|
Dear friend,
This week, millions of fellow Americans endured freezing temperatures and subsequent power outages and failures. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who passed away and all who are facing critical challenges while seeking safety, warmth, and normalcy during this devastating weather event.
Here in San Diego, vaccination sites have had to close and reschedule appointments due to vaccine shortages, but help is on the way. Statewide numbers indicate that we're on the right path to defeat this pandemic. Please continue to wash your hands frequently, wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings.
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
Energy & Commerce Committee hearing: "A Smarter Investment: Pathways to a Clean Energy Future"
This week, the Energy Subcommittee began its work for this Congress, renewing the efforts to chart a path toward a clean energy future. During this week's hearing, I discussed modernizing our national power grid so that we can connect renewable sources with areas of high electric demand. I also asked the witnesses about the role Congress can play to remove barriers in order to build large-scale transmission projects across state lines. Click here to watch my full remarks.
District Work
Briefing with SANDAG
On Wednesday, I hosted a meeting to discuss the progress of key priority projects such as the Central Mobility Hub, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor and the future of rail in San Diego. Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Encinitas Mayor and SANDAG Chair Catherine Blakespear, San Diego Mayor and First SANDAG Vice Chair Todd Gloria, National City Mayor and Second SANDAG Vice Chair Alejandra Sotelo Solís and other SANDAG officials joined me for this virtual meeting. We look forward to increasing and improving transportation choices for San Diegans through continued collaboration and innovation.
Meeting with Plant Diego
On Wednesday, I met with members of Plant Diego, a local group dedicated to educating and informing San Diegans about the benefits of eating a plant-based diet for nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability. We discussed policy ideas related to farm bill subsidies and environmental laws. We also spoke about the broader effects of food on climate change and my work on super pollutants and coolants.
Meeting with the Regional Task Force on the Homeless
On Thursday, I spoke at the Regional Task Force on the Homeless' board meeting and discussed my efforts in Congress to preserve and expand the VA's HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher program. To address veteran homelessness, HUD-VASH couples rental assistance with case management services from the VA. My bill, the Veteran HOUSE Act, was passed in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, and expands eligibility for HUD-VASH to veterans with other than honorable (OTH), but not dishonorable, discharges. Veterans with OTH discharges represent 3% of the veteran population, but they compose 15% of the homeless veteran population. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with the board and thank them for their critical work to support those experiencing homelessness.
NEW: Participate in our weekly poll!
We've recently introduced a new section in our e-newsletter for readers to weigh in on a relevant topic. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Here's this week's question:
Modernizing our national power grid can reduce the frequency and duration of power outages, reduce storm impacts, and restore service faster when outages occur. Building an interstate Macro Grid to connect remote renewable resources (sun, wind, geothermal, hydropower) with centers of high electric demand is a viable option according to research from the Dept. of Energy. Optimizing this grid may reduce carbon emissions, improve system resiliency and reduce wholesale power costs, but would require the federal government to override state and local objections to power line permitting and construction.
Would you support this kind of overhaul to our power grid?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms. We'll share the results in next week's e-newsletter.
Last week's question was: "Proposals to address student debt and the high cost of higher education are being debated as we deal with the current economic crisis. What do you think?" Here are the results:
397 Responses: 46.6% Other 31.2% We should address the student debt crisis by making college more affordable: lowering student loan interest rates and tuition and making community college free. 22.2% The federal government should forgive all existing student loan debt.
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.
|