More than 1,600 attend to ask questions, make their voices heard

Boston (February 24, 2017) – With more than 1,600 people in attendance at a town hall at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, including hundreds in an overflow room, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) discussed his efforts in the U.S. Senate to fight back against President Donald Trump’s agenda. Introduced by Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz and welcomed by Smith College President Kathleen McCartney, Senator Markey spoke with residents, refugees, immigrants and students who are deeply concerned by the divisive and hateful rhetoric and policies coming from President Trump and his administration. Senator Markey answered questions about President Trump’s Muslim ban, recent executive order on immigration, effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and the actions individuals in Western Massachusetts can take to ensure democratic rights are protected.

“Right now, we are in a battle for our democracy,” said Senator Markey to the crowd. “Donald Trump and his Cabinet and advisors are vilifying the people that live next door to us and make up the fabric of our country. Donald Trump’s policies are a direct attack on the Massachusetts economy and our way of life. From health care, to equal rights, to action on climate change and the environment, the people of Massachusetts will have to stand up to President Trump and hold him and his administration accountable every day. Massachusetts has always led the great movements of our nation, and we are once again called upon to lead a new resistance. I pledge to fight this divisive and immoral Trump agenda that will only make Massachusetts less safe, less healthy and less prosperous.”