We Started A New Chapter In America | Weekly Update Jan 18–22
Dear friend,
This week, we started a new chapter in America. President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris will build back a better world for all Americans. I can’t wait to work with the Biden-Harris administration to implement meaningful change for the 5th District and Americans across the country. We will have the opportunity to carry out the most progressive agenda our country has ever seen. This is our chance to create the America I dreamed about as a refugee — a country where anything is possible.
President Biden within hours of taking the oath of office was able to revoke the Muslim ban. This xenophobic ban will be remembered as a moral stain on our country. Next, we must pass the No Ban Act to ensure no future president has the power to ban people based on their religious affiliation ever again.
After months of conversations with the progressive movement, Joe Biden took swift action on some of the greatest threats facing our country, including protecting DREAMers, reentering the Paris Climate Agreement, a pause on student loan payments, and reinstating (DED) for Liberians. This is just the beginning. You can read my full statement on President Biden’s executive orders here.
The experience of the attempted coup at our Capitol was heartbreaking. I never expected to experience a direct assault on democracy in the United States, one of the oldest, most prosperous democracies in the world. I thought a lot about how our republic didn’t arrive overnight — it requires attention and growth to meet the needs of its population. And just as it can be strengthened, it can be corrupted, weakened, and destroyed. You can read my essay on why we must reimagine our democracy here.
Youth Preparedness Council Application Now Open
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for their Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). YPC members are students in grades 8 through 11 who are selected to support disaster preparedness and make a positive impact in their communities. You can learn more here.
In service,
Ilhan Omar
Member of Congress
