(Washington, DC) - “I feel simply ecstatic with the results of the presidential elections.  This was, indeed, a most historic election, and is a remarkable time in American history.  Today, the sentiments of Martin Luther King have come to fruition.  Clearly, the American people elected a President based on his abilities and the content of his character, not by the color of his skin.  And after eight years of moving in the wrong direction, our nation is once again on the right track!  I am also thrilled with the election results in my home state of Florida – we had to work hard, the campaign was intense, and we filled the state with early voters and got people to the polls to get the job done!

As I tell my constituents all the time, it matters who is in charge.  And with the results of yesterday’s elections, both for President, as well as the Congress, in which both the House and the Senate picked up Democratic seats and expanded majorities, the probability of the Democratic Party enacting our top priorities will be even closer at hand.  What do we have to look forward to under an Obama administration and a Democratic Congress?   Children’s health care (S-CHIP) being passed, adequate funding for education, a new direction in Iraq, a new tax policy (one that does not exclusively favor the wealthy), a pro environmental agenda, a new attitude in international relations, a more humane health care policy, as well as a restoration of fiscal responsibility in Washington, which is desperately needed after eight years of huge deficits and an economic collapse under President Bush and a rigid congressional Republican leadership.    

On January 20, 2009, when President-elect Barack Obama stands with his family and raises his right hand and places his left on the Bible, he will come in as the 44th President of the United States of America.  And as a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am extraordinarily proud to see the day when an African American takes the reins of the White House.  I look forward to working with President-Elect Obama to build a stronger, healthier and more just America.  In closing, I extend my congratulations to Michelle, as well as their two adorable daughters, Malia and Sasha.”

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