former Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.