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Dear friend,
If you missed my newsletter this week, my office is participating in the Valentines for Veterans program to show our veterans how much we appreciate them. If you would like to help make this Valentine's Day special for someone who served, you can write a letter and drop it off or mail it to 4350 Executive Dr. Suite 105, San Diego CA 92121 by Friday, February 11!
We'll be delivering these special letters to a veterans housing complex in San Diego that supports our local veteran population.
Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.
My Legislative Work in Washington, D.C.
Voting to Bolster American Competitiveness and Innovation
I joined my fellow New Democrat Coalition Leadership Members during a press conference to call for swift Congressional action on the America COMPETES Act. (February 4, 2022)
Earlier today, I supported the House passage of the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength (America COMPETES) Act. This comprehensive package will make transformational new investments in research, innovation and American manufacturing and accelerate U.S. production of critical semiconductor chips, strengthen supply chains to make more goods in America, turbocharge our research capacity to lead the technologies of the future, and advance our global competitiveness.
The package also includes an amendment I offered with Rep. Kathy Manning (NC-06) to help the United States—and San Diego—further retain top STEM talent from around the world after they graduate with a Master's degree in related fields.
Before the America COMPETES Act can advance, the House will need to conference with the Senate to resolve differences between the House bill and a Senate version known as United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA).
Read more about this bill here.
A Victory for Seniors!
Seniors are at greater risk for serious illness from a COVID-19 infection. Frequent testing, including at-home tests, are crucial to stopping the spread of new variants. That's why last month, my colleague Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-09) and I urged the Biden Administration to provide full reimbursement to Medicare recipients who purchase at-home COVID-19 tests.
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that seniors under Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will be able to get at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost starting in early spring.
A New Church for San Diego's Armenian Community
Last weekend, I attended the consecration of a new Armenian church in San Diego, the St. John Garabed Armenian Church. From my time on the City Council and as a port commissioner, I have always supported religious freedom which is why I led efforts during the permitting process to approve the construction of this church. It was an honor to be recognized at this event and to speak to leaders and members of San Diego's Armenian community.
Stressing the Importance of Leveraging Public Dollars for Private Clean Energy Investments
On Thursday, I participated in a House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition meeting with Department of Energy Loan Programs Office (LPO) Director Jigar Shah as our guest. The LPO plays a critical role in ensuring the development of next generation clean technologies. During the meeting, I discussed my successful efforts to include $40 billion in additional support for the LPO in the House version of the Build Back Better Act. The previously passed Energy Act of 2020 and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also made reforms to improve LPO's ability to make loans. Director Shah spoke about LPO's plans to utilize its existing authority to advance our clean energy goals and how the Build Back Better Act provisions could further accelerate progress.
Understanding the Needs of Naval Special Warfare Command
On Wednesday, I met with Rear Adm. Howard, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. We discussed several issues including servicemember housing in San Diego, Tijuana transboundary sewage, and how the Naval Special Warfare Community is preparing for competition with peer competitors from around the world.
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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