Dear friend,

We made it through another year of challenges and triumphs. As a father and husband, I remain concerned about those in our communities who have suffered because of this virus. Thank you to every frontline and health care worker who continued making sacrifices during a second year of uncertainty. Compared to last year, we're in a much better place thanks to all the people who got vaccinated, but we're not out of the woods yet.

As we see the continued spike of COVID-19 cases, in particular the Omicron variant, please remember to keep yourselves, loved ones, and our most vulnerable citizens safe as you consider gathering for the holidays. The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated and boosted. 

Below is my last update of 2021 on the work my staff and I have done to serve you.

La Jolla Students Pitch Their Passion

Last Friday, I visited the Riford Public Library in La Jolla to engage with students during the "Pitch Your Passion" program. This initiative partners with high school students from La Jolla and allows them to bring awareness to causes they care about while practicing their public speaking skills and earning community service hours. I spoke with the students about how my concern for local issues started building my career in politics. Various students made their pitch for the group's community service project. I posed questions and then the students voted to adopt a succulent service project that focuses on water conservation and community engagement.

Meeting with CA-52's Congressional App Challenge Winner: Ayush Nayak

Last week, I spoke with Ayush Nayak from Westview High School. He is the 52nd district Congressional App Challenge winner who designed Optix, an app to help people who are visually impaired see the world. The application uses a device's camera and several artificial intelligence models to understand the world around it, and then uses sound to relay that information to the app user. I appreciated learning about this technology and the way Ayush developed this intelligence to be used in real time on our phones. Congratulations to Ayush for this accomplishment!

2021 Year in Review

In Congress this year, I worked hard to address the needs of the people I represent and tackle issues that need urgent solutions like the state of our economy and the harmful effects of climate change. It's my honor to bring you a review of my work in Washington, D.C. and San Diego during 2021 here.

Thank you for your continued trust in me as your representative! Here's to a great 2022! I wish you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy new year!

Stay safe and be well,

Dear friend,

Our work continues to pass the Build Back Better Act through Congress and deliver it to the President's desk and then to the American people. In the meantime this week, we passed critical legislation to safeguard our democracy, and I introduced the Responsible Budgeting Act with Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) to improve Congress' approach to budgeting and eliminate the threat of the debt limit. 

Lifting the debt limit avoids a catastrophic default on debt we have already incurred, but points to a larger and troubling issue: Congress does not have a bipartisan way to deal with our national debt. Rep. Arrington and I introduced this bill to tackle risky debt ceiling brinksmanship while enhancing Congressional focus on fiscal responsibility. Our reforms would help ensure a stronger, more stable economic future.

NEXT WEEK: Town Hall on Build Back Better, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and More!

The end of 2021 is approaching, and I want to take this opportunity to engage directly with the people I represent once more before we welcome 2022. Join me next Wednesday for a town hall via Zoom on the latest in Congress including the Build Back Better Act, the newly enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more. I look forward to responding to attendees' questions and speaking about the work we have done this past year, as well as the work that still lies ahead to deliver for our country. You can register here and/or watch this event live on my YouTube page. 

Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Time: 4:30-5:30 P.M. (PT)

Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.

This Week's Casework Success

Zachary from Downtown contacted my office in mid-October for assistance with his VA disability rating after waiting for a decision for nearly seven months. My staff communicated with him and gathered relevant paperwork for his case. The Department of Veterans Affairs responded to the inquiry and notified my office that it was processing Zachary's claim. My staff followed up with the VA earlier this month and learned that a decision on his claim had been made: Zachary was awarded $585.72 per month and $3,318.54 in back pay.

Engaging with Leaders and Members of our Special Operations Forces 

Interview recording for SOFcast Podcast

On Wednesday, I engaged with senior leaders from the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community in my capacity as co-chair of the bipartisan SOF Caucus. I first met with the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Gen. Clarke, and the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Chief Master Sergeant Smith, to discuss SOCOM’s priorities. Later in the day, I was interviewed for SOCOM’s official “SOFcast” podcast to discuss issues faced by the SOF enterprise and Naval Special Warfare community here in San Diego. Finally, I attended the SOF Caucus’ annual symposium and met with servicemembers from across the entire SOF enterprise to hear about their important work and the challenges they confront in the name of our national security.

Exchanging Ideas on Climate, Trade, and Technology at Embassy of Norway

On Thursday, I delivered remarks during a seminar on technology, trade, and international cooperation for a low-emission future at the embassy of Norway. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Anniken Huitfeldt, and Senior Advisor to U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Dr. Varun Sivaram, were my fellow panelists. I spoke about recent climate leadership in the U.S. including the bipartisan infrastructure law, important climate provisions in the Build Back Better Act, and my support for carbon pricing. I also participated in a panel discussion on sustainable supply chains, technology development, and climate-smart trade. This was a great event to highlight California and Norway's shared goals to fight climate change. International cooperation will move us forward towards a cleaner and safer future.

Discussing Climate Change with New Zealand Ambassador to the U.S.

On Tuesday, I met with Rosemary Banks, New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, to discuss our countries' efforts to address climate change. We spoke about ways to reduce climate pollution from international trade and how our two nations could work together to advance climate solutions.

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.

Stay safe and be well,

Dear friend,

Earlier today, President Biden signed a bill that avoided a federal government shutdown and extends government funding until mid-February. While we are encouraged about this temporary relief, Congress is still working on many pressing issues for the American people. These issues include passing the National Defense Authorization Act, tackling the debt ceiling, and pushing the Build Back Better Act past the finish line. Much work is left to do before the end of 2021, but we are confident that we can deliver what our country needs in a bipartisan and timely fashion.

Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.

Celebrating Over $7M in Constituent Savings!

This newsletter highlights casework successes every week to show how hard my staff and I work for the people I represent. Since taking office in 2013, we update the dollar amount of earned benefits recovered for San Diegans.

This week, I proudly announced that my office has secured a total of $7,327,908 in earned benefits for my constituents.

Our office works year-round to assist San Diegans with federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Small Business Administration. We often assist with passport renewals, small business loans, COVID-19 emergency relief, and access to the benefits owed to veterans and active-duty military and their families. These services are provided at no cost.

I owe this milestone to the relentless efforts of my staff who ensure the people I represent receive the funds and benefits they have earned with their service to our nation, through lifetimes of hard work and paying taxes, or through their commitment to higher education. 

If you need help with a federal agency, please contact my office at 858-455-5550 or visit my website at scottpeters.house.gov for more information.

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Energy and Climate

On Wednesday, my staff attended a ceremony held by the Navy and the State of California. Through a memorandum of understanding, they reaffirmed their joint commitment to work together on energy issues and to address climate change. Admiral Barnett, General Woodworth, Col Bedell, Commissioner Hochschild, and the Navy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations, and Environment Meredith Berger attended this event. 

Speakers at this ceremony discussed shared goals related to energy partnerships energy projects, climate change, grid security, and greenhouse gas emissions. During her remarks, Assistant Secretary Berger mentioned that this memorandum emphasizes that our state will continue working hand in hand with the Navy to accomplish our climate and energy goals. On behalf of San Diego, this partnership is vital for the interests of America and the globe.

Highlighting Climate and Trade with the Atlantic Council

On Thursday, I delivered keynote remarks at a virtual forum hosted by the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center. I spoke about my recent trip to Europe to discuss international climate policy and the encouraging commitments that came out of COP26 including those focused on reducing methane pollution and deforestation, among other priorities. I also highlighted key climate elements in the bipartisan infrastructure law and spoke about the FAIR Transition and Competition Act I introduced with Sen. Chris Coons (D-CT) earlier this year. My staff also joined the event and contributed to the panel discussion. Thank you to the Atlantic Council for including us in this discussion. Together, we must find practical solutions to the climate crisis that consider interrelated challenges including working conditions, national security, and human health as part of a comprehensive strategy.

Discussing Supply Chain Disruptions with White House Task Force

Also on Thursday, my staff joined a virtual meeting of the Democratic Manufacturing Working Group (DMWG) with the White House Supply Chain Disruption Task Force. Administration officials updated members and staff on immediate and long -term strategies to minimize scarcity issues, stabilize prices, and strengthen all parts of the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) Town Hall

Photo Courtesy: San Diego Military Advisory Council

Last week, I spoke at SDMAC's year-end town hall event. I provided an update on the latest in Congress and answered questions about inflation, ongoing negotiations over the National Defense Authorization Act, the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the impacts of partisanship on a functioning government. I also highlighted future investments in our local infrastructure made possible by the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I thank Col Bedell, CO of MCAS Miramar and Mark Balmert, CEO of SDMAC for your leadership and invitation to this event.

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

Stay safe and be well,

Dear Friend,

Today, I voted to advance the Build Back Better Act, the most robust investment in middle-class families in over 70 years and the most significant climate legislation in American history. It will strengthen our middle class and the U.S. economy by reducing everyday costs for working Americans, building the clean energy economy of the future, and investing in families and children.

The historic bill includes several of my top legislative priorities, including our deal to reduce prescription drug prices, $555 billion to reduce climate pollution, and an expanded child tax credit to help make raising a family more affordable.

All of this is possible without adding to our national deficit: the bill is predicted to create 1.5 million jobs per year for 10 years, ease inflationary pressure and generate revenue to help pay for these once-in-a-generation investments.

Though the legislation is still a work in progress, I look forward to making sure the final version sets our nation and children up for a prosperous future.

Read my full statement on the Build Back Better Act, HERE.

Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.

Helping a Local Association With An Unexpected Tax Filing Situation

The president of an international trade association based in La Jolla contacted my office in October to request help with the Internal Revenue Service. The organization received a failure-to-file penalty after their accountant abruptly quit his job in the middle of the pandemic without notifying any of his colleagues. The group then hired a new accountant who is catching up on the work left behind. Given these particular circumstances, my staff worked with the organization to gather supporting evidence and documents and submit a one time-abatement request. This week, the request was approved for a total saving of $4,560.47.

Signing Ceremony at the White House as Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework Becomes Law

On Monday, I attended a signing ceremony at the White House to enact the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. This historic package includes my POWER ON Act to help deploy more renewable energy. I'm thrilled to know how this law will make a real difference in the daily lives of San Diegans, from improved roads and bridges to new, good-paying jobs to greater access to transit, broadband, safe drinking water and more. Funding will also shore up our national cyber and grid security and keep us competitive against countries that have made major investments in infrastructure, including China.

Introduction of the Precision Medicine Answers for Kids Today Act

On Tuesday, Reps. Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Tom Emmer (R-MN) and I introduced legislation to better diagnose and treat genetic disorders like cancer and rare diseases, particularly in children. This legislation was included in a larger bill, CURES 2.0, which would improve how drug treatments and therapies are delivered to patients. The Precision Medicine Answers for Kids Today Act will help eliminate barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage and the inability to consult relevant health professionals, to allow better access to genetic and genomic testing. Thanks in part to the cutting-edge research in my district, genetic testing and genome sequencing are crucial tools to help give families answers to what is making their children sick. Our bill will make these tools more accessible and affordable, allowing health professionals to better target treatments and improving children’s lives by getting answers sooner.

Committee Hearings

“Securing America’s Future: Supply Chain Solutions for a Clean Energy Economy” 

On Tuesday, the Environment and Climate Change and Energy Subcomittees of the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on supply chain solutions for a clean energy economy. Due to the fact that different technologies have different demands for critical minerals, I asked Ethan Zindler, Head of Americas at BloombergNEF, if we should we be making strategic decisions about which technologies to support based on the amount of critical minerals they demand (e.g., hydrogen and advanced nuclear versus batteries)?

I also asked how the U.S. could collaborate with its allies to create more secure and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals and low-carbon technologies.

“Demystifying Crypto:  Digital Assets and the Role of Government”

On Wednesday, I participated in a Joint Economic Committee hearing on cryptocurrencies. I engaged with the witnesses to better understand this phenomenon and how the government can develop fair rules people can trust without stifling innovation. I asked Ms. Alexis Goldstein, Director of Financial Policy at Open Markets Institute, about the effectiveness of a provision included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework requiring brokers to report cryptocurrency gains in a 1099B form starting in 2024 to address tax evasion. I also asked Tim Massad, Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown Law Center, about the potential consequences of a review of stable coins by the Financial Stability Oversight Committee.

This Sunday: Mid-Coast Trolley Extension of the Blue Line!

San Diego is celebrating an infrastructure milestone five years in the making: the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension! The blue line now has nine new stations along 11 miles of new light rail tracks. I fought hard to get $1B in federal funds for this project in Congress, and now we're thrilled to open this extension to the public. The grand opening ceremony is open to the public from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. this Sunday at the UC San Diego Campus Trolley Station.

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.

Stay safe and be well,