Several Washington state Representatives and Senators announced they were bringing special guests to President Donald Trump’s address before a joint session of Congress Tuesday.
Most others are not bringing special guests.
For these lawmakers, it’s a chance to make a statement about how they feel about Trump’s agenda, especially on healthcare and minority and LGBT rights.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is bringing Marci Owens, an LGBT rights advocate, and Danni Askini, executive director of the Gender Justice League and Trans Pride Seattle.
“I am so proud that Marci and Danni will be joining me tomorrow to send President Trump a clear message about what so many in our country believe—that we should continue working to move our health care system in the right direction and keep building on the progress we’ve made to ensure everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love, feels safe and welcome in their own country,” said Murray in a statement.
Aneelah Afzali, executive director of the American Muslim Empowerment Network, will join Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-7th District, a freshman Congressman.
“She represents everything good about our country and I could not be prouder to have her as my guest. The president cannot hide from those he is threatening,”Jayapal said in a statement. “Here’s my message for Donald Trump: Our State of the Union is strong when all of our communities are strong.”
Rep. Denny Heck, D-10th District, invited Kelty Pierce, a freshman from the University of Washington, who has benefited from the Affordable Care Act.
“She will be there to find out what President Trump and the Republicans plan to do for the millions like her who have received affordable, lifesaving care due to the ACA,” said a spokesperson for Heck.
Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-6th District invited Bruce Baillie of Bremerton Metal Trades Council.
“Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is far and away the largest employer in the district I represent. These are men and women who take great pride in their work and have done so for over 125 years. They are also critical to the success of our Navy’s national security mission. But too often in this town they don’t get the respect they deserve and that’s why my guest this evening is Bruce Baillie with the Bremerton Building and Metal Trades Council. Bruce is a local leader for our shipyard workers and I want to make sure this new administration understands how important this workforce is to our country," said Kilmer during a speech on Tuesday.
