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Dear friend,
President Biden addressed the nation this week in his first State of the Union address. He touched on a wide range of issues we are facing, including the progress we have made as a country to fight COVID-19 over the past two years.
He also discussed the horrible war in Ukraine. As our government and allies continue to put pressure on Russia's economy through strict sanctions, I joined my colleagues from the Energy and Commerce Committee to demand transparency from the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers this week. We urged answers on whether their members will continue importing crude oil and petroleum products from Russia. We must halt these imports to abate Russian aggression and help Europeans access clean, affordable, and reliable energy.
For my statement in response to his address, click here.
Below is another update on the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
This Week's Casework Success Story
John from Linda Vista applied for social security benefits in August 2021. As of January 2021, he had yet to receive his benefits and he reached out to my office for answers and a solution to this issue. My staff was able to help John solve the delay with the Social Security Administration and he received $787.40 in benefits.
The STANDUP Act and Meth Response Act Set to Become Law!
Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan, bicameral Methamphetamine Response Act. The bill would declare methamphetamine an emerging drug threat and direct the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to create and deploy a national strategy to tackle the rising threat of meth addiction and overdose.
The STANDUP Act is also headed to the President's desk to be signed into law!
This legislation will help equip students, educators, and staff with necessary skills to identify, intervene, and support those at risk of harming themselves or others. Thank you to my peers – Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Sandy Hook Promise who helped push this life-saving effort across the finish line.
Discussing American-Albanian Relations with the Ambassador of Albania
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Floreta Faber who serves as Albania's Ambassador to the U.S. We spoke about the positive relations between our two countries, Albania's support for Afghan evacuees following our withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Albanian community in San Diego, and the efforts of the Albanian Issues Caucus.
Understanding the Challenges of San Diego's Youth
Later on Wednesday, I met with Danny Sherlock, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Diego. We discussed the mental health, nutritional, and workforce preparation challenges young San Diegans are facing. I fully support the goals and efforts of the Boys and Girls Club to help our younger generations thrive and succeed.
Engaging International Partners on Climate Solutions
I also met with Mohammed Chahim, member of the European Parliament, this week. We spoke about our efforts to reduce climate pollution, deploy clean technologies, and improve the environmental outcomes of our trade regimes. Specifically, we discussed the FAIR Transition and Competition Act which I introduced last summer with Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE). International collaboration will be key to address climate change on a global scale, and I look forward to continuing to work with our European allies on this issue.
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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