WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee for a hearing on Donald Trump's weaponization of ICE and Democrats' unified fight to hold the the Department of Homeland Security accountable for its brutality in Minnesota and across the country. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

"This week, we saw once again where the Republicans’ priorities really lie. They had the opportunity to save lives. They had the opportunity to defend the dignity of our people and the safety of our neighborhoods. They had the opportunity to join with us to enact some commonsense measures and get control of a paramilitary force that has murdered two American citizens in cold blood. A masked, secret police force that has terrorized children, trampled on our Constitution, and wielded state violence as a political weapon. They had an opportunity to do what the vast majority of Americans want us to do: End the chaos. End the terror. And restore rule of law.

"But how did Republicans spend this week? Making it harder for people to vote, especially women. Making it easier for domestic abusers to buy a taser. Handing out massive giveaways to fossil fuel companies. All while priming a shutdown of FEMA and airport security and the Coast Guard.

"It is fair to say that Republicans have lost the plot.

"So Democrats are going to keep beating the drum of common sense. Kristi Noem needs to go. Stephen Miller needs to go. Federal agents need to get back to their core mission and abide by the same rules, the same laws, the same Constitution as any other law enforcement officer. And this needs to happen today.

"No more delays. No more CRs. No more state-sanctioned terror."

To watch the full hearing, click HERE. For photos of the hearing, click HERE.

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