WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in response to Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Members of the Democratic Caucus, and veterans impacted by Trump's billionaire-first agenda to condemn Republicans' attacks on the VA and betrayal of American patriots. Below is a transcript of her remarks: 

"We heard a lot of things in the 100 minute presidential address last night. Not one thing about helping veterans. 100 minutes — not one thing about helping our veterans.

"Instead, we heard the double down on the same corrupt agenda: Help the rich get richer.

"And to pay for tax cuts for the richest man on earth, the GOP is throwing our veterans under the bus. Raising their prices. Cutting their health care. Destroying their livelihoods.

"Six weeks into this administration, they have fired 6,000 veterans without cause. They’re getting ready to fire 83,000 VA employees. They’re cutting SNAP benefits that feed more than 1 million veterans. The Medicaid coverage is being cut that covers 3 million military families. And Social Security checks that support nearly 8 million veterans.

"They're selling out our veterans to enrich billionaires — and they’re insulting them as they do it.

"Before the speech last night, one of Trump’s top advisors was asked specifically about all the veterans they had fired. She said — quote — 'They’re not fit to have a job.'

"There is nobody more fit than a patriot who has voluntarily put on a uniform, who has exposed themselves to injury, to death, to illness, who has chosen to make those sacrifices to defend us — to defend our country, our democracy.

"Democrats are here to say in unison: We will not allow our veterans to be defined as 'government waste.'

"And we are privileged to be joined by three heroes who have served our country in uniform. Three patriots who are watching the Republican Party and the president of the United States turn their backs on them.

"First, we will hear from Chris Wicker — a proud Air Force veteran and small business owner who was senselessly fired from the SBA. "


To watch the full speech, click HERE.