Dear John,

As you may have heard, I voted “no” on the recent budget agreement bill, and I want to share with you why I stood up to be a "no" vote even against pressure to vote yes. 

The issue of food security is very important to me, and after seeing the dangerous cuts to food benefits, I could not in good conscience vote for this agreement. 

While I understand the potential consequences of a default, I simply cannot make this compromise on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens. Our national debt is not the fault of those on food benefits – which amount to only $6 per person per day. 

The national debt is a result of tax loopholes for the ultra-wealthy and large corporations who do not pay their fair share. In fact, many pay less in taxes than hardworking middle-class families. 

I simply cannot support a package that takes food away from our most vulnerable while failing to solve the root cause of our national debt. This agreement poses a threat to the long-term well-being of those who are already food insecure and may result in many going hungry. I will never vote for a bill that puts folks in danger. 

This is not a popular opinion, but I was not elected to Congress to simply follow popular opinion. I was elected to represent the people of Connecticut’s 5th district to the best of my ability and to always support what I know is right. 

I will continue to fight for integrity and stand up for our most vulnerable citizens in the face of powerful forces representing the elite and the wealthy. 

Thank you, 

– Jahana