Brownley Boycotts State of the Union

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) announced that she will not attend tonight's State of the Union. While she holds deep respect for the institution of Congress and the responsibility it carries, she said she cannot participate in what has become a platform for President Donald Trump's continued assault on the Constitution, the rule of law, and the American people.

"I respect this institution and the oath we take to uphold the Constitution. But I will not sit in the House Chamber and legitimize the lies, lawlessness, and cruelty that define this administration.

"While Donald Trump attempts to rewrite reality and tout achievements that bear no resemblance to the lived experiences of the American people, families across this country are struggling to keep up. Costs are rising. Health care and food assistance are under attack. His reckless economic agenda has deepened inequality and funneled wealth upward, leaving working families to shoulder the burden.

"The cruelty and chaos this administration has imposed on our communities, particularly immigrants, communities of color, and other marginalized Americans, is unconscionable. Trump's brutal immigration enforcement operations have spread fear across neighborhoods in my district and across the country. Due process has been trampled. Congressional authority has been undermined. Accountability has been ignored.

"I was elected to stand with the people I represent, and I will not be complicit in normalizing corruption and abuse of power. President Trump has disgraced the office he holds, and I refuse to pretend otherwise.

"That is why I am boycotting the State of the Union and giving space to Lara Blume McGee, an Epstein survivor and courageous advocate for truth and justice. Lara's presence, and the presence of other survivors in the chamber, is a powerful reminder that their voices will not be silenced.

"I will continue to fight for accountability, for transparency, and for the communities this administration has targeted. No matter how loudly this administration distorts the truth, we will not stop standing up for what is right."

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Issues: 119th Congress