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Dear friend,
I hope you and your loved ones continue to stay safe and well. I continue my work in the district to stay in touch with the people I represent. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative Work
Introduction of the Build for Future Disasters Act
Today, Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06) and I introduced the bipartisan Build for Future Disasters Act to end the costly system of building, flooding and rebuilding perpetuated by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP.) Federal taxpayer money is currently subsidizing the rebuilding of structures in some areas that are prone to flooding, and this bill would instead encourage regional resiliency planning as we prepare for future climate crisis-induced disasters.
The Build for Future Disasters Act would end NFIP subsidies for newly constructed properties in areas vulnerable to flooding. Newly constructed properties built during 2025 or later would be subject to rates that reflect up-to-date flood risk information and will not later qualify for a subsidy. Meanwhile, structures built before 2025 in flood zones or that are re-mapped into flood zones would still be eligible for grandfathering subsidies. The bill also requires the US Government Accountability Office to study the feasibility and implications of lowering all subsidies to put the NFIP on a path to stronger financial footing.
For more on this bill, click here.
District Work
Food Distribution Event
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in San Diego and around the country. The effects of COVID-19 exacerbated conditions for families and residents in need.
Today, I helped receive around 2,500 food boxes as part of the USDA's 'Farmers to Families Food Box' Program. This program provides relief to families while also supporting American farmers impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
Local partners including the San Diego Food Bank, Serving Seniors, PATH, Paving Great Futures, San Diego Labor Council and Jewish Family Services will distribute these boxes to San Diegans facing food insecurity.
Today's event also coincides with World Food Day and the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. May we keep moving and working towards a sustainable and nourishing future for all.
PPE Exchange Meeting
I had a meeting to learn about PPE Exchange, a San Diego-grown digital marketplace that supplies front line workers with the equipment they need to battle COVID-19. JT Garwood, a co-founder of PPE Exchange and USD alumnus, shed light on the company's role as a transparent and efficient player in the medical supply chain and detailed how they search for businesses overseas to get those supplies to the U.S. PPE Exchange's network relies on more than 900 manufacturers and distributors and has supplied over 10,000,000 PPE units so far.
Meeting with Angeline Aloysius
I spoke to Angeline Aloysius, a Cathedral Catholic High School student and member of the Borgen Project, regarding international affairs budgets and funding for COVID-19 relief. We discussed my support for the Keeping Girls in School Act, which passed the House earlier this year and the Girls Lead Act, which will implement measures to help adolescent girls participate in democracy, human rights issues and government.
Meeting and Virtual Town Hall on Rare Diseases
I had a very productive discussion with rare disease patient advocacy groups and Retrophin's executive team. After, I participated in a virtual town hall with Retrophin employees to discuss my efforts in Congress, including my work with the Rare Disease Caucus, my bill called the Ending the Diagnostic Odyssey Act of 2019, the importance of the biotech and life sciences industries for San Diego's economy, NIH funding, drug pricing, and healthcare reform.
This Week's Casework Success Story
Josephine from Rancho Bernardo contacted the office in June to request assistance with obtaining her CARES stimulus check. She did not understand the delay since she has received social security for years. My staff repeatedly followed up with IRS officials to ensure she received the money to which she was entitled. After almost 4 months of advocating for Josephine, the IRS mailed her check.
To stay up to date on my work throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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.
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