Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster

January 8th, 2021

Dear Friend,

This Wednesday was a dark day in the history of our nation. As Democrats and Republicans worked to fulfill our constitutional duty to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, a violent mob, incited by President Donald Trump and his allies, breached the United States Capitol in an attack on our democracy and an attempted effort to change the results of a free and fair election. Five people, including one Capitol Police officer, died as a result of this insurrection. This attempt to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power – our nation’s most sacred tradition – is an affront not only to our values as Americans but to our very democracy.

Despite these seditious efforts, democracy prevailed, and both the House and the Senate returned after the Capitol was secured to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Wednesday’s lawless actions did not have to happen and resulted in countless injuries and five deaths — including that of Brian Sicknick, a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Capitol Police, who died from injuries sustained while physically engaging with pro-Trump rioters storming the Capitol. The President has fanned the flames of violence for months. This is unacceptable, it is un-American, and it has no place in our nation. Those involved in this violent mob should be held to account and be prosecuted. We also need answers – we need to identify the security failures that allowed this to happen so that we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that our seat of government is protected. I want to express my deep appreciation to the United States Capitol Police for their work to protect us, our staff, and the U.S. Capitol.

President Trump Must be Removed

President Trump has proven time and again that he is either unable or unwilling to protect and defend the United States Constitution or the American people. The violence he incited Wednesday undoubtedly played a central role in the insurrection of the U.S. Capitol. Americans and citizens around the world watched in horror as a mob of pro-Trump domestic terrorists invaded and attacked the center of our democracy — the People’s House — aimed at overturning the results of a free and fair election and preventing us from fulfilling our constitutional duty to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

As long as President Trump is in the Oval Office, the people of this country — and our very democracy — are at risk. This man demonstrates a clear inability to discharge the duties of his office and he should be removed immediately. I hope that Vice President Pence and members of the President’s cabinet will find the courage to do right by our nation and invoke the 25th Amendment to ensure this President cannot cause more irreparable harm in the remaining days of his Presidency. If they will not act, articles of impeachment should be drafted immediately.

Certifying the 2020 Presidential Election Results

Just after 3:30 AM on Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate fulfilled their constitutionally-mandated duty to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. I am humbled by and proud of the solemn responsibility to oversee this process in Congress. The peaceful transfer of power is a pillar and sacred hallmark of America’s democracy, and the violent events that took place Wednesday at the United States Capitol underscore the necessity to uphold this tradition. The American people have spoken and have lawfully elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice-president. We cannot and will not allow violence or intimidation to undermine the rule of law and the will of the American people.

The Beginning of the 117th Congress

On Sunday, I was honored to be sworn into the 117th Congress to represent New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District. We’re facing incredible challenges in our state and our nation including a deadly pandemic and a struggling economy, which demand immediate and purposeful action. As we look toward this next session of Congress and the priorities of Granite Staters, I am focused on:

Ramping up the production and distribution of the COVID vaccine and supporting the incoming Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to utilize the Defense Production Act to ensure we can quickly get vaccines administered and move past the pandemic.
Expanding access to affordable health care coverage for Granite Staters and Americans across the country—and with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration, we will have the support and vision from the White House to enact meaningful legislation.
Prioritizing renewable and clean energy to support energy efficiency programs and lower the cost for consumers. With the incoming Biden-Harris Administration, we will be able to create the clean energy economy of the future and set our country up for success for generations to come.
Protecting and expanding access to resources and health care for our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Ending the opioid epidemic by increasing access to treatment and support for those with substance use disorder. As the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, I will work across the aisle to ensure we address the opioid crisis head-on and provide support for those who need it most.

We have a lot to accomplish to ensure no one is left behind as we recover from this pandemic and to unite our nation to build a better future — but there is more that unites us than divides us. I am so honored to bring the voices of New Hampshire’s Second District to Congress, and I look forward to building back better in the 117th Congress.

Protecting Ourselves and Each Other from COVID-19

Amid the chaos at the Capitol this week, the country is also still struggling with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. On Thursday, the United States had the deadliest day since the pandemic began, with more than 4,000 American deaths as a result of COVID-19.

Sadly, New Hampshire COVID-19 hospitalization rates hit an all-time high last weekend. We must continue taking precautions to keep ourselves and those around us safe and stop the spread of COVID-19. There is a light at the end of the tunnel as safe, effective vaccines begin to be administered in NH and across the country — it’s crucial that we continue wearing our masks, avoiding crowds, and washing our hands frequently.

Joining CloseUp on Sunday

I’ll be on WMUR’s CloseUp this Sunday at 10 a.m. to discuss the events at the Capitol this week, COVID-19, and the status of vaccine distribution.

Watch live on WMUR 9, or on WMUR.com.

News You Can Use

NH-02 Congressional App Winner, CJ Wheelan

Congratulations to NH-02's Congressional App Challenge winner, CJ Wheelan!

I’m proud to announce that CJ Wheelan of Hanover High School has won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for New Hampshire’s Second District! CJ’s app, TeenWork, is designed to help young people and students find work and volunteer opportunities in the community — something that’s more vital now than ever. His app can help inspire young people in New Hampshire and across the county to improve the communities they live in. Watch his submission here.

As always, the CDC and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services are the best resources to turn to during the COVID-19 public health emergency. If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider. If you live in NH and have questions about coronavirus, dial 211 or visit CDC.gov for more information.

To stay updated on my work in Congress and around the Granite State, as well as for important information and resources, like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Remember: hope and brighter days are on the way! We’re all in this together, and we will come out stronger on the other side. In the meantime, I hope you have a fun and safe weekend and don’t forget to wear a mask when you are in public.

Sincerely,