Blacks in Congress won’t meet with Trump

WASHINGTON — The Congressional Black Caucus turned down an invitation to meet with President Donald Trump, telling him Wednesday that its members believe their concerns are falling on “deaf ears” and that his policies are devastating to the millions of black Americans.

A White House spokeswoman called the development “pretty disappointing” and pledged to arrange for individual members to meet with Trump.

Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond, a Democratic congressman from Louisiana, told Trump in a letter that his proposed budget, his efforts to dismantle Barack Obama’s health care law and the actions by Attorney General Jeff Sessions are detrimental to many African-Americans. Richmond said the caucus had expressed its concern several times, including in eight letters and a document, but that the administration has failed to respond.

Trump and top members of the caucus met in March, but Richmond said there has been no follow-through.

The caucus criticized Trump’s budget proposal, which would cut money for Pell Grants for low-income college students and eliminate the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps seniors and others on fixed incomes.

The caucus singled out moves by Sessions on drug prosecutions and civil rights enforcement, and complained that the House GOP health care bill that Trump celebrated would “strip millions of black people of their health care.”

Body-slammer joins the House

Montana Republican Greg Gianforte was sworn in Wednesday as the newest member of the House of Representatives, a month after he body-slammed a reporter.

Gianforte, 56, a wealthy former software executive, called for civility in politics after his conviction for assaulting the reporter the day before winning a special election May 25.

Gianforte is to serve the remaining 18 months in the House term vacated by nowInterior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

The oath was administered by House Speaker Paul Ryan.