I want to express my most heartfelt gratitude to you, Friend.

Over the course of this election, you fought with everything you had – voting, donating, volunteering, speaking with your neighbors and friends – to elect truly qualified leaders up and down the ballot – including to the presidency, our nation's highest office. 

The outcome – after so much hard work and hope – is disappointing. It's also painful, knowing who is about to once again step into the most powerful office in the world. Many Americans all over the country are feeling a whole host of emotions: Fear, anger, sadness. You're not alone.

But whatever we are feeling now, we must channel it into resolution. We must focus on how we can use the power we have to protect and preserve what actually makes our nation great – democracy, the rule of law, freedom, opportunity. 

Here's what that means for our work in the U.S. Senate right now: judges, judges, judges. While Democrats still hold the majority, and with President Biden still in office, we are working overtime in the Judiciary Committee to get as many of the president's judicial nominations as possible onto the Senate floor for votes. Without delay. My Democratic colleagues and I are united in achieving this.

We know what lies ahead. We know who Donald Trump is and what he has promised. A strong federal judiciary that represents the true values of our nation – with judges who lead with respect and reverence for our democracy and Constitution – will be a crucial check on the president-elect's agenda.

Friend, you have my word that, whatever the new year and administration hold, I am committed to fighting resolutely, smartly, and effectively. The fights ahead will be numerous. They will be challenging. But together, we can and must do our part to protect the values that truly make America great. Thank you for your partnership in that effort.

Sincerely,

Dick