Now isn’t the time to let up

Update

Monday, April 10, 2017

Dear Friends,

Donald Trump has been in office less than 100 days. He and his administration, together with the Majority in Congress, have already put in place policies that I believe are threatening the health, safety, and livelihood of our communities - especially our most vulnerable.

My response continues to be resistance and to do everything I can to protect the progress we've made and the progressive values we hold dear, including:

*Demanding answers on Russia's interference in our election. Hardly a day goes by without a troubling news report about Russia. The more I learn, the stronger the case there is for an independent commission to investigate, which is why I support H.R. 356, the Protecting Our Democracy Act.

*Opposing the administration's budget. I believe this administration's proposals to increase nuclear weapons spending and to build a wall come at the expense of human services, affordable housing, clean air and water, life-saving medical research, diplomacy, and so much more. I'm working with my colleagues in Congress to make sure this budget is dead on arrival.

*Keeping the pressure up for Donald Trump to release his tax returns. To me, too many questions remain unanswered about 45's business ties and too many conflicts of interest remain unaddressed. I've joined Congressman Pascrell in keeping this issue at the forefront of Congress, attempting to use every tool in our toolbox to release the returns.

*Making sure no one makes money off the presidency. I've also introduced legislation that would prohibit the use of any taxpayer funds to pay for food, lodging, or other expenses at hotels owned or operated by a president or his or her relatives. This is one small step to make sure that the public never subsidizes a president's private interests.

*Protecting your health care. We successfully derailed the destruction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), at least for now. I will continue to fight to make sure folks can get affordable, high-quality coverage. The ACA alone, however, will not resolve health inequality, bring down costs, or guarantee access to care. We ultimately need a single-payer health care system - or Medicare for All - which is why I support H.R. 676.

This list hardly scratches the surface of what's behind us or what's to come. (Go to: https://blumenauerforms.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx'ID=243-569941 to read more about the work we've done.) Less than 100 days into this administration, we've had losses - but more importantly, we've had a couple of wins.

Now isn't the time to let up, and I will remain vigilant in my efforts to resist.

Onward,

Congressman Earl BlumenauerEarl Blumenauer

Member of Congress