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Dear friend,
State health officials announced this week that San Diego moved to the less restrictive red tier of California's reopening plan. This allows the county to ease restrictions for restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, museums and more businesses. While we're thrilled to see these changes, please continue washing your hands, wearing a mask and keeping distance from one another. We'll keep moving in the right direction if we follow public health recommendations to end this pandemic.
On the other side of the country this week, a violent and unspeakable attack left eight people dead in Georgia. Unfortunately, this occurred as the number of COVID-related attacks against Asian Americans increases. Hate crimes have no room in our society. I firmly stand with the AAPI community in my district and around the country who fear for their safety. If you are in need of support, you can report a hate crime here.
This week, I continued my work here in San Diego. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative work
Vote for changes in our immigration system
Two historic immigration bills passed the House this week. The American Dream and Promise Act provides legal protections for immigrants living in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status. The bill establishes a pathway to citizenship for up to 2.5 million immigrants, including roughly 45,000 Dreamers in San Diego. Those who benefit from this bill are our hard-working friends, neighbors and coworkers who have paved a future for themselves here and contribute to our economy. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act establishes a program for agricultural workers, their spouses and minor children to earn legal Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) status through continued agricultural employment. Both votes keep America's promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, we have a place for you. Read my full statement here.
House Energy and Commerce's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing: "Leading the Way Forward: Biden Administration Actions to Increase COVID-19 Vaccinations"
On Wednesday, I helped lead a virtual hearing on the Biden administration's plan to provide and deliver vaccines for all Americans. The hearing's witness list included Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease at the National Institutes of Health; Dr. Peter Marks, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration; and Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My questions for Dr. Walensky focused on the importance of equity in COVID-19 care and vaccine deployment, emphasizing the need for better data collection and sharing standards to inform response efforts. Click here to watch my participation in this hearing.
Appointment to the Joint Economic Committee
Last week, Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally named me as one of six House members to serve on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), a bicameral committee in which members of both the Senate and House of Representatives participate. One of four standing committees in the United States Congress, the JEC was established in 1946 to advise Congress on the state of the economy and suggest improvements in economic policy. In the coming years, this committee will play a unique policy role to put our economy on sound fiscal ground, make capitalism work for everyone and get back on track after COVID. Read my full statement here.
District work
Meeting with Health Center Partners of Southern California
On Thursday, I met with members of the Health Center Partners of Southern California. We discussed the American Rescue Plan Act and how it will benefit the group's goals in the community to combat COVID-19. We also spoke about the challenges health centers are facing during this difficult time. I look forward to having more conversations on permanently expanding Medicare telehealth services to patients and increasing COVID-19 vaccine supply to health centers supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Meeting with local members of the California Retired Teachers Association
Last Friday, I spoke with local members of the California Retired Teachers Association to discuss their legislative priorities and concerns, including support for the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021, protecting and improving Medicare and funding for special education in our schools.
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:
This week, the House passed two immigration bills: the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. These bills secure permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are key to our economy and our nation. (See additional details under the "Legislative work" section.)
Do you think these measures will help fix problems within our immigration system?
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: 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? Here are the results:
309 responses: 49.2% Yes, 17.8% Unsure/will wait, 14.6% No, 12.6% Maybe, 5.8% 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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