Press Releases

Kennedy, De Jesús Jr. Take Fight From WNY To Washington To Defend Workers and Families From Harmful Trump Administration Actions

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) will be joined by Peter De Jesús Jr., President, Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, as his guest to President Trump’s first address to a Joint Session of Congress. 

After taking office on January 20, President Trump, along with Elon Musk, have attacked dedicated federal public servants, including veterans, to the detriment of Western New Yorkers. Now, Trump is coming to address a Joint Session of Congress so he can demand the Republican Majority push through his extreme budget proposal to cut Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and other critical programs American families rely on. 

“Trump and Republicans in Congress are trying to gut our federal workforce and decimate Medicaid, the safety net that provides healthcare to 285,000 people in my district, to give tax cuts to the rich,” said Congressman Kennedy. “In the face of these attacks, I’m standing with the hardworking Americans who keep our country running. During the address to a joint session of Congress, I am proud to be joined by Peter De Jesús Jr., a tireless advocate for workers in Western New York. Together, we will do everything in our power to fight for workers in our region and across the country.” 

“It is an incredible honor to be a guest of Congressman Tim Kennedy for the Address to a Joint Session of Congress. This moment represents the power of advocacy and the importance of ensuring working people have a voice at the highest levels of government,” said De Jesús Jr.. “Here in Western New York, working families are struggling under the weight of policies that put corporate interests ahead of everyday people. Donald Trump’s agenda has attacked unions, threatened healthcare access, and prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy while leaving working-class communities behind. From the rising costs of living to efforts to weaken labor rights, his policies have made it harder for working people to get ahead. As Trump and his allies continue their assault on economic fairness, this moment serves as a critical reminder that our fight is not just in the workplace—it’s in the halls of power, where we must demand policies that uplift working families, not undermine them.”

Peter De Jesús Jr. is a leading voice in the workers' rights movement, elected to serve as the President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO in March 2021. He oversees the federation's 145 affiliated local unions representing 140,000 members, working tirelessly to improve the lives of working families and promote social equity. Last month, De Jesús Jr. joined Congressman Kennedy at a roundtable with WNY labor leaders to discuss the devastating impact of recent actions by the Trump administration targeting dedicated public servants. Last week, he joined Kennedy at a rally with WNY healthcare, labor, community, and elected leaders to fight against Medicaid cuts that would jeopardize healthcare for hardworking families. To learn more, click here and here. 

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