Dear Friends,

Many have written and called concerned, distraught and angry about President Trump’s wave of sweeping unconstitutional Executive Orders, about his outrageous cabinet appointments, and in particular about Elon Musk’s access to federal agencies and the private data of Americans.

I am as outraged as you are, and I am especially outraged at my congressional Republican colleagues who refuse to stand up and call out actions they know are wrong, even when the President is trying to usurp the power granted to them as independently elected Members of Congress.

The facts are that Democrats lost the House, lost the Senate and a man with no concern for the law, law enforcement or anyone but himself, now occupies the White House, which makes the fight very difficult, and our options limited.

That said, I intend to use every tool in my power as a member of the House to fight back, which means thoughtful, deliberate planning and a strategic use of time. I will continue to do whatever I can to make a real difference for San Diego, for the country, for the rule of law, and for democracy here and abroad.

The Democrats’ strength is that we are united, and we are committed to supporting the game plan laid out by our leadership. Here’s how:

1. Our Power is in our Votes: We will fight every attempt made by President Trump and House Republicans to hurt, and take funding from, important federal programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and others that Americans paid into and need. Unlike Democrats, Republican House members are far from united, and their majority margin is small. They need our votes to pass any government funding bill, or frankly any real legislation of consequence. Democrats will deny them our support and block their success when they try to hurt the American people.
2. Protect Americans’ Private Information: Many of you have reached out to me concerned that your personal Social Security or Medicare payment information would be accessed by Elon Musk or his staff and that they would leak it, sell it, or use it to hurt you. Democrats will produce legislation to prevent illegal access to Americans’ private information via the payment system at the Department of Treasury.
3. Expose How Trump’s Actions Raise Cost of Living: Trump’s tariffs won’t reduce inflation, they’ll cost you money. Trump continues to threaten our allies and trading partners with raising tariffs on the goods America imports which may seem like a tax on them, but they turn into increased prices for you, on everything from groceries to cars to lumber to gas. They also hurt San Diego’s economy, which could threaten your job. I’ll call this out and remind people how Trump’s reckless policies hurt their pocketbooks. His actions to defund federal grants to community health clinics and other services will also cost many people money and hurt their well-being.
4. The Courts Will Put an End to Much of this Nonsense: Already the courts have ruled against Trump’s attempt to dismantle birthright citizenship; judge calling it a ridiculous attempt to disregard the Constitution. A judge also halted Trump’s illegal attempt to freeze funding to federal grants, loans and other financial assistance. These legal challenges will continue, and House Democrats will support them with amicus briefs or other legal means. According to Democratic House leadership, there are currently 20 different lawsuits challenging 11 executive orders.
5. Lean on the Experts: Democratic House Leadership is enlisting the help of Constitutional scholars and other experts to help us expose and fight back against Trump’s illegal and hurtful actions designed to punish his enemies and hurt the American people.
6. Fix Our Broken Immigration System: Democrats will continue to fight for an immigration reform plan that secures the border from guns, drugs and other threats. We will also seek ways to protect Dreamers, and to provide a legal pathway for people who are good members of our society and contribute to our economy. We must also find a practical way to quickly process those who come with legitimate claims for asylum and as refugees, from countries like Afghanistan and Ukraine.
7. Cry Foul When Trump Tries to Freeze Your Funds and Disregard Your Vote: You elected the Congress, and the Constitution grants the power of the purse to Congress elected by the people. Donald Trump hoped to take away your power in the federal appropriations process when he tried to freeze the federal spending plan approved by the Congress you elected. We will resist any attempts he makes to steal your power, your federal funds and to undermine the Constitution.
8. Budget Battle to Protect the Middle Class and Reduce the Deficit: As a member of the House Budget Committee, I will be at the center of the fight when Republicans try to extend the Trump tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans that helped balloon the federal deficit. I’ll support tax cuts for working families and small businesses and look for smart ways to reduce the federal debt.
9. Public Safety for the People, Not Pardons for Felons: Democrats will continue to prioritize safety for your neighborhoods, not pardons for violent criminals who assault our brave public safety officers.
10. Talking to you: Democrats are committed to being in touch with the people we represent. I know you want answers. My staff and I spend our time looking for real ways to do the work you chose me to do; I’m doing it, thoughtfully, methodically, with intention, and with determination.

As I mentioned previously, House Republicans only have a two or three vote margin and their caucus is all over the place. Speaker Johnson will struggle to get a majority vote on anything of consequence. Sometime very soon, Republicans will need Democrats, and we will use our leverage to fight back.