Conyers to run for re-election to Congress

U.S. Rep. John Conyers of Detroit, longest-serving active member of Congress, will run for a 27th two-year term

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit, already the longest-serving active member of Congress and the longest-serving African-American congressman in U.S. history, will run for a 27th two-year term next year, looking to extend a legislative tenure stretching back to the Civil Rights era.

“I like what I’m doing, that’s the first reason I want to run again. Second, there’s plenty left undone,” Conyers told the Free Press in an exclusive interview. “I can’t imagine anything more uninteresting than being a person that’s retired, sitting in a rocking chair.”

With the announcement, Conyers, 86, made clear that he has no immediate intention to cede a seat he has held with few serious challenges since 1965, despite some recent opposition.

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Conyers and Lofgren Statement on Department of Justice Petition Seeking Supreme Court Review of Key Executive Actions

Petition for SCOTUS Review Falls on One Year Anniversary of Executive Immigration Actions

WASHINGTON– Today, U.S. Representatives John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), Ranking Member on the House Judiciary Committee, and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Ranking Member on the Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, issued the following statement marking the one-year anniversary of the President’s Executive Actions to fix our broken immigration system and after the Department of Justice filed a petition to seek review before the Supreme Court to overturn a Fifth Circuit Court order blocking two of the executive actions:

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“One year ago, President Obama took legal action to fix our broken immigration system.  Since then, eight of the ten immigration executive actions he announced have been, or are being, successfully implemented. Unfortunately, conservative judges temporarily blocked implementation of the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) – and in doing so, put on hold the dreams of millions of immigrant families nationwide.   

“Today the Department of Justice filed a petition for certiorari, seeking review of the lower court’s ruling before the Supreme Court. We are confident that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of these common sense reforms, which would provide relief from deportation for approximately 4 to 5 million parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and an expanded number of DREAMers. Along with our Democratic colleagues in Congress, we will be filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in support of the President's actions.

“Like prior Presidents, including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, among others, who likewise exercised their constitutional authority to humanely enforce our immigration laws, President Obama’s actions are consistent with precedent and fall well within his legal authority. 

“Though his actions will ultimately be upheld in court, Congress must still act to pass comprehensive immigration reform and provide certainty to the hard-working, law-abiding immigrant community in America.”

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Conyers: We Must Not Turn our Backs on the World’s Refugees

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“In the midst of a global refugee crisis, we cannot turn our backs on the world’s refugees.  Millions of Syrians are fleeing the very violence and depravity in their war-torn home country that we saw on gruesome display in Paris on Friday, the 13^th.  Rather than betraying our values, we must continue to focus on the most effective tools to keep us safe while also providing refuge for the world’s most vulnerable.

“Refugees are more thoroughly vetted than any other traveler or immigrant to the United States.  We rely on methodical and exhaustive background checks (18 - 24 months on average and longer in many cases) performed by the Departments of Homeland Security and State, in conjunction with the CIA, FBI, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.  We should not let kneejerk reactions keep us from being a beacon of hope for Syrian refugees and other refugees in the Middle East, Africa, and around the world.  Doing anything different would not only be turning our back on the world’s refugees, but also on our own proud of history of providing safe haven.”

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Conyers: Urges No Vote On H.R. 4038, the “American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act Of 2015"

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4038, the so-called ‘American SAFE Act,’ purports to make us safer. But, as the Administration correctly observes, this measure ‘would provide no meaningful additional security for the American people.’

“Worse yet, it would effectively deny refugee status for Syrians and Iraqis who are themselves victims of terrorism in their homelands. 

“H.R. 4038 is a terribly flawed and inhumane bill for many reasons.           

“To begin with, while ensuring the safety of all Americans should be our top priority, H.R. 4038 does nothing to achieve this goal.

“This measure sets unreasonable clearance standards that the Department of Homeland Security simply cannot meet.

                       

“Refugees seeking to come to our shores are already subject to the highest level of vetting – more than any other traveler or immigrant to the United States.

“This extensive screening process is performed by the Departments of Homeland Security and State, in conjunction with the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

“The process utilizes methodical and exhaustive background checks that often take between 18 to 24 months on average to complete and even longer in many cases. 

“Second, we must keep in mind that our Nation was founded by immigrants and has historically welcomed refugees when there is suffering around the globe. 

“Whether it is an earthquake in Haiti, a tsunami in Asia, or 4 years of Civil War in Syria with no end in sight – the world looks to the United States.  We provide protections for refugees and asylum seekers, especially women and children.

           

“Nevertheless, in the wake of the September 11 attacks on our shores and the tragic November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, we must be vigilant particularly in the midst of a global refugee crisis.          

“H.R. 4038, however, is an extreme over-reaction to these latest security concerns.

“Rather than shutting our doors to these desperate men, women, and children who are risking their lives to escape death and torture in their homelands, we should work to utilize our immense resources and good intentions of our citizens to welcome them.

           

“And, finally, Congress needs to do its part by properly funding refugee resettlement as well as funding our federal agencies so they have the necessary personnel and programs to complete security checks that we already have in place.  

“Instead of slamming our doors to the world’s most vulnerable, we should be considering legislation to strengthen and expand refugee programs.

“Unfortunately, the bill before us today is not a serious effort to legislate and it will not make us safer.  It is a knee-jerk reaction as evidenced by the fact that this measure, introduced just two days ago, has not been the subject of a single hearing or any meaningful review by our Committee. 

“Rather than betraying our values, we must continue to focus on the most effective tools to keep us safe while also providing refuge for the world's most vulnerable.  

“Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 4038.  Thank you.  I yield back the balance of my time.”   

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Statement of the Honorable John Conyers, Jr. Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security Hearing on: “The Syrian Refugee Crisis and Its Impact on the Security of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program”

           

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“This hearing, which focuses on the Syrian refugee crisis and its impact on the security of our Nation’s Refugee Admissions Program, has the potential to shed meaningful light on critical issues of interest to all Americans.

            “Unfortunately and with all due respect to our witnesses, the value of today’s undertaking is greatly diminished by the fact that immediately following the conclusion of this hearing, we will go directly to the floor to vote on H.R. 4038, the so-called “American SAFE Act,” a bill that would effectively shut down refugee processing for Syrians and Iraqis. 

           

“Clearly, there are no easy solutions to a humanitarian crisis of this magnitude, as well as the security threats we will hear about today. 

            “Yet, H.R. 4038 is not the right answer and I want the witnesses to focus on what should be our response, keeping in mind these factors. 

            “To begin with, while ensuring the safety of all Americans should be our top priority, H.R. 4038, which would effectively debar Syrian and Iraqi refugees from the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, does nothing to promote security.  

            “This measure sets unreasonable clearance standards that the Department of Homeland Security cannot meet and thereby it would halt refugee resettlement in the United States.              

           

“Without question, the Program should be held to the highest standards to ensure – to the greatest extent possible – that the security screening is thorough, effective, and timely. 

            “In fact, refugees are already subject to the highest level of vetting – more than any other traveler or immigrant to the United States. 

            “This extensive screening process – performed by the Departments of Homeland Security and State, in conjunction with the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies – relies on methodical and exhaustive background checks that often take between 18 to 24 months on average to complete and even longer in many cases. 

            “But, like any system, there can be room for further improvement.  So I would appreciate your thoughts on how we can accomplish that goal.

            “Second, we must keep in mind that our Nation was founded by immigrants and has historically welcomed refugees when there is suffering around the globe. 

            “Whether it is an earthquake in Haiti, a tsunami in Asia, or four years of Civil War in Syria with no end in sight – the world looks to the United States.  We provide protections for refugees and asylum seekers, especially women and children.

           

            “Nevertheless, in the wake of the September 11 attacks on our shores and the tragic November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, we must be vigilant especially in the midst of a global refugee crisis.      

           

“H.R. 4038, however, is an extreme over-reaction to these latest security concerns.

            “Rather than shutting our doors to these desperate men, women, and children who are risking their lives to escape death and torture in their homelands, we should work to utilize our immense resources and good intentions of our citizens to welcome them.

            “And, finally, Congress needs to do its part by properly funding refugee resettlement as well as funding our federal agencies so they have the necessary personnel and programs to complete security checks.        

       “Rather than slamming our doors to the world’s most vulnerable, we should be considering legislation to strengthen and expand refugee programs. 
           

“For example, I am a co-sponsor of H.R.1568, the ‘Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act of 2015,’ which would allow persecuted individuals in ISIS-held territories in Iraq and Syria to apply directly to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

            “Rather than rushing to the floor to consider legislation that was introduced just two days ago and that has not been the subject of even a single hearing, we should devote our legislative resources to developing meaningful solutions.”

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Rep. Johnson requests House Judiciary hearing on arbitration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte requesting a full hearing to carefully review the issue of pre-dispute (“forced”) arbitration clauses that appear in millions of consumer contracts – from employment to automobile sales and from nursing-home admission to cell phone service. 

The letter, cosigned by Judiciary Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Michigan), comes on the heels of a powerful three-part investigative series in The New York Times examining the alarming rise by corporations of including forced arbitration clauses in consumer contracts that block consumers’ access to the courts, and also their right to participate in class-action lawsuits.

According to the series, forced arbitration falls woefully short as a fair and just system for consumers seeking to hold corporations accountable when a dispute arises.

“Simply put, pre-dispute, forced arbitration deprives consumers of their day in court, and is a secretive, abusive and unfair process that favors corporations,” Johnson said. “With forced arbitration stacking the deck against the consumer, corporate overreach can’t be checked. The Seventh Amendment to the Constitution guarantees to people the right to a jury trial in a court of law before an impartial judge; in a trial that is open and fair. In stark contrast, The New York Times has resoundingly established that forced arbitration is a closed, unjust, and discriminatory system.”

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is the author of the Arbitration Fairness Act and ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, which exercises jurisdiction over issues of arbitration.

U.S. Representatives Johnson and Conyers Letter to House Judiciary Chairman Goodlatte on Forced Consumer Ar...

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Statement of the Honorable John Conyers, Jr. Full Committee Hearing on “Oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice”

Dena of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“Madam Attorney General, welcome to the House Judiciary Committee.

            “Nearly seven months ago, after much delay in the Senate, you took over for our friend Eric Holder at the Department of Justice. 

            “With, not one, but two tours of duty as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, you are unquestionably the right leader at this moment for the important work of the Department.

            “Nowhere is your leadership more important than in national security.  The attacks on Paris leave no doubt that our most pressing mission—yours and ours—remains protecting the American people. 

           

“Unfortunately, history shows that tragic events like these are followed by calls for drastic action.  Already we have heard proposals to undo encryption, roll back surveillance reform, and deport some of the most vulnerable among us.

            “I urge restraint in these matters, Madam Attorney General.  At this time, we have very little information about how the attacks were carried out.

            “Rather than use these events as an excuse to advance policies that otherwise betray our values, I urge the Intelligence Community—including the Department of Justice—to focus on the most effective tools in our toolbox: targeted surveillance, targeted investigations, and smart policing.

            “Back at home, you have cultivated strong relationships in the police community—but you are not afraid to call out bad behavior, or to prosecute police officers when circumstances warrant.

           

“That experience will prove invaluable as the Department, along with this Committee, takes its next steps on criminal justice reform.

            “Under your leadership, the Civil Rights Division continues its work with police departments around the country to ensure that state and local policing practices comport with the Constitution.

            “The Office of Juvenile Justice is also working hard to disrupt what you have called the ‘cycle of criminality and incarceration.’

            “I commend you for your work on this front, and I look forward to our partnership as this Committee moves forward with its own package of criminal justice reforms.

            “Another area where we look to your leadership is in the enforcement of voting rights.

            “Earlier this year, observing the 50^th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, you remarked:

            “It is the lesson of every generation that the price of freedom is constant vigilance, because opponents of free and fair access to the voting booth have neither retreated nor surrendered.”

            “The unfortunate truth of that statement plays out across the country today—no place more vividly than in Alabama, where officials plan to close 31 driver’s license offices across the state, including those in every county in which African Americans make up more than 75 percent of registered voters.

            “Coupled with Alabama’s strict new voter-ID law, these closings will make it even harder for many citizens to obtain the identification now required to cast a vote.

            “The discriminatory impact of this plan plays out in other ways too.  Imagine having to drive hundreds of miles across rural Alabama to renew your driver’s license.  We know that this burden will weigh heaviest on the state’s poorest citizens. 

            “Borrowing again from your words: ‘it is incumbent on all of us . . . to stand up, to speak out, and to make clear that no end is worth the means of disenfranchisement.  [N]o small-minded policy is worth the cheapening of our democracy.’

            “Finally, Madam Attorney General, I want to comment on the virtue of your being a new leader at the Department of Justice, ready to make a fresh start with this Committee.

            “Today, you will hear questions about Benghazi, Planned Parenthood, Solyndra, Operation Fast & Furious, and Lois Lerner of the IRS. 

            “These are not matters that affect many of our constituents, but you will hear questions about them anyway. 

            “My advice for you is this: stick to the facts and the law and you’ll be fine.

            “We know that some members are displeased with the outcome of the Department’s investigation into the Lois Lerner matter. 

            “But we also know that your investigators were as thorough as can be: they conducted more than 100 interviews, collected more than one million pages of documents, and closely analyzed almost 500 applications for tax-exempt status. 

            “Some members wish your predecessor had appointed a special counsel to investigate the matter.

            “But both the plain text of the applicable regulations and the Congressional Research Service tell us otherwise.

            “The facts of the case did not involve senior Administration officials.  They did not present a conflict of interest to the Department of Justice. 

            “And so, the appointment of special counsel was simply not appropriate in this matter. 

            “Too often, your predecessor—whom I still admire very much—found himself the target of personal insults, in this Committee and elsewhere. 

            “I like to think that all of us in this room regret the frequent attacks on his character—or at least realize that those attacks were almost entirely unproductive. 

            “We have a chance to start over today.  We can do better.  Progressives and conservatives, Congress and the Administration—there is so much common ground between us to be explored, particularly in the work of the Department of Justice. 

            “I am glad that you are with us today, and I look forward to your testimony.”

Attorney General Loretta Lynch U.S. House Judiciary Committee On Oversight Of The Department Of Justice Tes...

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Congressman Conyers Kicks Off Congressional App Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) announced the launch of the second annual Congressional science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) academic competition, the Congressional App Challenge (CAC), for Michigan’s 13^th Congressional District.  The competition runs from today, November 16 to January 15, 2016.

Designed to promote innovation and engagement in the STEM education fields, the U.S. House of Representatives established this competition in 2013 as a nationwide event that invites high school students from all participating congressional districts to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

Local judges will evaluate each app based on the below criteria:

1.      Quality of the Idea (creativity and originality);

2.      Implementation of the Idea (User experience and design); and,

3.      Demonstrated coding skills.

The judging will occur in late January – early February, and the winner will be announced on February 22, 2016.

How Can I Participate?

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students in Michigan’s 13^th Congressional District.  Please note the app competition is only open to students who are eligible to attend high school in the 13^th District.  Individuals submitting on behalf of teams must meet the eligibility requirements for individual contestants.

Students can enter individually or on teams of up to four.  At least two of the team members must reside or attend high school in the district in which they are competing. 

Students participating must submit their app source code between November 16, 2015 and January 15, 2016 (11:59 PM). 

How Do I Register?

To enter, the student must create an account on www.challenge.gov and then register for the House Student App Contest under Congressman Conyers’ profile during the competition submission period.  All entries must be an original in concept, design, and execution. 

For More Information:

For more information, or if you have any questions or concerns, please email Devin Armstrong at Devin.Armstrong@mail.house.gov, or visit congressionalappchallenge.us or https://conyers.house.gov/congressional-app-challenge.

Congressional App Challenge (CAC) Background:

The CAC was created in response to recognition that STEM skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts.  STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17% between 2008 and 2018, compared to 9.8% growth for non-STEM occupations and according to some estimates; the U.S. may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018.  To maintain American global competitiveness, it is crucial that we invest in our youth now and help them acquire these necessary STEM-based skills. 

The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills.  In its first year, the CAC received submissions from students in 84 districts.  This year, the Challenge is striving to double that number.  Recognizing racial, gender, and other disparities in the tech sector, the CAC focuses on inclusivity and making the Challenge accessible to students from all backgrounds. 

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Conyers: Time to finally end mandatory sentencing minimums

By John Conyers, Jr.

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

Over most of the last 30 years, our federal and state governments have been engaged in a wrongheaded and short-sighted "war on crime," focusing on punishment to the exclusion of prevention and rehabilitation.

The principal culprit is so-called "mandatory minimum" sentencing laws that that require judges to impose minimum prison terms regardless of the nature and circumstances surrounding the offense, the role of the offender in the crime, and the history and characteristics of the offender. Even if everyone involved in a case — the arresting officer, prosecutor, judge, and victim — believe that the statutorily specified prison term would be unjust, a judge must impose a mandatory minimum sentence.

The net result of these policies is that the U.S. incarcerates 25% of the world's prisoners despite having only 5% of the world's population. There were approximately 500,000 inmates in America in 1980, today there are 2.2 million.

Minorities have suffered disproportionately under these laws. One in 10 black men in their 30s is incarcerated on a given day, and more than 60% of our prisoners are racial and ethnic minorities. Michigan spends a higher proportion of its general fund budget on prisons than any other state, and devotes more money to prisons than higher education.

Fortunately, notwithstanding the present unprecedented partisan gridlock over economic and budget issues, there is genuine opportunity for criminal justice reform in Congress. Last month, my Republican counterpart, Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and I along with Ranking Subcommittee Member Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, introduced bipartisan legislation designed to alleviate the burden of mandatory minimum sentences.

Among other things, our legislation, the "Sentencing Reform Act of 2015":

• Expands the so-called "safety valve" to mandatory minimum penalties by giving judges the discretion to more accurately assess the criminal history of offenders seeking relief. (Current law has a limited this option to a very narrow range of non-violent drug offenders to be sentenced below a mandatory 5-year sentence.)
• Creates a second safety valve authorizing judges to reduce sentences for certain offenders from a 10-year to a 5-year mandatory minimum.
• Reduces the mandatory minimum sentence levels for repeat offenders under certain firearms and drug laws, and applies retroactively for specified offenses.
• Reduces the mandatory life without parole sentence for a "third strike" drug or violent felony offense to a minimum term of 25 years in prison.

The bipartisan bill Goodlatte and I have introduced is a promising first step in the right direction, which if enacted, would make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and their families.

I sincerely hope that enactment of this critical bill will lead toward elimination of all it minimum sentences.

We will continue working on several additional bipartisan bills, including legislation dealing with police accountability in the wake of Ferguson, Baltimore and other tragedies, civil asset forfeiture reform, and prison and prison reentry reform.

It has taken the nation — and our elected representatives — far too long to understand that indiscriminately locking up our citizens is not only unfair, but counterproductive. Now is the moment to work together to begin to set things right.

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Conyers at Hamilton Live for DC Jazz Fest's Benefit Gala

DC JAZZ FEST GALA!

The event raised funds for The DC Jazz Festival, an annual event with more than 100 jazz performances at concert venues and clubs throughout DC. We snapped Rep. William Clay, DC Jazz Fest Chairman Conrad Kenley and Rep. John Conyers Jr., who presented the advocacy award in his name.

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Conyers Honors Metro Detroit Veterans in D.C.

Conyers honors veterans and the unions who support vets in D.C.

Metro Detroit Veterans Coalition

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Fifth Circuit Ruling on Immigration Executive Actions Wrong on the Law and Wrong for our Country

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives John Conyers, Jr.(D-Mich.), Ranking Member on the House Judiciary Committee, and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Ranking Member on the Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, delivered the following statement today after the Fifth Circuit issued an opinion.  Monday evening upholding a Texas district court ruling against Department of Homeland Security immigration directives issued in November 2014:

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“We are disappointed – though not surprised – that the Fifth Circuit has sided against the President’s executive immigration action and the millions of immigrants it would have helped.  The opinion predictably parrots the dubious legal and procedural arguments embraced by the lower court.  

“While this decision is unfortunate and comes after months of delay, we are pleased the case can now move forward.  We laud the fast response by the Department of Justice to petition for Supreme Court review.  We respectfully request that the Supreme Court expeditiously grant certiorari and hear this case this term.  For the millions of families who live under the threat of deportation, time is of the essence.  

“We are confident that once the case has been heard, the Supreme Court will rule in favor of the President’s constitutional authority to humanely enforce our immigration laws – the same authority that was relied upon and exercised by Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, among others.  

“These are immigrant families with U.S. citizen children who in many cases have been in our country for 10 years or longer.  DAPA would merely provide them temporary immigration relief and employment authorization, acknowledging that the vast majority of these parents are already working in the United States.

“Of course, an even better option would be for Republicans in Congress to stop catering to anti-immigration extremists and work in a bipartisan fashion to fix our broken immigration system by passing comprehensive immigration reform.”

Background:

The Fifth Circuit decision prevents implementation of the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program, which provides temporary deportation relief for certain parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides similar relief for DREAMers.  Of the 10 immigration executive actions announced in November 2014, the other 8 have already been or are in the process of being implemented.

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