Dear friend,  Ever since Republicans gained the majority in the House of Representatives nine months ago, Americans have been subjected to unnecessary chaos and economic uncertainty. We deserve better. Republicans in the House have used the threat of economic default, shutdowns and abortion bans to gain political advantage, while the wishes of most Americans for bipartisanship and stability are ignored.  We dodged an economic crisis manufactured entirely by Republicans last weekend because Democrats in the House remained unified and a large, bipartisan group of Senators held firm. Throughout the year, Kevin McCarthy routinely sought to appease the extreme MAGA Republicans to hold on to his speakership. He flip-flopped on issues of great importance, such as reneging on the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act passed at the end of May (314-117!) to restrain spending, cut the deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next ten years and avoid a future shutdown. Instead, he allowed chaos and dysfunction to reign – and broke his promise to proceed to agreed-upon appropriations and sided with MAGA extremists. Since I started my service in Congress, I have watched Republicans fire three speakers. Republicans also have shut down the U.S. government five times in the last thirty years. Meanwhile, everyday Americans pay the price. It’s wrong. House Democrats are unified in fighting for hardworking Americans and putting people over politics. I will do everything I can to ensure that the MAGA extremists do not use the threat of another shutdown to force their extreme policies or leave us with widespread furloughs and stopped paychecks to military families, Coast Guard and other public servants. I will work diligently to lower costs, grow the middle class, and ensure that our communities are safe. People come before politics, and hopefully, new leadership in the House will join us in that commitment. As always, you can call my office at (813) 871-2817 or (727) 369-0201. I hope to see you soon!