Updates from the DNC Chair:
Last week, longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone was arrested and charged with obstruction, witness tampering, and giving false statements. This indictment is the clearest evidence yet that the Trump campaign was a willing and active participant in a conspiracy with Russia and WikiLeaks to influence the 2016 election. There are more conspirators yet to be held accountable—and at least one of them is named Donald Trump.
What Was the Point of the Suffering Trump Caused?
Leaders in Washington finally reached an agreement to reopen the government that does not include funding for Trump’s unnecessary border wall. It’s virtually the same deal Trump should've accepted 35 days ago. So what was the point of all the pain that Donald Trump inflicted on federal workers? What was the point of the missed paychecks, the long lines at food banks, the chaos at our airports, and the sick children without health care? The longest shutdown in American history was avoidable, unnecessary, and disastrous for the country. And the American people know exactly who’s to blame: Donald Trump.
Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Democrats in Congress, hundreds of thousands of American workers will finally have a reprieve from the suffering Donald Trump has caused. Democrats have been prepared to work on a border security bill from the start of this ordeal; our leaders offered multiple proposals to keep the government open, including a strong bipartisan solution passed by voice vote in the Senate. And yet, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress failed to do their jobs for 35 days. The American people will hold them accountable, and Democrats will fight tooth and nail to prevent a shutdown from happening again.
Supporting Our Democratic Mayors
Last week, I stopped by the National Conference of Democratic Mayors to talk about why their work is so important to our party and our country’s future. Mayors are the tip of the spear. They are on the front lines, leading the fights that matter most to working families across the country.
As a former local elected official myself, I have an acute appreciation for the work they do. And as DNC Chair, I’m proud that we’ve made critical investments over the last two years to help lift Democratic mayors to historic victories across the country. I look forward to building on our partnership with mayors and ensuring that our communities get the leadership they deserve.
Standing with the Transgender Community
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would allow the Trump administration to move forward with its ban on most transgender troops serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This ban is nothing more than bigotry codified into law and an insult to all who have worn our nation’s uniform. Not only does it go against our values as Americans, it also makes us less safe. Make no mistake: Prejudice is not patriotism. And discrimination is not a national security strategy.
Democrats believe diversity is our nation’s strength.. We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter who you love or how you identify. The brave service members who defend our freedoms should be able live freely. And we will keep fighting for the transgender community and all those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country.
Celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy Through Service
This past Monday, I joined several DNC staffers and the Thursday Network to assemble blankets and toiletry care packages for those who have unstable living conditions. Working by our side were many furloughed government employees. Even with the stress of not knowing when their next paycheck come from, they were still concerned with helping others. These Americans are public servants to their core.
The DNC is hosting a food drive with our donations going to The Capital Area Food Bank, the largest organization in the Washington metro area working to solve hunger. Learn more here: https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
Yours,
Tom
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Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee
