Dear Friend,

Tonight, Donald Trump will deliver a joint address to Congress. I will attend because I believe, like our Founding Fathers did, that it is Congress’ most fundamental responsibility to serve as a check on the Executive Branch. I believe that the President will use this moment to further his illegal and unconstitutional agenda, and it’s important that he does not see an absent minority, but an insistent, principled opposition.

I will bring as my guest Mollie Melbourne, CEO of the Southwest Community Health Center in Bridgeport. In Connecticut, we’re lucky to have a network of Community Health Centers that ensure every resident can access necessary medical care without being forced into devastating debt. Now, those programs are at risk as Trump and Musk continue to cudgel their way through our federal support systems at the expense of the elderly, the disabled, and the disadvantaged. Leaders like Mollie see firsthand the casualties of this Administration’s attack on Medicaid and other federal funding, and I am proud to have her alongside me in this fight to protect Connecticut’s most vulnerable communities.

Presidents have typically used their addresses to Congress to unite the nation in moments of discord, to display steady leadership to the country and the world, and to further momentous, impactful legislation. 

In 1862, in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln delivered his State of the Union to the fractured Congress. He said: "Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation."

His message was clear: set aside your personal pride and ambition and unite in our shared mission to save this country. This is a warning to my Republicans colleagues today as most have folded to the dictatorial will of the President.

I am not naïve enough to hope that Donald Trump will follow in the historic footsteps before him with a message of resilience or unity. Since taking office, he has done nothing but sow chaos – for our federal workers who wake up each morning not knowing if they’re still employed, for our disadvantaged neighbors in need of support for housing, food, and medical care, and for our allies overseas trying desperately to defend their own democracies.

But please know that, whatever we hear this evening, you have an advocate here in Washington. I will continue defending your rights and demanding that our Republican Majority regain its autonomy to hold this President accountable. Whether in the courts, in the media, or at home in Connecticut, I will be relentless in shining light on this Administration’s most harmful actions, and defending my constituents against its attacks.

As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns at 203-333-6600.

Sincerely,

Jim