I just stepped off the Senate Floor after giving my “maiden speech,” John. It may seem like it’s only been months, but it’s been one year since I was sworn into office as a U.S. Senator.

The Senate has a long-standing — but kind of quaint — tradition for new members to wait for a milestone or important event before giving their first major address on the Senate floor, in front of their families, their colleagues, and their leadership. Many times, new Senators in the past would not speak for the first year or years they were in that “august” body. I have given many speeches in the Senate this year, so the tradition is a bit dated, but my “maiden” speech was a great opportunity to reflect on the year, what I was able to accomplish, and how many challenges lie ahead.

Because what a year it has been, John. It started in January with the horrifying wildfires in California that destroyed homes and livelihoods and uprooted families. My staff and I immediately got to work, setting up a website for affected communities to easily access resources, writing and sponsoring legislation to address the root cause of so many of these fires, to help people rebuild, and to protect the men and women who fight these fires and the families impacted by natural disasters.

I’ve also continued to do all I can to make life easier, safer, and more affordable. Trump and the Republicans haven’t fulfilled their promise to make life more affordable for anyone except billionaires. The Big Ugly Bill they passed over the summer has made life harder and more expensive for millions of Americans — kicking them off of their health coverage and cutting Medicaid, taking food away with SNAP cuts, raising energy costs — all to fund tax cuts for the rich.

I’ve introduced over a dozen bipartisan bills, passed resolutions and amendments, and just dropped my first big bill to build millions of new homes around the country — and quickly.

I’ve also fought Trump’s illegal war, and I've held his nominees and Cabinet secretaries accountable for their corruption, their abuse of power, and so many acts of misconduct. I’ve pushed back against the cruelty of their immigration raids, their attacks on a free media, and their effort to tell law firms who they can represent and universities what they can teach.

And don’t get me started on Trump’s personal vendetta against me. I’ve weathered attack after attack from him and his cronies, up to and including a bogus Department of Justice “investigation.”

But even during the darkest, stormiest moments, there have been bright spots. Like your amazing support — and the steadfast support of my wife and family. Like traveling across the state, talking to Republicans, Democrats, independents, and everyone in between, seeing the magnificent beauty of the Golden State.

Even better, though, has been this year of listening and learning from Californians, seeing people come together, rallying behind each other.

It's been a remarkable year, John. Thank you for being a part of this. I am not exaggerating when I say that I could not do this without you.

— Adam