NAACP Demands Congress Swiftly Resolve the Budget Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2023

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the NAACP sent an open letter to Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to the latest budget crisis. The letter asks that congress avoids a needless government shutdown that would disproportionately harm millions of Black Americans and middle class communities.

NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following statement: 

"One thing is apparent– a bipartisan agreement to fund the government through the end of the year is well within reach. We cannot put essential programs at risk and disproportionately jeopardize the well-being of countless Black families by allowing a government shutdown. This will only appease a small faction of extremists, and in return, pose extreme harm to communities across our nation. It's time to put people over politics. The NAACP demands that Congress pick up the pen and pass the continuing resolution necessary to prevent a potential catastrophe for our country."

Excerpts from the letter include: 

"Allowing the government to shut down on your watch, even for a short period, would cut 0.2 percent of annualized growth per week off the U.S. economy according to one estimate. Just as the Biden Administration has made significant progress in taming inflation and has made historic strides in lowering Black unemployment, risking this economic upheaval is unacceptable.  

I strongly urge you to do the right thing for the American people. The federal government must not be allowed to shutdown."

Read the full letter here.

###

ABOUT NAACP 

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.