Dear Friends,

Two years ago today, I was trapped in the chamber of the House of Representatives as insurgents broke windows, battered doors and attacked policemen. Watching the Capitol Police with their weapons drawn, I wondered if I would survive the most violent attack on our democracy since the Civil War. I’ve wondered every day since if our democracy would survive.

The signs today are better than they were two years ago. Those who committed illegal acts of brutal violence are being held accountable. Hundreds have been convicted and jailed. Almost all of the candidates who claimed that the election was stolen were defeated at the polls two months ago.

Our essential institutions have generally held up to ongoing attack. Congress reconvened the night of January 6th amidst broken glass and blood stains to certify the election. Our courts consistently turned away attacks on that election. And while our free press has soul-searching of its own to do, its bright light continues to shine on dark things.

As I have said in countless town hall meetings, the survival of our democracy is largely in the hands of the people. In our hands.  And here, I think we still have work to do.  Too often opposition is equated with treason, political debates are viewed as existential threats, and violence is justified against other Americans.

I have never liked the apocalyptic language of warfare and survival. Almost all of the debates in Congress are policy disagreements. Changes to our budget, tax policy, Medicare and Social Security affect people’s lives profoundly, but they won’t destroy our republic.  Recalling my experience of two years ago, let me assure you that a lethal change occurs when your opposition becomes your enemy, when dissent becomes treason.