Dear Colleague:

I write with respect to President Donald Trump’s scheduled address on Tuesday to a Joint Session of Congress. Given my responsibilities in the House, I plan to attend the speech, along with other members of the Democratic leadership, to make clear to the nation that there is a strong opposition party ready, willing and able to serve as a check and balance on the excesses of the administration. 

The decision to attend the Joint Session is a personal one and we understand that members will come to different conclusions. However, it is important to have a strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber. The House as an institution belongs to the American people, and as their representatives we will not be run off the block or bullied. 

Throughout the week, there is a series of events planned in connection with President Trump’s speech, beyond the traditional Democratic response. On Tuesday, my office and the Democratic Policy & Communications Committee have arranged for multiple engagement opportunities with both the legacy press and new media outlets, platforms and social media influencers. It’s important that every single member of the Democratic Caucus participate in the day-long engagement, both before and after the President’s speech, so that we can flood the zone with our values, ideas and policies that are focused on making life better for everyday Americans.

At the same time, we must also continue to elevate the stories of everyday Americans who are being harmed in real time by House Republicans and the Trump administration. In this regard, all House Democrats are encouraged to stand together on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on the East Front Capitol Steps for an event featuring the voices of the American people. 

On Thursday, the Steering and Policy Committee will launch the first in a series of hearings that House Democrats will conduct on the Hill and throughout America. The hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m. in HVC 215, featuring everyday Americans who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare. The House Republican budget threatens to inflict the largest cut to Medicaid in history, which will devastate children, people with disabilities and older Americans. Democrats are fighting back, and the hearing will highlight the real-life implications and human toll of the extreme MAGA Republican budget. 

Last week, House Democrats sent a unified and principled message that we will strongly oppose partisan legislation that undermines the quality of life of the American people. Our focus remains on driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans and pushing back against the far-right extremism that Republicans have unleashed on the country. 

Thank you all for your continued leadership on behalf of the people and in defense of the American way of life. 

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries

Democratic Leader