Dear John,

If you've ever seen the movie "Groundhog Day," then you know what the past week has been like for those of us down in Washington.

For the first time in more than a century, the House of Representatives has been stuck in limbo, unable to swear in Members or conduct official business because Republicans have yet to elect their speaker. 

After four days and 13 straight votes, we're all headed back to the chamber later tonight for what we hope will be an end to this unproductive and drawn out saga. 

The American people deserve a Congress that works for them. My fellow Pennsylvania House Democrats, including U.S. Representatives Madeline Dean, Brendan Boyle, Summer Lee, Chrissy Houlahan, Susan Wild, Chris DeLuzio, Mary Gay Scanlon, Dwight Evans and I were proud to gather on the Capitol steps yesterday morning to reaffirm our shared commitment to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

As proud Pennsylvanians, we're united and ready to work together on lowering costs, creating better paying jobs and making our communities safer. 

We had an incredibly productive 117th Congress, and I'm proud of the work we did. Let's hope a House Speaker is elected tonight so we can all get back to work and build on the achievements we accomplished in the past two years. 

The House of Representatives held a moment of silence today on the second anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Two years ago, I was on the House Floor preparing to deliver the closing address for the Pennsylvania Democratic delegation when the rioters began breaking down the main door into the House chamber.

We were evacuated, and I made it back to my office in the Rayburn House Office Building, where I spent the next 12 hours. I found out months later that the Capitol policeman guarding the Rayburn building was none other than Officer Ross Smirne from West Scranton. 

I will never forget Ross, or the rest of the brave Capitol police who protected us during the mayhem. We owe it not only to them, but to the democratic institutions in which we serve to ensure such an event never happens again.

Last month, two of my bipartisan bills aimed at benefitting the Poconos passed in the federal omnibus package. 

The first, H.R. 6364, will extend the use of U.S. Route 209 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to light commercial vehicles. The bill will also ensure emergency vehicles and school buses can continue using that same section of Highway 209 toll-free. 

The second, my Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act, will help protect and restore native plant species in national parks and recreation areas throughout the United States including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Thanks to my Route 209 legislation and Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act, we can protect Northeastern Pennsylvania’s local economy while helping preserve the ecosystem of our beloved natural landscapes.

I'm grateful for the robust bipartisan support for both of these bills and their passage is proof that both parties recognize the value of environmental stewardship while ensuring the prosperity of local businesses and industry.

To learn more about these bills, click here. 

 In last week's newsletter, I wrote that I was looking forward to being sworn-in again. 

Well, I'm STILL looking forward to being sworn-in again and consider it a privilege to continue representing you.

Let's hope tonight's 14th vote is the charm.  

Be safe and well,