brenda lawrence. -- this is brenda lawrence. freshman from michigan.what did you think about tonight, just overall? >> you know, this is my first time sitting there. it is my job to address those issues. there were so many points i was glad to hear. i was glad to hear that sick leave is not paid sick leave. it is something that is an economic development. there are families choosing between a sick child in their -- a sick child and of their job. the the minimum wage, how we must address the fact that when people work they deserve to have a quality of life. i was excited to hear about working together. i am used to getting things done. i am coming to this congress to actually work with the different sides. twoo take care of the issue. i think he drove that home. members of my class is said that is something we want. >> i cover detroit and the metropolitan area. detroit, the wealthiest communities in the country and some of the most challenged. >> a follow-up to the state of the union for you in terms of translating what the president said into legislati

. >> we asked you to tell the truth, and you did >>> brenda lawrence is a new face the democrat elected to represent michigan's 14th district. in the first person report she shares an impression of first day. >> i will tell you, it was a dream. but to stand here with the title and the pen, being a congresswoman is a dream come true. someone said "are you overwhelmed?" i'm not overwhelmed, but excited and grateful for the opportunity. i know i'm here for a reason. i'll get to work and do the work. it's been xil rating casting my -- exhilarating casting my first vote. there's so many egos you have to have egos. but when you put into perspective, you are serving for the people's. it is representative of the people and their needs. i'm on a honeymoon now. we have been so respectful talking to each other about the challenges in our distribute. i have hope. i'm an optimist that we can literally work together. it's okay if you don't agree with me sit and talk with me. work together to take care of the people at this great country. i'm optimistic. >> a new member of congress. tonight's freeze f

representative brenda lawrence of the 14th district of michigan. virgin islands. representative bonnie watson coleman of the 12th district of new jersey. as they come to the stage ladies and gentlemen please give a round of applause to the congressional black caucus of the 114thongress. [applause] as the cbc of the 114th congress embarks on critical work on behalf of the american people they do so of course in faith and re dr. william j. barber the and pastor of greenleaf church and president of the north carolina conference of the naacp and will lead us and followed by a soloist wanda barnes. >> let us bow our heads in prayer. gracious eternal and all-wise god, thou who formed what is out of nothing and called us into being to serve you you oh, lord who weighs every nation in the balance of your own standards. on this day of installation and new beginning in the midst of new beginnings and new challenges for this, the congressional black caucus and this congress, guide their feet, lord, while they run this race. as they stand remind them and us th