Dear John,

A few hours before last week’s assault on the Capitol, Newsweek published an article exploring the agenda before Congress under the incoming administration.

Of course, the day’s ensuing events demanded attention, but the issue of the congressional agenda remains on everyone’s minds as members prepare to reconvene in a few weeks.

Newsweek explored the wide-ranging progressive consensus on visionary, transformative policies to address the mounting crises confronting our society.

It’s that vision for a paradigm shift that inspired—and continues to animate—our campaign. Join us!

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), chair of the Progressive Caucus, noted her goals including “Racial Justice, Guaranteed Healthcare for all, $$$ out of politics & democracy reform, Bold climate justice, Universal childcare, paid leave, domestic workers bill of rights, pay equity, Public education, free college.”

To that list of priorities, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) added “retroactive COVID relief, student loan cancellation, climate justice, healthcare, voting rights and an end to the death penalty...”

Want to see a voice for San Francisco in Congress who will stand with them—instead of in their way? We’re eager to offer that alternative.

After quoting Reps. Jayapal and Ocasio-Cortez, Newsweek quoted me, writing:

Shahid Buttar, a civil rights lawyer and progressive activist who challenged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for her California seat in the House of Representatives, was more direct.

"Once the Republican Senate is out of the way, Washington Democrats will have no excuses," Buttar tweeted. "Watch carefully which bills come up for votes in the House. The proof will be in the pudding."

We’re eager to make sure that the congressional agenda includes the policies needed to address the pandemic, ameliorate climate chaos, and expand our rights in the face of the bipartisan sprint towards authoritarian responses to last week’s brazen attacks.

San Francisco deserves a voice ready to defend civil liberties in a time of crisis, and one committed to meeting the needs of a people in crisis.

I’m honored by your support.

Thanks for standing with us,

Shahid