Civil and Human Rights
Our government is founded on the belief that individuals have a number of "inalienable rights" enshrined in the Constitution. I believe that the protection of those rights is a fundamental obligation for each member of Congress, and I take that duty very seriously. It is important that we work to end discrimination and human rights abuses wherever they occur.
In my work in the House of Representatives, where I was previously a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Vice Chair of the Human Rights Commission, I do my best to make sure a proper balance between security and liberty is maintained, and that government's reach into our private lives is kept to a minimum.
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As I have said many times before, we live in the richest country in the world at the richest moment in history. Yet, many Americans are unable to feel the full magnitude of our wealth. One of the biggest problems we face is income inequality. As big corporations continue to rake in record profits, there are many families struggling to put food on the table. For this reason, I was one of the 70 members who voted against a $78 billion tax bill that came before the House of Representatives.
I had an absolutely fabulous week back home in the 9th Congressional District! I love getting to be out and about in our community, whether I am visiting a school, touring a non-profit organization, or meeting with local elected officials.
Last week, Republicans on the House Budget Committee hosted a hearing centered around the idea of creating a so-called “fiscal commission.” The hearing made it crystal clear what their real goal is: decimate Social Security and Medicare behind closed doors. Over a decade ago, I served on the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, better known as the Bowles-Simpson Commission. That commission failed, but not before its co-chairs tried to make deep cuts to the American people’s hard-earned Social Security and Medicare benefits.
I hope you all had a joyful Thanksgiving holiday! I know I enjoyed spending quality time with my family. It was great to be back in the 9th Congressional District for an extended period of time after 10 straight weeks of voting in Washington, D.C. I love being out and about in our community, whether I am visiting a school, touring a new small business, or speaking with fellow shoppers at my local Jewel, it is always great to be home.
It has been 24 days since Hamas’ horrifying terrorist attack on Israel, in which more than 1,400 Israelis were killed and over 5,400 injured. Hamas also captured over 200 hostages, including several Americans. Jewish communities around the world are in shock, grieving, and scared of the increased antisemitism and violence that have been spurred by the war. Israel has a right to defend itself and its citizens in accordance with international law.
I am sorry that I am not writing to you with better news, but Congress remains at a standstill. We are now only 10 days away from the September 30th deadline to pass our federal funding bills. House Republicans continue to make extreme demands and are still plotting a government shutdown unless they can inflict their radical agenda on the American people. Extreme MAGA Republicans have done nothing to make life better or more affordable for everyday Americans.