Hi there —

Schools across the Hudson Valley opened their doors last week to welcome students and teachers back for the school year. What should be a time of excitement about all the possibilities and potential of the year is overshadowed by the possibilities and potential for tragedy.

Parkland. Uvalde. Sandy Hook. Columbine. Countless others.

It breaks my heart to think about kids and teachers walking into school or work each morning, wondering if today might be the day they, too, witness the horrors of gun violence.

I think about all the parents who just want their kids to be safe. As the father of two boys, the scariest part of my day is drop-off time at daycare, and I hear the same from parents everywhere. It's got to change.

The same weapons I carried for 27 months in combat are being used to gun down our kids — no more excuses. We need to take action.

I support a ban on assault weapons, implementing universal background checks, and getting guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. The vast majority of Americans, including gun owners, agree. But MAGA Republicans are holding the safety of our kids hostage.

When Republicans blocked meaningful gun safety legislation in the spring, I introduced discharge petitions to force a vote because we owe it to the American people, to our kids and teachers, to act. Without delay, before another tragedy occurs.

First, we have to get MAGA Republicans the hell out of Congress.

Please add your name to our petition if you agree that now is the time for Congress to pass gun safety legislation to protect our communities.

I want you to know I have your back, and I’m fighting to make this a reality every single day. I won’t stop until we’ve made a difference.

Yours in service,

Pat