Friends,

Like many others, this year our family will be gathering around the table for the first 'normal' Thanksgiving celebration since the pandemic hit in 2020. More than ever, we are extremely grateful for the fact that we are able to come together in person with extended family — and for the vaccines that made that possible.

I am also thankful for the thousands of frontline workers, health care personnel and volunteers who helped neighbors in need and the most vulnerable in our communities this past year. And for you, and the millions of others, who continue to stand up to defend our democracy and push for real progress to improve the lives of working families.

There is still much work to be done, but we have come a long way. After one of the darkest periods in our history, we are moving forward on a number of fronts.

Sure, it hasn't been smooth — but change is happening. The infrastructure modernization initiative is already making a difference: I joined Transportation Secretary Buttigieg in Baltimore earlier this week to announce an important new investment in our transit systems. Next, we have to enact the other major part of our overall plan to expand opportunities for every American, reduce the financial squeeze on families, and address the climate crisis.

In order to keep moving forward we must tap the same people power in 2022 as we did last November.

Thank you for your thoughtful, active engagement. That's what gives me optimism. And it's what will protect our democracy against those who seek to diminish it.

Have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving — and don't put too much Old Bay on that turkey!

Chris