A free bird leaps on the back of the wind
and floats downstream till the current ends
and dips his wing in the orange suns rays and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage
can seldom see through his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.
In her first term in office, Congresswoman Gillibrand has established herself as an independent leader in Congress. She was the lead sponsor of legislation that would implement the bipartisan 9/11 Commission Recommendations, which will help protect our borders and keep America safe. She has been an advocate for decreased federal spending, and introduced legislation that would require the federal government – just as all New York families do - to balance their budget every year. Finally, she has made tax cuts for Upstate and North Country families, one of her highest priorities. She has authored legislation that would double the tax credit for child care expenses and make up to $10,000 in college tuition tax deductible.
Congresswoman Gillibrand has taken unprecedented steps to make her office accountable and transparent to her constituents. She was the first Member of Congress to publish their public schedule online at the end of each day, and as a strong proponent of earmark reform, she voluntarily released every earmark that she requested that would invest in Upstate and North Country priorities.
Congresswoman Gillibrand serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Agriculture Committee . On the Armed Services Committee, Representative Gillibrand serves on the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities subcommittee and the Seapower subcommittee. On the Agriculture Committee Representative Gillibrand serves on the Livestock, Dairy and Poultry subcommittee, Conservation Credit Energy and Research subcommittee and the Horticulture and Organic Agriculture subcommittee.
In addition to her committee assignments, Congresswoman Gillibrand founded the Congressional High Tech Caucus with Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) with the goal of ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of emerging technologies and high tech industries.
During the administration of President Clinton, Gillibrand served as Special Counsel to the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Andrew Cuomo. At HUD she played a key role in furthering HUD’s Labor Initiative and New Markets initiative, working to strengthen enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act and drafting new markets legislation for public and private investment in building infrastructure to revitalize lower income areas across the nation. Following federal service, Congresswoman Gillibrand entered the private sector, joining one of the Country’s premier law firms. As a partner in the firm, she worked on a wide range of legal and policy related issues, requiring the knowledge and ability to negotiate on the highest levels, skills which serve her constituents well as a Member of Congress.
Kirsten Gillibrand is a firm believer that those in a position to do so have an obligation to “give back” by serving their community. In addition to her responsibilities at the law firm, she maintained an extensive pro-bono practice for clients whose voices are seldom heard and needs seldom addressed. Her service on behalf of abused women and their children, and tenants seeking safe affordable housing without lead paint hazards has been tireless. At the heart of Representative Gillibrand’s core values is the inspiration of her grandmother, Dorothea (Polly) Noonan, who was a founder of the area’s first Women’s Democratic Club and was a pioneer for women’s rights in the region.
Congresswoman Gillibrand has hit the ground running in her new position as the Representative for New York’s 20th Congressional District, she commits herself to deliver her best efforts to serve the people of the entire district regardless of political affiliations. She embraces her responsibilities with gratitude to the many thousands of voters who put their faith in her, and promises, to never forget where she came from or whose interests she seeks to serve – the people.
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