Happy Holidays & An End-of-Year Report To Constituents

Dear Friends,

To say 2020 has been a challenging year is an understatement. Many of us have lost loved ones and all of us have faced hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during this difficult and trying year.

The good news is vaccines are now being administered to frontline and healthcare workers – and will soon be available to senior citizens and people with underlying conditions. By the spring and summer, younger and healthier people should be able to get vaccinated as well.

There's a lot of misinformation out there, but the vaccine is safe and effective. I want everyone who can get vaccinated to get one as soon as possible – not only to protect yourself, but your parents and grandparents and any loved ones in your life who are vulnerable.

I'm pleased to report that under the end-of-year Coronavirus Relief & Omnibus Agreement, Congress approved legislation to provide funds to speed vaccine distribution, continue help for small businesses and minority lending institutions, enhance unemployment insurance, provide direct payments and extend rental assistance.

Whether the president signs the bill into law remains up the air. One thing for certain is that I, along with my Democrat colleagues in the House, will continue to fight to increase stimulus checks to $2,000. We tried this morning, but our friends on the other side of the aisle blocked us. On Monday, we'll try again by holding a vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000.

There's light at the end of the tunnel. Please continue to wear your masks, socially distance and wash your hands regularly – even if you have been vaccinated. Doing so will save tens of thousands of lives. Now is the time to redouble our efforts to curb the spread – for ourselves, our families and our communities. Together, we shall overcome this virus and all that 2020 has thrown at us.

On that note, here is a report on what I and my staff accomplished in the 116th Congress (2019-2020). It helps us look back to see what we did right, but also is a roadmap on how we can do things better moving forward.

As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Please remember you can reach me and get updates on what's happening in Washington and GA-04 on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages by clicking the icons at the top of this e-letter. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress. Please continue following CDC guidelines. Please have a happy, safe and healthy holiday season. And Happy New Year!