WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) attended the State of the Union Address. Rep. Sewell releases the following statement:

“The promises President Trump made tonight in his State of the Union Address are worth about as much as the promises candidate Trump made on the campaign trail: absolutely nothing,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “One year into this Administration, Trump has attacked Medicaid, which he promised to protect, he forced through tax cuts favoring the wealthy after promising tax relief for the middle class, and he eliminated coverage for millions of Americans after promising to expand healthcare access. President Trump is more focused on defending himself and attacking his opponents than helping the country. Alabama families need more jobs that pay better wages, and that is what I am fighting for in Congress.”

“Tonight, I wore black to the State of the Union in solidarity with the #MeToo movement and all those speaking out against harassment and assault. I also wore a Recy Taylor pin and brought Recy Taylor’s granddaughter, Mary Joyce Owens, as my State of the Union guest. Recy Taylor was an American shero and an Alabama treasure who spoke up in the face of racism, hate, and sexual violence. I believe that Mary Joyce Owens’ presence at the State of the Union was a symbol of the bravery of all those who are speaking out and a reminder that we will not be silent in the face of injustice.”

Rep. Sewell brought Mary Joyce Owens, the granddaughter of Recy Taylor, as her guest to the State of the Union. Alabama native Recy Taylor, who recently passed away, was an outspoken advocate for victims of sexual assault after being raped in 1944 by six white men who were never brought to justice. The Democratic Women’s Working Group wore all black in solidarity with the #MeToo movement and women CBC Members invited representatives to wear red Recy Taylor pins at the State of the Union.

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.