WASHINGTON -- The following letter is being released by the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation:
Dear Speaker Pelosi, We, the undersigned organizations, are writing to express our strong, unwavering support for Congressman Bobby L. Rush as he pursues becoming the ranking member on the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet (CTI). Congressman Rush's legislative track record includes fifteen years of service as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee – when, during his first term, the Democratic House leadership selected him as a conferee of the Energy and Commerce Committee on the Telecommunications Act of 1996. His selection as conferee on this landmark piece of communications legislation enabled the ultimate reconciliation of the differences between the House and Senate versions of this contentious bill. In addition to his service on the Energy and Commerce Committee and service to CTI, Congressman Rush has also served for the past two sessions of Congress as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection (CTCP). His careful stewardship of this all important subcommittee demonstrates his capability and adds significant heft to his pursuit of becoming the ranking member on CTI. Throughout his tenure in Congress and as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Rush has demonstrated an uncanny ability to work well with Democrats and Republicans alike to accomplish important objectives and move major pieces of legislation into law. Congressman Rush's track record is exemplary and borne of a deep knowledge of the issues that are central to CTI's activities and jurisdiction. As a consequence of his service on both CTI and CTCP, Congressman Rush understands and is able to balance the concerns of traditional and emerging communications technology with the need for strong consumer protections. With the exhaustive list of issues awaiting CTI's consideration, we need to be sure that the ranking member of this crucial subcommittee is up to speed. Congressman Rush is not only up to speed, but he is ahead of the curve. His years of experience and intricate knowledge of current issues within CTI's domain make him the optimal candidate for this position. For all of the aforementioned reasons, we urge you to support Congressman Rush's candidacy for ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. His election to ranking member of CTI will advance the causes of consumers, his constituents and of underserved communities in America. Sincerely, The Undersigned