Not exactly how I expected the first week to go

Welcome back from the holidays!

While my Democratic colleagues in the Senate are looking forward to getting to work, the House remains paralyzed by a House Republican caucus proving itself incapable of governing.

It's been 4 days and 13 votes, and they still haven't elected a new Speaker of the House.

Like you, I've had my share of laughs over the entertaining clown show over there, but this is a warning sign for democracy.

Two years ago, on January 6, violent insurrectionists attacked the U.S. Capitol to stop the peaceful transfer of power. They attacked our democracy, because they believe that they should get their way — even when they lose an election.

Now, two years later, some of the Members of Congress who cheered the insurrection are demanding that they get their way — even when they clearly don't represent a majority in Congress, not even a majority of the House Republican caucus. These extremist MAGA Republicans have once again paralyzed an entire branch of our federal government.

These dangerous Members of Congress are leveraging a dysfunctional GOP that has made it clear that they are incapable of and disinterested in governing. Their obstinance goes beyond standard obstructionism. The MAGA movement is a threat to democracy itself.

That's why my #1 priority is protecting the integrity of our democratic system — ensuring fair elections, eliminating unaccountable dark money, and protecting voting rights for all Americans.

What else is on my to-do list? Addressing the affordable housing crisis, bringing down prescription drug costs, expanding renewable energy, supporting working families, and protecting civil rights. To name a few things.

We've got a lot to do this year, and I'm eager to get to work. Thank you for standing with me. Your advocacy and support are going to be crucial in the big fights ahead.

Onward!

Jeff