Do Blacks have a seat at the table of the 110th Congress?

Washington, DC (Black-News.com) - The convening of the 110th Congress has seen a rush by the new Democratic Majority to fulfill its campaign promises in the first 100 hours of the new legislative session. Most agree it is a much needed oversight after over a decade of neglect by the Legislative Branch.

Nonetheless, the question remains (and must be asked): what happens at the dawn of the 101st hour of this new legislative session?

Because so much of the emphasis has been placed on the first 100 hours and the next Presidential Race (including formal announcements as of mid-January 2007), any substantial laws to be passed by the Democratic-led Congress will have to be taken up this calendar year because the 2008 Federal Election Cycle stands poised to bring most legislative activity on Capitol Hill to a standstill.

In short, little will be accomplished on the long neglected Domestic policy front (e.g., Katrina clean up and beyond) during the 110th Congress if it is not completed between the 101st hour of this calendar year and February 2008.

Clearly the biggest problem facing the new Democratic Majority will be the lack of budgetary flexibility.

The federal government will now have to behave like the rest of America under "Pay as you go" financial rules.

There are difficult and painful decisions that will have to be made in every branch of the federal government. All federally funded agencies, programs, and initiatives will face the potential shifting and cuts in funding.

Speaker Pelosi

Into this breach steps Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the first woman ever elected to serve as Speaker of the House. What a tremendous accomplishment for Speaker Pelosi and this Nation.

I believe Speaker Pelosi has several advantages that work in her favor to be an effective leader of the House. First, Speaker Pelosi's ability to rise through the ranks of the rough and tumble world of federal politics to the 3rd Highest Office in the land speaks volumes about her organizational skills, integrity and management style.

Second, Speaker Pelosi inherited the very best of a family work ethic, which was forged on the tough, blue-collar streets of Baltimore, Maryland. Hardball politics pales in comparison to that kind of life experience at a formative age.

Finally, Speaker Pelosi has effectively tailored her role as a Matriarch to unite a large group of diverse legislators together for a common goal.

Bottom line: Speaker Pelosi's congressional district might be on the "Streets of San Francis-co", but her "heart" was grounded on the mean streets of "B-more"

Majority Whip Clyburn

Joining Speaker Pelosi in the House Majority Leadership Group is CBC member Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), the new Majority Whip. Among other things, the Majority Whip is responsible for "counting the votes" and enforcing party discipline when everything is on the line.

Black America has a friend in Majority Whip Clyburn (a long-time teacher), and if the 101st hour turns out to be meaningful, you can be sure Rep. Clyburn would have been a big part of ensuring that we are represented at the table when we need it most.

CBC Chairwoman Cheeks Kilpatrick

Another strong feather in Black America's cap is that the Congressional Black Caucus ("CBC") has grown to a membership of 43 members (42 House Members and one Senator).

In its new Chair, Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI), the CBC has gained a highly respected consensus builder with a strong Midwestern work ethic to get the job done right for all Americans.

Like Speaker Pelosi, Representative Cheeks Kilpatrick also has "worked her magic" as the Matriarch and mentor to Detroit Mayor Kwame Kil-patrick.

These varied skills should serve our Community well as the Old Guard matches wits with the new breed of Democrat that has emerged on the Hill.

Additionally, a record number of CBC members now serve as Chairpersons on both Full Committees and Subcommittees (Note: as of January 9, the complete full Committee and Subcommittee assignments have not been completed). Consequently, the CBC is poised to be as influential and important a voting block in the 110th Congress as anytime in the history of the caucus.