Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., a member of the progressive group known as "The Squad," is urging her Democratic colleagues to leverage their current political power to enact a slate of far-left policies. During remarks on Tuesday, Pressley emphasized the need for Democrats to demonstrate their majority by taking action on key progressive priorities.
"When we have the power, you have to use it," Pressley stated, according to Fox News. "Democrats, can you hear me now? When we have the power we have to use it."
She specifically called for the passage of Medicare for All, advocating for "health care justice." Pressley also pushed for the enactment of reparations, stating, "Democrats, don't just talk about black lives mattering, enact reparations now." Additionally, she demanded the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying, "Democrats, don't just talk about ending ICE's terror, take every last dollar from them and abolish ICE."
Pressley also addressed abortion rights, urging Democrats to "pass the EACH Act, and repeal the Hyde Amendment." She made these remarks following a midterm election cycle where Republicans lost their House and Senate majorities, although President Donald Trump retains veto power during his final two years in office. Pressley noted the electoral gains made by Black women, stating, "The fascist occupant of the White House tried his hardest to end DEI and has pushed Black women out of the workforce. Now, Black women are flexing their power and poised to lead at every level of government. And we’re bringing friends."