Washington, DC – Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.
“In a matter of weeks, this Administration has thrust our nation into a state of chaos, confusion, and uncertainty. While Americans are struggling to pay for groceries, the President will be hiking taxes on basic goods by enacting his tariff plan. As we struggle to fill critical workforce shortages around the country, this administration has fired tens of thousands of dedicated public servants – ranging from critical air traffic controllers to nuclear safety experts. All of this while humiliating and alienating our allies on the world stage, turning “America first” into America alone.
“I was joined this evening by Dr. Laura Wallace, a dedicated mother, wife, and public servant who is fervently committed to ensuring that parents, caregivers, and children are supported with federal funding. She began her career as a toddler teacher, ultimately finding her dream job in the Office of Early Childhood Development. That was until three weeks ago, when she was informed by someone other than her supervisor that she was being fired – despite an exemplary review. Now, her and her husband – a disabled veteran and VA hospital probationary employee – are being left to pick up the pieces and find work, fearing for the financial future of their two children.
“Dr. Wallace dedicated her career to making sure our taxpayer dollars were being spent efficiently to support parents and children. Yet the Trump administration continues firing people like Laura so that the ultra-rich can get a tax cut.
“If it wasn’t clear before, it certainly is now: President Trump’s vision for America doesn’t involve fighting for families. In one of the longest Presidential addresses in recent memory, President Trump spent his time explaining away the chaos of his first six weeks in office instead of offering a unifying vision for America. I can’t say I was surprised by what I heard tonight, but I can certainly say I was disappointed. While this administration remains focused on having billionaires win and Americans lose, we as Senate Democrats will continue to put the people first.”
Senator Blunt Rochester hosted Dr. Laura Wallace, a resident of Middletown. Wallace is a dedicated mother who was unjustly fired from her job at the Office of Early Childhood Development as a result of the Trump administration’s executive orders. Wallace’s husband, a disabled veteran, is a nurse at the VA Medical Center in Philadelphia.
“My colleagues and I were doing good work and made a positive impact on the lives of children and families across the country,” said Dr. Laura Wallace. “I loved that job , but because this administration does not value our work, I will not have the opportunity to continue in that role and children and families in our country will be negatively impacted. I appreciate Senator Blunt Rochester for inviting me to tell my story. I hope others take notice that there are countless more people like me, trying to pick up the pieces for my family because of the recklessness of this administration.”
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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.