Friend,

On the 6th, I planned to send an email thanking everyone for their support and to celebrate the swearing-in of a new Congress — a look back at my first term while planning for the work ahead.

But Wednesday changed everything. Instead, I am reaching out about the attack on the Capitol this week. President Trump incited an insurgency that resulted in violence and destruction. I was in the gallery of the Capitol and feared for our democracy, as my colleagues and I were evacuated and moved to a secure location.

This cannot stand. We must, and we will, respond accordingly to defend our democracy. Never more clearly has the President demonstrated how unworthy and unfit he is to lead our nation, and I have co-sponsored articles of Impeachment. President Trump must be stopped from causing further damage to the fabric of our nation.

And despite the violence, we persisted — our democracy will endure. After the attack, my colleagues and I remained working until the early hours of Thursday morning to confirm the election victory for President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris.

I was sworn in to my second term in Congress only this past Sunday, and my colleagues and I will not be intimidated or derailed from our sworn oaths. We will uphold our duty to protect the Constitution, our democracy, and serve the people.

I remain committed to protecting American families and fighting for good governance. We need qualified, compassionate, and ethical leadership in Washington — now more than ever.

There is no shortage of challenges we face, but with a new administration and a new Senate, I have renewed faith and hope that we can take on whatever lies ahead.

Thank you for your support, and I especially thank so many of you who took the time to reach out personally to express their concern for my safety and our country.

I am safe and well and more determined than ever to serve.

Sincerely,

Madeleine