WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36), Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-2), and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-1) as House Democrats kicked off their annual Issues Conference. Below is a transcript of her remarks: 

"We have a lot to dig into. The last 24 hours have shown a stark illustration of what we're fighting to stop: a Republican Party that promised to put more money in the pockets of working people — they turned around and stole their money. Stole from their own constituents, from their schools, their health care, their retirement. All to cut billionaire taxes and funnel corrupt contracts to Elon Musk.

"Just look at the split screen. People can't afford their rent. They can't afford eggs. And what is Trump doing? He is hawking luxury car brands of his biggest donor on the White House lawn. 

"The same day, he is slashing the Department of Education in half. Going after 180,000 teachers whose jobs depend on federal funding, 7.5 million special education [students] who get federal support, and the 90% of kids in this country who attend our public schools. And that's just the start.

"Yesterday's defunding bill is going to wreak havoc on working families. And once again, it's women and girls who will pay the heaviest price. The domestic violence survivors — they're voting to evict them. The overworked VA nurses — 84% of whom are women — who are either fired or being forced to take on even heavier workloads. The patients watching Republicans defund Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, and maternal mortality research. The moms who are searching for affordable child care.

"Whether it's born out of cruelty, cowardice, or corruption — or all three — the GOP is hell bent on making families at home unsafe.

"So we recognize these are brutal and scary times. But here's our message to the American people: The House Democrats stand with you.

"We are fighting alongside you. We are not going to let House Republicans get away with this crime spree. Every day, leaders from our Caucus are holding the line.

"And especially — a little preview — the extraordinary women who have joined our ranks this [Congress] — that I hope you will come join me at 10:15 a.m. tomorrow to meet our freshman women."

To watch the full speech, click HERE. 

# # #