We won. Democrats gained control of Congress. Now what?
We need to govern. Our time is limited, and our to-do list enormous. Running headlong into impeachment would be politically self-destructive. I understand the temptation. The MAGA machine spent millions attacking me. Vice President JD Vance came to my district and called me “the worst congressman in the entire United States.”
But Americans didn’t vote for another two years of political warfare. They want relief from rising costs, leaders who work across party lines, and a Congress that actually solves problems.
My CPA background taught me to think in percentages. Democrats should devote 75% of our time to the cost of living and affordability and the other 25% to rigorous oversight.
Our constitutional oversight responsibility should be guided by the interests of the American people. An investigation into the Trump family’s business dealings, including their cryptocurrency ventures, must examine the effect on Americans’ pocketbooks. When Democrats probe whether the Pentagon or Elon Musk shut down Ukraine’s access to Starlink, we must assess the national-security consequences.
But we campaigned on affordability. Let’s start with restoring the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans refused to extend. Reverse the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Medicaid cuts. End most of President Trump’s tariffs, raise the minimum wage, strengthen unions through the PRO Act, and expand opportunities for families to build wealth, including the Trump Accounts. Let’s also protect Social Security by lifting the cap on taxable earnings.
We should take up comprehensive immigration reform, combining border security and the removal of dangerous criminals with due-process protections, while also delivering a functional asylum system, professional enforcement, and permanent earned work authorization for law-abiding immigrants. Oversight will expose Mr. Trump’s immigration abuses. Only legislation can fix the system.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the labor force, the economy and national security. We can work across party lines to encourage innovation while protecting workers and consumers.
Finally, we must scrutinize the administration’s decisions on spending, healthcare, energy and national security, especially the wars in Iran and Ukraine, and develop a clear plan to replenish munitions and ensure readiness.
Some Democrats will demand a third impeachment of Mr. Trump. That would become another partisan spectacle, drowning out the issues voters elected us to address. I will oppose any impeachment process based on political anger, revenge or retribution.
The measure of Democrats’ success won’t be how many headlines we generate or scores we settle. It will be whether families can afford healthcare, housing, groceries and a better future.
As a co-chairman of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, I know Republicans and Democrats can work together without abandoning their principles or constitutional duties. Mr. Trump made this election a referendum on himself. Voters delivered their verdict. They expect results.
(Mr. Suozzi, a Democrat, represents New York’s Third Congressional District)
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Letter to Editor
Dear Editor,
Please publish this message for my constituents.
Thank you, District 5, for choosing me to lead and to be your voice. I don’t take that trust lightly, and I never will.
This was our third election in less than two years. When I stepped up for the special election in February 2025, I asked you to answer the call with me. You did. Then you all did it again, and again.
To the Unions, club leaders, my volunteers, ralliers, friends and family my heart is so full. You knocked on doors in the elements. You made calls endlessly. You gave what you could, even when you had already given so much. And through all three campaigns, you never stopped showing up. You stuck with me for the long haul, and I will never forget it. This win is as much yours as it is mine.
To the families of District 5, thank you for believing in me. I’m honored to keep working for you and delivering for the best district in Nassau County!
With love and gratitude,
Olena Nicks
Nassau County Legislator, District 5
Uniondale, N.Y.
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Letter to the editor of The Indian Panorama
Re-elected to a two-year term of serving the Nassau County Legislature’s Second District.
On November 3, the people of Legislative District 2 made their voices heard, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue representing the communities of Carle Place, Westbury, and New Cassel, along with portions of Hempstead, Hicksville, Jericho, and Uniondale.
First and foremost, I give all thanks, honor, and glory to God, whose grace, guidance, and faithfulness have sustained me throughout this journey. I am continually reminded that with faith, purpose, and His guidance, all things are possible.
This is a victory that belongs to all of us! To every member of our campaign team, every person who made phone calls, knocked on doors, contributed financially, volunteered their time, offered prayers, and came out to vote, thank you! I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming support and the margin of victory your efforts helped deliver. Your prayers strengthened me, and your confidence in my leadership inspires me to continue serving with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
To my loving husband, Gary, our three children, two grandchildren, and my extended family, thank you for your unconditional love, patience, encouragement, and sacrifices. Your unwavering support has been my foundation, and I am truly blessed to have you by my side every step of the way.
As I embark upon the next two years in County government, I remain committed to continuing the work of SOWing into our communities by:
- Strengthening the connection between residents and responsive government;
- Overcoming challenges through unity, collaboration, and transparency; and
- Welcoming new ideas that reflect justice, equity, and shared progress.
Now and always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (516) 571-6202 or vrussell@nassaucountyny.gov to share your ideas, concerns, and vision for our district.
Together, we will continue shaping a future rooted in equity, dignity, opportunity, and progress for all.
Thank you for once again for entrusting me with the honor and responsibility of being your voice in County government.
With a grateful heart and God leading the way, I look forward to continuing this journey of service alongside you.
Viviana R. Russell
Nassau County Legislator
Westbury, N.Y.
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