November 5, 2021

Dear friend,

As we send this, votes on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and Build Back Better Act are still pending in Washington, D.C. I support both bills. The Build Back Better Act will make historic investments in early childhood education, health care, housing, and tackle our climate crisis in an unprecedented way. I personally worked hard to include a plan to lower prescription drug prices.

New reports predict Build Back Better will generate 1.5 million jobs per year for 10 years, decrease inflation and generate revenue to help pay for these investments. I thank my colleagues who have worked hard and are working to improve this bill, and I look forward to voting yes when it is put on the floor.

Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.

This week's casework success story is about Ryan from Bay Park, who contacted the office in June to request assistance with obtaining his 2019 tax refund. The Internal Revenue Service had asked for additional information from Ryan in early 2021 to which he responded promptly, but had not heard any further updates since then. My staff worked with Ryan to resubmit all the requested documents to the IRS. In October, Ryan finally received his refund for a total of $28,674.06.

On Tuesday, I participated in a virtual panel event hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) on climate and international trade policy. I spoke about how the U.S. can leverage its trade policy to strengthen the competitiveness of our industries while reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Policymaking and research experts also discussed the U.S. carbon advantage and the possibility of creating a "carbon club" with other world economies during this event. As world leaders convene for the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, it is more important than ever to discuss these solutions and turn them into a reality to save the health of our planet.

On Tuesday, New Dem Coalition members spoke with Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about the Build Back Better agenda during our weekly meeting. We also discussed actions the Administration is taking to address supply chain issues and strengthen the resilience of our supply chain.

On Wednesday, I addressed a symposium for the Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict division of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). I discussed the important work of the Special Operations Forces Caucus, for which I serve as co-chair, the goals of the caucus, and how special it is for me to represent the operators and their families stationed in my district at Naval Base Coronado. I also took the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary sacrifice and success of the special operations community over the past twenty years. This community has played a crucial role countering violent extremism throughout the globe and in our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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.