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December 10, 2021
Dear friend,
Our work continues to pass the Build Back Better Act through Congress and deliver it to the President's desk and then to the American people. In the meantime this week, we passed critical legislation to safeguard our democracy, and I introduced the Responsible Budgeting Act with Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) to improve Congress' approach to budgeting and eliminate the threat of the debt limit.
Lifting the debt limit avoids a catastrophic default on debt we have already incurred, but points to a larger and troubling issue: Congress does not have a bipartisan way to deal with our national debt. Rep. Arrington and I introduced this bill to tackle risky debt ceiling brinksmanship while enhancing Congressional focus on fiscal responsibility. Our reforms would help ensure a stronger, more stable economic future.
NEXT WEEK: Town Hall on Build Back Better, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and More!
The end of 2021 is approaching, and I want to take this opportunity to engage directly with the people I represent once more before we welcome 2022. Join me next Wednesday for a town hall via Zoom on the latest in Congress including the Build Back Better Act, the newly enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more. I look forward to responding to attendees' questions and speaking about the work we have done this past year, as well as the work that still lies ahead to deliver for our country. You can register here and/or watch this event live on my YouTube page.
Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Time: 4:30-5:30 P.M. (PT)
Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.
This Week's Casework Success
Zachary from Downtown contacted my office in mid-October for assistance with his VA disability rating after waiting for a decision for nearly seven months. My staff communicated with him and gathered relevant paperwork for his case. The Department of Veterans Affairs responded to the inquiry and notified my office that it was processing Zachary's claim. My staff followed up with the VA earlier this month and learned that a decision on his claim had been made: Zachary was awarded $585.72 per month and $3,318.54 in back pay.
Engaging with Leaders and Members of our Special Operations Forces
Interview recording for SOFcast Podcast
On Wednesday, I engaged with senior leaders from the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community in my capacity as co-chair of the bipartisan SOF Caucus. I first met with the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Gen. Clarke, and the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Chief Master Sergeant Smith, to discuss SOCOM's priorities. Later in the day, I was interviewed for SOCOM's official "SOFcast" podcast to discuss issues faced by the SOF enterprise and Naval Special Warfare community here in San Diego. Finally, I attended the SOF Caucus' annual symposium and met with servicemembers from across the entire SOF enterprise to hear about their important work and the challenges they confront in the name of our national security.
Exchanging Ideas on Climate, Trade, and Technology at Embassy of Norway
On Thursday, I delivered remarks during a seminar on technology, trade, and international cooperation for a low-emission future at the embassy of Norway. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Anniken Huitfeldt, and Senior Advisor to U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Dr. Varun Sivaram, were my fellow panelists. I spoke about recent climate leadership in the U.S. including the bipartisan infrastructure law, important climate provisions in the Build Back Better Act, and my support for carbon pricing. I also participated in a panel discussion on sustainable supply chains, technology development, and climate-smart trade. This was a great event to highlight California and Norway's shared goals to fight climate change. International cooperation will move us forward towards a cleaner and safer future.
Discussing Climate Change with New Zealand Ambassador to the U.S.
On Tuesday, I met with Rosemary Banks, New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, to discuss our countries' efforts to address climate change. We spoke about ways to reduce climate pollution from international trade and how our two nations could work together to advance climate solutions.
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.
Stay safe and be well,