Dear Lucas,
As we approach the end of the year, it is normal for one to reflect on the events, accomplishments, and challenges of 2013. I have been thinking long and hard about the challenges that face my district, the state of New York, and our nation.
Though 2013 started out with great optimism that we could finally reform our immigration laws, limit the sale and exchange of dangerous weapons, and protect the economic security of our struggling brothers and sisters, those goals have not been reached because my colleagues on the other side are held hostage by a powerful faction within their caucus.
As I look to the future, it is clear to me that our country is at a crossroads – there is great opportunity over the next 3 years, with this president, and with a nation that in election after election is choosing progress over intransigence, reasonableness over extremism, to finally achieve some of our longest held goals. But we must decide if we can hold our resolve and continue to push for the policies that we know are moral and right.
With that said, I have been contemplating my own future and the role I want to play in the fight with my family. I plan to make a decision shortly and will announce before the holidays. Please stay tuned.
Thank you very much.
Charles B. Rangel
Member of Congress