Rep. Pressley rips 'Trump-generated crisis' on House floor

WASHINGTON — Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) spoke on the House floor Tuesday, fulfilling her campaign promise to stand up to President Donald Trump.

The freshman representative used time to rebuke the president in anticipation of his scheduled remarks Tuesday evening.

The remarks come 18 days into a federal government shutdown over funding for Trump's planned wall along the border with Mexico. In a meeting last year, President Trump said in a televised meeting with Chuck Schumer (D-New York) Nancy Pelosi (D-California) said he would take responsibility for shutting down the government if the wall was not funded.

Pressley stood on the House floor just five days after taking her oath of office and delivered the following remarks:

Madam Speaker,

I rise today in opposition to the occupant of the White House. Mr. Trump, you took an oath just as I did 5 days ago, to protect and defend the Constitution and the American people.

Sir, you dishonor that oath. You devalue the life of the immigrant, the worker and the survivor. I see right through you and so do the American people.

This has nothing to do with border security. Your shut down, another Trump generated crisis, has brought a tsunami of hurt.

So, I rise today to lift the voices of the unheard. I rise today on behalf of the families concerned about feeding their children because their WIC benefits will run dry.

I rise today in solidarity with the thousands of workers with calloused hands and broken spirits working for no pay.

I rise today in support of the survivor fleeing violent hands, seeking safety, only to find the shelter door locked because of your shutdown.

I rise today in support of the American people, who believe in the promise of this nation and ask for honest pay for an honest day’s work.

Today I rise as one and I stand as thousands.

Thank you and I yield back.

Cox Media Group