Friend, can I have just a couple minutes of your day to explain what my work in the Senate has to do with our furry friends at home? You see, my wife, Colleen, and I have two adorable cats (they're named Sophie and Lucy) whom we absolutely adore.

If you have a pet or service animal, you know that our animals are part of the family. But far too often, when disaster strikes – a flood, a wildfire, a hurricane – the only way for families to get out safely is to leave their pets and service animals behind.

Right now, our federal preparedness and response efforts don't include plans to keep our pets and service animals safe. After major disasters, hundreds of animals never reunite with their families. That's not right – and it shouldn't be this way. Here's where my work in the Senate comes in.

I've authored a bill, the Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act, that would require FEMA to consult with experts and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that our pets are safe when disaster strikes. The PAW Act just advanced out of committee in the Senate, and I'm working hard to make sure it becomes law. But to do that, I need your help.

Things only get done in Washington when there's strong enough public support to break through the gridlock. So please, will you add your name to become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of the PAW Act? I'm counting on another 500 animal lovers to sign on before midnight tonight to show my colleagues that there's major grassroots support for this bill.

I know this isn't the type of issue politicians usually email you about, and it's not something you're going to read in front-page news. But this legislation will make a positive difference for millions of families. Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather and natural disasters – that's why we need to ensure that we keep as many families safe and whole as possible.

This is what it looks like when Washington is working right – when elected officials are actually working for the people who elected them.

Bills like the PAW Act might seem small compared to many of the bigger issues our country is facing. But to me, bills like this are proof that our government can still work for the people we serve, and it makes me more determined than ever to ensure that Democrats maintain our Senate majority so that we can keep addressing the issues Americans are facing – big and small.

But passing things through Congress still takes a lot of work, and today I'm counting on your help to get the PAW Act across the finish line. So please, can you add your name tonight to tell my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation immediately? It'd mean so much, not just to me but to my whole family – cats included!

Sophie, Lucy, and I thank you so much for your support.

– Gary