Press releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) thanked Senate custodian Justina Pettway today for being his guest to the State of the Union address. This is the second year that Sen. Kennedy has invited a member of the Senate custodial staff to be his guest to the State of the Union.  Pettway serves as a custodian through Goodwill of Greater Washington’s AbilityOne program.  The AbilityOne program is a federal initiative to help people who have significant disabilities find employment through a national network of nonprofit agencies that contract with the federal government.

Before President Donald J. Trump’s address, Sen. Kennedy and Pettway attended the Secretary of the Senate’s State of the Union Supper.  Following the supper, Sen. Kennedy gave Pettway a tour of the U.S. Capitol, including a visit to the Senate floor.  It was Pettway’s first visit to the Senate chamber despite working in the Capitol complex.

“It was such a joy to have Justina as my guest at the State of the Union,” said Sen. Kennedy. “I had a great time showing her around the Capitol, and getting a chance to express my gratitude for all of the good work she does in the Russell Senate building.  She is such a hard worker, so I hope she enjoyed watching history unfold.” 

“I loved it. It was nice,” said Pettway. “I mean I really enjoyed myself last night with Mr. Kennedy.  I really did.  He’s a good person… If they’d have me, I would love to go again.  I had a good time.  I had a good time listening to the president’s speech.” 

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