Hello Friends,

It has been a historic week here in Washington, D.C. It’s disappointing that Republicans in the House of Representatives demonstrated their continued inability to work on behalf of the American people. Their political posturing has threatened our ability to serve our constituents and do the important work that is critical for communities.

Finally, after days of infighting, Republicans elected a Speaker, and while I disagree with him on many issues, I’m focused on working across the aisle whenever possible to support the Granite State.

Congratulations to Leader Hakeem Jeffries on being the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress. Photo courtesy of CNN.

Despite this setback, my office remained open and continued serving Granite Staters across New Hampshire’s Second District. The 118th Congress is sure to hold more challenges and opportunities, and, through it all, my priority will remain fighting for New Hampshire. 

Yesterday was the second anniversary of the January 6th, 2021, armed assault on our United States Capitol. To commemorate this solemn anniversary, this week’s newsletter will honor the sacrifices of our U.S. Capitol Police officers and those who defended our democracy on that dark day.

I was trapped in the House Gallery on January 6, 2021.

The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was part of a coordinated effort to overturn the results of a free and fair presidential election, orchestrated by former President Trump and his allies. The brutal assault on our democracy was a wake-up call to the extremism and disinformation those in power weaponized against their fellow Americans. These insurrectionists brutalized police and law enforcement officers and put our democratic system to the ultimate test.

Thankfully, the 2021 insurrection failed. But, two years later, as our country heads into a new Congress, the threat to our democracy remains.

On Friday morning, I joined my colleagues on the House steps to remember the officers who lost their lives due to the January 6th insurrection and to honor their families.

I wrote an op-ed with my friend and colleague Rep. Jason Crow about just how close we and our country came on January 6th, 2021, and the importance of justice. Read the full piece in The Hill here.

The difference between escaping to safety and running into the violent mob face-to-face was 30 seconds. Just 30 seconds. That is how close we came that fateful day — not just members of Congress, but the American people and the future of our democracy. 

We must continue pushing for justice — for the good of our country, and the longevity of our democracy.

It was an honor to serve the police officers who serve our country on the anniversary of January 6th.

It was the courage and resolve of law enforcement officers and Capitol Police who saved our lives. More than 140 were injured — many of them suffered permanent, career-ending injuries — and tragically, some lost their lives. They were beaten and terrorized, but they held off the violent crowd so we could eventually escape from the gallery and shelter in a safe room.

Their sacrifice will not be in vain. 

It was one thousand acts of courage that saved our lives and our democracy that day. The bravery of the United States Capitol Police officers and of D.C. Metropolitan Police officers allowed us to escape safely. And, after hours of hard-fought resistance and pushing back, the building was secured, and we were able to go back to the Chamber and certify the election results.

I joined CBS News to discuss the Republican majority’s inability to elect a speaker and the connection to the January 6th, 2021, attack on our U.S. Capitol.

Thankfully, for the past two years, the bipartisan January 6th Select Committee worked tirelessly to investigate the attack, show the American people the truth, and ensure accountability. No one is above the law, and, as the committee’s work comes to an end, it is essential we do not allow anyone to discredit the reality of what happened that day.

Read more: House Democrats connect Jan. 6 to GOP's speakership fight

Read more: Jan. 6 remembrance led by Dems; GOP wrestles with its rebels

Read more: Kuster, Pappas remain firmly behind Jeffries

As we head into a new year and a new Congress and the House shifts to Republican control, it is more important than ever that our country remembers the horrors of Jan. 6 and how close we came to a very different result on Jan. 7, 2021. 

Justice and accountability have no expiration date. We must continue pushing to ensure those who perpetrated the violent attack on our country on Jan. 6, 2021, are held responsible for their crimes. Anything less jeopardizes our very values as a nation.

Learn more about how the Inflation Reduction Act could save you and your family money here.

As of January 1, 2023, the health and energy benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act went into effect:

💰 Finally allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices

💊$2,000 cap on Rx costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries 

👨‍⚕️$35/month cap on insulin for Medicare beneficiaries 

💉No-cost vaccines for seniors on Medicare Part D 

🚗Tax credit for clean vehicles and heating systems

I will continue working to lower costs across the board.

One of my most important jobs as your representative is helping New Hampshire families.

Do you or a loved one need assistance navigating a federal agency? My office is here to help!

If you need assistance with a federal agency, please reach out to my Concord office at (603) 226-1002 or visit www.Kuster.House.Gov.

As always, the CDC and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services are the best resources to turn to for information about COVID-19. If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider.

To stay updated on my work in Congress and around the Granite State and for important information and resources, like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

I hope you have a safe and fun rest of your weekend!

Sincerely,

Annie