Capitol Hill Hasn’t Changed, Says Fields
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Contributing Writer
Newly-elected Louisiana Congressman Cleo Fields left Washington, D.C. behind over two decades ago, but he will return this time in January working alongside a Republican administration that also holds a slender House of Representatives majority.
Fields, one of two elected Democratic Congressmen from Louisiana, says he is prepared to help craft a bi-partisan relationship with his Republican colleagues in the House and push to reestablish the impact of an Educational Caucus that no longer exists.
On Wednesday Fields was in Opelousas where he spoke briefly to a large, annual Christmas gathering of St. Landry Parish elderly at Evangeline Downs.
Before stepping on stage to address the nearly 1,200 persons in attendance, Fields sat down privately with St. Landry Now.com to discuss the existing situation in the nation’s Capital.
In November Fields flipped what had become a somewhat secure Republican seat in the House by winning an election in a district that stretches diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge.
It’s additionally the first time in 50 years that a Democrat has won a Congressional seat in the judicially-realigned District, which now features 54 percent Black voters.
Fields avoided a potential runoff with St. Landry Parish Republican Elbert Guillory by obtaining 50.8 percent of votes.
The victory gives Fields, 61, who has served several terms as a Louisiana state senator, a chance to become reacclimated to a new group of federal lawmakers before he has to run for reelection.
Fields previously served two terms as a Louisiana Congressman beginning in 1992.
Guillory, 80, who received 37.7 percent of the votes in the November election, has said at this point he plans to challenge for the Sixth Congressional seat in the next election.
Moving Forward
Fields has already undergone Congressional freshman orientation.
When the House convenes in January, Fields will begin his new term by voting for the Speaker of the House, a position currently held by Republican Mike Johnson, who represents District 4 in Louisiana.
Fields recalled a bit of personal anxiety on election night in November.
“I would describe it as an interesting night. It was a tough night. The numbers I thought were close. I was hoping to win it then in order to get to Washington and get a start immediately on what I plan to do,” Fields said.
Although several presidential administrations have controlled Capitol Hill since he last left Washington, Fields said the atmosphere there is not noticeably different.
“What’s different? Well, I remember the last time about 30 years ago, we were using beepers for communication. Now it’s more electronic and we have I-phones.
Fields said security around the Capitol now seems much tighter.
On Bi-Partianism
Fields said working closer with members of other political parties is necessary if the nation wants “to move forward.”
“I hope we can work more together. I think (Johnson) has a good chance to remain as speaker when we take that vote on January third. If he’s elected then (Democrats) plan to work with him,” Fields noted.
On Early Education
Fields is adamant about reinstituting the Congressional Education Caucus, which he says is crucial.
“Many of the ills that we see are occurring during early childhood. That is why we need to emphasize as much as possible early childhood education. We have to get to these kids early in life. If we can provide more assistance for children as they begin to develop, then I think we can eliminate many of the problems we have now, such as less crime,” said Fields.
Border Crossing
Fields acknowledges that the number of illegal border crossings that have occurred over the past few years is a major issue facing lawmakers in Washington.
“Certainly it’s a problem, one that we need to address. Right now there are a lot of people who are walking straight into America and there will be legislation that will deal with that,” said Fields.
Fields added that what is needed is for lawmakers to develop legislative acts that will make the process of entering America a more of a legal process.
The 2024 Presidential Election
Fields gave president-elect Donald Trump credit for the ability to mobilize the electorate and capture a second term.
“(Trump) was successful in getting voters out. That was something that did not materialize (with Democrats). The Democrats were not able to get enough voters from their base in order to make a difference,” said Fields.
Fields felt the last few weeks prior to Nov. 5 were significant for both Trump and vice-president Kamala Harris.
“I think what happened during those last weeks eventually showed at the polls. What surprised me to some degree (about the presidential election) were the results in the swing states. I think there was a momentum switch in those states over the last three weeks,” Fields added.
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