Hi friend,

I hope you’re doing well. For this week’s Patriot Weekly, I want to bring attention to how the government shutdown is affecting people in the Hudson Valley and around the country, Trump’s politicization of our justice system, and yesterday’s No Kings protest. Thank you again for reading, and for being part of this team. 

How to stay involved

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What’s going on

Hudson Valley

What I’m doing: This one hits close to home, and it’s disgraceful. Because of the government shutdown, many West Point families have missed a paycheck and are struggling to make ends meet. The Village of Highland Falls and The Greater Food Bank of the Hudson Valley have stepped up to provide food assistance to those who need it. 

One West Point employee said “I have three mouths to feed, not including my own, and my refrigerator is empty, so I was so excited when I heard about this.” It’s sad and wrong that it’s come to this. As a graduate of West Point myself, it’s beyond disgusting that the Trump administration betrayed our veterans yet again. People who put their lives on the line for our country can’t feed their families because of Trump’s cruelty.

What you can do: Support the Regional Food Bank and the critical work they’re doing to keep our community fed. 

New York
 

What I’m doing: When Trump’s Department of Justice indicted Attorney General Letitia James, I called it what it is — a blatant abuse of power and a full-on assault on our democracy. Tish James did her job and spoke truth to power. Trump responded by ordering a U.S. Attorney to go after her. When that prosecutor refused to bring a bogus case, he replaced them with his personal lawyer to get the indictment he wanted. I made it clear last Thursday: “Patriots who believe in liberty and justice for all can’t be quiet; we must GET LOUDER.” I’m working with my colleagues in Congress to investigate this political retaliation and to make sure our justice system can never again be weaponized for personal revenge.

What you can do: Speak out. Post about this attack on our democracy. Tell your friends and neighbors what’s happening and why it matters. The rule of law is only as strong as those willing to defend it — and this is one of those moments. Stay loud, stay proud, and stand up for justice.

Washington
 

What I’m doing: At the center of the shutdown fight is the GOP’s refusal to extend Obamacare premium tax credits. A new analysis suggests 3-4 million people could see huge increases in their premiums in a time when many people are already struggling with higher prices across the board. Hospitals will come under even more pressure as costs increase and revenue decreases.

Let’s be clear about what’s happening here — Trump cut $1 trillion from YOUR health care to give HIS donors a $1 trillion tax cut. Now they’re doubling down by letting millions lose coverage just to pay for more handouts to the ultra-rich. I didn’t risk my life in combat to come home and watch politicians betray the very people they’re supposed to serve. I’m fighting to extend these premium tax credits, protect the Affordable Care Act, and keep care within reach for every American. This is about protecting working families, veterans, and young people. 

What you can do: Now’s the time to take a stand. If you’re not in NY-18, call your member of Congress and demand they extend the ACA premium tax credits. We are the Patriotic Majority — and when we stand together, we can protect affordable health care and defend the values that make America worth fighting for.

Going on offense

Trump is flailing. He’s so desperate to control the narrative that he’s cracking down on the free press. He’s criminalizing dissent. He wants us to fear him, but we can’t let fear win. 

Yesterday, I marched along with millions around the country to make it clear that America will never have a king. This nation was founded by the overthrow of a king, and we will always fight back against tyranny and overreach.

Keep the faith, keep up the fight, and thank you for reading!

In Solidarity,

Pat