And Just Like That … We are almost to March of 2022. It's the start of primary election season, and I know for many of us, a stark anniversary to remember the start of stay-at-home orders and mask mandates.
While we cannot minimize the toll this pandemic has taken on all of us these last two years, I can take hope in the way this community – right here in Washington and across the country – has come together to power our movement for equity and change.
Two weeks ago, I shared with you a quote from my friend, Congressman John Lewis, about his lifelong fight for racial equity and the power to exercise our rights to vote. That's why I acted with the House last month, to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act – to preserve our right to vote by eliminating discriminatory voter roll purges and expanding both mail-in and early voting access so all of us have the opportunity to make our voices heard.
While my colleagues in the Senate may have stalled passing this crucial legislation, twice, I am not done fighting for the folks whose voting rights have been most at-risk – communities of color, students, seniors, and people with disabilities. Thank you for standing with me.
And while this may have been a short month, we accomplished important milestones for our community right here in Washington.
Earlier this month, I helped pass the America COMPETES Act, a bold piece of legislation to strengthen our domestic manufacturing and supply chains, accelerate research and innovation, and most importantly, invest in American workers. This would directly support our economy here in Washington, as well as invest $52 billion to bolster the American semiconductor manufacturing industry and help address current supply chain issues. This is truly a golden opportunity for Congress to act on critical issues for our country and communities, while also investing in American competitiveness for years to come.
We have also lifted the long overdue, decade-long, ban on shellfish trade between the U.S. and European Union, securing a major win for Washington's shellfish growers. This industry is a key sector for our state, directly employing over 3,200 people in rural areas and contributing over $270 million annually to our economy.
I am also excited to share that this month we opened applications for Democracy Summer – a summer fellowship program to empower high school and college students to become the next generation of democratic leaders. Like you, I want to build a better future for our children. And I also want to give them the tools to shape and power their own movements. Last year, over 350 students joined us from 27 states, and I look forward to welcoming even more leaders this year.
As we look ahead to what's at stake this year – voting rights, health care, support for our children and families – all while facing a grueling pandemic, I know it can feel overwhelming. But as I look at what we have accomplished together already, I know we can keep fighting and keep getting it done.
Thank you for being part of this movement.
– Suzan DelBene
