Sharice Davids: We agree on more than you might realize. Let’s work together in 2024.

As we prepare to ring in the new year, I find myself reflecting on the achievements and challenges we experienced throughout 2023. From record numbers of small business applications to yet another historic Kansas City Super Bowl win, the past year had its highs, but also its lows — and this certainly holds true for Congress.

While I helped pass major bipartisan laws in past years that are reinvigorating American manufacturing and building the infrastructure of the future, this year was different. Some are saying it was Congress’s “most unproductive (year) in modern history,” largely due to the divisive and partisan atmosphere prevailing in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, it seems some lawmakers prioritize scoring political points over helping struggling Americans afford groceries, housing and gas. That’s not right.

The only way to make a true difference in the lives of hardworking Kansans is by putting partisanship aside and working together, Republicans and Democrats alike, in a bipartisan manner.

The tangible benefits of working together in Congress are translating into positive outcomes for folks right now. The bipartisan infrastructure law has enabled Kansas to kick-start construction on 258 vital projects across our state. Kansans on Medicare are saving $620 a year on their insulin. Kansas City was named a regional technology and innovation hub to boost domestic manufacturing. At least 20,000 clean energy jobs were created in the 3rd District (the most in the country), and 5 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposures nationally.

My team also has been hard at work. This year, we sent more than 124,000 messages to Kansans and resolved 1,650 constituent cases, returning more than $5.4 million to individuals and local businesses. I also traveled to each county in the 3rd District on my Farm Bill Listening Tour and worked five Sharice’s Shifts alongside local workers to gain firsthand insights into how recently passed bipartisan federal legislation affects them and their families. And 72% of the bills I supported this year were bipartisan.

While good things are happening, it’s no secret that the U.S. House of Representatives and broader political landscape have been marred by extremism and polarization. Our political differences are not insurmountable barriers. Instead, they are opportunities for constructive dialogue and collaboration.

Here in the Kansas City region, we’ve demonstrated that kind of collaboration is possible. Republican Missouri 4th District Rep. Mark Alford and I worked together to pass our SERV Act, which would help veteran small business owners succeed in our economy. GOP Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran and I listened to our constituents and came together, urging action to address poor mail service in Kansas. And I pushed back against President Joe Biden, joining my colleagues from both parties to urge his administration to engage in bipartisan discussions regarding a comprehensive immigration plan.

As we look ahead to 2024, I am filled with optimism for Kansas. You may not see it on the nightly news, but we agree on so much more than is often recognized. That includes lowering the cost of gas and groceries, creating good-paying job opportunities here at home, supporting Kansas veterans and ensuring the federal government actually works for everyday folks. The 3rd District is full of diverse perspectives, cultures and values. To ensure the different needs and priorities of our neighbors are met, we must rise above partisan divides and fully recognize that no single party holds a monopoly on good ideas.

We can choose the path of finding common ground and making a difference in people’s lives — or the path of extremism, division and empty promises. In 2024, I urge my colleagues to join me in making our New Year’s resolution a renewed commitment to bipartisan cooperation.

It is an honor to serve as your representative in the United States Congress. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season and new year.

P.S. If you or someone you know needs assistance, my team put together a web page at davids.house.gov/lowercosts with resources that may help lower prices on groceries, gas, housing, health care and more.