LEESBURG, VA — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36), DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-1), and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-2) for a press conference kicking off House Democrats’ annual Issues Conference. This year’s theme is “Fighting for an Affordable America.” Below is a transcript of her remarks:

"After the meltdown that we watched last night, Democrats are showing the American people that they deserve better. A better economy. Better schools. Better health care. A better and more affordable future.

"Just look at the past year. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Instead, the average American family has paid $1,700 more due to tariffs. In my district at home, that's $2,200. He declared last night that we are in a 'golden age.' And that is certainly true if your last name is Trump.

"But for folks at home, prices are up. Rent is up. Layoffs are up. Wage growth is down. And we're seeing women pushed out of the of the job market because they can’t find affordable child care.

"And none of this is an accident. It is a policy choice. Republicans have chosen to break their promises to regular families. They've chosen to keep their promises to a handful of billionaires. And they've chosen to enrich the few at the expense of the many. And the American people have taken note.

"Democrats are offering a different choice. We are offering solutions that we will be discussing and expanding in the next few days. We're looking at an agenda that can cut child care costs to $15 a day. An agenda that cuts premiums with a permanent health care tax credit. An agenda that cuts housing costs and builds new, affordable homes. An agenda that cuts utility bills by making corporate users pay their fair share. And an agenda that empowers Americans to win bigger paychecks with a union.

"Americans are voting for Democrats because we are fighting for them — fighting for their health care, to drive down the cost of groceries, and to stamp out corruption and self-enrichment. That's our focus. And that is why we are going to win next year."

To view the complete press conference, click HERE.

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