Chicago, IL. ---- (October 3, 2005) – Congressman Bobby L. Rush announced today that he, Congressman Danny K. Davis and Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. will hold a joint press conference in support of his congressional resolution, which calls for condemnation of disparaging comments made last week by former Secretary of Education William Bennett, who stated during his radio show that “if every black baby was aborted in this country, the crime rate would go down.” The press conference will take place on Monday, October 3, 2005 at 11:30 a.m. at Rush’s District office, 700 E. 79^th Street, Chicago.

Rush introduced House Resolution (473) immediately upon hearing the news, which calls upon the U.S. House of Representatives to condemn the racist remarks of William Bennett. The resolution has received bipartisan support including Republican Michael Burgess of Texas.

Bennett’s unapologetic posture following public outrage has only fueled the desire by Rush and his congressional colleagues to fight for passage of H. Res 473, which will ensure history reflects the denouncement of Bennett’s racist remarks.

“William Bennett’s cavalier attitude is disgraceful, and I refuse to let his biased and racist remarks become the catalyst for future misuse of public airwaves.” Bennett needs to know and the people of this country want to know that there are repercussions for malicious behavior. “

Congressman Rush serves on the Subcommittee of Telecommunications of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

For more information, please visit www.house.gov/rush.