Representative-Elect Cori Bush is making major moves on Capitol Hill and she has not even been sworn in yet. Over the weekend, Bush earned a well-deserved nomination to the House Judiciary Committee from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Alongside Bush, Congressman-elect Mondaire Jones of New York and Congresswoman-elect Deborah Ross of North Carolina were also nominated.
Bush is a groundbreaking congresswoman who emerged as a community leader during the Ferguson Uprisings of 2015. Running for Congress in November, she faced stiff opposition from 19-year veteran Lacy Clay. Ultimately, the Missiourian earned nearly 60% of the vote and a seat on Capitol Hill. In 2021, she will become the first Black woman to represent the state of Missouri in Congress.
"I became the first Black woman elected to represent Missouri in Congress. It’s 2020. I shouldn’t be the first, but I am honored to carry this responsibility," Bush tweeted after defeating Clay in November.
Heading to the nation's capital, Bush promises to "affirm the dignity and humanity of Black and brown communities." In this new role, she will serve alongside the likes of Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Sheila Jackson Lee, Val Demings and Karen Bass. Most notably, the House Judiciary Committee was held key responsibilities during the impeachment of President Donald Trump. The committee is also responsible for overseeing administrative agencies, justice within federal courts and much more.
After earning the nomination, Bush must now be confirmed by the House Democratic Caucus. She will be officially be sworn into Congress during the first week of January.
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