Schumer, Jeffries React To House GOP Disarray
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Central Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries yesterday assailed the House Republicans after frontrunner California Rep. Kevin McCarthy withdrew from the race to replace Ohio Rep. John Boehner as the GOP Majority leader leaving the chamber in disarray.
“If Congress waits around for the Republican Family Feud to resolve itself, we’ll risk a government shutdown and defaulting on our national debt. It’s time for the responsible members of the Republican Party to work with Democrats and forge a bipartisan budget deal, take the threat of default off the table, and protect middle class families from economic disaster,” said Schumer.
“Once again, chaos reigns in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. It’s now official – the inmates are running the asylum,” said Jeffries.
“The issues of importance to the American people such as gun safety, comprehensive immigration reform, infrastructure repair and job creation have been delayed. Extremism wins. America loses.”
Cumbo Addresses Latest Fort Greene Shooting
Fort Greene Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo issued the following statement after multiple shots were fired at plainclothes police officers in an unmarked NYPD police cruiser on Wednesday. The police officers were unharmed. One suspect was injured in the crossfire and later apprehended along with his two accomplices. Recently, the Ingersoll Houses tragically witnessed a triple homicide where the perpetrator has not been apprehended at this time.
“Today’s attack in the 35th District on three New York City Police officers within the same confinements of the recent triple homicide in the community underscores how important it is for individuals to come forward immediately with information to apprehend dangerous and violent individuals in our community. If we continue to protect those individuals they remain free to terrorize and jeopardize the safety of an entire community. As the Council Member of this District, I strongly urge residents to come forward with any information regarding the recent shootings in our district at 1-800-577-TIPS. We cannot allow a few individuals to derail a community that has seen so much progress and growth.
Bichotte Introduces Haitian Studies Program At Brooklyn College
Ditmas Park Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte announced yesterday that after years of trying to find a clearinghouse to document and disseminate the contributions of Haitian people here in Brooklyn, New York City and abroad, a sincere effort is underway beginning with a series of mini-conferences around Haitian history and culture, as a precursor to the possible establishment of a Haitian Studies Institute (HSI) at Brooklyn College.
“It takes a village and I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the many people that have come together to get us where we are today,” said Bichotte. “Dr. Jean Yves Plaisir, along with Edu Hermelyn and myself have been fervent advocates in support of the Haitian Studies Institute at Brooklyn College, and have also been instrumental in the development of the proposal that will be presented to the CUNY Board of Trustees by the spring of 2016. The creation of a Haitian Studies Institute at Brooklyn College would be a dream come true. I am very grateful for the progress made thus far.”
Lander Makes Appeal For Victims Of Boro Park Explosion
Park Slope/Borough Park City Councilman Brad Lander yesterday appealed to the public’s help in donating to the victims of this weeks gas explosion on 13th Avenue in Borough Park.
The explosion leveled a building and killed Ligia Puello and Francisca Figueroa, leaving their families grieving. Three pedestrians and a dozen firefighters were injured. Four small businesses were destroyed. And nearly 50 people were displaced from their homes, and lost everything they own.
“I’m sorry I did not know Ligia or Francisca – but their families, friends, and neighbors describe them with love. Ligia Puello lived on the third floor of 4206 13th Avenue with her daughter Kimi. They were not only mother and daughter, but best friends,” said Lander.
“Together, we can help them. Please give to the Borough Park Relief Fund, at nyc.gov/bprelief,” he added.
Lander said the fund will help cover their funeral expenses, and help their family members recover from this horrible loss. And it will also help buy clothes, household goods, school supplies and much more to help displaced families recover.
Schumer Hails Obama For Capers Appointment
Following his recommendation, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer yesterday announced that President Obama has nominated longtime Eastern District of New York prosecutor Robert L. Capers to be the next United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Capers, a Bronx native and 20-year veteran prosecutor, replaces Loretta Lynch, who was tabbed as the U.S. Attorney General. The Eastern District encompasses the counties of Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richmond and Suffolk.
“I am pleased that President Obama has heeded my call by nominating Robert Capers to be the next U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Robert Capers is in the mold of Loretta Lynch—really smart, hardworking, nose to the grindstone. Robert Capers has been a prosecutor for 22 years and knows the value of locking up violent criminals and drug kingpins who tear at the fabric of our neighborhood. Robert Capers is also committed to the Eastern District’s proud tradition of prosecuting terrorism, public integrity and civil rights cases,” said Schumer.
