WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5); her guest from MA-5, Sarah Wroblewski; and Members of the Democratic Women's Caucus called out the GOP's betrayal of women and families to fund tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. Below is a transcript of Whip Clark's and Sarah Wroblewski's remarks: 

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark:
"We are six weeks into the Republican trifecta. They control the House, the Senate, the White House; They have the power to deliver for whoever they want to.

"And who have they chosen to fight for? The billionaire class. The ultra-rich donors who funded their campaigns. Billionaires who have virtually unlimited resources — but still want more. And where is this money coming from for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy? They're taking it from families, from women, from moms, from grandparents, from sick children.

"Elon Musk makes more in one day than NIH spends all year on childhood cancer research. More in one day.

"But that hasn't stopped him from stripping out and defunding that research, or cutting children's health care, or slashing their school budgets, or taking away school lunches, or going after Social Security and Medicare. And the House GOP is falling in line, following orders, and letting him do it — because they aren't going to feel the consequences personally.

"We all are about cutting waste and making our government work more efficiently for people. We just disagree that the waste here are kids who had been diagnosed with cancer. There are few nightmares that I can imagine more terrible than learning your child has a serious diagnosis.

"What a heartless act of cruelty to tell a mom that her government is now defining the research her child needs to survive as ‘waste and inefficiency.’ That's what Republicans have chosen to do. It is America's most vulnerable, our kids, who are going to pay the price.

"And I am joined by a constituent who knows this far too well, Sarah Wroblewski. We are so grateful for you coming today, sharing your journey, telling us about your son Declan, and the fight you're in."

Sarah Wroblewski:
"I am here today as the mom of the bravest four year old you’ll ever meet, my son Declan. In August of 2023, after weeks of headaches, an MRI revealed a golf ball sized tumor in the back of his brain. Declan was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. In an instant, our world became numb.

"Declan received six intense rounds of high dose chemotherapy and three stem cell transplants over a period of months. The treatment was excruciating. It was toxic. It left him with significant impairments, from hearing loss to brain damage. But Declan never stopped fighting. And it worked — for now. 

"Declan’s doctors, though, tell us his cancer is the kind that comes back — and it always comes back. Nine months post-treatment, Declan is part of a new clinical trial now, and his scans continue to be clear. Nothing short of remarkable. When your child is diagnosed with cancer, you know the road will be challenging, and our family was prepared for a lot.

"But I never imagined that I would be asked to come here to Washington to beg our government to do right by our kids. I'm here on behalf of all the parents, right now, who are sitting in hospital rooms with their children. When it comes to finding less toxic treatments and lifesaving cures for kids battling cancer, we don't have a single day to spare.

"This is not about politics, bureaucracy, or efficiencies. It's about families who are literally holding their breath, hoping tomorrow brings the breakthrough that will save their child's life. Cutting NIH funding will cost those families — cost my family — precious hope, and it will certainly cost children their lives. Even a slight pause or interruption on ongoing studies will have devastating consequences.

"NIH studies have helped keep Declan alive, and it could very well be an NIH study right now that saves his life in the future. Please protect the funding. Help save our kids. Our Declan is a fighter, and now we need you all to fight alongside him.”

To watch the full speech, click HERE. 

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