I'm changing my ringtone today.

Back in 2021, my daughter, Molly, changed my ringtone. Since then, it's been a point of conversation on social media, in the halls of Congress, and even a POLITICO newsletter.

Despite it not being a song I'd choose, I never felt inclined to change it because it reminds me of my daughter and her sense of humor. However, today calls for a new battlecry.

Today is the first day of the 119th Congress. In the spirit of new beginnings, I'm changing my ringtone to the song that's been stuck in my head since November: Johnny Cash's "I Won't Back Down."

"Well, I won't back down, no I won't back down

You can stand me up at the gates of Hell

But I won't back down

Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around

And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down

Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down

Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out

Hey, I will stand my ground and I won't back down

Well, I know what's right, I got just one life

In a world that keeps on pushin' me around

But I stand my ground and I won't back down

Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out

Hey, I will stand my ground and I won't back down

No, I won't back down"

For the next four years, my commitment to you is that I simply won't back down. Not on reproductive freedom. Not on racism, sexism, homophobia, or other hatred and bigotry. Not from compassionate policies for health care, immigration, hunger, or education.

Bottom line: I won't back down from the mandate you gave me by sending me back to Congress. Today is day one, and it's going to be a long road — but we're walking it together.

More soon,

Jim