The Congressional Progressive Caucus vowed Wednesday to fight President Trump’s onslaught of executive action this week that stripped liberal policies from the federal government.
The left-wing House lawmakers called Mr. Trump’s efforts a “hateful agenda” and promised to show Americans a liberal alternative.
Progressive Caucus Chairman Greg Casar of Texas said they will join workers on picket lines while Mr. Trump is “giving corrupt CEOs a tax break.”
“We will hold him accountable for shredding our Constitution and attempting to take birthright citizenship away from people, including attempting to take birthright citizenship away from immigrant families, who are here fully complying with the law,” he said.
Mr. Trump’s orders included ending birthright citizenship for people in the country illegally. He also designated certain international cartels and organizations, such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, and took other actions to crack down on illegal immigration.
Rep. Chuy Garcia of Illinois excoriated Mr. Trump for targeting Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
“This vilification of immigrants, and in particular, Mexicans, will lead us down a dangerous path,” he said. “One that creates even more harm and jeopardizes our national security, from preying on victims of extortion to opening the door to military intervention.”
Also drawing the ire of Democrats, Mr. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord and established that the U.S. government only recognizes two sexes, male and female.
Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, the caucus’ co-chair, said Mr. Trump and his administration’s vision is “one of hate and reversal of progress.”
“We will continue to provide an alternative vision, one centered on transformative change justice and movement building, we will keep fighting for a future that the American people deserve and give a clear-eyed alternative to MAGA extremism,” she said. “I know many of our constituents are tired. They are tired of feeling like the game is rigged, and they don’t have people fighting on their behalf. Let me be clear, we, as the Progressive Caucus, are in your corner, and we will fight every single day to make sure life is better for you.”
Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin said the caucus would also defend LGBTQ Americans targetted by Mr. Trump.
“I was talking to folks about what they’re afraid about and watching those initial executive orders that instantly is going to attack people, certain people within the [LGBTQ] community. Those are initiatives we’re going to fight for respect and equality for everyone,” Mr. Pocan said.
“Those attacks on DEI initiatives are going to affect our community and other communities, and we want people to know that we respect everyone. We want equality for everyone, and that’s what the Progressive Caucus is going to fight for in our time here.”
Beyond the resistance from congressional Democrats, who voters relegated to the minority party, Mr. Trump’s policy initiatives also quickly drew legal challenges. His opponents in the courtroom include labor unions, immigrant rights groups, government watchdogs and a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general.
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.