US Consultant Gabe Amo (D-RI) (C), the primary Black consultant from Rhode Island, is sworn in because the sixtieth member of the Congressional Black Caucus in Statuary Corridor on the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on November 14, 2023. | Supply: STEFANI REYNOLDS / Getty
The first-ever Black individual elected to Congress from the state of Rhode Island is now an official member of one of the unique and influential golf equipment on Capitol Hill.
Gabe Amo on Tuesday was sworn into the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), in the future after the Democrat took the oath of workplace for Congress and fewer than per week after he was decided the winner of a particular election in Rhode Island to interchange U.S. Rep. David Cicilline.
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The son of West African immigrants from Ghana and Liberia, Amo notably beforehand served as a White Home aide for each the Obama and Biden administrations earlier than operating for workplace in his dwelling state. Amo received his race with about 65% of the vote in a landslide victory.
It was decidedly in that context that CBC Chairman and Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford issued an announcement formally welcoming Amo to the membership:
At present, the Congressional Black Caucus is proud to welcome U.S. Consultant Gabe Amo because the Caucus’ historic sixtieth member, and the primary individual of shade to characterize Rhode Island within the Home of Representatives. Born to Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, Rep. Amo would go on to be a trusted advisor within the Obama-Biden and Biden-Harris Administrations, and can now serve Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District and our nation at a pivotal time in our nation’s historical past. Rep. Amo will deliver to the CBC and the Home Democratic Caucus a variety of lived expertise and a shared dedication to standing as much as excessive Republicans, holding our communities protected, and defending our elementary freedoms.
Amo, who turns 36 subsequent month, smashed racial obstacles along with his victory final week, which he acknowledged when he was sworn into Congress on Monday. He seemed to his personal African heritage and mentioned he was following within the footsteps of Rev. Mahlon Van Horne, the primary Black individual elected to Rhode Island’s Basic Meeting.
“Reverend Van Horne’s dream and the desires of those that have referred to as Rhode Island dwelling throughout generations enable me to face earlier than you right this moment,” Amo mentioned through the ceremony. “And whereas we have now not arrived at our remaining vacation spot on this mission of our democracy, I’m optimistic. As a Rhode Islander, it’s simple for me. In spite of everything, our state motto is ‘Hope.’ It’s hope that led my dad and mom to come back from West Africa – my dad from Ghana, my mother from Liberia – to pursue alternative within the biggest nation on this planet.”
Speaker of the Home Mike Johnson, R-La., left, participates within the ceremonial swearing-in of Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I., proper, within the Capitol on Monday, November 13, 2023. | Supply: Invoice Clark / Getty
After securing his Congressional victory, the Wheaton Faculty grad advised the Related Press on Election Evening that he was grateful for the assist but in addition able to get to work.
“Undoubtedly, I’m humbled by the actual momentous alternative to function the primary individual of shade,” Amo mentioned. “However I didn’t run to make historical past. I’m going to be a voice for ensuring we will restore confidence and belief regardless of the Republican Get together that’s rife with chaos.”
Amo Amo has outlined his legislative priorities and mentioned he plans to battle to guard Social Safety and Medicare, work to legalize abortion rights nationwide and battle local weather change.
“I definitely consider I’m a part of a generational shift that has been underway earlier than me,” Amo mentioned.
Home Minority Chief and fellow CBC member Hakeem Jeffries instantly assigned Amo to the Home Committee on International Affairs.
Amo was a part of a gaggle of historic and victorious Black candidates who received large for Democrats final week.
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