Davis Calls For Rangel's Ouster
Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.), today became the first member of the Congressional Black Caucus to demand that House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) step down as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee after a House ethics committee found that Rep. Rangel violated House gift rules when he accepted reimbursement for two trips to the Caribbean that were sponsored by corporations. "Representative Rangel has had a long and distinguished career and I respect his leadership but I believe Congress needs to do more to restore the public trust," the moderate Democrat said in a statement. "An Ethics Committee admonishment is a serious event and Representative Rangel should do the right thing and step aside as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee." Rep. Davis went on to say that he "will consider returning the $1,000 contribution he made to my 2008 re-election campaign."
Although other CBC members disagreed with Rep. Davis about Rep. Rangel's future, several defended his position. "Our caucus is just like any other caucus," said CBC member Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.). "We don't have 42 members in lockstep." Fellow CBC member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) agreed. "I think everyone is entitled to his opinion," Rep. Cummings said, stating that "it's a little early" to relieve the Harlem Democrat of his chairmanship. But not all CBC lawmakers were supportive of Rep. Davis, even if they disagreed with his call of Rep. Rangel to step aside. "I think Mr. Davis ought to step aside," thundered CBC member Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.). "He ain't here much. And if he's speaking for anyone black, he ain't speaking for me." Rep. Davis, who is running for governor of Alabama, was not present for any of the three roll call votes the House cast Tuesday evening.
Davis Talks Economic Recovery
Rep. Artur Davis, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Alabama, has unveiled his economic stimulus plan for the state. The plan includes several tax incentives and credits for businesses that generate jobs, invest in new equipment and launch significant new products. It expands revolving loan funds and micro-lending for small businesses. His plan also clears the way for additional nuclear reactors to be built near Scottsboro; expands offshore drilling, and uses Black Belt farmlands to grow crops for biodiesel. "Government will be on your side," the moderate Democrat said in reference to Alabama businesses wishing to grow and hire more people. Also in Rep. Davis' plan: low- to middle-income families can earn a $500 new tax credit for each child, grade eight to 12, who stays in school, earns passing grades and has no disciplinary issues.
His plan also focuses on biotech and aerospace industries. The state would match biotech research funds from private and federal sources and would offer a biotech bonus for companies that create biotech jobs. In aerospace, the plan would offer companies incentives for growth in the sector and would establish a state slush fund for aerospace investments.
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Artur Davis In The News
