Hi John, 

This week we saw such a clear illustration of what’s right – and wrong – in Washington.  

Let’s start with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and his bipartisan allies working courageously to pass their Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act. This legislation is the best chance we have in 2024 to address the immigration and security crisis at the border, and to get absolutely critical aid to our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific.   

Yesterday Rep. Fitzpatrick indicated he’s begun working to file a discharge petition to bring the bill directly to the floor under expedited consideration. There’s a reason that made headlines. Filing a discharge petition as a member of the majority party, as Rep. Fitzpatrick is doing, means challenging your own party's leadership in service of doing what you know is right for the country.   

But Rep. Fitzpatrick has decided he cares more about his country than his own political prospects.   

Rep. Fitzpatrick’s brave action is a stark contrast to the lack of responsibility shown by much of the rest of Congress. Yesterday, the House announced it would adjourn early after passing a stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown. But they apparently feel no urgency to either pass a longer-term funding agreement or to pass legislation to secure our border and protect our allies.   

Rep. Fitzpatrick and his allies are fighting an uphill battle to do the right thing, while Congress is once again kicking the can down the road and getting off scot-free. Talk about quiet quitting. It's no wonder America’s faith in Congress has never been lower.   

America’s commonsense majority needs to stand up and demand a change. 

Margaret White,  

No Labels  

An independent ticket can win in 2024 
 By Nancy Jacobson

he right candidate is out there. That’s the last piece we need. Even as America heads toward a matchup between two of the least popular presidential candidates in American history, some have a hard time believing that an independent candidate could break through and win in 2024. It’s time to reconsider that assumption.

No Labels Will Decide Whether to Jump Into the 2024 Election Next Week  
By Ed Kilgore

After months of suspense of whether No Labels might run an independent candidate for president, frightening Democrats who in particular fear such an effort would doom Joe Biden against Donald Trump, a senior official tells me the group will make a formal decision next week. 

House Backbenchers to Ukraine’s Rescue  
 By The Editorial Board

A bipartisan group offers an alternative bill to force a floor vote. The war in Ukraine has entered its third year, and the most crucial front for Kyiv may be in the U.S. House of Representatives. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has rolled out a fresh attempt at a compromise bill to send military aid to Ukraine, and Speaker Mike Johnson can’t duck this test of his leadership and beliefs.

 Five Facts on Discharge Petitions
By No Labels

In a notable move within the House of Representatives, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has announced his intention to initiate a discharge petition for the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act. This rarely used procedural tactic can force a bill to the floor of the House for a vote, even over the objections of the House Speaker.

No Labels to Make Decision Next Week Whether to Back ‘Unity’ Ticket   
 By Ken Thomas

Centrist group will convene after Super Tuesday to deliberate on an independent presidential ticket.

Read No Labels’ Dave Walker’s new book, America in 2040: Still a Superpower? 
 By The Editorial Board

This book provides a "Wake-up Call" regarding what the international and domestic situation could look like for America in 2040 absent a change in course. It includes an overview of the significant adverse implications of COVID-19 related activities, lessons learned from past great powers, and key concepts from our nation's founding and past history. It summarizes a broad range of economic, national security and domestic tranquility threats facing America, including the new and dangerous Modern Monetary Theory. It also includes a number of sensible and publicly tested solutions spanning a broad range of policy areas that, if implemented, will create a better future in America and ensure that the U.S. is the first republic and great power to stand the test of time. It concludes with steps that individuals should take to create a better future for themselves, their family and our country.