Today our nation celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, John, and I want to take a moment and reflect on the health of our democracy.

As a newly sworn in member of Congress, I've been really struck lately by Dr. King's quote "the time is always right to do what is right."

I think about how many people told Dr. King to slow down, to aim lower, to wait for the powers-that-be to change their minds on their schedule while millions suffered. I think about how many times someone must have told him "that's not the way we do things around here."

But the time is always right to do what's right, John. Sometimes "the way we do things around here" isn't helping anyone. And far too often, the powers-that-be aren't interested in what's right.

So as long as I'm in Congress, John, I won't wait for someone else to tell me it's okay to do what's right.

No member of Congress who cares for our democracy, who has constituents back in her district who need help, who has promises to keep, should wait till the time is right.

Our challenges are too great, and our solutions to these challenges are too urgent for Congress to wait.

Today serves as a meaningful reminder that the time is always right to do what is right.

For progress,

Val