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Dear friend,
Summer is officially here and as the weather heats up, some parts of San Diego County are experiencing dangerously high temperatures. We are well aware how these dry and hot weather conditions may lead to devastating wildfires. Please keep your communities safe by learning how to prepare for and prevent a fire.
Some vaccination sites around San Diego are beginning to wind down operations as demand decreases, but you can still receive your COVID-19 vaccine if you haven't done so yet. Click here for more information.
This week, I continued my work in Washington, D.C. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative Work
Resolution to Reinstate Methane Emissions Regulations
This week, the House voted to pass a resolution I co-led to reinstate methane regulations for oil and gas operations. Rules set by the Obama Administration in 2012 and 2016 regulated methane pollution from American oil and gas companies due to methane's significant contribution to climate change. Last year, the Trump Administration rescinded those rules in a reversal that made it easier for the oil and gas industry to emit this dangerous greenhouse gas into our atmosphere.
Our measure, which uses powers from the Congressional Review Act, rejects rules the Trump Administration implemented. It will immediately reinstate requirements that prevent dangerous emissions from facilities that were exempted under the previous administration.
I spoke about the importance of this resolution on Tuesday during a House Committee on Rules hearing and again during a speech on the House floor earlier today.
Click here to learn more about this resolution.
Hearing on Department of Defense's Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
On Thursday, I attended the House Budget Committee's hearing on the Department of Defense's Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The hearing's witnesses were the Hon. Michael J. McCord, Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer and Vice Admiral Ronald A. Boxall, Director of Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J8). I asked how the Department of Defense's services are prioritizing modernization of infrastructure and what that would mean for my district, including the revitalization of the Naval Information Warfare System Command (NAVWAR) facilities.
I also applauded how MCAS Miramar's energy microgrid enhances energy resiliency and asked how Congress can support the Department of Defense's efforts to address the climate crisis while strengthening our force.
Meeting with the Council on American-Islamic Relations
Later on Thursday, I met with students and leaders from the San Diego Chapter of the Council on American–Islamic Relations. This meeting was part of the US Council of Muslim Organization's 2021 Advocacy Day. We discussed the ongoing suffering due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the need to combat Islamophobia domestically and internationally, and reuniting families who are still struggling due to the prior administration's Muslim Ban. While many of the issues we discussed are complex, I remain committed to working together for solutions.
Meeting Craft Brewers Association Members
I also met with Lori Ajax, executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association and Virginia Morrison, co-founder of Second Chance Beer Co which is headquartered in the 52nd district. We discussed crucial programs that assist small hospitality businesses, as well as other legislation that can support their agricultural partners in the hops and barley industries.
Participate in Our Weekly Poll!
This section in our e-newsletter allows readers to weigh in on current events. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Here's this week's question:
Today, Vice President Harris visited the southern border in El Paso, Texas for the first time since taking office and being tasked with leading diplomatic efforts to stem the flow of migrants. How do you feel about her visit to the border?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms. Last week's question was: Juneteenth, the day which commemorates the end of slavery, is now a federal holiday after swift votes in Congress and being signed into law by President Biden. Do you believe recognizing this date on a national level will lead to a more equal and fair future in our country?
Here are the results:
310 Responses: 48.4% Yes; this was long-overdue and necessary to come to terms with present inequities. 17.1% No; this is only symbolic. There was no need to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. 15.2% I don't believe this makes a difference for our country. 19.3% 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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