EC from DC

This week, I've been asked this questions multiple times, "What do you think about President Trump's first 100 days in office?" I can tell you my thoughts have ranged from disbelief to worry.

This administration has done little to improve the lives of the American people and his budget proposals would put an end to programs that would help the most vulnerable.

These last few weeks, I've been spending time in the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri, meeting with constituents, and learning about their concerns. Members of Congress are elected to serve the constituents of their districts, and the first step in meeting that obligation is to listen to the issues impacting their daily lives.

In a few days, the world's spotlight will shine on Kansas City, Missouri as thousands will gather at the National World War I Museum and Memorial for a once-in-a-lifetime event, the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the United States entry into World War I.

I will vote "No" on TrumpCare – H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017.

There is just too much for the American public to lose. Americans will suffer with less health care coverage, fewer protections and higher costs.

Yesterday, President Donald Trump released his FY 2018 budget recommendations. Though the power to spend and appropriate lies squarely with Congress, every year the President offers a budget proposal. This year's budget proposal left me astounded. Surely something with such blatant disregard for our most vulnerable citizens could not, should not, and will not pass in Congress.

This month is a very special month. During March we celebrate Women's History Month – a commemoration that has occurred in America since 1987. Throughout this month we honor the historic women who have sacrificed and stood against great odds to make their voices heard.

This week on Capitol Hill has been a trying and unbelievable week. I had intended to join my colleagues from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who called for a meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE) officials, and found myself in unprecedented territory. A number of Democratic Members of Congress, myself included, were barred from entering the meeting.