Unique: Rep. Gregory Meeks defeated Rep. Joaquin Castro in a 148-78 vote and spoke with theGrio after his historic win

Rep. Gregory Meeks etched his identify in historical past as was elected the primary Black Chairman of the Home International Affairs Committee.

Congressman Meeks, who has represented New York’s fifth congressional district since 1998, defeated Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro in a vote of 148-78. Rep. Brad Sherman of California dropped out of the race on Tuesday previous to the key poll forged by the Democratic caucus on Thursday.

(Credit score: U.S. Home of Represenatives)

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“I really feel superb. I thanked my colleagues for the boldness they’ve in me to chair this essential committee at this essential time in America’s historical past and being the primary African American simply makes me replicate upon the shoulders that I stand on,” Rep. Meeks completely tells theGrio in an interview after his decisive win.

“I stand on the shoulders of three males that have been all groundbreakers. The primary, my predecessor and pastor, the Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Blake , then the person that was mentoring me once I first got here into Congress, and that’s the legendary Charles D. Rangel after which one which impressed me to get on the International Affairs Committee, to take a look at nations in locations on the earth that aren’t getting a whole lot of consideration, is Donald Payne Sr.”

I’m extraordinarily honored to be elected Chair of the Home International Affairs Committee. The brand new period of US international coverage is not going to be only a return to regular, however a chance to broaden the committee focus and forge new coalitions to handle world challenges. https://t.co/oY0hxyHJ05

— Rep. Gregory Meeks (@RepGregoryMeeks) December 3, 2020

Meeks, presently the third-ranking member of the committee, is nicely conscious of the enormity of this second and ready to behave upon it.

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“I do know of the broad shoulders that I stand on and to consider the historical past of this committee and this Congress and to now function chair,” the 22-year Washington veteran says.

“I’m simply so grateful and perceive the duty that it locations on me to verify we now have a brand new and completely different international coverage than we’ve had over the previous 4 years and guarantee that we elevate locations on the earth, notably the place there are of us from Africa or of African descent.”

(Credit score: Rep. Gregory Meeks)

Rep. Meeks assumes the gavel of the Home International Affairs Committee in the beginning of the 117th Congress. He’s wanting ahead to working with President-elect Joe Biden and reassuring allies of the USA that they as soon as once more have a keen accomplice.

“One of many issues we now have to verify is that we now have to revive our State Division, get the morale again up, guarantee that it’s a various state division each ethically and in any other case; bringing our diplomats again,” he declares.

“That’s actually essential. It’s getting us again on the desk. America has been lacking from the desk in international affairs within the final 4 years, working with and restoring the boldness and relationships that we now have with our allies who’ve been fairly frankly uncared for, and fairly frankly abused, by this present administration.”

Meek additionally points a warning to adversaries of America and makes it clear that sure behaviors will now not be tolerated as they seemingly have been below President Donald Trump’s management.

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“In a way of addressing and holding them accountable for his or her lack of democracy and/or their human rights violations and setting guidelines that can degree the taking part in fields,” he says of his plans for coping with nations with doubtful human rights practices.

Castro prolonged his congratulations to Meek on his victory.

Meeks returned the sort phrases, saying the race for the chairmanship made him much more prepared.

“It was a household competitors and as soon as it’s over, you’re employed collectively,” he says.

“I consider that each Mr. Sherman and Mr. Joaquin [Castro] made this a vigorous course of. It’s good,” he continues. “I bought to speak to a whole lot of members and I needed to work very onerous. I respect them and stay up for working them.”

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