JOHN,

A year ago, I was blessed to become a father for the second time.

When my daughter Lucy was born, I took a few weeks to be home with my wife and our newborn. I was lucky to be there — to hold her, to help my wife get as much rest as possible, and to soak in those quiet, chaotic first days.

But in that time, I also saw something else clearly: Congress was not built for working parents.

Last week, Speaker Mike Johnson made that crystal clear.

A bill was introduced that would have given new moms and dads in Congress 12 weeks of leave—and the ability to vote remotely while recovering and bonding with their newborns. It was the kind of simple, human policy that acknowledges the realities families face every day.

Mike Johnson and the MAGA GOP tried to block it. And when it was clear it had enough bipartisan support to pass, he shut down the House floor for the rest of the week and sent everyone home, just to prevent a vote.

That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice. That’s a broken system — one where power games matter more than people.

When I look at my kids, I think about the world they’ll grow up in. I want them to know that public service can be honorable. That government can reflect the values we teach our kids — compassion, fairness, and a belief in progress.

But we won’t get there unless we demand it.

So yes, this is personal. If we want a Congress that looks like America, we need to make room for the lived experiences of young parents and everyday people.

And we need to stand up to those who are doing everything in their power to drag us backward.

We can get through this next administration — but only if we stand together, organize, and fight for a better future.

If you believe in that vision, I hope you’ll consider supporting this work — whatever amount feels right for you today.

Thank you,

Seth