Cori Bush Makes History, Sworn-in to the 117th Congress
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), the first Black woman and first nurse to represent Missouri; the first woman to represent Missouri’s First Congressional District; and the first activist from the movement fighting for Black lives to serve in the U.S. Congress, released the following statement after being sworn-in to the 117th Congress:
“St. Louis, it is my greatest honor to be your Congresswoman,” said Congresswoman Cori Bush. “Today, we took our seat — a seat that will always and forever belong to you, the people of Missouri’s First Congressional District.
“To be Missouri’s first Black congresswoman is a responsibility and honor that I will carry with pride, respect, and humility. I walk in the footsteps of powerful Black women who opened the doors for this to be possible. However, I do not walk alone — I hold this title alongside the Black women who fought for justice on the frontlines of Ferguson and who continue to organize in St. Louis for a more just world. I’m packing St. Louis in my bag and taking all of our voices, our energy, and our desire for change with me to Congress.
“As the 117th Congress convenes, we cannot waste any time in confronting the crisis of COVID-19. I am already working to ensure that we get the lasting relief we need to survive this pandemic — centered on protecting people, not corporations. It’s that same mindset that I’ll take with me while serving on the House Judiciary Committee — legislating in defense of those of us who suffer most under our unjust criminal-legal system, those of us who are treated as if our lives and livelihoods do not matter, and those of us who need our government to deliver on a promise of justice that has been denied to us for far too long.
“St. Louis, your Congresswoman loves you, and I will fight for your needs to be met and your voices to be heard for as long as I have the privilege of serving you in the United States Congress.”
Congresswoman Cori Bush was sworn in on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She was joined in the gallery by her sister, Kelli Bush. The ceremony took place under the unprecedented public health and economic crises stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Congresswoman Cori Bush represents Missouri’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. She serves as Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She is a registered nurse, single mother, and an ordained pastor. Following the murder of Michael Brown Jr. by a now-terminated Ferguson police officer, she became a civil rights activist and community organizer fighting for justice for Black lives on the streets of Missouri and across the country.