Dear Colleague on Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade

Dear Democratic Colleague,

Over the last two days, the Supreme Court has inflicted devastation on our nation: flooding our public spaces with more deadly weapons and erasing women's fundamental right to make their own reproductive health decisions.

While we regret these Supreme Court outcomes, we remain ready for the challenge to maintain a culture of respect for our women, safety for our children and freedom for all in our country.

Sadly, overturning Roe v. Wade is only the Republicans' opening act in their despicable crusade to punish and control women. With Roe now out of the GOP's way, former Vice President Pence announced plans for a nationwide ban on abortion.

Of special concern is the disturbing attitude expressed by Justice Clarence Thomas, but shared by many opponents of women's reproductive freedom, when he said: "In future cases, we should reconsider all of this Court's substantive due process precedents, including Griswold (contraception), Lawrence (bodily autonomy) and Obergefell (marriage equality)."

On the gun violence prevention front: we are very proud of the legislation that we sent to President Biden today for his signature, and with gratitude for his leadership. It represents a strong first step, but as we always promise the survivors: we will not rest until the job is done.

As we engage in our Congressional internal maneuvering, we must be a source of hope for outside advocates. The biggest difference is made by the outside mobilization. Women demonstrated during the Women's March on Washington that they know their power – and they know how to use it, when they marched, they ran, they voted, and they won.

It is clear that the path forward will depend on the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections. President Lincoln said: "Public sentiment is everything." And in order for public sentiment to prevail, the people must know. We must continue to beat the drum – not only of what the challenges are, but what we as Democrats are doing about it.

The contrast between our parties could not be clearer: while Democrats are the party of freedom and safety, Republicans are the party of punishment and control. We must "Remember in November" that the rights of women, and indeed all Americans, are on the ballot.

Thank you for your continued leadership For The People.

NANCY