Dear John,

I hope everyone enjoyed the July 4th Holiday and spent some time relaxing with friends and family. Independence Day is the perfect time, amid the food and the fireworks, to reflect on our freedoms and what truly makes America great.

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of meeting with Diego Guerrero, a graduate of Aquinas Catholic High School in San Bernardino. I was proud to nominate Diego for the U.S. Naval Academy and I think I speak for all of us in the Inland Empire when I wish him the best of luck in his continued service as he begins his new life as a Midshipman. Our community represents the best this country has to offer. If you are interested in learning more about military academy nominations, you can visit my website here.

While there is so much that unites us as Americans, and so much we can be proud of, we are also faced with ongoing threats to the freedoms we hold dear. Our children deserve the freedom to go to school without fear of gun violence. Our seniors deserve the freedom to retire with dignity knowing that the Social Security they paid into will be there. And women everywhere deserve the freedom to seek an abortion. 

It’s been a little over a year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and outlawed abortion in many states. This is the first time in modern history where we’ve had less rights than we had the previous year. I am a strong supporter of reproductive freedom, and our community has been a refuge for people seeking abortion care in the last year— as 454 patients from 32 different states have been seen at the Planned Parenthood of San Bernardino and Orange Counties. I fear that if given the chance, extreme politicians will pass a national ban on all abortions. I will never support an abortion ban and will be working hard to pass legislation that protects abortion rights if Democrats are able to win back the House majority in 2024. 
 
I'm grateful for the opportunity to be your voice in Congress defending American freedoms and promoting opportunities for our young people. 

Thanks,

 

 

 

Pete Aguilar
Member of Congress