Trailblazers and influential congressional leaders Representative Troy Carter (D-LA2) and Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA7) will serve as this year’s Annual Legislative Conference
In Congress, Lucy McBath serves as the Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus and the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. She is an active member of her faith community, a proud graduate of a Historically Black College and University, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Congresswoman McBath has passed numerous bipartisan pieces of legislation to lower insulin costs for seniors, protect veterans facing financial hardship, and reform our nation’s gun laws for the first time in a generation through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Law. She has also successfully staved off two attempts by Georgia Republicans to kick her out of Congress through partisan gerrymandering.
Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. is a dedicated and elected United States House of Representatives member from Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, always striving to serve his constituents. Congressman Carter currently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, one of the most significant committees in Congress that has jurisdiction over all modes of transportation and infrastructure. He also serves on the powerful committee for Homeland Security of the United States, where he serves as Ranking Member over Emergency Management and Technology. Congressman Carter previously served on the Small Business Committee, which has direct oversight and consideration over all matters affecting America’s backbone, small businesses.
Rep. McBath Answers Questions for The Washington Informer CBCF ALC Special Edition
Co-Chair Duties: What are your primary responsibilities as Co-Chair of the Annual Legislative Conference, and how do you prioritize your tasks to ensure the conference is a success?
- We have seen absolutely amazing growth in the Congressional Black Caucus—we’re 60 members now. And with that, our responsibility and the excitement within the CBC continues to grow. It’s amazing to have so many of our neighbors from our home states here in Washington, DC. We are always coming in with a focus on engagement across all our organizations to get more entities and more individuals involved. We have incredible programming—I’m sure many of us wish we could be in five places at once to hear from all our panels [laughs]. It’s about the investment of time and dedication that makes this such an important week, and the
Co-chairs feel a real responsibility to make it successful.
Personal Motivation: What motivates you to take on the role of Co-Chair for this conference, and how does it align with your broader goals and values as a legislator?
- I never thought I would be in Congress. I lost my son, Jordan Davis, in 2012 and spent a long time searching and praying to try to cope with my grief. It was through the encouragement of a lot of our colleagues here—especially Vice President Kamala Harris—that I began advocating for change and encouraging survivors to make our world safer. I’ve been in Congress almost six years now, and I’m proud of the work we have done to keep the American people safe. I’m excited about advancing the goals and the vision of the Congressional Black Caucus with this year’s Legislative Conference, especially the power we have to shine a light on advancements of opportunity and safety in our communities.
Key Issues: What specific issues or topics do you consider most critical for discussion at this year’s conference, and why are they important for current legislative efforts?
- There are many, but I think what ties most directly to my own personal story and reason for being in Congress are securing the right to vote for Americans across the country, gun violence prevention, economic opportunity, and affordable, quality health care and education. To truly grow and thrive, we all need to be safe, healthy, and whole. These make up the foundation of a successful life.
Conference Goals: What are the key objectives you aim to achieve with this year’s conference, and how do these goals align with your broader legislative priorities?
- My key objective for the conference this year is not only to broaden our perspective on the policies that we need to build out for communities of color, but to find solutions from the diverse voices we will have with attendees from all over the country. Beyond that, finding solutions that will strengthen us and fortify the path forward so that our community leaders are able to support growth opportunities for our people.
Team Coordination: How do you collaborate with other co-chairs and organizers to shape the agenda and ensure that diverse perspectives are represented?
- The choice of this year’s theme, “From Vision to Victory” was specific. We are living through a difficult and historic time, and this election is one of the most important. We have the power to gather together during the conference and find real ways that Americans can make their voices heard and bring their stories. The power of our collective group is profound, and that shapes the kinds of discussions we are able to have.
Impact Assessment: How will you assess the success of the conference and its impact on legislative efforts and public policy? What metrics or feedback mechanisms will you use?
- Of course, we want a fantastic turnout and for folks to get a lot of value from the programming of the conference. To talk with one another, to meet new friends, and to inspire each other. In addition, I will be looking at our progress over the next year and what we are able to accomplish. I would love to be able to look back next year and see tangible results from the charge that was given to all those who attended this year. I would love for our people and our leaders to be able to come back and know that we expanded our vision and goals for the conference to our broader world.