Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union address:
“In lie after lie, Trump told the American people that the economy is better, our streets are safer, and he’s strengthened America’s footing on the global stage, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Americans across the country are paying $1,700 more a year for groceries, electricity, cars, housing, and more due to Trump’s failed policies. In Solano and Contra Counties, that number soars to nearly $2,000 more a year. For too many families, that means missed dinners, soaring electric bills, and gutted retirement accounts.
“Alarmingly, Trump doubled down on his anti-working-class agenda by highlighting his ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ which gave massive handouts to billionaires while cutting health care and food for everyday Americans.
“Tonight, President Trump reiterated his campaign promise to go after the ‘worst of the worst’ in his immigration policy. Yet, like every other utterance, we know that’s another bold-faced lie.
“In direct rebuke of the President, I dedicated my State of the Union guest seat to my former constituent, 73-year-old grandmother Harjit Kaur, who was cruelly deported to India in the dead of night. Ms. Kaur came to the United States seeking asylum and had been complying with ICE check-ins every six months for more than 13 years. Despite working cooperatively with ICE, Kaur was detained; held for hours without a bed or a chair; forced to sleep on the floor; shackled during transfers; denied vegetarian meals consistent with her religious beliefs; restricted from showering; denied access to prescribed medications; and denied adequate water. At one point, she was given only a bowl of ice after not receiving a meal for over a day.”
“In the fight for democracy around the world, Trump continues to brag about throwing us into global conflicts. We are dangerously close to a full-blown war in Iran, Russia continues to run roughshod over the Ukrainian people, and our NATO allies’ trust is at an all-time low.
“Instead of throwing our nation and allies into chaos and division, House Democrats believe that working-class Americans deserve an equal shot at the American dream, not Trump’s billionaire crypto donors.
“The next three years will be dark, and pocketbooks will be squeezed. I am already looking forward to next year’s State of the Union after we take back the House and begin the work of lowering Americans’ costs and holding Trump accountable.”