WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Lois Frankel (FL-22), DWC Vice Chairs Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3) and Veronica Escobar (TX-18), DWC Communications Co-Chair Shontel Brown (OH-11), DWC Pro-Choice Caucus Liaison Judy Chu (CA-28), and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-2) to announce the "Commitment to America’s Women," a platform reaffirming Democrats’ commitment to safeguarding reproductive freedom, lowering costs, strengthening economic security, and opposing MAGA Republicans’ continued attacks on women and girls. Below is a transcript of her remarks:
“So grateful to all my colleagues for being here and to Chair Frankel for your leadership of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. In the face of a politics-first MAGA Majority, the DWC has been a force for women’s freedom, for their dignity and prosperity.
“I am proud to stand with my colleagues in making a solemn commitment to American women. We will not back down from this fight. We will not allow extremists to prioritize their ideology over your wellbeing. We will always defend your basic rights.
“Our country faces a choice between two radically different visions for the future of our daughters and our granddaughters. You’ve heard what that means for reproductive freedom. You've heard about the need to lower costs. Because this is also about economic opportunity. The ability to have a job, to pursue a career, and raise a family. The ability not just to get by but get ahead. Let's look at early education.
“Women know the cost of child care is painfully — outrageously — high. We know it pushes 4 out of 10 families into debt. Trump thinks that child care is — quote — ‘not that expensive.’
“We want to lower those costs and open more classrooms in more neighborhoods. Trump wants to eliminate Head Start. It's all written down in Project 2025. We want to pay early educators a fair wage. Trump proposes to cut school funding in half, fire teachers, and shut down the Department of Education.
“That’s the stark difference between our two plans. Democrats are ready to move our country forward and build a future worthy of our children. A future where every family can afford to give their child a great start.
“So, let’s reject the extremism and build that better future. It’s my pleasure to yield to a leader who’s been helping us get there. My friend from the land of enchantment, New Mexico, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández.”
Photos of the event can be found HERE, the full event can be viewed HERE