our sadness and strengthen our hope. one day we shall joyfully greet him again when the love of christ, which concurs all things destroys even death itself. ♪ ♪

♪ >> into your hands, father of mercys, we commend our brother mario. in the sure and certain hope that together with all who have died in christ he will rise with him on the last day. merciful lord, turn toward us and listen to our prayers. open the gates of paradise to

your servant and help us who remain to comfort one another with assurances of faith until we all meet in christ and are with you and with our brother mario forever. we ask this through christ our lord. >> amen. >> in peace let us take our brother to his place of rest. >> thanks be to god. our closing hymn is 611. ♪ ♪ joyful, joyful, we adore

thee ♪ ♪ hearts unfold like flowers before you ♪ ♪ opening up to the sun above ♪ ♪ melt the clouds of sun and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away ♪ ♪ giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day ♪ ♪ all your works with joy surround you earth and heaven reflect your rays ♪ ♪ stars and angles sing around you, center of unbroken praise ♪ ♪ field and forest dale and

mountain flowering meadow, flashing sea ♪ ♪ chanting and flowing fountaining, raising you eternally ♪ ♪ you are giving and forgiving ♪ ♪ ever blessing, ever blessed ♪ ♪ well spring of the joy of living ♪ ♪ ocean depth of happy rest ♪ ♪ god our father christ our brother ♪ ♪ let your light upon us shine ♪ ♪ teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine ♪ ♪ mortals join the mighty

chorus, which the stars began ♪ ♪ god's own love is reigning over us, joining people hand in hand ♪ ♪ ever singing march we onward ♪ ♪ victories in the midst of strife ♪ ♪ joyful music leads us onward, in the triumph song of life ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪

we now take you over to the old senate chamber used by the senate from 1810 to 1859 and by the supreme court from 1860 to 1935 and now for a special occasions such as today where senators of the 114th congress will be ceremonially sworn in following the official oath that has taken place over on the senate floor. this is a chance for family members to greet the president of the senate, which is vice president joe biden, and have pictures taken with him. this is live coverage on c-span3.

>> while we say for the swearing in we will show you a documentary. the rotunda bridges the house and senate sides. it's from here that you enter into the oldest part of the capitol and into the senate wing of the building. as you make your way from the oldest part of the capitol into the extension built in the 1850s, you see a stark contrast in the decorative nature of the

old and new as the senate of the 1850s desired to showcase their part of the capitol to visitors from around the world. it is into this artistic and architectural design where you find the current senate chamber surrounded by or naturely decorated halls and rooms and opened in the winter of 1859. >> i'm always enthralled by the senate chamber itself. the walls themselves. if they could speak, what could they tell us? what would they tell us? i think of the great men and women who have served there. >> there is something special about seeing it when it's empty. it's an empty theater in a sense. there's a certain feeling you stop, you look around, you look at the busts of the vice presidents, you look at the desks, you imagine the people who stood there the robert tafts, the lyndon johnsons, the

hubert humphreys, barry goldwaters, people who have had a huge impact on this institution and on american political history. this was the chamber in which they fought their battles. there is a certain tribute that is paid to these people in their absence in that empty chamber. >> the senate is like -- it's almost a living creature. breathing. it has a tempo to it. it has an atmosphere. you can watch it and you can feel it. it's almost like a person. if you treat it like you would treat another person, i think it responds well. even when you are trying to make it do something it doesn't want to do. >> the real role of the senate is to be a form of the states. each state is equal in the senate. in its representation. there are two senators from every state. each senator is equal to a degree with any other senator. each senator can speak as long

as he or she wishes to speak. there is freedom of speech. freedom of speech runs deep in english history. roman history even. and colonial history and american history since the constitution came along. freedom of speech. >> the senate chamber opened january 4, 1859. on that day members of the senate as a body left their old chamber, which is now the old senate chamber they walked down the corridor and into their new chamber. there was excitement. there was enthusiasm about this new space. when you go into senate chamber today, it's a little bit hard to really evoke the way that chamber would have looked in the 19th century. it has changed so dramatically. in the 19th century when it first opened in 1859, the room

was very, very victorian, highly ornate carpet. a wonderful stain glass ceiling. the senate chamber was expabded during the 1950s and it opened because as new states joined the union, more space was needed. in the 1850s, congress appropriated $100,000 to build the two new wings for the house and for the senate and the later the dome. when you look out from the gallery --

>> you are seeing the old senate chamber where senator mcconnell along with others waiting for the swearing in of the 114th congress. members and families waiting on vice president joe biden to arrive. we will have the house swearing in ceremony live at 3:00 eastern on c-span3.

>> who is holding this? >> do you solemnly swear to

support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic that you will bear truth faith and allegiance to the same and you take this oath freely, that you will discharge the office upon which you are about to enter so help you god? >> i do. >> congratulations. >> my daughter. >> how are you? it's a pleasure to see you. how are you? >> my son-in-law. >> who is this? how are you? you doing okay? can i talk to a democrat? look at the ceiling there. pretty cool. >> come on in, everybody. >> slide in here.

>> charlie, you are the star here. it's great to see you guys. how old is charlie? >> ten months. >> beautiful child. >> the other side of the family. i will see you in a minute. >> dad, you stand next to me. give me some stature here. congratulations, madam secretary. i'm the first one to call him the majority leader. >> and the rest of the family. got a lot. >> this is good. >> come on in, everybody. >> one more. >> will you stand in front of me?

>> as tight as you can. everybody look right here. can all of you look for a photo too? >> up there, second level. >> girls let's come in with one more shot. come on in. >> do you know what my dad used to say? granddaughters have one important job, take care of their pop. most important. >> the gentleman -- could you -- good. can i get a couple of you -- do you mind going in the back? >> can i -- >> i need another with the family.

>> everybody look right here. right here. great. look up again. >> look up. >> is it possible -- can we just have family, with them in the back like that? >> okay. >> then we can rotate around. does that look better? >> madam secretary, whatever you say. >> thank you so much. >> you know how it works now. >> i do. are you kidding me? >> thank you so much. >> this way down here.

>> pleasure to see you again. >> can i have one with his dad and me? >> that would be wonderful. >> this time you got to sign. >> thank you. >> angela, on the other side. >> she's my youngest. >> we irish have an expression. a son is a son who gets away. a daughter is a daughter the rest of her life. thank you girls.

>> you ready for us? >> still with us?

>> thank you. >> raise your right hand. do you swear that you will support and defend the constitution of the united states of america against all enemies foreign and domestic that you will bear truth and faith to the same and you take this freely without any reservation and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter, so help you god? >> i do. >> congratulations. >> thank you very much. >> did you get the picture you want wanted? okay. next year's christmas card. >> congratulations. great victory. thank you. the best guy in the united states senate. right here.

i can say that now. great to see you. it happens to be true. we will do this again. raise your right hand. do you solemnly swear that you will support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic that you will bear truth and faith to the same, that you take this obligation freely without any mentalers are vags or purpose of evasion, that you will will and faithfully discharge the office upon which you are about to enter, so help you god? >> i will. >> you are a great guy. you really are. how are you? who is this? how are you? i'm a friend of your grandpa's. my name is joe. good to see you. how are you?

good to see you. what's your name? >> you god you got a great name. come over here. good to see you. how old are you? >> i'm 12. >> beautiful smile. >> a little bit more off to the side there. >> you are getting too big. your grandpop is one of the nicest guys. he knows i mean it. i genuinely mean it. >> that's good to hear. >> this guy has more integrity in his little finger than most people have -- i'm telling you the god's truth. so happy you are here. >> thank you.

>> i remember opening the door and al gore senior introducing us, 1972. god love you. good to see you. good to see you. nice to meet you. how are you? >> i tell you what, easy to swear at you. good to see you. how are you? >> you look fabulous. >> every once in a while there's a ray of light. >> how do you want us to stand here? >> you want to do it with everybody while you are being sworn in? we will have you in the middle. you will hold the bible. everybody else, come on in, too. >> you don't know what you asked for. my sister-in-law. >> nice to meet you. >> mother of ten. >> i'm the mother of ten. >> my mother would say no

purgatory for you, state to heaven. good to see you. hi. how are you? good to see you. >> it's his birthday today. >> happy birthday. you got some killer eyes. the girls are in trouble. how are you? how old are you? >> ten. >> great name. good to see you. how are you? good to see you. how are you? who is this beautiful child? how are you? nice to see you. come on this side.

wherever you want to stand. okay? >> there's a lot of us. >> pictures first? you want the little ones in front? >> a few more people to go in the back there. right there. move this way. >> i've got a clear view. >> smile. >> look here. >> got a photographer up there. >> up in the bleachers. great.

exactly. >> congratulations. everybody, stay where you are. don't move. hang on. raise your right hand. do you do you swear you will support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies, that you will bear allegiance to the same, that you take this freely without any reservation and that you will faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter so help you god? >> i do. >> have ii have no doubt about it. [ applause ] >> give my best to jill. >> i will. good to see you.

you want to get sworn in? >> we came to ask you questions. sorry. >> hey, jim. how are you? great to see you. thanks for doing this again. they will stand you in the middle. i guess you will hold the bible. >> i can do this. >> you can do anything you want. jim, raise your right hand. do you swear that you will support and defense the constitution of the united states, that you will take this fru freely without any reservation and will discharge the duties upon which you are about to

enter, so help you god? >> i do. thank you. >> the first time we did this bob byrd was in your shoes. >> and the second and third time, too. >> good to see you. thank you. my sympathies. raise your right hand. do you swear that you will

support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic, that you take this freely without any reservation and that you will faithfully discharge the duties of the office you are about to enter, so help you god? >> i will. >> this family? >> we have a herd. >> hold for a pose. okay. >> let's do it again. i will look where i'm supposed to. here we go. >> this is boring. isn't this boring? how are you doing? can i borrow your hat?

can i borrow your hat? how are you? it's good to see you. how are you doing? good to see you. >> hi mr. vice president. >> how are you doing? how old are you? good to see you. thank god you look like your mother. you stand right in front. come on. get us all in here. it takes a lot of patience wear that hat and get dressed up, mom. this is hard. >> smile. >> here we go.

>> wait a minute. he's not going to do that. >> come here. >> he can do whatever he wants. >> ready, one, two, three. >> here we go. >> i think you better just snap. >> look up top. there's a photographer up top. >> look up top. >> don't jump. all right. >> thank you. >> nice to meet you. >> he's a smart little boy. >> all these guys, i tell you

what -- you take care of your sister. >> can i have a picture of you alone? he's my guy. perfect. charlie, remember me when you are president, okay? >> okay. >> good boy. >> thanks so much. >> shake hands? >> say hi joe. >> tell him bye-bye. >> thanks, joe.

>> i'm happy for you. >> orrin. i'm glad you do man. excuse me. that's the oath. >> how are you? >> we've been doing this a long time. how are you? great to see you. >> stand in the middle. we will re-enact -- you want to re-enact the oath here? >> sure. raise your right hand. we will do this. do you swear that you will support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic that you will bare true faith and allegiance to the same, that you take this obligation freely without any reservation or purpose of evasion and you will discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter so help you god? >> no doubt. >> he better. >> i don't have any doubt. i would like to see all the kids. >> it's not all of them. >> bring the team up.

who is this handsome guy? >> he's a basketball player. >> how are you? good to see you. hope you have a big fence around the house. how are you? >> nice to meet you. >> hi. some of you have to get on the other side. good to see you. good to see you. we met before. how are you? you got some eyes, kid. >> some of you go behind -- in the back. >> don't move. here we go. >> a couple on the end come

over. >> what are we doing? >> we're getting a picture. >> can you spread out a little bit? >> who do we look at? >> it was true. >> look right here. >> at the end, if you could spread out. there you go. great. >> got it? we got one up top? >> look up here. >> here we go. look up there. >> great to see you. >> the one you talked to years ago. >> i remember.

>> nice to see you. good luck. >> thank you so much. >> i don't have to tell you to keep the faith. i don't have to tell you. good to see you. >> nice of you to wear the same suit. >> we came together. >> thank you so much. >> hello, jack. >> mr. vice president how are you? >> good to see you. how are you? great to see you. >> what's your name?

eight years old yesterday? happy birthday. you stand right in the middle. you get on the outside. come over here. you can watch dad take the oath. if you will hold the bible. jack will put his left hand on the bible and raise his right hand. repeat after me. do you solemnly swear you will support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies, that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that you take this freely without my reservation and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter, so help you god? >> i do. >> no doubt about it, buddy. good to see you. let's turn here and have a real picture. >> can we have one just you and me? >> sure you can. >> thank you.

>> okay.ojúóñ hello, jeff. good to see you. how are you? >> can i get a picture? >> you sure can. you want to re-enact the oath? >> what do we do? >> hold this and raise your right hand and repeat after me. do you solemnly swear -- not repeat after me. do you solemnly swear that you will support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic, that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that you take this obligation freely without my reservation or purpose of evasion and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter, so help you god? congratulations. good to see you. >> looking good. >> feeling good. feeling good.

we got one up there before he jumps. we want to make sure he doesn't jump. >> this is my crew. >> come on, crew. how are you doing? how are you? good to see you. >> and the twins. my daughter, ruth. >> how old are they? >> they are five months. >> come on. >> we do it quick. >> okay. here we go. >> cheese. >> that's close to cheese. >> congratulations, jeff. what a beautiful family. >> thank you. >> got to go out that way. >> there you go.

susan. how are you? >> good. thank you. my husband tom. >> my husband tom. >> how are you buddy. good to see you. >> we'll have you stand here. you hold the bible. we'll do the reenactment get the family around. hello rg everybody. hi, how are you? >> hi. >> good to see you. >> richard, how are you? >> my niece. and isabelle. >> we are going to reenact the oath here. raise your right hand. put your left on the bible. do you salmonellaly swear to support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic, that you will bear truth, faith and allegiance to the same that you take this obligation freely

without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and you will faithfully discharge the duties of the office so help you god? >> i will. >> i don't doubt that. >> good to see you. >> how are you? >> as we say in southern delaware, you married up. >> they say that in scranton. >> they talk like that. scra-ton. >> all right. let me switch. >> thank you. thank you so much. great to see you. >> i am so happy. >> thank you. you were so kind tole call thank

you. great to see you. remember, no serious guys until you're 30. [ laughter ] come on. jump in the middle, diane. we'll do this again. >> how are you doing? >> doing well. my only regret -- do you solemnly swear to support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic, that you will bear truth, faith and allegiance to the same, that you take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and you will faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter to help

you god? >> i do. >> hi, amy. hi mike. jump on this side. let's split them up here. what's your name? >> megan. >> how old are you? >> 6. >> and you're 9? >> 7. >> 7! holy mackerel. hey, big guy. what's your name? >> trey. >> good to see you. >> hey, man. how are you? good to see you. okay. you girls stand right in front. she's entitled. this is a long day. don't tell anybody. okay. here we go. here we go.

>> we have to look up top, guys, so he doesn't jump. here we go. >> take care of grandpa. >> thank you. >> it's a hard job. take care of him. that's what i tell my grandchildren. nice to see you, guys. >> thank you. >> good to see you again. thanks, man. appreciate it. >> i'm not doing the next one. i am not. >> yes, you are. it's part of the job. constitutionally required. >> jump over here. they make you stand on this side. >> hey sis. how are you? it's a pleasure to meet you. >> he's got the president's ear. >> what a beautiful dress. how old are you nicole ? >> he's a good man even though he's a democrat.

>> emily. >> how are you? >> sis, you stand in the middle. we have something in common. we have sisters. you hold the bible so he can put his left hand on it and raise his right. we'll get this reenactment done. do you solemnly swear to support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic, that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that you take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and you will faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter so help you god? >> i do. >> you look like you're having a good time. >> one more, guys. what's your name?

>> joseph bell. >> good name. good man. >> that's it for now. >> okay. all right. >> two more quick ones. come on, guys. >> nice to meet you. here we go. >> my campaign team. campaign manager. >> you're the guy who's responsible? >> yes, sir. >> tell you what. hi, caroline o'neal. i'm dean finnigan's son. >> i knew this would happen. you guys did a great job. >> thank you. >> one more. come on. this guy. come on.

>> hey, man. what's your name? vice president joe biden welcoming new senators and old senators and their familieses as they take part in a mock swearing-in ceremony for u.s. senators in the old senate chamberment you can continue to watch on our companion network c-span 2. it will move over there so we can show you members of the congressional black caucus sworn in at the u.s. capitol including gk butterfield of north carolina. we heard remarks from house democratic leaders nancy pelosi and steny hoyer. this is an hour and ten minutes. >> good morning. the rising sun as our new day begins. what an extraordinary group of americans i have as my colleagues to face that rising

sun. with new challenges and new opportunitieses. i want to congratulate my friend marcia on the extraordinary leadership she's given. [ applause ] >> to commiserate with my brother g.k. butterfield for the shoes he has to fill. and to all the officers of the congressional black caucus. this is a significant year, as i'm sure my friend jim clyburn will talk about and others talk about. my friend john lewis. 50 years. a half a century.

martin luther king said i may not get there with you. but i have seen the promised land. but everybody in this audience knows that we may have seen the promised land but the promise is not yet redeemed. there is still much to do. and the last congress the cbc played a central and critical role in shaping policy and moving legislation forward to benefit all americans. as this new congress begins with challenges facing our country we will continue to look to the group known as the conscience of the congress. for ideas and inspireded leadership. and inspiration. for over four decades the cbc promoted a vision of oh america where everyone regardless of color, creed economic

circumstances has an equal shot to pursue the american dream and is entitled to equal justice under the law. that's the objective. that's the vision. that's the promise. no one in this auditorium would say that promise has been redeemed yet. so there is still much work to be done. it need not be only a vision but a reality. sadly it is not. it is the goal for which we strive and toward which the congress works. there are no members of the congress of the united states who further that vision more passionately or focused or as john lewis would say keeping their eye on the prize. how proud those of us are who

served with them of their leadership and inspiration, of their integrity and their courage. under chairman fudge the cbc has served both as a moral voice and an active player in shaping policy, not only to better the lives of americans but to expand opportunities for all americans. my buddy barbara lee will tell us all that lifting up all americans and americans from the are a advantages of poverty and of want is a major objective of us all. i know this important work will continue and strengthen. for the 114th congress the cbc

is the largest members in its history comprising nearly a quarter -- [ applause ] almost 25% of the democratic caucus are african-americans. 10% of the congress of the united states, african-americans. it's not just the color of their skin that's so important. it is the content of their character that they display on a daily basis. calling us all to the best that is within us and the best that is america. cbc members represent 22 states in the district of columbia. all five of the new cbc members for the 114th congress are women. i will tell my male friends -- [ applause ]

bringing the total to 20. almost half of the members of the congressional black caucus. another historic first and perhaps most illustrative of the strength ins policy making seven full committee ranking members are cbc members. [ applause ] >> will the ranking members stand in this speaks to the enormous progress we have made over the past 50 years. in 1965, john lewis walked across a bridge. the ed ed monday pettis bridge.

the conscience of america was moved. we made progress. today though the voting rights act is under threat. all our oh efforts in restoring protections for a new generation of americans have not yet succeeded. the supreme court said things were much different. indeed, they are much different. the supreme court was wrong that the job is done. it is not. i want to congratulate my friend jim clyburn for his leadership in assuring we redeem what's been bled for and died for. when the law was pass ped i was very active in my own state. a segregated state, a southern state in many ways. i come from a region that was as southern as any region in the country, i think.

these are being carried forward with a dogged determination in congress. as we prepare to mark the anniversary of bloody sunday, i am looking forward to accompanying many of you to selma and so other places where people died and fought for the freedom and dignity of my three children as well as all children of color. we are in this together. pastor, you would say, i think with me, that every individual, every sparrow has eyes on them.

they ought to have our eyes on them as well. i am very proud to be here to the congratulate all of you -- those who are new and those who have fought the fight for decades. god bless you. god speed. thank you. [ applause ] >> all right, everybody. i'm going to take a moment of indulgence indulgence. everybody say a change. >> a change. >> gonna come. >> gonna come. >> congressman a change is going to come on the program.

the weather has permitted nancy pelosi to be here. then we'll hear from congressman clyburn. thank you. [ applause ] >> good morning everyone! i see the hearty souls here who weathered the storm. thank you, joann for your introduction. thanks to my colleagues. i have come to join my colleagues in bearing witness to the fact that for more than 40 years, as you know, the congressional black caucus served as the conscience of the congress. champ championing an a america of justice for all. the members of the caucus fought and won critical battles to make the real promise, full promise of our country for working people from middle class families, for those who aspire to the middle class, for every

person who dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. reverend barber, as i was coming over here the walls of the capitol were shaking from your prayer and your invocation. all of you gathered here champion the equality dignity and prosperity for all americans. today, as we convene the 114th congress of the united states the leadership and vision of the congressional black caucus, that's as bold and as necessary as ever. let's start with marcia fudge. anyone who wanted to know anything about marcia fudge, all they needed to do was to follow the colbert report. stephen colbert did his research and found out she was a fencing champion in high school. so he decided he would suit up

and challenge her. now, mind you, she had not engaged in fencing for decades. i'm not going to say how many. for decades. but he learned as much practice and trying to take her by surprise when she came on the show she got the first touch. he learned with a we all know. marcia fudge rules. now congressman butterfield takes the helm of the cb krrk. we know the cbc will continue to be providing strong, outspoken and effective leadership for every man woman and child in our country. bringing his judicious demeanor and southern courtesy to our work. don't mistake the courtesy for anything other than strength. congratulations and best wishes to you, chairman butterfield. your success is the success of

america. and the 114th congress, mr. clyburn -- mr. butterfield's friend mr. clyburn will continue to serve as the third highest ranking democrat in the house of representatives. and with great dignity and respect. steny mentioned cbc members will be ranking members of seven committees. i'm naming names. judiciary, john conyers. financial services, maxine waters. veterans affairs, carin brown. science, space & technology eddie johnson. education and work force bobby scott. homeland security, benny thompson. oversight and government reform elijah cummings. aren't we proud?

we welcome the surge of cbc women, freshman members and are so honored that the 100th woman to serve in the congress is alma adams as a member of the cbc. this is historic. i know our distinguished chair of the dnc debbie wasser man schultz takes pride in that as well. respect the past, confront the future. today congressman john conyers becomes the dean of the house after a half a century of service in the congress. [ applause ] a half century of service. those 50 years have seen historic progress for our nation.

it is clear there is more to doment we respect the past. we confront our future with the conviction that we can and we must continue to effect change. in justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. as we mark the 50th anniversary of the vote rights act. how proud we are to have the tireless moral leadership of congressman john lewis on this matter serving us in the house. as we are now called to action. to improve the quality of justice in every american communitiment to awaken our communities to the power of the vote. the vote destroys injustice. and creates opportunity and drives a new effort to increase voter participation. today starts a new congress, a new year. it is the feast of the the epiphany

of the feast of the magi. i am hoping when we open in session elater let us have our own epiphany about our responsibility to the american people. of course we have principles values and beliefs. that's what makes the country strong. we don't always agree with each other. there are different schools of thought in the congress. a sem si is about debating those issues. finding solutions. having the humility to compromise and find a way forward. it's also about fighting for what's right. fighting for rights for eleanor norton to have the right to fight in the united states and the district of oh columbia. that's what we fight for. if you find it disagreeable give

them the vote and we can take it aside. it is important for us, as we view how we manage our issues, our differences that it all comes back to values. shared values of where we should find common ground. the cbc foundation under the leadership of oh congressman fatah, thank you for your leadership. and janice washington have long supported values and goals. together we'll build an economy that works for everyone. not just wealthy and well connected. for everyone. we have a moral obligation. our values tell us we must do that. together we'll create a future of prosperity and promise for

every family. we will create a future worthy of the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families who sacrificed so much for the country. on this opening day we thank all of you. our leadership on the stage for your leadership, vision courage. if it's about courage it's about heart. and your commitment to oh this great country. congratulations to your swearing in by the dean of the house of representatives. in just a few hours. happy new year. thank you for the opportunity to be here. thank you very much. >> thank you very much madam leader.

mr. whip? distinguished clergy all. chair wasserman schultz. my colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. first, i want to remind you of oh our theme for the day. respecting the past, confronting the future. i want to thank marcia funnel for two successful and highly productive years as chair of the caucus. i want to wish george kenneth butterfield.

god speed. as he takes the rrgseins of this group of committed, dedicated and sometimes contrarian public servants. as martin luther king intoned everybody can be great because everybody can serve. we have been elected to serve at a very interesting time in our oh country's development. the united states supreme court has gutted the 1965 voting rights act that made it possible for us to serve. in the citizens united and mccutche on cases the supreme court over turned 100 years of restraint on corporations funding of political campaigns

and made money speech that cannot be reasonably regulated to protect our democracy. legislatures all over the country are stacking and bleaching legislative and congressional districts, diluting the effectiveness of black representation and participation. state and local governments are imposing new impediments devoting and are establishing new criteria for police and citizens' uses of force. effectively undermining and rupturing the relationship that should exist between the police and the public and people to each other. there are significant movements

taking place all across the country. and although they may not be new -- they may be new to some of us. they are not new to oh the country. we have been here before. we respect election results. but we remember that bentyl man and lester maddox were elected officials who were swept into office by denigrating them. we respect law enforcers but we are remember jim clark and bill connor were cops who built their reputations by brutalizing freedom fighters. we respect court decisions.

we remember that dred scott and pless yrk plessy versus ferguson were supreme court decisions that relegated blacks to second class citizenship. it took hard work and personal sacrifice to move the country to a better place. thanks to oh the naacp, fraternal order ohs, fraternities and sororities, the student nonviolent committee, and countless groups and organizations we got to a better place. every september the congressional black caucus foundation recognizes various people and organizations with our phoenix awards.

that name was not pulled out of a hat. nor was it selected by a contest. the phoenix awards honor an historic and prophetic speech delivered from the well of the united states house of representatives by one of g.k. butterfield's predecessors from north carolina, george whitement as he unceremoniously ended his career and an era of black membership in the congress. it was over a generation later before another black sat as a member of this august body. contrary to popular opinion, the country doesn't move on a linear plane. our country moves like the

pendulum on the clock. it goes from left to right and back left again before moving back right again. how long the country rests in any position depends upon the intervention and level of participation of the electorate. in a couple of hours, we will take our seats as members of the 114th congress. ours is a unique but posher role. rosalind brock, cornell brooks and the naacp have unique but posher roles. mark mario, michaelle niedoff.

and the urban league have unique niedoff. and the urban league have unique but partial roles. the rainbow push national action network and others have are roles to play. we all have our roles to play. hopefully the lessons of our history will allow us to play our oh roles effectively and efficiently. few people know that history better than g.k. butterfield. growing up in wilson, north carolina, he suffered many in indignities while serving in defense of this country. a father, he experienced elections laws that steeled his

determination to study and practice law. he was a formerer state supreme court justice who knows what it is like to suffer defeat at the polls. he knows much of america's history. he's learned the lessons. i believe he would take this caucus to a better place. >> ladies and gentlemen, ms. a. seanice washington. >> good morning, everyone. on behalf of my colleagues at the congressleal black caucus foundation incorporated it is my pleasure to welcome and thank

you all for your presence this morning as we celebrate the beginning of the 114th congress and in particular the members of the congressional black caucus. i would like to extend a special thank you to our program participants, special guests, friends and partners for joining us for today's swearing in. cbcf is honored to host this time-honored tradition which recognizes our nation's african-american members of congress whose efforts continue to move our country and our oh communities forward. this is an historic time for the cbc. with the largest membership and the most diverse geographical representation since its founding the cbc is positioned to elevate the public policy discussion on several issues impacting the black community p. while the cbc grows in numbers there remains a lack of diversity in congressional staff. this is the inspiration for the cbcf's newest initiative.

emerge 535. over the next few years, cbcf will expand opportunities to emerging african-american leaders by providing 535 internship and fellowship placements in congressional offices and committees. cbcf is committed to doing its part to change the landscape of capitol hill with emerge 535. [ applause ] the cbc is an int partner in the effort as our oh young people gained first hand leadership and policy experience by working with and learning from each of you. our event partners for today's ceremony include revlon, national association of broadcasters, pepsico, at&t, sellgene corporation, centurylink, comcast nbc

universal. grocer's manufacturer t-mobile and verizon. we develop leaders inform policy and educate the public because of the generous support provided. for that we thank you. in closing and on behalf of the cbcf staff i would like to thank outgoing cbc chairwoman marcia l. fudge for her support over the last two years. chairman elect congressman g.k. butterfield and new officers. we look forward to working with you and all members of the c brk c during the 114th. join me in congratulating, saluting the cb krrgs hepburns of the 114th congress. it is my pleasure to introduce our chairman of the board of directors, congressman fatah.

>> well, let me acknowledge members of the congressional black caucus foundation board of directors. jim coleman is here and a number of others. stand and give our board a round of applause please, to the staff and members of the corporate advisory committee. the foundation is uniquely situated because of our most important stake hold ers which is the congressional black caucus. i want to thank the members for their partnership with the foundation as we go forward. i want to say a few things about the work that we are doing and we have done together over the last two years. first and foremost we placed 148 students and public service

internships. 18 in fellowships and have awarded 702 scholarships totaling 1.2 million dollars. thank you. 1.2 million dollars is a little bit of money. it helps pay the bills so our young people can get an education. we also launched our permanence project which is an online community. think of it as on an line alc weekend where you can get realtime information about the work of the congressional black uh caucus and its members, what's happening on the hill. you can have actual input into the policy development process. i want to personally thank my leader, the chairwoman of the congressional black caucus foundation over the 113th chairwoman was a member of the staff serving for a former

member from ohio. then has served in the congress. but rather than just represent the state of ohio if that wasn't challenging enough, she took on the responsibility to lead the congressional black caucus. she has done an extraordinary job. i have seen her in both public moments and private moments. she's not equivocated one inch or compromised on critical issues facing our community. she 's been an authentic leader. we can askth nothing more of her. for the caucus, she launched the china study abroad program. for dozens of young people, they have spent time now studying in china. she 's paved the way for some 400 young people to participate in the program as we go forward. i want to say to our new chairman, you have to watch

butterfield. he asked me to come to north carolina once to give a talk. once you say yes he won't let you, you know, maneuver. so when the chairman asks you to do something consider it. once you give the commitment you've got to follow through. he is a determined leader. he has been raised for a time like this. as we go into a new congress. i note in the audience a number of people. i won't go through the list. i want to mention just a few. one is my beautiful and brilliant wife who is here, my daughters and my dad. give them a round of applause. i saw ernie green from the little rock 9. he's here. then i saw a young man who's been away for a while.

he's been in prison in cuba. because of the work of members of the congressional black caucus and others and the bold step our president has taken in re-opening relationship ss. give them a welcome home. him and his wife are here. [ applause ] barbara lee and her leadership and other members of the caucus and other members of the congress, democrat and republicans, it's great to welcome you home. it could not have happened without the leadership of a former member of the caucus who now serves as the president of the united states being willing to step in a different direction than we have been moving for so many decades in our country.

so we can rebuild the walls. if we have a mind to work. this caucus has a mind to work. in a few hours we'll be sworn in and we'll get the work, make our country a more perfect union. thank you. [ applause ] >> all right. thank you, congressman. now the swearing in of congressional members is a longstanding tradition that celebrates and signifies the start of a new congress. the oath of office will be used to james a.wynn jr. fourth circuit judge of the united states court of appeals. he 's from north carolina and served as an associate used in the north carolina supreme court before his u.s. court of appeals by barack obama in 2009. he was confirmed by the senate the following year. the judge is congressman

butterfield's friend and former law partner. the honorable james a. wynn, jr. >> to the distinguished members of the congressional black caucus, i want to tell you this is a pleasure for me. i tell you this, as you know senator clyburn is an his attorney. it wasn't brown versus the board of oh education in 1954, norh,ñ÷$u(j it the civil rights act of 19 # 5 nor the voting rights act of 1965 nor even the election of our es teemed president in 2008. the most significant date and event in the history of african-americans in this country was the abolition of slavery. 150 years ago. that occurred. [ applause ]

that occurred, representative lewis. that occurred, representative bishop. that occurred, representative scott. that occurred representative johnson. when the state of georgia became the state that made the record number of states to abolish. on december 6, 1865. this 150th year from the date of the abolition of slavery, constitutionally in this country gives me great pleasure to administer the oath of office to a most distinguished group of officers of the congressional black caucus. please rise. and if the officers will face me -- just the officers, please.

repeat after me, please. i, state your name. do solemnly swear or affirm that i will support and defend the constitution of the united states. against all enemies foreign and domestic. and that i will bear true faith and allegiance to the same that i take this obligation freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. and that i will well and faith fully discharge the duties of the office on which i am about to enter.

so help me god. congratulations. [ applause ] >> lanl,dies and gentlemen, the congressional black caucus of the 114th congressment. [ applause ] and from the 113th congress letd by then cbc chairwoman marcia fudge. representative fudge is entering her district. her hard work and commitment to

improving the quality of life to her constituents african-americans and all americans. the cbc continued its making good health my reality tour which educated americans across the country about how the affordable care about can improve their lives. representative fudge at the forefront of the caucus agenda. ending poverty, increasing access to college funding, reforming immigration im proving the economy and enhancing the availability of jobs. although the accomplishments are significant, representative fudge knows that the work of advancing the african-american community is far from finished. her determination and fearlesslessness to stand up for others has made her one of the most recognizable and effective leaders in the congress.

now a short video under the leadership of c are bc chairwoman marcia fudge. >> here at home we are unable to fully address our own issues. the house is not in order. >> the house will be in order. please proceed. >> known as the conscience of the congress the congressleal black caucus has been a strong voice in the congress for people of color and under served communities. founded in 1971 with 13 members the cdc is committed to using the full connell power statutory authority and financial resources of the united states government to ensure access and opportunities to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

the cdc was present on issues impacting african-americans and other under served communities. the cdc held the house floor for hours with devastating cuts to the social safety net provided by the food stamp program. advancements in the push for diversity on the federal bench and the white house cabinet. made the parent plus loans readily available to those who need them and when the supreme court rolled back the protections of the voting rights act, the cbc safe guarded the right to vote for all citizens. >> we want to be sure that the immigration bill which they are saying is comprehensive is comprehensive and it includes people from the caribbean and from africa which had heretofore been done by diversity visas. we want to people we represent, those who come from under served countries, poor countries are included in the bill. >> the cbc is steadfast in its

vision and given the seniority of the members it is poised to transform this vision into legislative reality in the upcoming 114th congress. >> one of the highest honorers of my lifetime to be elected unanimously as chairman for the 114th congress's black caucus. i take it seriously. it is the role of the congressional black caucus legislatively. fight every day to try to protect those in our communities. not just african-americans. but those who have been left out of the american dream and this new economy. [ applause ] >> now we will swear in all of the members of the congressional black caucus. please stand.

if you would repeat after me. raise your right hand, please. i, state your name. do solemnly swear or affirm that i will support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemies foreign and domestic that i will bear true faith and allegiance to oh the same, that i i take this obligation freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and that i will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office as members of the congressional black caucus, so help me god.

congratulations. >> thank you. >> okay, ladies and gentlemen. please welcome the outgoing cbc chairwoman, representative marcia l. fudge. >> good morning. there is one thing i have to do. i don't give shoutouts as a general rule. there are two members of the audience i must reck are niez. two of our former colleagues. please stand and be recognized. ms. clayton, mr. watt. let's give them a hand, please. [ applause ] i seem certainly happy chaka did introduce mr. gross. it is my determination that barbara lee should be the ambassador to cuba.

i'll be working on that, barbara, now that i have more time. it's bye-bye a pleasure and an -- been a pleasure and honor to serve as the 23rd chair of the congressional black caucus. as i have said i didn't lead this caucus. no one can lead this caucus of leaders. i compare my experience as chair to that of a conductor of an incredible orchestra. the pieces of timeless orchestra came together and we managed to make wonderful music. i thank you. no one can deny we are the oldest, strongest, smartest and most effective caucus in the house of representatives. free of independent agendas to ensure the continued success of our caucus for the benefit of the nation.

we are the conscience of the nation not just of the caucus. let us continue to stand strong because we are better together. to our new members, welcome. you are now a part of a special family. we look to you to lead us into the future with fresh ideas and new energy. stand, new members, please. [ applause ] to my staff the cbc are staff and my congressional staff, i want want to thank you for your hard work and sacrifice. i may not have said it often. certainly not enough over the past two years. i truly appreciate each and every one of you. you exceeded my expectations and you have served the caucus well.

i thank you. i have been given the honor of presenting to you the 24th chair of the congressional black caucus. from the first district of north carolina my friend congressman g.k. butterfield who followed in his father's foot steps. the first black elected in wilson since reconstructionment he's a champion for so many p things -- affordable health care for medicaid education investments in rural communities, just to name a few. you heard mr. clyburn talk about his work on the judiciary. g.k., you have served this country and this congress with distinction. now you have been elected to serve your peers as the chair of the cbc. may god grant you wisdom and patience to carry this mighty caucus as we move into the 114th congress. please accept the gavel as a symbolic token of our trust

confidence, and admiration. join me in welcoming the 24th chair of the congressional black caucus, g.k. butterfield. >> thank you, thank you. first let me thank congresswoman marcia fudge for her friendship her leadership and for taking the congressional black caucus to higher heights. let me put it this way. no one in their right mind should ever believe they can fill the shoes of congresswoman marcia fudge. marcia is a unique leader who commands respect. thank you very much, marcia

fudge. to the dean of the congressional black caucus. to the dean of the house of representatives. congressman john conyers, jr. to my other colleagues and their families, many of the families are here today. to the cbcf chair, congressman fatah and to ms. washington and to your team. to the congressional staff and they are all across this auditorium. thank you for all that you do. thank you to my friend and former law partner, judge jim wynn, for administering the oath of office. jim, god has been good to you. he's been good to me over and over again. thank you so very much. to democratic leader pelosi and to the whip steny hoyer thank you for your leadership and your friendship. assistant leader jim clyburn, the cbc is honored, sir, to have

one of your caliber among us. thank you so very much. to the hundreds of friends who are viewing this ceremony at watch party s in my district and across the country. and finally to my family, a small number of whom are here today. first, i will ask my daughter to quickly stand. that's my daughter a valecia. [ applause ] i eep going to ask my first cousins and my second cousins if they would please stand. [ applause ] and their spouses. i will let you figure out which are the cousins and which are the spouses. thank you, family, for being here today and supporting me. it is one of the highest honors of my life.

to start the daunting process of leading a caucus that has a legacy of advocating for african-american interests. our 46 members hail from 22 states the district of columbia and the virgin islands representing more than 30 million people. 23% of the house democratic caucus, 10% of the house of representatives, cvc members as you heard already holds seven ranking member full committee membership positions. we are one of the largest caucuses. i'm proud to say we have 20 women members, all of our new members are female. as joe biden would say that's a big deal. the composition of our caucus

brings the diverse set of experiences and viewpoints to address the unique challenges of african-americans communes. every day members of this caucus go beyond their constitutional duties to lead in their communities. they are making a difference all of them are making a difference in the lives of millions of people. my colleagues are smart, you know that. they are intelligencetintelligent. each was elected because they prepared themselves. they served their communities and they knocked down barriers. i'm mindful that we were elected because great men and women over the past 150 plus years got their hands dirty and gave their lives to empower future generations.

20 african-americans serve and advocated for the children and advocating for building black high schools and colleges. they advocated for jobs and decency and sought to make it a federal crime to lynch. the work of these 20 congress men was too visionary for the power structure and so in 1900, seven states with the poll tax has devices to prevent plaque people from voting. and now in the 21st century. efforts are still afoot to disenfranchise african-american voters. as a consequence of the literacy test and the test and the acts of sheer violence they made a

reference to that when george h white stood in the well where we will be at the close of the 56 congress. this is what he said and i will paraphrase. mr. chairman, the negro asked no special favors, but spent simply demands he be given the same chance for existence and earning the livelihood for raising himself in the scales of man and woman hood that are accorded to kind red nationalities and obliterated race hatred and help us do the greatest good for the greatest number. this mr. chairman, is perhaps the negro's temporary farewell to the american congress, but phoenix lineman he will rise again some day and come again. as we stand here now, the 114th congress, we must tell the full

story for many black americans, for many black americans, they are not even close to realizing the american dream. depending on where they live and economic depression black america is in a state of emergency today as it was at the turn of the century. my message to those who are tired of business as usual and those who want to and treating you with disrespect, i hear you. the cvc hears you and the world and america hears you. that is why our theme is so important.

goldly confront the uncertainty future. this was formed in 1971. they understand that black boys and black girls matter. the black church matters. black america in its totality matters. in 2015 they are still fighting. we are still fighting generations of indifference on the part of those in power. the statistics tell the story. 25% of black households 25% of black house holes live below the poverty line compared to 8% for white households. out of three black children our children lives in poverty. african-americans are twice as likely as whites to be unemployed. african-americans earn $13,000

less per year than their white counterparts. the unemployment rate has been twice as high as for whites. over the last 50 years. every $100 in wealth of a white household, the black household only has $6 in wealth. what is this? what is this if it's not an emergency? america is not working for many african-americans and we as the congressional black caucus have an obligation. we talk about it all the time and have an obligation to fight harder and smarter and help repair the damage. so my leadership will be influenced by my experiences growing up in a segregated south. jim clyburn said we are the sum total of our experiences.

that is so very true. my life's experiences are similar to my colleagues and we saw racism at its worst. in my hometown of wilson, north carolina the railroad tracks divided our town. a town where 23 miles of unpaved streets greeted black citizens every day. they were relegated to second class citizenship, our mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers. our aunts and uncles worked every day. seven days a week to support the economy. i recall so vividly the wealthy white citizens were each wanting to drive into the neighborhoods to transport black women to the paved streets on the west of town to do domestic work with just a few a week.

i recall white farmers driving on to our street corners at 6:00 to transport black laborers to the tobacco fields to harvest the crops for 50 cents an hour. i recall the structurally inferior black schools and how great black educators were paid less than the white counterparts. because of these unbearable conditions, my generation, the baby boom generation we escaped the south as quickly as we could. most went to the north and some to college. some to the military. they helped mold my perspective and make me determined to fight every day to expose and defeat racism and discrimination wherever it may exist. if anyone has any doubt that this chairman and this

congressional black caucus will have reluctance to fight for our communities, you are mistaken. >> marcia is over there talking about me. the ears work, if nothing else. let's get serious again. you will see the congressional black caucus make criminal justice reform. a centerpiece of our worth. let me develop this for a minute and then you can give applause. we will make criminal justice reform a simple piece of our

work. there is a well-founded, you know it and i know it, mistrust between the african-american community and law enforcement officers. the statistics are clear. video clips are clear. we recognize the overwhelming majority of law enforce am who is put their lives on the line every day to protect the communities and most are doing it well, but unfortunately there some officer who is abuse the sacred responsibility to protect and to serve by using excessive and sometimes deadly force when a less severe response was warranted. they will seek action to reverse this trend. let me also be clear as a former judge. i want to put all of this in context to reinforce and reform the law enforcement system will not by itself reform the criminal justice