Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D) sharply criticized Rep. Nancy Mace after Mace called for ending congressional race-based caucuses, arguing that the Congressional Black Caucus and other minority caucuses exist to ensure historically underrepresented communities have a voice in Congress.
Dispute over congressional minority caucuses
A public dispute erupted between Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Rep. Crockett over the future of congressional minority caucuses.
Mace argued that race-based caucuses promote segregation rather than diversity.
Rep. Nancy Mace: "Race-based caucuses are not about diversity. They are segregation sanctioned by the legislative branch of the federal government."
She added that lawmakers should not advocate for inclusion while supporting organizations centered around race.
Crockett defends minority caucuses.
In response, Rep. Crockett defended the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, saying they were created because minority communities historically lacked representation in Congress.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett: "These caucuses were created out of necessity because, for far too long, our communities were denied a voice."
She added that while no ethnic group is a monolith, many communities face shared challenges that require coordinated advocacy.
Criticism of Mace's proposal
Crockett accused Rep. Mace of targeting minority organizations instead of focusing on other national issues, including the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
She characterized the proposal as politically motivated and argued that it was intended to generate headlines rather than address constituents' needs.
Crockett also rejected calls to eliminate the caucuses, stating they will continue their work in Congress.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett: "So let me make this plain: We are not going anywhere, and nor is our caucus."
Ongoing political debate
The exchange reflects a broader political debate over diversity initiatives and identity-based organizations in government.
Supporters of congressional minority caucuses argue they provide an organized voice for communities with shared policy concerns. At the same time, critics contend that membership based on race is inconsistent with equal treatment under the law.
