I'm Brian Lehrer. This is my daily politics podcast from WNYC Studios. It's Tuesday, January 26th.

Let's jump right in today with one of the new history-making members of Congress from New York,

one of the new progressives who ran

with the backing of Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to see what

it's been like getting caught in an insurrection during your first week at your new job,

how he thinks Joe Biden is doing so far as president, how to fight the pandemic and inequality, and much more.

Our guest is Mondare Jones, who succeeds Congresswoman Nita Lowy, who retired from the

district covering all of Rockland County and parts of Westchester, roughly from White Plains

to the Tappinsey, Mario Cuomo Bridge.

Mondare Jones grew up in Section 8 subsidized

housing in Rockland, Spring Valley, went on to Stanford University and Harvard Law School,

has worked in the Obama Justice Department and the Westchester County Law Office. He's a

progressive from the suburbs, along with Richie Torres from the Bronx.

He has also just become one of the first two members of Congress to be both African-American

and openly gay.

He has gotten a seat on the prestigious House Judiciary Committee.

He was also one of the first on January 6th itself to call for the second impeachment of Donald

Trump, and also, and we'll talk

about this, for the expulsion of members of Congress who voted to reject the election result.

Congressman Jones, thanks so much for some time with us today. I got to congratulate you after you

won the primary last summer, and now congratulations on being elected and taking your seat.

Brian, thanks for having me on. It is always a joy to connect with your listeners.

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