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Dear friend,
We passed several significant bills this week, including the National Defense Authorization Act to invest in our security and defense, the Respect for Marriage Act to ensure federal marriage equality, and the Veteran Service Recognition Act to facilitate the ability of noncitizen service members to apply for naturalization. This legislation also creates pathways for noncitizens and their families to obtain lawful permanent status in the U.S. I look forward to another busy week in Congress as we approach the end of the year.
Below is another update on the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.
This Week's Casework Success Story
Mariam from Scripps Ranch contacted my office in October to request assistance with her husband's pending work permit. He was evacuated from Afghanistan during the Taliban takeover in 2021 and had been living in the U.S. for almost a year without the ability to work. My staff contacted USCIS to make them aware of Mariam's husband's application and the financial stress related to the pending decision. A few weeks ago, the employment authorization card was finally delivered to Mariam's husband.
"I am more than a hundred percent sure that this is because of your attention and assistance. I really appreciate your help. We are both thankful for the help we have gotten from you and your office."
- Mariam from Scripps Ranch
Meeting with JStreet
On Tuesday, I met with JStreet leaders during their national advocacy day to discuss the incoming Israeli administration, the rise in antisemitism, and ways to improve the lives of the Palestinian people. The U.S. and Israel have a unique, historical relationship based on shared democratic values which we must defend.
Research and Innovation for Patients
On Wednesday, I met with Professor Dr. Brad Moore from UC San Diego's Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. We discussed Dr. Moore's unique biomedical automation facility, which is helping to get cures to patients quicker and expand our epidemiological research capacity. I look forward to working with Dr. Moore to ensure that the western United States, and San Diego in particular, continue to receive robust federal support from NIH and other agencies.
Discussing Energy Transition
On Thursday, I participated in a forum on global energy transition hosted by U.S. Energy Stream. This national group engages leaders to successfully address future technologies and policies in U.S. energy innovation to solve national and international energy challenges. I spoke about my priorities for bipartisan energy policy next Congress, including the importance of permitting reform and bipartisanship as we look ahead.
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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