Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser.

There were a few hopeful exceptions to the general failure to lead on this sad day, such as from former President Jimmy Carter and Senator Mitt Romney.

But, mostly, we have to be honest and admit this was not a case of the moment being seized to bring the country together.

So what’s next?

Immediately on the horizon are congressional debates on election legislation and the Democrats’ Build Back Better initiative.

We will keep urging leaders in both parties to seek two-party solutions in these areas, and that begins with something like the process that got the infrastructure bill over the finish line.

It might seem like an oversimplification, but the best way to get a two-party solution is to start with two parties – two parties in the room talking about the shared sense of the challenge and the shared sense of the solutions.

Such talks are in fact taking place now among a bipartisan group of senators, looking to pass a law that would provide more clarity about Congress’ role in certifying the winner of presidential elections.  There is opportunity to do something similar on a version of the child tax credit.

So as January moves forward, we will be looking for your help to foster such negotiations.  The behavior of most politicians on 1/6 demonstrates our fight isn’t over by any means.  That’s the realistic part of me talking.

But I’m optimistic that, with your help, the efforts of our allies in Congress, and the strength of our argument, 2022 can be a year of bipartisanship, even if this past week was not.

I’m headed out for a soy latte – or maybe a snow shovel.

Ryan

We know it can be scary to get involved, but every person taking action adds up and can make a real difference.