Himes To Speak at People's State of the Union on the National Mall

Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that he will not attend President Trump's State of the Union address. Instead, Himes will join over 30 of his Democratic colleagues at the People's State of the Union on the National Mall for a series of speeches focused on affordability, healthcare, and upholding democracy.

"I have never missed a State of the Union address," said Himes. "I have listened to Democratic and Republican presidents speak on issues that I support, that I question, and that I vehemently disagree with because I believe that bipartisan engagement and respect is a necessity for a functioning democracy.

"This year is different. President Trump's inflammatory rhetoric and erratic policies have broken trust with our allies, destabilized the economy, and brought fear to our communities. He has launched military attacks without Congressional approval and gutted our soft power capabilities. His cabinet members are spreading rampant disinformation about the security of our elections. In the last two months, his Department of Homeland Security murdered two Americans- but we won't hear accountability for those deaths tonight. Nor will we hear a thoughtful healthcare policy or a plan for bringing down grocery prices.

"I will not legitimize this Administration's gross unconstitutional overreach by participating in the President's propagandist diatribe. Instead, I'll be attending the People's State of the Union, where my colleagues and I will focus on the issues that make life better for the American people."

You can register for a livestream of the People's State of the Union HERE.