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BALTIMORE, MD – Today, Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) kicked off Women's History Month by hosting a press conference with the freshman women of the 118th Congress at the 2023 House Democrats' Issue Conference. Alongside Reps. Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Yadira Caraveo (CO-8), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Valerie Foushee (NC-4), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), Summer Lee (PA-12), Brittany Pettersen (CO-7), Delia Ramirez (IL-4), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), Hillary Scholten (MI-3), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Jill Tokuda (HI-2), Whip Clark reaffirmed Democrats’ commitment to safeguarding the rights of women nationwide and putting people over politics. Below is a transcript of her remarks: 

“Welcome to Issues Conference 2023, and Happy Women’s History Month. 

“It is worth reflecting on how far we’ve come in the fight for gender equity. The faces of power are changing.  When I first arrived in Congress, I had a hard time even getting to the Chamber.  

“I was stopped multiple times, being [told]: ‘Spouses are not allowed on the Floor.’ And today, there are more women in Congress than ever before – 93 strong in the House Democratic Caucus!

“I want to introduce you to a few of our newest Congresswomen – the leaders fortifying our numbers and bolstering our fight For The People. And our special guest, Davis. They could not be joining us at a more critical moment.  

“Republicans want to reserve freedom for the privileged. They want to erode women’s rights and relegate us to second class citizenship. 

“And so, our nation faces a crossroads.  

“Will we be a free society – one rooted in personal rights and liberties? Or will we descend further into MAGA extremism? 

“Will we uphold women’s sovereignty over our own bodies? Or will right wing politicians seize even more control over our lives?

“House Democrats believe in freedom, not oppression. We believe in progress for all, not power for a few. 

“That’s why we’ve voted to enshrine Roe into federal law and codify the right to birth control. It’s why we’ve voted to invest in child care, close the gender wage gap, and uphold women’s rights on the job. 

“And it’s why our Caucus is thrilled to welcome an extraordinary class of talented freshman women. With their voices at the table, we’re building the future that our daughters deserve.

“Speaker Emerita Pelosi taught us to ‘know our why.’  Why we came to Congress. Why we’re fighting. And I’ve asked these incredible rising stars to introduce themselves and tell you their ‘why.’”

To watch the press conference and view event photos, click HERE.

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