[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 209 (Thursday, December 10, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JOINT CENTER FOR POLITICAL AND 
                            ECONOMIC STUDIES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2020

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies on the occasion of its 
50th anniversary.
  Founded and chartered in 1970 as the first of its kind, the Joint 
Center for Political and Economic Studies has since served as America's 
chief Black think tank inside the beltway. Though diverse in their 
research and advocacy, the Joint Center has remained a consistent 
presence in the application and advancement of empirical-based policies 
supporting strategies to advance Black America.
  Madam Speaker, it is common that any resolution addressing the 
disproportionate impact of a policy on the Black community introduced 
in this chamber cites a study conducted by the Joint Center for 
Political and Economic Studies. Even I, along with countless 
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) colleagues have referenced their 
reports when legislating and communicating with my constituents. The 
Joint Center plays a critical role in keeping our leaders properly 
informed and educated on the issues that Black Americans face daily.
  Just last year, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies 
was credited for several efforts to achieve diversity in the workforce. 
Among them include bringing increased awareness to congressional staff 
diversity, culminating with the establishment of the Office of 
Diversity and Inclusion in the U.S. House of Representatives; 
encouraging companies to consider the future of their work through a 
racial equity lens, resulting in companies like McKinsey & Company. 
Another example of the fruition of their work would be The Atlantic and 
the National Skills Coalition releasing, `The Future of Work' reports 
and hosting listening sessions. Over the last five decades, they have 
successfully convened leaders of major cities to discuss workforce 
modernization in Black communities.
  The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies' work is more 
relevant and necessary now than ever before. In the face of a crisis 
disproportionately affecting Black Americans' health outcomes and 
economic security encompassed by a global pandemic, we must push for a 
national agenda with viable solutions that address the systemic racism 
that prompted these inequities.
  Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the Joint Center for Political and 
Economic Studies for their successes over the years, let us also 
reaffirm our commitment as a body to working alongside them and others 
to advance noble ideas and policies that promote the Black community.

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