Dear Colleague on Democratic Legislative Agenda to Defend Americans’ Freedom, Health and Security

Dear Democratic Colleague,

June's actions of the Supreme Court have had a devastating impact on our country – and have informed our Congressional agenda. This is exacerbated by the ongoing epidemic of gun violence across the country.

We should take pride in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which the President proudly signed into law, as well as the Active Shooter Alert Act, which the House passed last week. It is beyond explanation that 168 Republicans voted "no" to save lives by implementing an AMBER Alert-style system to inform families when a gunman opens fire in their neighborhood. At the same time, our Caucus knows that more must be done: respecting the overwhelming wish of the Caucus, the House is advancing the Assault Weapons Ban, which will be marked up this week in the Judiciary Committee.

Last Friday, the House passed two important bills to protect a woman's right to reproductive freedom: one to make the protections of Roe v. Wade once again the law of the land, and one to defend the right to travel across state lines for reproductive freedom. Again, more needs to be done.

This week, the House will pass two more bills to protect freedom in our nation, as extremist Justices and lawmakers take aim at more of our basic rights. Our Right to Contraception Act will preserve the essential protections found in Griswold v. Connecticut. Our Respect for Marriage Act – which, proudly, is bipartisan and bicameral – will defend the right to marry whomever you love, as found in Obergefell v. Hodges and Loving v. Virginia.

As we address these matters of life and death, we are constantly striving to bring a COMPETES bill to the Floor as well as address the new developments on the Reconciliation bill. In both cases, we must accept the good and continue our negotiations for more. Thanks to our Committee Chairs, we are prepared to continuing our work to meet the kitchen table needs of America's hard-working families.

The health provisions of a potential Reconciliation package are essential, as we must act to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. It is of the highest priority for House Democrats that we continue our fight to save the planet For The Children, as this is an issue of health, jobs, security and values. I express appreciation to President Biden for his leadership in all these areas.

The short time between now and November will be intense. Our success, as always, will depend on a unified Democratic House Caucus.

Thank you for your leadership For The Children.

NANCY