Dear Colleague Regarding the Joint Session of Congress and Related Events

Dear Colleague Regarding the Joint Session of Congress and Related Events – Congressman Hakeem JeffriesSkip to contentSearch SUBMIT Congressman Hakeem JeffriesSearchMenu ToggleAboutContactEmail MeRequest a MeetingInvite Me to SpeakOfficesNewsletter and Text Update SubscriptionReport a Website ProblemServicesCongressional App ChallengeCongressional Art CompetitionCommunity Project FundingCongressional CommendationsFlagsHelp with a Federal AgencyMilitary Academy NominationsTours and Tickets2025 Inauguration TicketsPeople Over PoliticsAffordable InternetDelivering for Those Who ServedLower Prescription Drug CostsTackling the Student Loan Debt CrisisLegislationCommittees and CaucusesSponsored LegislationVoting RecordMedia CenterPress ReleasesVideosEventsResourcesCOVID-19 Information and ResourcesFree Tax Preparation & FilingFor BusinessFor InternshipsFor Military PersonnelFor VeteransFor Senior CitizensFor StudentsAdditional Services and ResourcesAboutContactEmail MeRequest a MeetingInvite Me to SpeakOfficesNewsletter and Text Update SubscriptionReport a Website ProblemServicesAppropriations RequestsCommunity Project FundingCongressional App ChallengeCongressional Art CompetitionCongressional CommendationsFlagsHelp with a Federal AgencyMilitary Academy NominationsTours and Tickets2025 Inauguration TicketsPeople Over PoliticsAffordable InternetBringing Manufacturing Jobs to AmericaDelivering for Those Who ServedLow Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Lower Prescription Drug CostsSocial Security and MedicareTackling the Student Loan Debt CrisisProtecting Reproductive RightsCongressman Hakeem JeffriesLegislationSponsored LegislationVoting RecordCommittees and CaucusesMedia CenterPress ReleasesVideosEventsResourcesCOVID-19 Information and ResourcesFederal GrantsFree Tax Preparation & FilingFor BusinessFor InternshipsFor Military PersonnelFor VeteransFor Senior CitizensFor StudentsAdditional Services and ResourcesSearch Dear Colleague Regarding the Joint Session of Congress and Related Events FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube March 3rd, 2025 | Press Release Dear Colleague Regarding the Joint Session of Congress and Related Events 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 JeffriesDemocratic Leader Back to News Share: FacebookTwitterNewsletter Sign UpSubscribe to our e-newsletter that provides updates on important issues, my work in the Congress and what's happening in our district.EmailSubmitBill SearchPlease select and optionCurrent LegislationAll LegislationAll Sources--MembersCongressional RecordCommittee ReportsNominationsSearch for a billSubmit QueryOffice LocationsWashington, DC Office 2267 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5936 Hours: M-F 9 am - 5 pm Central Brooklyn District Office 55 Hanson Place Suite 603 Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: (718) 237-2211 Hours: M-F 9am - 5pm South Brooklyn District Office 445 Neptune Avenue, 1st Floor Community Room 2C Brooklyn, NY 11224 Phone: (718) 373-0033 Hours: M-F 9am - 5pm ToolsAccessibilityPrivacyCopyright Know Your Immigration RightsIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries ×