Achieving Goals
With the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act on August 16, Democrats have
effectively destroyed two common memes: that Congress is a dysfunctional mess where nothing gets done, and that Democrats are a disorganized mess too.
Under Republican leadership during the last administration, very little was accomplished. A tax cut/gift to the wealthy was passed in 2017, but not much other legislation. They did manage to pack courts with biased under-qualified judges who will wreck havoc on the nation for at least a decade, but that was about it.
Since taking over in January of 2021, Democrats in Congress have passed:
The American Rescue Plan
The Infrastructure Bill
The Chips Act (microchip manufacture)
The Pact Act (burn pit/veterans medical support)
Gun safety legislation
And finally, the Inflation Reduction act
Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer have garnered support among their members, focused on the Art of the Possible and made legislation happen. Sometimes it has been messy and contentious and sometimes not, but they did not let the perfect destroy the good and created a record of legislative achievement.
Oh and don’t forget, the Democratic Senate has confirmed many judges as well, including
the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.
How did they do this? There is an old joke that is attributed to Will Rogers: "I’m not a member of any organized party…. I’m a Democrat." At times that still felt valid, but Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer both showed how leadership works by persisting with their efforts on our behalf, shepherding their caucuses to achieve these goals for Americans. Where they could, they worked with Republicans, and where Republicans were obstinate, they still achieved.
There's an election in less than 90 days. If you want to continue to see progress for America you need to be involved. At a minimum, make sure you are registered and ready to vote. We have some excellent candidates for both local and national offices that are worthy of your time and your financial support.
Lisa Haderlein for Congress IL-16: HaderleinforCongress.com
Tammy Duckworth for US Senate: TammyDuckworth.com
Richard Kennedy for Winnebago County Board District 6: Facebook - Elect Richard Kennedy
Lindsey Lancaster for Winnebago County Board District 2: ElectLindseyLancaster.com
Get involved with their campaigns, canvas for them, talk to your friends and neighbors. Donate! Be a part of the solution. Less than 90 days to go, and we all can have a positive impact so the progress can continue.