Each August, Congress typically adjourns so that members can come home to our districts to meet with constituents and prepare for important legislative work to be done in the fall.  Of course, we all know that there is still plenty happening in Washington right now while Congress is not in session.  And what we are seeing now reminds us of the stakes for our country, and the importance of electing people who are committed to protecting our rights and our democracy.

You’ve probably seen reports in the news about the spending bills and challenges facing Congress when we get back in the fall.  The House, under the strong influence of the extreme Freedom Caucus, is struggling with efforts to perform one of its fundamental responsibilities: to direct Congressional spending and fund the government.  When the House reconvenes in September, it will take up these bills, but there is reason for deep concern.

And we look to our recent experience to see the challenges ahead.  Last month, the House took up the annual defense authorization bill, the NDAA.  Congress has passed the NDAA with broad bipartisan support for more than 60 years, but this year, it became a deeply partisan and problematic piece of legislation once it came before the full House.  Although it passed out of committee nearly unanimously, House Republicans added so many extreme amendments that it was unrecognizable when it came to the House floor for a vote that it passed only by the narrowest of margins and along party lines.

Among the many troublesome amendments, one that reversed the Department of Defense’s policy to make it possible for service members stationed in states where abortion is illegal—states like Texas—to travel to get reproductive health care in a state where abortion is still legal.

It is time for us to use our votes to protect the rights of others to cast theirs and to engage people across our country to exercise this precious right.

Extreme provisions like these are what we can expect from this House.  We know it’s already happening, in the annual spending bills and in other traditionally bipartisan bills.  That’s why our work to take back the House and elect thoughtful policymakers rather than extreme ideologues is vital.  That’s what all of us deserve.   

And our political system gives us important tools for fighting back: Organize.  March.  Knock on doors.  Make phone calls.  Donate.  Vote.  Each of us can do some or all of these things.  And in 2024, we will need to do all we can.

We must stay focused on defending our democracy and eliminating extremism from now to next November (and beyond).  If you are committed to doing so, please add your name here.

Together, we can do anything,