Article snippet: In a fierce defense of his hometown of Baltimore, Rep. Cummings acknowledged the problems facing parts of his district, which occupies poverty-stricken parts of downtown Baltimore, as well as surrounding suburbs "where the richest of the rich are," in Cummings' description. He invited Trump to visit, in order to see for himself, and even offered to chaperon the president. "I want him to come and look at my entire city," he said. "I'll ride with him for hours if he asks to." Cummings said he's tried to extend such an offer, with no luck. "I can't get to him," he lamented.Cummings noted his background as the son of sharecroppers who rose through poverty, was elected to Congress and now chairs the powerful Oversight and Reform Committee, which has launched a series of investigations into Trump and his administration. He said Trump's "blatant attacks" on Baltimore are designed only "to divide us as a country and to distract us.""What bothers me the most is that we have people stepping on the hopes of our children," he said. "Our children must know that we're doing everything we can to have a better future. ... I won't be distracted from doing that." The weekend shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, have launched a debate within the Democratic Caucus about whether Congress should cut short its long summer recess and return to Washington to tackle legislation to rein in gun violence and domestic terrorism. Cummings wasted no time in endorsing an early return.... Link to the full article to read more
Cummings defends Baltimore, urges end to 'racist' rhetoric | TheHill
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