January 15, 2021 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

First, I want to thank you for your kind messages of concern over the past week as we grapple with the attack that took place on our Capitol last Wednesday. My staff and I, thankfully, were able to remain safe.

This week, I voted to impeach President Trump for his role in the January 6th attack. The violent riot at the U.S. Capitol was a mob of sedition and insurrection, prompted, encouraged and incited by President Trump. Donald Trump has violated his oath of office and in doing so put countless Americans at risk, endangered our Republic and threatened our national security. He is unfit to lead the United States for even a day longer. I am relieved that the House passed the impeachment vote and urge my Senate colleagues to convict President Trump and send a clear signal that his actions were wrong, his actions were criminal, and they will not be tolerated.

What we know after all this is that the role of the American people in the election process is more important than ever. Last week we watched as bad actors attempted to overturn the will of the American people and undermine a fair, accurate and complete count in the November election. We must now insist with renewed fervor that every voter’s voice is heard, starting with improving access to the ballot box. Our vote is the most powerful non-violent tool we have to create a more perfect union, and I am pleased to reintroduce the Election Day Holiday Act to make this cornerstone of our democracy more accessible to everyone.

It is hard to believe that we are halfway through January, but I am already looking forward to February as we prepare to celebrate Black History Month. This year I will be hosting our second Black History Month Essay Contest for middle and high school students living in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. This contest is an excellent opportunity for our students to showcase their writing skills and to also reflect on the importance of Black History. This year, I want students to consider the future of Black History, and ask that they write about a current leader or activist who they believe will become an important figure in Black History. Essays will be due to my office no later than 5PM on February 15th. Further information about the contest can be found below.

 
Finally, if you are interested in participating in Inaugural festivities next week, I urge you to do so online. I know that this is an historic Inauguration and that many are very excited and eager to participate, but it will be safer for everyone to view the events online. This is the best way to protect yourself and your families from both COVID and any risk of further violence in DC.

I hope you have a safe holiday weekend and a wonderful, reflective Martin Luther King Day on Monday.

Sincerely,

A. Donald McEachin
Member of Congress
Virginia’s 4th District