MPs Congratulate Congressman G.K. Butterfield

November 24, 2014

U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield — whose father was Bermudian — will be the next leader of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus [CBC], and will lead the largest CBC in history with 45 members when the U.S. Congress convenes in January.

Congressman Butterfield — who has represented northeastern North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District since 2004 — said “I’m moved by the unwavering support the CBC has shown me throughout the years.”

News report on Congressman Butterfield being elected to lead the CBC

Congressman Butterfield, who was elected to a two-year term, added: “Each year they’ve continued to elect me to senior positions within the Caucus, solidifying their confidence in me to help steer and now lead the conscience of the Congress as chair. I do not take this endorsement lightly.”

“The new Congress provides a fresh start to address the issues that are important to us all. Members of the CBC come from every region of the country.

“While we each have our own priorities, we speak with a singular, powerful voice in our fight to deliver on the expectations of Americans—to have a government that works for us all.”

Mr. Butterfield pictured as a child with his parents. His father emigrated from Bermuda at 16:

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The NewsObserver reports that the “45-member caucus is nonpartisan, but most of its members have been Democrats. The last Republican member was Rep. Allen West of Florida, who left Congress after losing re-election in 2012. Sen. Tim Scott, a black Republican from South Carolina, chose not to join when he was appointed in 2012.

“Two black conservative Republicans, Mia Love of Utah and Will Hurd of Texas, were elected to their first terms in the House in November. Butterfield said he’d welcome them to the group.

“If they’re willing to embrace the core values of the Congressional Black Caucus, they’ll have a seat at the table,” he said.

Premier Michael Dunkley congratulates Congressman Butterfield in the House on Friday:

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday, Premier Michael Dunkley extended his congratulations saying, “Congressman Butterfield certainly has been an excellent friend of Bermuda, very supportive of Bermuda over many, many years and I believe it is fitting to acknowledge this accomplishment this morning.

“Certainly, there are many Bermudians who are related to Congressman Butterfield,” added the Premier. “I associate the whole House in these congratulations.

“The 114th session of Congress opens up on January 6th next year when he will assume the position. It is the largest Congressional Black Caucus in quite some time, maybe in history, with 45 numbers able to take up a spot in that.

“I’m sure they will get great leadership from that, and we look forward to continuing to work very closely with GK Butterfield in the excellent work that he will do, not only for the people that he represents in North Carolina and the United States, but also here in Bermuda,” added the Premier.

PLP MP Jamahl Simmons congratulates Congressman Butterfield in the House on Friday:

MP Jamahl Simmons also congratulated Congressman Butterfield, saying: “I’d like to associate myself with the remarks made by the Premier congratulating Congressman GK Butterfield for his election to the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“What’s exciting about this appointment, his successful election to the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus, is not just the strong relationship that he has with Bermuda, it is also the longstanding family commitment to social justice that has been displayed throughout his upbringing and throughout his life.

“His father, many people are aware, emigrated from Bermuda at the age of 16 to the United States, and was very actively involved with the NAACP, as well registering African Americans to vote during the height of segregation,” added Mr. Simmons.

“There were very, very intense periods of threats against him, eventually he was forced to stop this, but witnessing that growing up, Congressman Butterfield then in his law practice was also involved in cases that helped to break up some of the gerrymandered districts that prevented the election of black officials.

“He has a proud tradition of standing up fighting for African Americans, and I think that would be a benefit to the United States as well as all people…because a rising tide lifts all boats.”

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Comments (6)

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  1. agatha christie says:

    Maybe he can come back and show them what real politics is all about?

    • Terry says:

      You have to know his voting history as I am subject too it quite often.
      Being popular means didley when it affects constituants.
      Shalom.

    • Keepin' it Real!...4Real! says:

      you don’t think that US politics is real politics do you..?

  2. Teflon Dunkley says:

    But Dunkley decided to go to a Perfume Party instead of going to the Congressional Black Caucus Meeting.

    • aceboy says:

      …and rightly so. Why would he waste money on a US organization like this?

      • JustAskin2 says:

        Why pray tell would this US organization be a ‘waste of money’as you put it?