Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement on inviting Vonetta Rougier of Canarsie and family members of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson as his guests for the 2026 State of the Union Address.
“Six months after Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans passed their One Big Ugly Bill imposing the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in American history, the people that I am privileged to represent in Brooklyn are suffering the consequences,” said Leader Jeffries. “It is my honor to welcome Vonetta Rougier, a constituent from Canarsie, as my guest to the State of the Union Address. Ms. Rougier is a full-time bus operator and a caregiver for her family, supporting her three children and 71-year-old mother. Vonetta is working every day and picking up extra shifts just to keep up with the skyrocketing price of housing, food and healthcare. Donald Trump promised that he would lower costs for hardworking American taxpayers like Vonetta on day one. One year later, Donald Trump and Republicans have only lowered people’s quality of life. House Democrats will continue to fight for folks like Vonetta because we know that everyday Americans deserve better.”
“It is also my honor to invite the family of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to attend the State of the Union Address. Rev. Jackson was a transformative political figure and a trailblazer extraordinaire who fought to make America live up to its promise of a thriving multiracial democracy,” continued Leader Jeffries. “While far-right extremists wage an all-out attack on civil rights, voting rights and democracy itself, House Democrats are committed to carrying on Rev. Jackson’s work. In his name, we will continue to stand up for the American people until we can end this national nightmare at long last.”
In addition to Ms. Rougier and members of the Jackson family, Leader Jeffries will be honored to host Ms. Marina Lacerda. Ms. Lacerda is one of numerous brave survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific abuse who are attending the address as guests of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC). “As a result of the courageous advocacy of Marina Lacerda and other Epstein survivors, the fight for transparency and accountability is alive and well,” said Leader Jeffries.
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