| Restoring Justice and Unity to America |
Dear Neighbor,
I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy and staying safe.
Our Constitution begins with the words "We the People of the United States." The voice of the people is the foundation from which all our freedoms take shape. We are a diverse country with many voices. Our disagreements are often heated. But through free and fair elections, we choose a path forward together. By working together, we can overcome the deadly challenges we face and build a stronger, fairer country.
We all know that the results in a democracy are not always what we want. But we are strong enough to overcome those disappointments, and find areas of agreement and compromise amidst our shared beliefs in respect, dignity, equality, and justice.
Earlier this month, violent insurrectionists inspired by lies told by the former president attacked the U.S. Capitol to overturn the results of the last election. Five people died, including a Capitol Police Officer, Brian D. Sicknick, who was beaten to death by the mob. I continue to pray for his family, and for our country.
One week later, I passed through the broken doors and shattered glass of the House Chamber and voted to impeach the former president for his role inciting that attack.
And one week after that, I had the honor to attend the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris. As they took their oath to defend this nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic, we celebrated the triumph of the democratic transition of power and the strength of our republic. I had the pleasure to be joined by my husband, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, pictured below with my Central Florida colleagues, U.S. Reps. Stephanie Murphy and Darren Soto.
We also celebrated the historic moment of Senator Harris' inauguration as the first female, Black, and Asian-American Vice President of the United States. Watching that moment reaffirmed my faith in America, and my parents’ promise to me that a little Black girl could do or be anything that anyone else could.
As we begin this year with a new congress and new administration, I am working with my colleagues and with the new administration on urgent legislation to bring relief to American families struggling with the virus and economic downturn, to make sure that vaccines are swiftly distributed to every American, and to rebuild America with greater liberty and justice for all people.
I believe in America. I believe that we can do anything if we honor our common values and treat every person with dignity and respect. As President Biden said in his inaugural address, "we must meet this moment as the United States of America...We have never, ever, ever failed in America when we have acted together."
It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Please continue to care for one another and stay safe.
Sincerely,
U.S. Rep. Val Demings
The deadly January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol was an attack on our democracy itself. The rabid mob, incited by lies told by the former president and his enablers, broke into the People’s House seeking to kill or capture the elected representatives of the people and to overturn an American election.
If we saw this failed coup in another country, we would have no problem telling it like it is: a sign that our democratic system of government—our republic that has stood for 244 years—is in grave danger. To preserve our democracy, we must be brave and committed to our fundamental American values.
To preserve our republic, we must respond to this deadly attack with the same seriousness as past generations who defended America in her hours of need. The perpetrators of the attack must be held accountable to the laws of our nation. Those who incited it by continuing to spread lies about “voter fraud” and veiled calls to “take back our country” must also be held accountable, up to and including the former president.
President Biden said in his inauguration that “disagreement must not lead to disunion,” and asked us to “end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal.” I echo the president’s call. We are better than those who try to tear us apart. We are one nation, and we believe in the same values: liberty and justice for all, and a better future for ourselves and our children. Those who seek to divide us and spread hate must be opposed with all our strength.
I am proud of the Capitol Police officers who, despite being put in an impossible position where they were outmanned and outgunned, managed through bravery and dedication to save many lives. I continue to support further investigations into how and why they were put in that situation. I pray for the families of Officer Brian Sicknick, Officer Howard Liebengood, and Officer Jeffrey Smith.
Our republic is a precious thing. Our nation is not perfect, but we have always strived for perfection. The voice of the people is the means by which we ever seek a brighter horizon. When I took office, I pledged to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I will keep that oath. We will never betray our constitution and our democracy.
| Back to Work for the American People |
I am honored to return to Washington, D.C. as your representative in Congress.
My top priority in the coming weeks is to pass meaningful COVID-19 relief legislation that puts money into your pocket and saves our struggling small businesses, ensures the stability of local government services like teachers and firefighters, and ensures that virus distribution will rapidly speed up so we can return to normal as soon as possible. President Biden has already signed multiple executive orders to move forward on these priorities, but only Congressional action can swiftly move the ball forward, and I again urge my colleagues in the Senate to join us and pass swift relief.
If you have not yet received your last economic impact payment of $600, please click here to track that payment.
I will be rejoining the House Committees on Homeland Security, Intelligence, and the Judiciary. As we work to restore and unite America, it is more important than ever that we defend the Constitution, rule of law, and civil rights and personal safety of all.
In the last Congress, we passed comprehensive legislation on numerous issues, from civil rights, to climate change, to job creation, to health care costs. Nearly all of this legislation was blocked by the then-GOP controlled Senate, but now we have a chance to make important changes on these priorities. I am anxious to get back to work.
It is my great pleasure to recognize Mr. Arlo Skjegstad of Winter Garden, who turned 100 years old this month!
A U.S. Army veteran and retired plumber, Mr. Skjegstad moved to Florida from Minnesota, and was the first-ever resident of Trailer City, Winter Garden to reach the age of 100. When asked, he said that one of the great thrills of his life was learning to fly planes. Birthdays are blessings, and Mr. Arlo Skjegstad has been greatly blessed. Happy birthday!
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During this tough time, I want to assure you that my staff and I are still working and ready to assist you. If you need help, please let us know. You can contact us here.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Please continue to care for one another and stay safe. I know that we can get through this together.
Sincerely,
U.S. Rep. Val Demings
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