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Dear friend,
As we took important votes for our country this week in Washington, D.C., we were constantly reminded of the tragedy occurring in Eastern Europe. Russia continues its unprovoked war against Ukraine by violating its sovereignty, committing war crimes against civilians, and engaging in disinformation about the purpose of their invasion.
Over the past few days, Congress took action to further support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for this unjustified display of aggression.
- On Wednesday, the House passed the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act, which bans Russian energy imports into the United States.
- Yesterday, the Senate passed a historic federal spending bill for fiscal year 2022 that includes a supplemental bill for $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support the Ukrainian people. This bill is now headed to President Biden's desk.
- An additional $1 billion in funding has already been committed in security assistance for Ukraine over the past year.
Our support for Ukraine stands firm, and despite Russia's horrific actions, the NATO alliance is now stronger than ever.
Below is another update on the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Annual Funding Package Moves Key San Diego Projects Forward
The funding package for fiscal year 2022 also includes key investments in San Diego priorities that I fought to secure. For the first time in over a decade, Congress has committed to funding local projects put forth by lawmakers. These community projects in the 52nd district include:
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$1 million to improve and update Poway's Clearwell water storage reservoir,
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$1 million for the Port of San Diego to secure Harbor Island's shoreline,
- and $950,000 for UC San Diego to strengthen the university's Telehealth and Health Information Technology program.
One Year Since the Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act
Today marks one year since the American Rescue Plan was enacted to help communities across the country deal with the devastating effects of COVID-19. The American Rescue Plan delivered crucial emergency funding to our health care system, businesses, families and schools in San Diego, Poway, and Coronado.
Specifically, the 52nd District received $138.5 million in Child Tax Credit tax cuts to help offset the costs associated with caring for a child or dependent with disabilities. Local restaurants received over $142.9 million in grants from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, a program modeled after the RESTAURANTS Act, which I co-sponsored. Struggling small businesses in the entertainment industry also received $92 million from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program to help keep those venues running.
The American Rescue Plan also secured funding for Californian schools and communities. Roughly $15 billion went to California's K-12 schools to help get kids back in the classroom safely. The ARP also designated over $1 billion for Community Health Centers to conduct COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, surveillance, mitigation and treatment in several communities while supporting the health care workforce.
University of San Diego Students Visit Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, a group of students from the University of San Diego's Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies stopped by my office in Washington, D.C. We discussed a wide range of issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, domestic extremism, and housing and transportation. I appreciated hearing from these young people who are so engaged and passionate about these complex issues!
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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