Aiden Reese was a 15-year-old freshman from Edmond, OK who passed away February 20, 2023 after he committed suicide due to bullying. His mother, Teresa, posted these words on TikTok as a reminder to parents as the new school year begins - “A used backpack carries the same dreams…

Today, August 7, is the birthday of SSGT Amy Sue Krueger. She would be 43 but died in the 2009 Ft Hood attack at 29. Strong, determined, & powerful, Amy was a beloved daughter. She loved spending time w/family & friends, shooting pool & playing sheepshead.

They deserve to be remembered.

California’s farmers contribute tens of billions to our economy producing much of our country’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts. As Congress begins to consider the Farm Bill, I stopped by some farms and orchards in Bakersfield to hear how we can support our agricultural industry.

Today, August 4, is the birthday of Joaquin “Guac” Oliver. He should be 23 but died at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, at 17. The aspiring writer and poet was shot four times in the hallway outside his creative writing class, dying at the scene.

Sofia Mendoza should be turning 9 this month, August 2023. She was killed in the May 2023 Allen Mall attack. Sofia was a 2nd grader, days away from summer break, enjoying a Sat shopping trip w/her mom & sister. A ray of ☀️at home & school, Sofia enjoyed 🏊‍♀️ , cheer, & school.

Robert Emmett Fletcher Jr. was an American agricultural inspector who quit his job to manage fruit farms of Japanese families sent to internment camps during WW2. Upon learning about the looming relocation of Japanese farmers in his area, Fletcher grew concerned. This led to the…

Despite record-high child care costs, the amount families can set aside pre-tax for dependent care is only $5,000—the same as when the law was written in 1986. That's not nearly enough. I just reintroduced my bipartisan bill to raise this threshold and provide much-needed relief.

In 1967, during the Vietnam war, John McCain was on a bombing mission over Hanoi. He was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973. After serving his country in the military, he went on to be a prominent senator and ran for president in…

This week the White House celebrated the 75th anniversary of the desegregation of the armed forces. Truman is celebrated for signing Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948, ending racial discrimination in the military. However, no one speaks of Phillip Randolph. Randolph…

Today, July 28th, is the birthday of Rikki Lyn Olds. She died at the age of 25 in the March 2021 shooting at the King Soopers grocery store in Colorado. She had been with the company for 5 years & was climbing the ladder into store management.

“As China is to America, Texas is to Illinois” - @JonStewart on how corporations pit states against each other to offer the fewest worker protections and biggest tax incentives.

Today, July 27, is the birthday of Jean Carlos Mendez Perez. He would be 43 but died at Pulse Orlando at 35. He died alongside his longtime partner & 2 friends. Jean Carlos is remembered as a dynamic & always smiling, a doting uncle who gave special treats, & a great salesman.

🔥🔥🔥 "It doesn't have to be this way...We need to pass the assault weapons ban. I slept, ate, trained, and patrolled with an assault weapon for four years as a Marine officer. Weapons of war have no place on our streets or near our schools." -@RepAuchincloss

Today, July 27, is the birthday of Jennifer Gonzalez Shushereba. She should turn 37 today but died at 32 in March 2018. She & her hubs were pregnant w/a 1st child. Jen was due to deliver Cecilia Rose in June. She was known for her big ❤️, keen intelligence, and sharp wit.

Today, July 27, is the birthday of Frank Escalante Hernandez. He should be turning 35 today instead of dying at the age of 27. He was at Pulse with his partner of 3 years. They were separated in the chaos of the shooting--Brett was shot in the arm and Frank didn’t survive.

Today, July 27, is the birthday of Alaina Maria Housley. She should be 23 but died at 18, a freshman at Pepperdine line dancing at Borderline w/a group of friends when a gunman attacked a crowd of >200, killing 12. Alaina lived full blast, doing everything w/great energy & drive.

Raising interest rates curbs inflation, but it hits working families hard. Why don't we address record corporate profits too?

Today, July 25, is the birthday of Allen Charles Tenebaum. He would be 72 but died in the 1999 day trader attack in Atlanta. Allen owned a small Jewish grocery store in downtown Atlanta and was a recreational day trader. He was taken from his wife and 3 children, ages 13, 11 & 3.