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As we get ready to ring in the New Year, I am thinking about all we achieved together this year.
I started the year by returning to Congress for my third term and we began to build our 2024 re-election campaign. I’ve worked on important legislation in Congress, stood firm against House Republicans’ agenda when it’s at odds with our values and priorities, and spoken to Texans about their concerns and hopes for the future.
I was able to talk to people about the critical work we have done for our community and our country this year. I’m glad to share some highlights of the year below. One of the biggest highlights has been the generous support in response to emails like this one, asking for support. (And you can do that again here, of course!) [[link removed]]
JANUARY
I began my third term in Congress and became the Whip of the Pro-Choice Caucus. I took on this new role at an important time, in time to join Vice President Kamala Harris in marking the first anniversary of Roe v. Wade since the Supreme Court overturned the decision. Here in Texas, we see firsthand the grave threats to our reproductive health care and to our freedom. (More on that a little later in this email.) It’s so important for me to bring this Texas perspective to Congress.
FEBRUARY
I became Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus, leading efforts in Congress to advance equality, combat discrimination, and improve opportunities and access for our LGBTQI+ community. Unfortunately, this role came at a critical time as well, as I spent the year fighting House Republicans’ anti-LGBTQI+ policies, including bills that would make schools hostile environments for LGBTQI+ students.
MARCH
In March, I was named the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition’s Trade Task Force, an issue of critical importance to people in my internationally focused district, and for people across the country. And I had the joy of welcoming the United States Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai to Houston for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
APRIL
A federal court in Texas issued an unprecedented decision staying the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) approval of medication for the termination of pregnancy, which accounts for more than half of abortions performed in the United States today. This legal battle is still ongoing as this month the Supreme Court announced it will hear the case and decide the future of abortion medication in our country. I introduced a bill that would reaffirm the FDA’s authority to approve safe medications, including the abortion pill.
MAY
My friend and colleague Colin Allred launched his campaign for U.S. Senate. I was thrilled to welcome him to Houston for his launch, and to work with him every step of the way for the rest of the year as he’s built a strong, impressive campaign. I’m looking forward to working with him in 2024 to give Texans the leadership they need and deserve.
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JUNE
Our Democracy Summer interns joined #TeamLizzie for their fellowships! The Democracy Summer project seeks to bring about political change in America by training and deploying the next generation of Democratic organizers and leaders to win elections at every level. This one-of-a-kind Democratic Fellowship—founded by my friend Congressman Jamie Raskin—is now undertaken across the country to teach high school and college students state-of-the-art tactics in voter registration and political organizing, the dynamic history of political and social change in our country, and essential lessons for political leadership.
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Our Democracy Summer interns hard at work!
JULY
We saw the extremism of the current House majority in its version of the annual defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act , after Republicans turned it into a deeply partisan bill with extreme amendments, including one that would reverse a Department of Defense policy that helps service members stationed in states where abortion is illegal—like Texas—to travel to get the reproductive care they need. This was a stark reminder of how important it is for Democrats to take back the House in 2024.
AUGUST
I welcomed Colin Allred back to Houston as part of his Texas Listening Tour. I loved introducing him to our awesome community leaders, including members of the labor community and Harris County Democrats.
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Me & Colin Allred at his listening tour in Houston.
SEPTEMBER
House Republicans pushed us to the brink of a government shutdown, arguing with each other over drastic cuts and divisive policies instead of working with Democrats to avoid a shutdown that would hurt Americans, our economy, and our national security. After finally coming to a resolution, Republicans ousted Kevin McCarthy as Speaker and spent weeks picking his replacement, bringing the House to a halt.
OCTOBER
Our campaign team celebrated a big milestone: We brought in 700 contributions through our digital program! Those are 700 powerful contributions that will be put to work to build our campaign and win our #TX07 race next year.
NOVEMBER
I filed paperwork for re-election, officially putting my name on the ballot for 2024.
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Me & #TeamLizzie on the day I filed paperwork to appear on the ballot in 2024.
DECEMBER
A Texas woman carrying a nonviable pregnancy that threatened her health and future fertility was forced to leave the state to get abortion care after the state Supreme Court blocked a ruling allowing her to get the care she needed. Unfortunately, even the right to travel for reproductive care is at risk, which is why, earlier this year, I reintroduced my bill that would protect that right. House Democrats passed the bill when we were in charge, and we will again when we take back the House.
This year has reminded us how important our work together is. It is a team effort, and I could not be more grateful for what you've done. The next year will bring challenges and opportunities, with important elections up and down the ballot, in Texas and across the country. I remain committed to working together whenever we can and to standing up and fighting back for our communities and our country when we must. At the same time, we’re working to bring home another win for TX-07 next year and help elect Democrats up and down the ballot in this important presidential election year.
You have an important role to play in that work. One way you can help us get off to a great start in 2024 is by contributing before tomorrow’s end-of-year FEC deadline. [[link removed]]
Together, we can do anything,
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DONATE [[link removed]]
PAID FOR BY ELIZABETH PANNILL FLETCHER FOR CONGRESS
Lizzie Fletcher for Congress
3262 Westheimer Road, PMB 636
Houston, TX 77098
United States
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