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Dear friend,
This Thanksgiving, we look forward to our dinner tables being more crowded than the previous two years. I'm grateful to our healthcare and essential workers who continued their efforts in 2022 to allow us to spend time with our families and loved ones after the peak of COVID-19.
Please be aware that local health providers are seeing an early spike in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. While COVID-19 cases are currently trending down in our region, these viruses circulating at the same time could lead to strains on the already overburdened medical system. Click here for recommendations for you to stay safe this fall and winter.
I also want to thank the people I represent for trusting me to fight for you in Congress. This past year has been filled with challenges and achievements, and I am extremely grateful and proud of our work for the American people. Transformative bills like the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS and Science Act highlight the will to tackle our country's biggest hurdles with success.
Below is another update on the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.
This Week's Casework Success Story
Ernest of Point Loma, a retired Veteran, contacted my office back in July 2022 requesting assistance with his VA appeal. After submitting an inquiry to the VA Board of Appeals, my staff was made aware that a videoconference hearing needed to be scheduled. We submitted additional inquires to the VA videoconference scheduling team in September 2022 and they reached out to Ernest directly. His videoconference is scheduled for next month where he will receive the final decision on his appeal.
Support for the People of Iran
Last Thursday, I attended a bipartisan congressional briefing held by the Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC). I expressed my support for those in Iran who are fighting for their human rights and mentioned H.Res.118 to empower the Iranian people in the face of oppression.
A New Federal Agency for Better Health Outcomes
Last Wednesday, I met with Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health (ARPA-H) Director Dr. Renee Wegrzyn. We discussed Dr. Wegrzyn’s plans for the agency, potential areas of research, and how San Diego’s rich innovation ecosystem could play a key role in the agency’s work. I look forward to working with Dr. Wegrzyn to make sure that we make good on ARPA-H’s mission by supporting high-risk, high-reward research to solve our most challenging health issues.
I am so grateful for my job serving you in Congress and I wish all of you a safe, restful and happy Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones.
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