From Congressman Bill Foster on Inauguration Day

In my in-box just now, from Congressman Foster:

Congressman Bill Foster (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Steve-

First of all, let me thank you again. With your help, we had a great result for our campaign – a small consolation for the horrifying result at the top of the ticket, a reality that our country will be painfully working through in the coming years.

I flew into Washington late last night, woke up to a drizzly and overcast morning and the sound of motorcade sirens. Earlier today, I fulfilled my civic duty and attended President Trump’s inauguration ceremony, and will be flying back home within the hour.

The last few weeks have given us time to think about the way forward. I believe that we will have to respond to Trump on an issue-by-issue basis. On some issues, it will be best for our country to let the Trump Administration gracefully recede from its incoherent and dangerous positions. In other areas, we must make sure that Trump and the Republicans pay the full political price for their fraudulent promises.

I truly hope there can be areas of compromise with this administration and the Republican Congress. And you can trust that I will look for those opportunities whenever I can.

But I am prepared to stand up and defend scientific facts against the climate deniers, for a woman’s right to choose, for affordable access to healthcare, for science and education funding, and for basic human rights, dignity and respect for all Americans. This begins tomorrow when I will join the Illinois Women’s March in downtown Chicago.

Thank you again for everything that you do.

–Bill