As we enter the final weeks of 2021, I am reminded of how far we have come — and how far we still have to go to protect our democracy and the future direction of our country.

Despite our critical electoral victories in 2020, the poison of Trump’s Big Lie is still coursing through our politics and being used by Republican-controlled state legislatures to enact laws that would undermine the legitimacy of our electoral process and make it harder for people of color and younger voters to access the ballot box.

And while we made historic progress this year with the passage of the American Rescue Plan and the infrastructure modernization bill, our razor-thin Democratic majority, which requires 100% caucus unity on any measure, has frustrated our ability to advance the essential work we still must do. That essential work includes ending or amending the filibuster to pass the Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to protect our elections. It also means passing the Build Back Better plan to expand educational and workforce opportunities for all, reduce the financial squeeze on American families, and tackle the climate crisis — all paid for by ending tax breaks for multinational corporations and the mega-wealthy.

Despite the frustrations and setbacks we have faced, this fight is not over. Our democracy cannot survive if the majority of Americans have no say, if a minority can stop all votes on the key issues facing our country, and if the act of voting itself is allowed to become a legitimate political target.

There's been enough talking, tweeting and chattering. The Senate must return on January 3rd ready to take a series of key votes. The American people deserve to see exactly where every senator stands on votes to reform the filibuster, pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and pass the Build Back Better agenda. It's time for the Senate to vote!

The road ahead may not be easy, but the work we are engaged in together will determine the future of our democracy and the kind of America we and our children will live in. With your help, and the active engagement of so many others across this country, we will succeed in advancing the public interest and protecting the integrity of our democracy.

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.

Onwards,

Chris