Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations released the following statement about Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress:

“This country needs unity but Mr. Trump’s divisive words and actions have created a climate of hate and intolerance. Tonight’s speech offers the president the opportunity to course correct and help America, reeling from the scourge of hate crimes against immigrants and Jews, the chance to heal.

“But given Trump’s promotion of ideas that would rip healthcare away from millions, tear families of immigrants apart through mass deportations and discriminate against good men and women based solely upon religion, it’s an opportunity I fear he will squander.

“These are crucial times for America. The stakes are high. I hope the President can find it within himself to rise above his partisan rancor and extreme ideas and deliver a speech worthy of one who would hold the highest office in the land.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is a Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.