I See Right Through You And So Do The American People: Pressley

BOSTON, MA — US Representative Ayanna Pressley used her first speech as a Congresswoman to push back at the president for the government shutdown, and it earned her a warning not to "engage in personalities" from her own party.

Pressley was sworn into office on Jan. 3 as the first woman of color from the Commonwealth. She represents Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District, which includes parts of Boston, Cambridge, Milton and all of Chelsea, Everett, Randolph, and Somerville.

But that didn't stop the freshman legislator from taking a swipe at the president.

"Sir," she said, "You devalue the life of the immigrant, the worker and the survivor. I see right through you and so do the American people."

Immediately after her 1 minute speech, Democratic Rep. G.K. Butterfield, who was presiding over the meeting, gave a quick warning.

"Members are reminded to refrain in engaging in personalities toward the president," he said. It was the only time he reminded anyone during that 18 minute session.

Also, within her first five days in office, Pressley sent a letter to congressional leaders in the House and Senate on both sides, calling for them to find a solution to the partial government shutdown.

Her full speech:

"Madam Speaker,

I rise today in opposition to the occupant of the White House. Mr. Trump, you took an oath just as I did 5 days ago, to protect and defend the Constitution and the American people.

Sir, you dishonor that oath. You devalue the life of the immigrant, the worker and the survivor. I see right through you and so do the American people.

This has nothing to do with border security. Your shut down, another Trump generated crisis, has brought a tsunami of hurt.

So, I rise today to lift the voices of the unheard. I rise today on behalf of the families concerned about feeding their children because their WIC benefits will run dry.

I rise today in solidarity with the thousands of workers with calloused hands and broken spirits working for no pay.

I rise today in support of the survivor fleeing violent hands, seeking safety, only to find the shelter door locked because of your shutdown.

I rise today in support of the American people, who believe in the promise of this nation and ask for honest pay for an honest day’s work.

Today I rise as one and I stand as thousands.

Thank you and I yield back."

RELATED: MA Democrats Hit Back Against Trump's Border Wall Speech

Video from C-Span: Pressley begins her speak at 6:35 as the U.S. House met on day 18 of a government shutdown.

Read more about 1 Min Speeches: here

More on Pressley:

• Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Says Goodbye To Boston
• Ayanna Pressley Beats Incumbent Capuano In Historic Boston
• Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley Wants To Dismantle ICE

File photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff