Dear friend,
It is my honor to continue serving the 52nd district as we began the second session of the 117th congress this week in Washington, D.C.
As elected representatives, one of our biggest responsibilities is actively maintaining the health of our democracy. In response to laws in several states that restrict voting rights, I voted for the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act this week.
The Freedom to Vote Act sets national standards for voting access, and ensures safe, secure, and accessible elections for all Americans, among other provisions. Meanwhile, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act updates the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Standing up for all Americans' right to vote is not a partisan issue. I will keep fighting for voting rights as an elected official and as a citizen who deeply cares about the fate of our democracy.
Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.
NEXT WEEK: Order COVID-19 Tests Online!
Earlier today, the Biden administration announced that Americans can begin ordering free at-home COVID-19 tests starting next Wednesday, January 19th.
You will be able to place orders for up to four tests per household by visiting COVIDtests.gov. A telephone line will also be made available so those without access to computers or high-speed internet can place orders. The tests will be free, and a credit card number will not be necessary to order.
This Week's Casework Success Story
Gershon from Carmel Valley contacted my office in June to request assistance with the IRS. My staff worked with Gershon to gather documents relating to his family's trust, as well as letters from his attorney detailing recent changes in tax law that affected his case. My staff previously helped Gershon’s brother, who faced the same problem, save $190,000. After careful consideration over several months, the IRS admitted that due to a system error, it had incorrectly imposed annual penalties for over 10 years. The agency proceeded to reverse the penalties and interest for a total saving of $279,842.47.
POWER ON Act Implemented as Part of Department of Energy's New Initiative
This week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the “Building a Better Grid” Initiative to carry out key transmission provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure law and help forge new high-capacity electric transmission lines nationwide. The program will work with community and industry stakeholders to identify national transmission needs and support the buildout of long-distance, high voltage transmission facilities. It will make the U.S. power grid more resilient to the impacts of climate change, increase access to affordable and reliable clean energy, create good-paying jobs, and help reach President Biden’s goal of 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and a zero-emissions economy by 2050.
Additionally, the initiative will implement the POWER ON Act, a bill I authored in 2021, which passed as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Its implementation will improve permitting processes and boost community input to help build more transmission lines and deploy more renewable energy across the country. I applaud the DOE’s efforts and will continue my work in Congress to modernize and strengthen our national electric transmission system.
NOW STREAMING: My Interview for Special Operations Command's Podcast!
Speaking with Sergeant Major Parrish (December 2021)
You can now listen to my interview for the U.S. Special Operations Command's official podcast, "SOFcast" in its entirety on Spotify and YouTube. Last month, I met with senior leaders from the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community in my capacity as co-chair of the bipartisan SOF Caucus. It was great to discuss the goals of the caucus, and the issues that are important to the SOF enterprise and Naval Special Warfare community here in San Diego. Listen now!
Staying Safe this Winter
Recent tragedies in New York and Philadelphia remind us of potential hazards in our homes as we stay warm this winter. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns consumers to be vigilant when using space heaters, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fireplaces, and generators, among other appliances.
A full list of tips to stay safe during the winter months from the Consumer Product Safety Commission can be found here.
Blood Shortage in San Diego County
As a frequent blood donor, I understand how my contribution can make a difference for many patients in need. With the Omicron surge, the American Red Cross is facing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. Due to this shortage, doctors are forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will wait until more products become available. All blood types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood crisis.
Please consider donating blood to help ease this crisis.
Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or need assistance with a federal agency, reach out to us through our website or by calling the district office at 858-455-5550.
To stay updated on my work throughout the week, you can also follow my social media accounts by clicking on the icons below.
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