Ann Makar’s recent Letter to the Editor reacted to the following quote by Jaime Herrera Beutler to the New York Times: “To truly represent the American people, Congress needs more women and moms. I’m expecting my third baby since I was elected to serve, and it is a privilege to offer my unique perspective as we shape policy for all American families.”
I have to confess I feel a little confused as Ann goes on to say she is glad Jaime affirms many of the same political positions that Ann holds. I am not sure what Ann was concerned about. Was she concerned that Jaime pointed out she is female and pregnant?
My understanding is that the House of Representatives was created by the Constitution so that people from all walks of life and from all experiences could be part of our representative government (from woodsman David Crockett to lawyer Bill Clinton to college-educated bartender and millennial Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez). Indeed I think a big part of the reason our current congress is so dysfunctional is because it’s filled with nearsighted old male lawyers and is not very “representative.”
Thus I think Jaime Herrera Beutler’s unique perspective is a great benefit for the people of Southwest Washington. She is a moderate conservative (I call “values-based progressive”) but adds the experience of being a woman and mother. She is also Latina and grew up in a middle class family who valued hard work. This does not mean she is only these things. These add additional experiences to her life that she can bring to her congressional role. I also know personally she works hard to know the perspectives and needs of the people in Southwest Washington and despite the misrepresentations in the last election, she ardently seeks direct contact with every citizen she represents. When was the last time you heard of a local congressional representative reaching out to Native Americans (a highly neglected demographic in my opinion).
How many representatives were championing legislation to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Congress before Jaime did it? Jaime is one of the two founders of the Congressional Maternity Caucus (her partner is a Democrat). This caucus works on legislation to ensure pregnant moms are included in clinical trials for prescription medication. There is much more.
I am a male and try to be compassionate but I would not have thought about these things. We need Jaime’s perspective on a national level. Each time we send her back to Washington she has more seniority, more connections, more experience, more influence and can more effectively represent Southwest Washington. Quietly and effectively she is becoming a major force for good things to happen in congress.
