Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy Visit Tri-County Campus

On Friday, Jan 5, 2024 Congressman Jake Auchincloss and State Representative Jeff Roy paid a visit to Tri-County RVTHS to meet with school administrators, School Committee members and tour the facility.  It was the first time Congressman Auchincloss was on campus while Representative Roy, a long-time friend, has paid many visits to 147 Pond Street.

Dr. Karen Maguire, Rep Roy, Congressman Auchincloss

Following a gathering with members of TC's Upper Administration, the duo toured the school with Superintendent Dr. Karen Maguire and School Committee member, past chair and TC alum Mr. Brian Mushnick.

"It gave our entire school community the utmost pride to host Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy," Dr. Maguire said. "It is one thing to have conversations and exchange correspondence but to have these two men on campus and see with their own eyes all the great things going on within these walls, is a special moment for all of us."

Congressman Auchincloss and State Representative Jeff Roy Visit Tri-County RVTHS

On the tour Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy were afforded the opportunity to interact with instructors and students while witnessing first-hand the plethora of benefits inherent in Career Technical Education (CTE). A productive dialogue took place in the hallways and stairwells between shops as Dr. Maguire enthusiastically discussed Tri-County's future which includes a new facility.

Since its founding in 1977, the mission of Tri-County's Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century. The school proudly services the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. For more, visit the school online at www.tri-county.us or any of our social media platforms.

Congressman Auchincloss Summarizes His 3rd Year in Congress representing the 4th District

This year has proved to be turbulent with Republicans taking over the majority and their constant infighting derailing even basic governance. Despite the political theater and GOP-manufactured dysfunction, Congressman Jake Auchincloss was able to achieve results: working to take on special interests to lower healthcare costs; working with the Biden administration to curb gun violence despite Republican control of Congress; establishing an influential voice on U.S. foreign policy regarding China, Ukraine, and Israel; and continuing to deliver top-notch constituent services.       

Legislative Victories and Representing Values

Rep. Auchincloss was appointed to the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. In this committee he has fought for increased investment in science and education and an emphasis on sustaining U.S. leadership for the rules-based, international order instead of turning towards protectionism and isolationism. 

Unanimously passed legislation, the U.S. Supply Chain Security Review Act, through the House to assess the potential economic security and supply chain risks of foreign ownership of marine terminals at major U.S. ports. 

Led a letter with 67 House Members urging the inclusion of funding for safe firearm storage education in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Worked to lower health care costs and cut out greedy drug-pricing middlemen by co-leading or cosponsoring the following bills: the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act, the Protect Patients Against PBM Abuses Act and the Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act.

Delivering Results at Home 

Outreach

• Visited all 35 cities and towns in the district
• Visited 47 businesses and nonprofit organizations in person across the district
• Held 32 in-person or virtual town halls to share legislative updates and hear what’s on constituents’ minds. 
• Hosted 13 youth-focused events to engage with young people across the district on topics ranging from climate change, mental health/social media, anti-Semitism, career readiness, and more.
• Engaged 100+ students across the district via the Congressional App Challenge, Congressional Art Competition, and Military Academy nomination process.

Casework

• 1975 casework inquiries completed
• Casework completed for constituents in every city and town in the district
• $285,569 of tax refunds returned
• 740 emergency passports secured
• Assisted 128 constituents with obtaining Social Security benefits
• Assisted 339 constituents with navigating the US immigration system

Effectively Communicating and Making a Name for Himself in the Next Generation of Democratic Leaders 

Congressman Auchincloss continued his aggressive “go everywhere” media strategy this year, using his unique voice to meet audiences where they are. Called “as media-friendly as anyone on the Hill these days,” it was noted that “the second-term representative, [is] well, everywhere…[and] maintains a relatively aggressive schedule of cable TV appearances.” Thanks in part to this media strategy, Auchincloss “has emerged as a rising star in Massachusetts politics.” 

During his third year in office he has made over 225 local and national television appearances and penned national and local op-eds appearing in The Boston Globe, The Daily Beast, The Hill, The Economist, Iowa Starting Line, FOX, and Commonwealth Magazine. 

Congressman Auchincloss made headlines for being the first member of Congress to deliver a speech written by AI on the House floor. Auchincloss – who offers a unique perspective on emerging technologies as one of the few millennials in Congress and as someone with a background in the tech sector – helped kickoff one of the most closely watched debates on Capitol Hill, AI regulation. 

Congressman Auchincloss has used his position on the Select Committee on China and military background to become a leading voice in the Democratic Party on foreign policy issues including being an outspoken advocate for defending democracy abroad. He has taken a leading role in advocating for more aid for Ukraine, including during a speaking engagement at the Texas Tribune Festival; has been out front on supporting Israel’s right to defend itself; and calling for the US to stand with Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies against Chinese aggression.   

Called the “defender in chief,” Auchincloss has taken a leading role in pushing back on bad faith attacks against President Biden and his agenda while in a Republican controlled House. An “outspoken defender of President Biden on foreign policy,” Auchincloss has stood up for Democratic values both locally and nationally – featured in publications such as The New York Times. Auchincloss will continue to be a strong surrogate for the administration as a compelling voice among emerging Democratic leaders who can talk to a diverse audience. 

As we head into another year of Republican control, Congressman Auchincloss will continue to secure local wins despite being in the minority; stand up for Democratic values; and lay the groundwork for legislation that can be adopted when Democrats reclaim the gavel. 

Congressman Auchincloss appeared on Morning Joe (screengrab)

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update from the last two weeks (12/19/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill National Defense Authorization Act: I support a strong U.S. military, especially in this more dangerous world for democracy. I voted 'No' on the NDAA because the Pentagon, as the world's biggest bureaucracy, should do 10% more with 10% less. As I said this summer, after my previous 'No' vote, the 10% savings would be enough to fund Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Following the vote, I spoke on the House floor to call attention to Congress' failure to deliver for our democratic allies abroad before leaving Washington for the holidays. I asked that the House return to vote as soon as possible to approve the separate funding package that President Biden is requesting for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian support for Gaza. Republicans' Incoherent Impeachment Inquiry: Last week, House Republicans voted to launch a baseless impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Instead of working to lower costs and defend democracy, the House GOP is manufacturing this stunt to distract the American people from their party's inability to govern. The first year of this 118th Congress has been the least productive, in terms of laws passed, of any in recent history. Washington Bridge Closure: During the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's recent hearing with the Federal Highway Administration, I asked about the closure of the Washington Bridge in Providence and called for it to be reopened with the same sense of urgency that Americans saw in recent closures in Pennsylvania and California. The closure of the bridge on I-195 is a major disruption for Bay Staters traveling to Providence, making commutes longer and limiting access to one of the biggest cities in New England. I visited the bridge to see the state of congestion for myself and will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Transportation to get the bridge reopened ASAP. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Have you been affected by the Washington Bridge closure? Around the Fourth Discussing Competition with China: Congressman Ro Khanna of California and I serve on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. I always benefit from intellectual sparring with him to sharpen my own thinking about trade and industrial strategy. Two weeks ago, Ro and I dug deep on where we agree – manufacturing has importance to the U.S. political economy that is greater than just its share of GDP – and where we diverge: Ro subscribes to tariffs and industrial policy to compete with China; whereas I am skeptical of Washington's wisdom in directing the economy and would prefer policy-makers focus on getting the basics right. Investing in infrastructure, science, and education and strengthening the rule of law is the best industrial strategy. One example: American 15-year-olds have slid backward on math scores since 2018, according to the most recent Program for International Student Assessment. Bipartisan commitment to excellence in math education would do more for U.S. economic dynamism in the 21st century than the sum consequence of all tariffs and subsidies. Antisemitism on College Campuses: Antisemitism is a crisis on college campuses that has worsened since October 7th. After a recent Education and Workforce Committee hearing on campus antisemitism with the leaders of Harvard and MIT, I joined Representative Seth Moulton, a fellow Harvard alum, in making the following statement: "Harvard ranks last out of 248 universities for support of free speech. But when it comes to denouncing antisemitism, suddenly the university has anxieties about the First Amendment. It rings hollow." Universities must divorce themselves from double standards and instead lay down clear commitments to free & open discourse, with consistently enforced standards to prevent harassment. The Boards of Harvard and MIT have made their decision about who can lead their universities toward this higher ground of truth-seeking and pluralism. They now own those decisions and are accountable for meaningful & urgent progress. LigerBots STEAM Expo: Teddy and Grace got a huge thrill from playing with robots at the annual LigerBots STEAM Expo at Newton North High School. And I got a kick out of speaking with student engineers from across the district, including Newton, North Attleboro, and Franklin. When we got home, Teddy insisted that we build and program his own robot. His dad did his best but I'm not winning the Eastern Mass Championships any time soon... Happy Holidays: Wishing everyone a happy holiday season! I hope you're able to spend them with your family, friends, and loved ones. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the last 2 weeks as of 12/05/23

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Bringing Hostages Home: I joined Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz's special order hour on the House Floor last week to speak about Ofer Kalderon, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th. Ofer is a father of four who loves to travel, take family camping trips, and help cook Shabbat dinner for his family. When asked about Ofer, his family – some of whom are based in the Massachusetts Fourth – describe his easygoing energy and huge smile. We cannot lose sight of the fact that there is a family and a story like this one behind each one of the hostages. Calls for a ceasefire should be directed at Hamas – the internationally recognized terrorist organization – not Israel, which is using military force to achieve the primary goal we all have: bringing the hostages home. Hamas could cease all civilian suffering tomorrow by merely agreeing to abide by the law of armed conflict and engage as a lawful combatant, which would require it to release hostages and cease using civilians as human shields. If Israel had acceded to a ceasefire, the recent hostage deal would not have been agreed to. To get all hostages home and to dismantle Hamas, Israel will need the continued support of Congress and the president in rejecting premature calls for a ceasefire that only one side would respect. Affordable Housing: I recently spoke about the need for affordable housing to members of the House Financial Services Committee. The lack of affordable housing is the biggest problem that Bay Staters face. It's slowing economic growth, creating barriers for young families, and causing panic for seniors. To help address this, I am cosponsoring the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which would have an immediate impact in producing more affordable housing. I urged the committee to take up this legislation to lower housing costs. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Should Congress prioritize policies that build more affordable housing? Around the Fourth Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Brookline: I joined Governor Healey to announce energy efficiency grants for Brookline housing. It's a triple win – to decarbonize buildings, boost the clean energy economy, and lower utility bills for families. It's exactly the kind of programming that congressional Democrats envisioned when we passed climate and clean energy legislation last summer to boost innovation and improve efficiency. As I said to Brookline's local officials, these energy retrofits are the second recent housing and climate win for the town. By zoning for more mixed-use and multi-family development in accord with the MBTA Communities Act, Brookline's Town Meeting struck a bold win for more walkable, less carbon-intensive neighborhoods. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a dreaded diagnosis for parents and their children. I recently met with Michelle Rengarajan, a two-time Duchenne's parent, physician-scientist, and constituent, to discuss the state of the science and whether the FDA's regulatory approach is too risk-averse for a disease with no cure. With the advent of gene therapies, scientists and regulators must be racing together to accelerate bench-to-bedside progress. Apponequet High Visit: At Apponequet High School in Lakeville, I encouraged students to take big risks to pursue their ambitions after high school; to engage with the world in a spirit of curiosity; and to honor the Marine Corps maxim that 'officers eat last.' I also took a range of probing questions, from SCOTUS term limits (yes), to whom I idolized growing up (I had posters of the Founding Fathers, not athletes or musicians), to whether criticism on Twitter bothered me (I've never been criticized on Twitter, so it's not an issue). Gann Academy Visit: Gann Academy invited me to a Q&A with students about Israel, my career, and more. We discussed the necessity of dismantling Hamas, President Biden's leadership in negotiating hostage release, and the ultimate prospects of a two-state solution. In response to a question about early formative experiences, I shared with them the first episode in a lifelong attachment to First Amendment principles, when I wrote a negative review of a school musical as a journalist for my middle-school newspaper and refused to pull it under pressure. Even as a strong advocate for free and open expression, I have deep reservations about TikTok's malign influence on public discourse and adolescents' development. I benefited from hearing students' candid assessments of the toll that social media takes on them, as well as the enjoyment and exposure to new interests it can unlock. Congress must act in separating the principles of speech and reach. Free speech – the ability to post without fear of government reprisal – does not equate to a 'right to reach' – the algorithmic amplification of hateful, defamatory, exploitative, or otherwise corrosive content. While this applies to all social media platforms, TikTok is especially concerning because of its popularity, poor track record, and ownership by a company under the control of the Chinese Communist Party. Hanukkah: Ahead of the start of Hanukkah, I want to wish you a wonderful holiday and I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful light of the season. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the prior two weeks (11/21/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill The War in Israel: In a recent interview I was asked how Israel should respond to anger on the Arab Street. My response – if Israel had let Arab popular opinion dictate its strategy in 1947; 1967; 1973, it would have been destroyed. Israel should pursue its mission: rescue the hostages, destroy Hamas, and help architect just post-war governance for Gaza. This latter requires that Israel not only buttress a peaceful alternative to Hamas in Gaza, but also that it cease & reverse inflammatory, destabilizing actions in the West Bank. While in Washington, I joined a bipartisan vigil in support of the 240+ hostages held by Hamas terrorists. Many watched their families tortured and slain before being dragged to captivity. Some of them are children. I am committed to supporting Israel in securing their release. Funding the Government: When House Republicans took us to the brink in September, I vowed it would be the last time I'd vote to bail out their dysfunction without a clear, credible, and concrete plan for supporting Ukraine. Last week, I kept my word. Since we last voted on a continuing resolution, the world has only become more dangerous for democracies. Congress must demonstrate through its power of the purse that the United States stands with its allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Despite credible efforts that reflect the bipartisan majorities in both chambers in favor of aid, there is no clear and concrete plan from Republicans to demonstrate global leadership to friends and foes alike. I could not support a short-term spending measure, cobbled together as the GOP careens from crisis to crisis, that fails to defend democracy. Military Veterans Caucus: To mark Veterans Day, I joined the Military Veterans Caucus to address mental health and our veterans. We discussed strong legislation to accelerate mental health research. This Veterans Day, let's recommit ourselves to ensuring veterans receive high-quality care that honors the uniform. Military Promotion Blockade: I led the Democrats on the House Select Committee on China in pressuring Leader McConnell to break Tuberville's blockade of military promotions. No Republicans from the Select Committee on China would join us, despite Senate Republicans recently raising the alarm on force readiness in the Indo-Pacific. National security should be above partisanship. I encourage Republicans on the committee to join us in a bipartisan commitment to a strong military. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Do you support additional funding to Ukraine? Around the Fourth Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce: At the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, I argued that Democrats should negotiate on border policy with Republicans as part of a compromise that strengthens border security and unlocks further support for Ukraine. I also emphasized that the most important way that federal and state officials can improve the Bay State business climate is to expand the supply and deepen the affordability of housing. MIT Visit: Attending MIT was one of the best decisions I made in my career (and my life – I met my wife there!) I was honored to return as part of its alumni series to discuss Congress, to encourage students to help rebuild trust in society, and to reflect on how MIT's emphasis on science, enterprise, and bold ideas have shaped my policy-making. Boston Passport Office: Many of you know the feeling: you're packing your bags and retrieving your passports from the drawer when, oh #$@! – one of those passports is about to expire. I am here to help, and my staff and I rely on the hardworking civil servants at the Boston Passport Agency to expeditiously and securely issue new passports. I'm grateful for their professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to serve the traveling public. And remember: check your passport before you buy the ticket! Some countries require that your passport be valid for up to six months after your date of return. So even if your passport hasn't expired, it might need to be renewed before travel. Check travel.state.gov for entry requirements. Pioneering AI Summit: Earlier this year, I raised awareness of AI in Congress by giving the first AI-drafted speech in history on the House floor. Since then, I've been working with legislators, regulators, and technologists to understand and prepare for this general-purpose technology. At the Flagship Pioneering AI Summit, I advocated for Congress to fund a public cloud for civil society & researchers as a counterweight to Big Tech, but cautioned against knee-jerk, sweeping legislation before national lawmakers have been able to assess various efforts by the Administration, states, civil society, and industry to see what works and what doesn't. Congress should ultimately craft legislation that induces competition, not furthers monopoly power; that unlocks innovation in domains like biomedical R&D and education; and that prevents further degradation in trust, particularly through disinformation and defamation on social media. Happy Thanksgiving: I hope everyone is able to spend the upcoming holiday with friends and loved ones. As the representative of a cranberry-growing district: please make sure to include that delicious dish! Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update on the War in Israel

UPDATE ON WAR IN ISRAEL I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Israel Supplemental Funding Stunt: I strongly support Israel. I voted "No" on the Israel supplemental stunt, because it played politics with Israel's security with no prospect of actually providing funding to Israel. Speaker Johnson has made the craven, cynical decision to politicize support for Israel at its moment of crisis by 'paying for' its assistance with IRS cuts, which would, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, actually increase the deficit. The bill is a dead letter: the president has vowed to veto it; and both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell oppose it. Therefore, the question before me was not whether I want Israel to receive funding, because this bill will not become law. Instead, the question before me was what this bill signifies, and what a "Yes" vote would represent. A "Yes" vote would signal the advent of conditioning aid for Israel. It would be the first time in U.S history that Congress has required emergency national security funding to be offset by domestic cuts. The precedent is awful: when other countries need support, Congress provides it; but when Israel needs support, party leaders extract partisan priorities in exchange. It would not stop at this bill: the next time Israel needs support, what would stop a Republican Speaker from demanding cuts to food stamps in exchange? Or a Democratic Speaker from demanding cuts to the military's ICBM program in exchange? Israel would persistently be tossed on the seas of U.S. domestic politics. Unconditioned aid to Israel would receive supermajority support in the House, demonstrating bipartisan support for our ally, to partners and enemies alike, when it needs it most. Unfortunately, this rookie Speaker has precluded the possibility of overwhelming bipartisanship by filing a bill so clumsy and irresponsible that the Democratic president, Democratic Senate majority leader, and Democratic House minority leader have all dismissed it out of hand. I am firmly opposed to conditioning security aid to Israel, whether those conditions are based on Israeli domestic politics or American domestic politics. Support for Israel must be above partisanship. Bring the Hostages Home: Last week, I stood with the families of hostages held by Hamas. Some of the captives are children, still young enough to be scared of the dark. No ceasefire should be considered until every hostage is returned. As Israel conducts its military response, I will continue to insist that it uphold the law of armed conflict, which is meant to protect the lives of civilians, and I appreciate the Biden Administration's numerous efforts to that effect. Further, the president has requested additional funding from Congress to stabilize conditions in the Middle East, which I will support. The supplemental package proposed by House Republicans, which I opposed, did not include any humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Around the Fourth Temple Town Hall: I appreciated the opportunity to join members of Temple Beth Shalom and other RAC-MA affiliated congregations in coming together during this deeply troubling time. In addition to materiél, Israel needs moral support from Americans. Now is not the time for equivocation. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are internationally recognized terrorist organizations that are executing civilians and using their own denizens as human shields. Israel is a liberal democracy with the right and responsibility to defend itself and its citizens. Calls for ceasefire are premature and counter-productive; Israel needs the military latitude to re-establish deterrence, dismantle Hamas, and rescue hostages. In the hard months ahead, our pain and our outrage must be forged into sober determination to see Israel through to success and safety. This determination must not descend into malice. Israel's iron fist should be paired with an outstretched hand to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and, ultimately, in Gaza, as well. And the Jewish community here in the United States should always condemn and reject not just antisemitism, but Islamophobia and the cancellation of Palestinian voices, as well. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the past 2 weeks (10/17/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Speaker Vacancy: It's been nearly two weeks since Kevin McCarthy was removed as Speaker of the House. At a time when our allies are seeking our help and Americans are watching government funding run down, House Republicans nominated Jim Jordan to fill the spot – a politician so extreme that a former *Republican leader* called him a "legislative terrorist." Jim Jordan helped galvanize the January 6 insurrection and favors a nationwide abortion ban with no exceptions for rape, incest, or life of the mother. Congressman Jordan was recently scored one of the least bipartisan Members of Congress and has never passed a bill in 16 years of service. By contrast, Democrats have nominated Hakeem Jeffries, who is offering a bipartisan arrangement to govern the House. Congressman Jeffries is only five votes shy of the speakership – far ahead of any Republican's tally, including Congressman Jordan. War in Israel: Israel is at war. For so many in the Jewish community, this is not just a geo-political earthquake but a deeply personal reality. I've heard from many constituents who have friends and family being called up from the reserves. Some may know one of the victims or hostages. I stand firmly and fully with Israel's right and responsibility to defend itself from terrorist attacks. This will be a hard war. Israel needs the support of its most important ally, the United States. Our fellow democracy is fighting for freedom. The Jewish people are defending their right to a secure homeland. President Biden has reinforced his rock solid and unwavering partnership; I will continue to support the administration's efforts to provision all military and diplomatic support necessary. Congress must also act. With even greater urgency, I implore House Republicans to jettison their extremists, enable bipartisan governance, and work with Democrats in passing the policy that Israel expects and deserves from its most trusted ally. In addition to materiél, Israel needs moral support from Americans. Now is not the time for equivocation. Hamas is an internationally recognized terrorist organization that executes civilians, including children. Israel is a liberal democracy protecting its citizens. Calls for de-escalation, even if well-meaning, are premature. There are hostages who are still being held by terrorists. Israel needs to destroy the capabilities and the structure of a terrorist organization whose mission is to end the Israeli state and kill Jews, and who has abused the Palestinian people for more than a decade instead of advancing efforts towards dignity and statehood. Israel's military imperative is not antithetical to humanitarian considerations. The Israeli Defense Forces can execute an aggressive military operation while having necessary concern for civilians and abiding by the proportionality, distinction, and necessity tenets of the law of armed conflict. The barbarity of the October 7th attacks must not ever be used as justification for violence or discrimination against Muslims or Palestinian-Americans. I join with other Jewish officials and organizations in rejecting and condemning such actions. In the hard weeks ahead, I stand with Israel and will work for her safety and success. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Do you support President Biden's response to the situation in Israel? Around the Fourth Newtonville Village Day: I carved out some family time on a busy long weekend to take Teddy and Grace to the Newtonville Village Day. The train ride and perfect weather made for big smiles all around (except Grace). Eversource Visit: Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and I toured Eversource's geothermal installation in Framingham. The project, boosted by the Inflation Reduction Act from last Congress, is pioneering neighborhood-scale geothermal that promises to lower energy bills, decarbonize the grid, and create good jobs for workers transitioning from natural gas. Wayfair Town Hall: I visited Wayfair's headquarters to speak at a town hall yesterday that was also joined virtually by employees from across the country who served in the military. From economic development in Fall River to the war in Israel, the questions from Wayfair's employees were timely and tough. I appreciated the town hall with hundreds of employees, many of them constituents, from one of the Bay State's leading companies. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact