This is the cover note of a letter to the 118th Congress outlining the Reform Jewish Movement's policy priorities and urging all Members of Congress to join us in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

This week, the United States surpasses one million deaths from COVID-19. It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of losing one million souls over just two years, yet we must pause to mourn the dead and comfort the millions of families forever changed by this devastating pandemic.

January marked the end of President Biden's first year in office and the halfway point for the 117th Congress. As we look ahead in this new year, we hope President Biden and Congress will work together to focus on the following priorities in 2022.

After 12 hours of storytelling and prayer at the Washington Interfaith Staff Community's Build Back Better Prayer Vigil outside the U.S. Capitol on October 20, it was clear: bold investments in our economic recovery are crucial to the livelihood of workers, children, and families in the US. To rebuild the American economy and address the structural inequities that long preceded the pandemic, Congress must pass a robust Build Back Better Act.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crises of hunger and homelessness in the U.S. are more urgent than ever. It is our imperative to understand the scale of these injustices and demand much-needed relief for those most vulnerable.

In addressing epidemics, there are a number of provisions of Jewish law directly relevant to challenges we face today. The spirit of these laws and their wisdom speaks across the centuries to us now.

Nobody should be denied access to quality, affordable health care, especially during a pandemic. But repealing the ACA would reverse these gains and devastate millions of Americans.

As intimate partner violence rates surge, the Senate still refuses to pass a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which has been in limbo for more than a year.

As the United States grapples with COVID-19 and faces a renewed focus on racial justice, this week provides an important opportunity to take stock of how both issues affect mental health.