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Dear friend,
Relief is on the way as President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law yesterday. This historic and robust legislation is a lifeline for Americans who need help the most by extending unemployment benefits, delivering more targeted direct payments and supporting hard-hit businesses such as restaurants and event venues.
In other encouraging news, President Biden also announced the purchase of 100 million Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine doses and his goal of having adults vaccinated in time for July 4th. These developments provided a sigh of hopeful relief, but we must not let our guard down. Please stay safe and help keep those around you safe as well.
This week, I continued my work in Washington, D.C. by voting to pass crucial legislation. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative work
Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 and Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021
On Thursday, I voted to pass two bills I co-sponsored to advance gun safety in America and save lives. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 requires background checks for all gun transfers, not just those sold by federally licensed retailers, such as gun purchases over the internet. The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 reinforces that background checks must be completed before retailers can sell firearms.
Specifically, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act would require a background check for every gun sale or transfer to ensure that individuals prohibited from gun possession under federal law, such as felons, domestic abusers and those considered a danger to themselves or others are not able to obtain firearms. The Enhanced Background Checks Act would close the Charleston Loophole that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three business days.
While our nation has seen far too many tragedies related to gun violence, nearly 100 Americans lose their lives each day in gun-related incidents that don't make headlines. To all those who have been hurt by gun violence, lost a loved one, or fought tirelessly with us: this vote is for you. Click here for more information.
Responding to constituent noise complaints
I recently sent two letters to request action to evaluate and address community concerns regarding military flights over coastal and inland neighborhoods in my district, including University City, Carmel Valley, Torrey Hills, La Jolla and Sunset Cliffs. I requested military commanders ensure aviators adhere to course rules, enforce proper rotary flight stand-off distance from beach and cliffside residences, and avoid unnecessary overflights of neighborhood areas, particularly at low altitude. The letters, sent to Major General Mahoney at MCAS Miramar and Captain John De Pree at Naval Base Coronado, can be found here.
San Diego has long been a proud home to the Navy and Marines and their aviation operations. We know that flights over certain communities are inevitable given the volume of operations, the complexity of airspace and weather conditions, and mission requirements to support our defense. Still, we ask the armed services to be good neighbors because there is room for improvement.
Meeting with members of the Surfrider Foundation
On Wednesday, I met with members of the San Diego chapter of the Surfrider Foundation to talk about their priorities. We spoke about my work in Congress on super pollutants, including my work with Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the need for more community resiliency along our coast and in areas prone to wildfire, and how to address the global plastics problem.
Briefing with Regional Task Force on the Homeless
Earlier today, I had a briefing with Tamera Kohler, Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless. She discussed the organization's recent work and how COVID-19 has affected the community's needs. We also spoke about veteran and youth homelessness, the Convention Center shelter, and the need for low-barrier housing to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with services they need.
This week's casework success story
Stephen, a Vietnam Combat Veteran from Rancho Bernardo, reached out to my office earlier this month regarding a payment for a medical bill he had made to Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) that had not been processed. My staff opened an inquiry with the VA, and a few days later, we received notice that the outstanding bills were processed for a total of $1200.
"I waited over a year for them to process the claims, and once you contacted them, it took five days. I am beyond grateful for your help! I will share my story with anyone that listens."
- Stephen's wife, Silvia, on his behalf
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:
The American Rescue Plan Act includes funds for struggling entertainment venues through the Small Business Administration's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. Are you planning on attending live events (including music and theater) once these venues are allowed to reopen?
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: "Have you gotten a COVID-19 vaccine? If not, will you get it once you're eligible to receive it/once it is available?"
Here are the results:
429 responses: 67.6% Yes, I have received a first dose/both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. 23.8% I have not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet, but I am planning to get it once I am eligible/once it is available. 1.4% I have not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet and I am *not* planning to get it. 0.9% I have not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet, but I am *unsure* if I will get it once I am eligible/once it is available. 6.3% Other
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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