Rep. McCollum Issues Statement on Luther King Jr. Day 2018

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 -- Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minnesota, issued the following statement in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which will be observed on Jan. 15:

"This weekend, we take time to reflect on the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In his 39 years, Dr. King dedicated his life to furthering equality and broadening opportunity for all Americans.

"Dr. King and his wife Coretta fought for civil rights, defended civil liberties, sought expanded voting rights, demanded health care for all, advocated living wages and union representation, spoke up for women's reproductive rights, and marched for a more peaceful and just foreign policy.

"Today, Dr. King's legacy and the causes to which he dedicated his life are under direct attack from the Trump-Pence White House and the complicit silence of Congressional Republicans.

"President Trump openly uses racist rhetoric as his administration rolls back the progress our country has made in living up to Dr. King's dream. Now, more than ever, Americans must emulate the civic engagement and moral leadership of Dr. King's movement.

"In the year ahead, we must redouble our efforts to defend civil rights, speak out against bigotry and discrimination in all forms, and pursue equality and justice for all."