100 Days In…And We're Just Getting Started

One hundred days ago I took the oath of office and pledged to support the Constitution of the United States. With my hand on the bible I became your Congressman and started the most important journey of my life thus far.

As I settle into this new role, I keep mindful of where I came from. Just 11 years ago, I worked as an unpaid intern on Capitol Hill. To make ends meet, I worked at a local gym and Mexican restaurant. In the morning I served towels, in the evening I served tacos, and today I have the great honor of serving the people of the 15^th Congressional District.

I am in Washington, DC to do big things: to help us grow our local economy, invest in the clean energy sources of the future, and accomplish comprehensive and common-sense immigration reform.  There have been many highlights in just 100 days, from being in the House Chamber during the State of the Union to hosting my first town hall meetings in Hayward and Pleasanton to being the first Member of Congress to Skype into a City Council meeting, from my Washington office.  

I had the opportunity to vote to reauthorize the critical Violence Against Women Act to protect all women from domestic violence. And I introduced my first bill, the Main Street Revival Act, which aims to spur local economic development by reducing the start-up costs faced by small businesses opening their doors in struggling neighborhoods. This bill was inspired by my time spent walking the business districts in our communities and talking with small business owners about we could best help them. I am proud to have announced this bill in Hayward, one of the cities in our district that would benefit most from the legislation.

I understand that Americans are frustrated with the hyper-partisan political climate in Washington. I firmly believe that good ideas are not limited to one political party, and I will work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to solve the challenges facing our nation. For that reason, I helped launch the “United Solutions Caucus,” a bipartisan group of more than 30 Freshman Members of Congress. We outlined the key issues we can work together on, from reducing our deficit in a responsible way to protecting and preserving Social Security. I recognize this one group will not solve all of our problems, but it serves as a starting point to overcoming this partisanship and finding solutions to our biggest challenges.

All of these highlights from my first 100 days in Washington, however, do not compare to the best part of my job and what drives me every day: engaging with and helping constituents. I always want to learn how I can serve you better in Washington, DC and in the East Bay. I value my conversations with you on “Ride with your Rep” bike rides, at “Congress on your Corners” where we set up shop at grocery stores around the district, and other events throughout the community.

It is a real honor to serve you in Congress, and I take your feedback seriously. I have done my best to make myself and my office accessible to you and provide the services and representation you deserve, but I appreciate your feedback and continued input on how I can better represent you. As always, please call my East Bay office if I can assist with any federal matters at 925-460-5100 or send me an email by visiting my website: http://swalwell.house.gov. I also love staying connected with constituents on Twitter and Facebook.

One hundred days later and many thousand miles traveled to and from Washington DC, I am still beyond honored to serve you and our communities in the 15^th Congressional District.  I look forward to continuing to be your partner in Washington DC, to solve big challenges and move our country forward together.