Dear Friends-
The second impeachment trial will start in the U.S. Senate next week. This will be the opportunity for our government to hold Trump accountable for his seditionist acts. It is not often in life where we are granted “do overs” for failure to demonstrate courage. Republicans have been granted such an opportunity. I hope this time they will take seriously the task before them and put country over the rantings of a radicalized group.
So far, the Republican Party has refused to condemn the actions of Marjorie Taylor Greene, a member of Congress who has endorsed the assassination of the Speaker of the House and antagonized a fellow member of Congress. While she remains unrepentant, Republican leaders continue to make excuses for her abhorrent behavior. Once again, it is Democrats who have shown conviction and voted to remove her from her committee assignments. A woman who ambushed a Parkland shooting survivor and equated him to a dog was unworthy of the assignment.
President Biden has sent a clear message that he wants all Americans to succeed and has put forth a plan to achieve that. The American Rescue Plan will deliver desperately needed help to communities across every state — communities that are hurting because of budget shortfalls created by the pandemic. Aid for our states, counties, cities, and tribes is critical. This is not a red state or blue state issue. Federal support for states, cities, and towns is essential for maintaining the public services that communities depend on, like public safety, healthcare, and sanitation.
President Biden is open to exchanging ideas about the American Rescue Plan, but is uncompromising when it comes to the speed needed to address these immense crises. The President indicated he is hopeful Democrats and Republicans can continue to work to strengthen the American Rescue Plan; however, he will not slow down work on this urgent crisis response, and will not settle for a package that fails to meet the moment.
To that end, in a 15 hour marathon, known as “vote-a-rama,” the Senate passed a budget resolution early yesterday morning to speed passage of President Biden’s plan through the process of reconciliation. In true MVP fashion, Vice President Harris cast the deciding vote that will advance the COVID relief package.
Through executive action, President Biden outlined steps to reform our immigration system. These executive actions create a task force to reunite children in the U.S. with their parents; address the root causes of irregular migration; and require agencies to conduct a thorough review of immigration policies. They are a critical step in undoing the cruel and inhumane policies of the Trump administration.
Progress continues to be made in staffing key roles within the new administration. President Biden’s Cabinet is finally starting to take shape. This week Pete Buttigieg became the first openly gay Cabinet secretary and Alejandro Mayorkas became the first Latino secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. A huge thanks to so many of you for helping to keep up the pressure around these important nominations. I anticipate the conformation of even more exceptional nominees and the bold policies that will come forth after they have been confirmed.
Yours in the Fight,
Mũthoni
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