Chicago City Wire

On May 16, Congressman Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) co-anchored a Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Special Order alongside Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) on the catastrophic implications of failing to lift the debt ceiling for Black families across the United States.

"The dignity and welfare of our people, especially Black families who have for too long borne the brunt of economic hardship, hang in the balance. Let us act not out of fear, but out of hope, not out of division, but out of unity, and not out of despair, but out of the belief in the promise of a more equitable and prosperous America for all," urged Congressman Jackson.

In his comprehensive address, Congressman Jackson noted the potential repercussions of a failure to raise the debt ceiling, such as potential default on national loans and a potential deep recession, which would disproportionately affect Black families. He also underscored the adverse impacts on student loan debt and the elderly's reliance on Social Security.

Congressman Jackson called on his colleagues to act swiftly and responsibly, putting aside political divides in the best interest of the American people, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

"We cannot allow political brinksmanship to lead us into an economic downturn that will disproportionately devastate our most vulnerable communities. A failure to lift the debt ceiling is not just an economic misstep—it is a failure of our collective moral responsibility to all Americans, especially those who have historically been marginalized and disadvantaged," Congressman Jackson stated.

The full speech can be viewed here.

Original source can be found here.